Category: 4
Result: Off the back

Ziggy and I did Copperopolis on Saturday.

I finished, but that is about all that can be said. I was at my limit the first time up the climb, but still drifted backwards through the strung-out field. I ended up in a group of 10 chasers with the bunch in the distance. We never got close, though we did pass the cat 3 field who started 5 mins ahead of us and I was able to shout abuse at Ziggy as we passed.

I rode the smaller climb better, probably as it isn't as steep. The second time up the main climb, our group shattered, with me somewhere in the middle. I teamed up with a rider and we worked together for a good while, though I started to drop him on the rollers before the smaller climb and then dropped him completely going up it.

On the third lap, my lower back began to really, and I mean really, hurt. This is what limited my speed up the climb, as hitting bumps hurt, pedalling hurt and breathing too deeply also hurt. I was able to ease the pain somewhat once on the flat by sitting straight up, no hands, but obviously cannot ride like this for too long with all the bumps.

I was caught by another cat 4 on the final climb, but stayed with him and then dropped him on the descent and finished by myself. That third lap was brutal! Not sure where I finished, waiting for the results to be published.

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