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On Sunday, December 7, I raced at Montrose Harbor for the final installment of the Chicago Cyclocross Cup. It is a race that I and many others try to have a peak performance at, and this year’s race was no different. With a layer of snow over ground frozen by winds nearing sub-zero levels and several highly technical sections of race course, it proved to be a great challenge.

From the beginning the atmosphere was charged. There was a palpable seriousness amongst those who toed the line in the first few rows. At the whistle they exploded away with an intensity not seen in the races prior to this one. And, as a result, there was a spectacular crash less than 75 yards into the race.

I was able to escape the tangle of bikes and bodies unscathed, and was actually in a very good position due to the fact that many series leaders had gone down. I took that opportunity to push harder in hopes of developing a gap I could work with. In my haste I took a corner too fast and did a textbook “high-side” (in motorcycling terms). I got up fast, ran and remounted my bike, but when I pedaled I went nowhere – I had thrown my chain.

After getting my chain back on, I had fallen to the tail end of the pack. I wanted to get back up to the front, but soon realized I’d be unable so I conserved energy and passed about a dozen people as well as I could. This put me into a place I was familiar with – roughly the top 15 racers.

From here on out I played it cool where I needed to and gave it all I could intelligently give when it came time to put the hammer down. I was specifically able to gain ground on what I’ll call a “step-up” right turn. A ledge of frozen sand stood before a 90 degree right turn and I was able to ride over it every lap while other racers ran or floundered with their bikes.

Other than in that particular section, the race was physically just like any other for me. I was able to give some fellow races a run for their money and it was an intense display of pure sport and competition. So, despite not being able to beat one particular opponent and getting passed at the finish line by another, I was totally pleased with my race (after 5 minutes of trying to get my breath back).