Today we woke to some light rain and very cool temperatures. Not what I was hoping for going into a 94 mile road race, I like it when it is hot but the cool temps may have been a blessing in disguise. In years past this is the penultimate stage and is usually stage 3 but since the 4th of july landed on day 2 they switched the stages around because the circuit race is usually stage 2 is in downtown fitchburg. After my less than stellar TT I was a bit nervous of what was to come, I have never raced a hilly 94 mile road race, sure I have done the Hills of Somerset, but this has a ton more climbing. We drove up to the feedzone and we were greeted by the Human Zoom entourage complete with the van and tent. Everyone had their bottle nicely marked and filled with their mix or water of choice. I dropped Anna off at the feedzone, she was going to hang out there and feed when needed. Turns out she was an awesome and provided endless feeds for me and I am sure most of the Human Zoom team. Thanks Anna! I am sure there are better ways you could have spent your fourth! She was flawless, I never missed a feed, even as I blazed thru at fast speeds.

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Yesterday was stage 1 of Fitchburg-longsjo Stage Race - 4 days of racing Fitchburg, Mass. Human Zoom is rocking it up here with someone in every category except the pro mens race. The TT course was pretty crappy with pavement more like a mountain bike race! I did not have a great ride. I have a tight engine right now and my training has been really good with power at its peak and some good racing in my legs. One thing that I have struggled with this year is the mental game, especially when it comes to time trialing. Some TT’s I have been really good and able to put a good time and others I just don’t have it. I was sure I was going to be able to rock this one, perfect course for me - all power. I lost focus and it was over. Congrats to Jacob who put down a slamming ride for a 11th place. Perfect spot on GC. Me, well, not so good - 64th. The rest of the category riders all had decent ride with Sean McL rocking a 9th place in the Cat 4’s. NICE. So, it looks like we got our guys into spots to really hurt the GC - Looking forward to 94 miles of keeping Jacob safe and making sure he gets up that final climb first! It is all about him now… I will destroy myself to make sure he is on that damn podium on Sunday! — stay tuned for stage 2 report - after 94 rain soaked miles