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   February 8, 2009 The Winds of Qatar Stage 1: About 100km; almost completely flat US National Team: Katheryn Curi Mattis, Brooke Miller, Kat Carroll, Rebecca Much, Lauren Franges Tamayo, Janel Holcomb Today's stage started at the entryway to the Islamic Museum of Art, designed by world renowned architect, I. M. Pei. As fortune would have it, the only bathroom near the start was in the museum, so we got a sneak peek of this much talked about building. I only hope that we have time to visit before we depart in a few days. At the start, there were quite a few spectators and a bit of media attention: Al Jazeera came up to the US National team as we were getting ready and asked us to do the day's program announcement (it went something like, "You're watching the Ladies Tour of Qatar on Al Jazzera Sports Network!"); a group of school girls were there to cheer us on and have their pictures taken with each team (I've never seen so many smiles!); and we had the opportunity to talk to two women, wives of US diplomats as they walked toward the museum (they pronounce Qatar, "Cutter" although the jury is still out on the most popular pronunciation). The race began with 88 riders from 15 different teams. We rolled out for about 10km of neutral riding (no racing allowed as the lead cars stay right in front of us setting the pace). Standing through the sun roof of the lead car was cycling legend, Eddy Merckx, keeping his eye on the peloton, making sure things were under control. There was a small crash right before the official start, so when we got to kilometer zero, the officials stopped us allowing a few riders to attend to their bikes. The moment we were off, the race was ON! Right from the gun, there was always one of us at or near the front. We knew the winds were going to play a huge role in the race, as they did in the men's race last week, so we wanted to keep our sprinter, Brooke, in a good position. After a few intense miles where Lauren and I were holding position in the top 15, Brooke and Katheryn passed me, and I drifted back slightly as my efforts began to take their toll. Moments later, the pack was strung out, single file in the gutter, fighting the wind. I saw about 10 riders up front in a tiny echelon, but the rest of us were fighting the wind for every wheel position possible. There was no draft and gaps started to open up as people gave in to the pain in their legs. The peloton shattered. Twenty meters in front of me, I could see the lead group of 20 riders, but the gap grew and grew as my small group failed to organize a powerful chase. I knew that Brooke, Katheryn, and Lauren were up ahead, but I never got there. The first 30 minutes of the race, we averaged 29 mph into a grueling cross wind. Crashes caused more and more riders to ease up the chase, and we slowly lost sight of the lead group. As it turned out, the race was over for nearly 60 riders. In the front, the racing never let up. Brooke, Lauren, Kat, and Katheryn made heroic efforts to maintain their positions in the lead group. From 20kms to 50kms, there were eight women off the front, being chased by a group of twenty. The chase group dropped a few riders here and there, including Kat, but she eventually chased back solo. Katheryn and Lauren worked hard to reel in the lead break, and they succeeded in bringing both Brooke and Kat (now back in that group) up to the front. Brooke reported that the pace never let up… eventually it was just Brooke and Kat in the lead group of twenty. Entering the final 3kms, the riders got their only tailwind of the entire race… which made for an insanely fast run-up to the finish. At 1km to go, there was a 180-degree turn and Brooke went flying through in third position. But the reverse in direction brought a change in winds and riders found themselves fighting a brutal cross/headwind. Brooke gave it her all for the win, but in the end, honors went to an Italian rider. Katheryn and Lauren finished safely in a chase group of eight. Rebecca and I finished in the pack many minutes behind. And what is on everyone's mind? Watch out for that wind! Tomorrow will bring another wonderful day of racing and the US National team fully intends to make a go for the win! Stay tuned to dougreport.com for the latest! Janel |