"Race with your head, not your legs."

This was the gist of the message expressed by elite racers Stephanie Chase and MaryAnn Martinez during the women’s racing clinic which took place at Rentchaler field/East Hartford this past Saturday. Beginner and intermediate racers had the opportunity to race and practice tactics the same one-mile course where many criterium enthusiasts meet to test the limits of their fitness. This event – as well as a junior’s racing clinic - was organized by Karen Franzen, team captain for CCRT, and other members of CVC racing team. The event was made possible by a grant from NEBRA (New England Bike Racing Assoc.) hoping to attract more women to racing events. Stephanie and MaryAnn shared a wealth of racing knowledge with a group of 20 women, and educated riders on various tactics such as cornering, bridging, sprinting, and blocking. There was a big emphasis on team strategy and awareness of what’s going on around you the course. And also lots of advice you typically don’t get reading books on racing such as “check your ego at the door” and “respect the officials”. It would be impossible to share all the knowledge these two masters riders know in one session, but they gave it their best shot – and all of us who attended appreciate the effort! Both coaches also attended the Woman’s 3/4 race at Ninigrit Park in RI on Sunday. The officials allowed Stephanie to ride in with the field to observe and provide “in race” coaching which proved to be very beneficial to the racers as well as allow Steph to assess the womens' skills first hand. The day concluded with a post race recap (pictured above).