Grandview GP and Liberty Crit, short race report

Pennsylvania was the place to be this weekend, with a double race weekend and a very competitive women's field at both races. Virginia racing was not happening this weekend after Blacksburg was cancelled (and Erin was sad). 

Grandview Grand Prix: Saturday, July 23

This is a great, technical 1-mile course neighborhood of Grandview, PA. The course has six turns over one mile, with a long straight finish on wide Grandview Boulevard. The course did have a lot of shade, but it didn't matter much because it was HOT! Leslie and Patty were representing team Virginia Asset Group this weekend. The women's field had good numbers and the riders were a strong group, this combined with the technical nature of the course led to a smokin' fast race. Leslie raced about 5 laps and pulled herself because she was feeling the heat. Many riders were dropped from the main field during the race for one reason or another, and by the end of the race the pack size was whittled down to about 15 riders. Position was critical for this race and Patty did a great job staying where she needed to be. In the final (very long) sprint it was Kacey Manderfield (Pure Energy) for the win, with Patty at a solid 6th place. 

Liberty Criterium: Sunday, July 24

Course description: a fast 1-mile oval loop in the Great Valley Corporate Center, with one small rise in the course. So totally different from Grandview. Leslie and Patty both raced again on Sunday and Leslie felt much better and was ready the hot day. About 5 laps in Patty got off the front for 2 laps with a CAWES rider before it was pulled back, another rider managed to get off solo for a few laps but in the end it would be a large, sketchy bunch sprint. Team Kenda won the race, Patty took 19th and Leslie 23rd. 

Great job to Leslie and Patty and good weekend racing. Here are some races we are looking forward to in August: Tour of Page County, Crossroads Cycling Classic, Dawg Days Crit, Tour of the Catskills, Chesapeake Criterium, and probably a few others I am forgetting!