Megan McQuaid
After dominating the conference with many regular season wins and securing the Conference Championship Title, the UC Davis Cycling Team endured a 36-hour train ride to vie for the Collegiate National Champion Title in Colorado Springs. Accustomed to the oxygen rich air at Davis’ 57-foot above sea level elevation, we knew that we were competing with a serious handicap. Walking up the train’s stairs resulted in us losing our breath. The defending National Champions, Colorado University, are well adapted to racing at 7000 feet- this was going to be tough.
However, the Aggies raced with heart and determination, through a rainy criterium, a sweltering road race, and an arctic team time trial. After great individual and team performances in the first two events, the title was guaranteed as long as the two teams finished. Not content with merely cruising through the time trial, both teams won their event! The UC Davis Cycling Team had won the Collegiate National Title. There were hugs, tears, and camera flashes everywhere. It was the experience of a lifetime.
On the long train ride back to Davis, most of the team was winding down and enjoying the victory. I was nervously trying to prepare myself for my next race, the Elite National Time Trial. Five hours after getting off the train in Davis, I was in a car headed for Redding. It was a very warm day to be riding 35 kilometers, in my aerobars, and without water. All of the big teams were there, Saturn, Autotrader, etc. Since I was one of the few Cat 3 women I was one of the first women to start, ahead of the other 70 women competitors. After a rough start, the race went well and I took home the Espoir (women under 23) Elite National Time Trial Champion Jersey.
I think it is time for some R&R. Thank you DBC for your sponsorship and support!