In the wake of these races (Masters 50+ and Womens 123), I've had few comments come to my attention, granted, none of them said directly to me. I've been having a difficult time understanding why people would say such things. Mostly, I just had to let them slide, that was until I found out that people have been saying that I "cheated".
So...I would like to set the record straight:
I was registered for the Men's 50+ race. This IS allowed.
I raced with the Men's 50+ group. The entire time. I did NOT jump off the women's field to join them.
I was at the start line for this race.
Yes, I was late for the start of the W123 race. I had to chase to catch up to them and it wasn't easy. When I caught the group, I CHECKED WITH THE MOTO to ensure I was okay to race. I did not do this on purpose, nor did I do it in a sneaky manner. Many people have stories of missing the start of a race and having to chase to catch, and most people know that the only person harmed is the person who is late.
I'm not really sure what to make of these comments, but the truth is...they hurt. These are not strangers who I have never met saying these things. They are people I know, and...liked. I think they may read this post. I hope they read this post. In the meantime, I'm still trying to find the lesson in all of this, as I'm sure He intended.
8 comments:
You rode 2 great races and competed head to head in our men's 50+, actually raced it better than 98% since you took 2nd... race the field..... if the field did not race you that is their problem...
Bike racing is a unique competition filled with effort, group dynamics, and a fair share of luck.. In the end, in your heart of hearts only you know what kind of race your raced... podiums do not tell the whole story.... and those that didn't nor chose to race the race... they will stoop to the lowest form of self rationalization...ignore them..
To race almost a 100 miles on that day as you did is very unique. I can only speak for the mens race and you won it or got second overall fare and square. You worked more than about 80% of the field and pulled a break away back. I heard men complain that you were in our race and I tell them that if you have a problem losing to a women that they are full of sh..t like a christmas tree. I am proud to ride on your team!
Stupid. I was there. You were awesome!
I may be one of your top fans but this is some objective thoughts. It can be 'lonely at the top' so to speak........that is why we have our TEAM to fall back on. You are at the top of the sport in this region and there will always be detractors who can't deal with other's success. The only person cheated at STATE RR was you. YOU FULLY DESERVED THE 2ND PLCE MONEY IN THE MENS 50+ RACE.
I agree! You got ripped-off regarding the men's prize list. Some small people out there.
Giselle,
For the record, I believe you. I believe you have done everything right, checking with the moto, signing up for races you are allowed to sign up for, etc. You are an elite bike racer and raced almost 100 miles! That is an accomplishment in itself. But, to do some well in both events, make people question and doubt. At the top, you have to constantly shield yourself from all the negative yap yappers who have to rationalize as to why you did so well and they did not, esp. the amount of miles you were physically able to race that day. I am sorry this has put a damper on such a great day for you. Let the naysayers talk, but you have rightfully earned our respect and your character speaks volume as to the athlete and teammate you are.
Thank you all for your kind words! I appreciate my teammates and the support we give each other...always!!! I think of myself as pretty tough-shelled, but somehow being called a cheater got to me. Maybe that's because I preach to my son almost daily of the merits of working hard and playing fair.
The bottom line is that I had a good day. I talked with a few people that day that said they didn't have a good day, and I felt guilty that maybe I took their luck! I rode with the men to help me prepare for elite nationals as I thought the pace and efforts would be comparable. Also, it started earlier and I knew I would have more time between races to change and eat. Brandon saved me by giving me half of his Endurolytes in between the races! (Thank you again, Brandon!). I gave myself permission to drop out of the women's race if I needed, but Catherine was out there killing it, and we ended up doing some incredible teammwork despite the fact we were outnumbered. It was really cool.
It will be interesting this coming weekend as I have my ass handed to me in Augusta. The only way I will have a good day is if I have the same luck and good timing as at the state championship, but two lucky days is a long shot. Part of me hopes that I have a good result to show the "nay sayers" that I didn't need to "cheat".
I agree with the men that felt cheated. They shouldn't let such a young female race with the old guys. If I had to race a against a 26 year old female like you, that only trains and has nothing else going on in her life I would be mad too. LOL
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