So close, so disappointed.

Ever come up just shy of overwhelming success or a distinguished victory. That is the story of my weekend. I entered the 2008 Devon Grand Prix of Cycling with a great attitude. In part because as a cyclist, I have felt fairly strong physically and more importantly, mentally confident. Last year, as a Category 4 racer, I won this event. This year, as a CAT 3  racer, I finished in 9th place. In a field of 45 or so riders, 9th may not seem too bad – except for the fact the cash prizes only went to 8th. However, I feel I raced and performed better than 9th place overall. The race consisted of 4 events and in only one, did I feel like I got what I deserved; that was the the 30km time trial where I placed 11th - I don’t like TT’s and hence was satisfied. However, in the criterium and the road race, two events that I thoroughly enjoy and can really excel at, ending up being very disappointing.  Without getting into details, the important thing is too learn what could have been done differently and also to be proud of completing all the events and getting a top 10 finish. The looming question that kept up up last night and will likely invade my thoughts again is “what could have I done differently that would have changed the outcome”?

How much harder could I have gone? Despite the pain and fatigue, I’m sure I could have come up with a few more Watts. Easier said than done. After a weekend of racing I was certainly tired, but during today’s 105km road race, I was able suck up a little leg pain and general discomfort and respond to attacks, lead off the front, win a King of The Mountain sprint, but came up short at the end. Why?

The general lesson to be learned here is that failure, or perceived failure, can be viewed in a positive frame. It provides incentive for introspection which would otherwise likely not occur under a scenario of success. Other than analyzing how  I can improve,  I will also think about my successes over the weekend and will look forward to new challenges ahead.