Wow, That Was a Gap

We had another beautiful day for a race.  It was cool, the course was shady and it seemed there were just enough hills out there to be James's kind of course.

From what I understand there was no designated winner - we're close to Nationals and the two 10-12s that trade off winning races weren't getting any help from the bigger boys.  If they were going to win, it was up to them.  Of course, if they got a gap then their teammates would help, but they had to make it happen.  Brody went first early in the race.  I haven't talked to him, but maybe he was being a decoy or maybe he was going for it.  He looked strong, but when they came back around the 1.2 mile course, the peloton had caught him.

A couple more laps and then James attacked.  (A sick feeling hit the pit of my stomach - there were six laps to go.  Probably 2-3 more than he could hold the lead.)  One of our toughest competitors was there and he rides this particular course almost every week so he knew every curve and the best places to attack.

 

He came around again and he was still in the lead, but the announcer told the group that the crowd would overtake him, but James apparently didn't hear him because he just kept motoring up the hill.  His teammates were doing their job by blocking and slowing down the pack.

He came around again and it really seemed like the gap had widened.  I didn't see anyone around the turn.  Could he make it?  I said a quick prayer that reiterated what we prayer before every race.  "Father, glorify Yourself with this race.  Whether he wins or loses, it's for Your glory."  Boy, I really wanted him to win, but he still had so long to go.

He was really gutting it out when he came around me.  There was so much determination on his face.  I was so proud of him at that moment because I know he was hurting, but he wasn't giving up.

It seemed to take an eternity for them to come around the last time.  Then, in the shadows I saw a bike, but I wasn't sure who it was because, of course, I watch the races through my camera lens.

But then I realized I knew those moves, those pedal strokes, the way those hands gripped the handlebars....it was James.  He still had a gap.  In fact, as the announcer pointed out, it had widened on the last lap.  It was such an exciting race.  It's very seldom that a lone rider attacks and makes it.  It takes so much energy and it does get lonely out there, but this time he did it.

And for that, he got a gold Georgia Games medal.  Way to go, James.