I went to the Hirata Criterium for the second time, my first since last July. It was my first race since the SSJ as well, so I entered to whip my sluggish body back into shape.
Last time, I managed to finish in the top half of the C2 category, so despite some anxiety, I registered for C2 again this time.
The battle for the Hirata Criterium begins at the start of race week. Apparently, online pre-registration reaches capacity in less than five minutes after it opens. I somehow managed to get registered this time.
The course is rectangular, measuring 2.1km per lap, and in the C2 race, we do 11 laps. Each corner is tight, and since every rider hammers the gears immediately after exiting corners 2 and 4 to head into the straights, positioning is crucial.
As for the result, I was barely keeping up at the back of the pack the whole time; I couldn't make any moves, and in the final lap, I was dropped from the group and finished that way. I'm undertrained. But for me, racing is the best practice. Watching the movements of the other riders from the back of the pack was very educational. I'll count it as a win that I at least avoided being cut off. It might be difficult to participate every time, but I will strive to improve for the next opportunity.
Saito-san, who rode his bike all the way from Nagoya to participate, seemed more satisfied with this race than the last. His riding was steady and consistent!
Maekawa-san, who is always busy balancing racing with his duties as a photographer, also managed to finish without being cut off, despite falling behind. Thanks for all your hard work shooting in the scorching heat!
Our very own Occhi-san showed an impressive performance in the C1 category, which is packed with top-tier talent. We race in the same category in cyclocross, but I'll do my best to reach the point where I can race against him in the same category here, too!