So few races in my pro cycling career had a high concentration of American riders, so first and foremost, Nationals was always a fun time to simply be “home” and around compatriots. Although still serious and competitive, nationals always felt fun and friendly. This felt encouragingly similar as I went back in a coaching and support capacity. I was happy to stand back, watch and observe athletes, staff and teams hug, hand shake and high 5 in a sort of family reunion vibe over the first couple days I was there. Cycling and especially cycling in the USA is a relatively small world so the connections and overlap run deep. One specific area where I noticed this was a hotel conference room where TT bike checks were taking place the day before the TT. A long, twisting line of riders, parents, staff waiting with their space age time trial machines to be checked by officials. Some athletes sent their directors, mechanics or parents with bikes while others came themselves and stood in the long line. Standing in long lines has a way of inducing panic in bike racers, but the general friendly vibe along with those hellos, hugs and high fives in this room brought me back to the positive nationals vibe I remember fondly. It was also cool to geek out on the TT tech and the massive chain rings that were rolling for this fast course!
Road Nationals Return… A different kind of “Comeback” — Bookwalter Mental Performance
