(from right to left) 2K TT Podium: Team Kenda riders Megan McLaughlin and Kate Gracheck

A pair of  Team Kenda women headed to the 7-Eleven Velodrome in Colorado Springs, CO to contest the USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships scheduled for August 18 to 23, 2009.

DAY 1 – Women 30-34 500m Time Trial
Megan McLaughlin earns 4th place

Day 2 – Women 30-34 2,000m Time Trial
Kate Gracheck earns 3rd place
Megan McLauglin earns 5th place

 2K TT impressions by Megan McLaughlin

This is my first year of track racing, and I was very keen to see what I could do. More than anything, I wanted to learn as much as I can. Since I honestly believe that I learn things best by doing them, I put Nationals on my schedule, just to see what would happen.

The 500 on Tuesday evening was plagued by chilly winds and intermittent rain. The event had to be stopped for a while to wait for the storms to pass, but they eventually did, and we were able to continue. I was reasonably happy with my time, but I felt I lost time on my standing start. Mostly this is due to inexperience. It’s an area I will focus on next year for sure.

In the 2K TT, the weather was breezy but beautiful. I was beginning to suffer the effects of altitude sickness, so I just wanted to see what I could do. I pace fairly well in road time trials, but I am still learning how to pace for the shorter, more intense efforts on the track. Again, this is something I will work on in the future.

Overall it was a great learning experience. I plan to focus more of my efforts next year on the track, and will certainly return to the event next year, if at all possible. This season has been a fantastic one, and I especially enjoy being a part of such a great team. We have a tremendous support structure and sponsors that are second to none. There are people who work hard “behind the scenes” to make sure our Team Kenda racing experiences are the best they can possibly be. I’m grateful to them, as well as our sponsors and all my teammates for their support and encouragement.

2K TT impressions by Kate Gracheck

What where your goals?  My goals for the day were to get a good start lap in, hold 26.4s on laps 2-6, keep my breathing steady, and finish in 2:44. I got a great start lap in, was way too hot on my second lap, and paid for that in the last two laps. Overall, it was my best execution of a pursuit in my track racing career.

Did you think you could medal?  Yes…but I was actually hoping for silver. Had I ridden my goal time I would have been in contention for second place.

How were you feeling going into it? what was the weather?, did it affect you?  For the three weeks leading up to USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships, my legs felt terrible. I rested, still felt off, rested more, and still had bad legs. I was psyched when I got on the trainer that morning and had great legs. I knew I would have a good day on the track. It was warm and sunny but super windy. Fortunately, I know the track well and know how to ride it in the wind. But even with that experience the wind still swiped me sideways on the first lap and played a roll in my overall time.

Why did you choose this event? (played on your strengths, testing the waters, etc)  For some reason I love racing against the clock. The race itself is painful and not a lot of fun but I love it.

Was this your first trip to USA Cycling Masters Track National Championships?  Yes. I am one of the babies at this race…not even 30 yet!

What’s next?  I am racing in the Points race on Day 4 and the Team Pursuit on Day 6. My team is composed of two other local riders who I have been training and racing with for six years.

My biggest motivation for this race has been to win a jersey the same year I beat cancer…I would like to save that part of the story for later, though, as I hope to write about it as a national champion. Let’s wait and see what happens…I will put it up no matter what but would like to have that special part of it. I’m going to give these races all I have and hope for the best!!!:)

With both grazing the podium the team is looking good for the remainder of the contest.