平田クリテ　第9戦　C1-3位

After my return to racing in last month’s Hirata criterium where I finished in the top 10 in the C2 race, I decided to increase my training intensity so that I could compete in the C1 in this month’s Hirata criterium to see how I could perform.

Unlike the last race, which was a rain fest, today was a nice clear and warm day. The pace started fast, and there were constant attacks. Unlike the C2 race, where I was the one doing the most of the attacking, this more aggressive style of racing was what I was more used to.

Since it was my first C1 level race attempt in a few years, I decided to play it easy for the first half and just follow wheels. This strategy seemed to work well since it came down to a field sprint. I led it out going around the last corner, but was passed by two people in the long finishing straight.

Very happy with a 3rd place finish in my first C1 race. Definitely need to work on improving my sprinting power / speed if I want to get that win though.

Today was also my first race on my new race wheels, which are made in Tokyo Japan: Imezi’s Project 167 carbon wheels.

Thanks to Catarina for the race day photos!