Pittsburgh It felt good to rebound with the win last night. Always rad racing in new cities, especially with a crowd like…….read more
Pittsburgh. It felt good to rebound with the win last night. Always rad racing in new cities, especially with a crowd like this one. The energy in Pittsburgh was electric from the moment we rolled up to the course. Even with the rain threatening all afternoon, people lined the streets, cheering loud enough to drown out the roar of the wind. It reminded me why I love this sport—not just the race, but the shared passion between riders and fans. There’s something powerful about competing in a place you’ve never been and still feeling at home because of the support.
The course itself was no joke. Tight corners, sharp descents, and that one brutal uphill section halfway through every lap—definitely one of the more technically demanding circuits we’ve raced this season. But it suited me. I’ve been focusing on punchy climbs and smoother transitions in training, and it paid off. I knew I had to stay in the top five going into that final lap, and I managed to find the right wheel at the right time. When I launched my sprint, my legs screamed, but the crowd’s roar carried me through. Crossing that finish line first was more than just a win—it was a redemption arc after last week’s tough result.
Off the course, Pittsburgh surprised me. I didn’t know much about the city before arriving, but it’s got soul. The skyline is steel and grit, framed by rivers and bridges that feel like they’ve got stories of their own. After the race, we grabbed food from a spot recommended by a local mechanic—probably the best post-race meal I’ve had all year. People were warm, curious, and welcoming. They asked questions about the race, about life on the road, and you could tell they were genuinely into it. This wasn’t just a big event plopped into a city—it felt integrated, like Pittsburgh had adopted the race as its own.
Racing in new cities always gives you a fresh dose of perspective. Each place has a rhythm, a personality, and it challenges you to adapt. It’s not just about adjusting to the terrain or the weather—it’s about reading the vibe of the event, the crowd, the local competitors who know every crack in the pavement. In that way, Pittsburgh pushed me. It kept me on my toes and reminded me not to get too comfortable with what I know. Every race is a new test, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
I’ve had my share of highs and lows this season, and moments like this help recalibrate everything. It’s easy to overanalyze a rough result or let self-doubt creep in when things don’t go your way. But a strong performance, especially in a setting like this, validates the hours on the trainer, the long travel days, the sacrifices. It’s not about ego—it’s about growth. And after the last couple of weeks, I needed that reminder. I needed to feel strong again, to trust my instincts, and to remember why I chase this life around the country.
Big shoutout to the organizers, volunteers, and fans who made this stop unforgettable. Racing’s always better when it’s rooted in a community that shows up and throws down with the same intensity we bring to the line. Pittsburgh, you showed up. And I won’t forget that. Looking forward to carrying this momentum into the next stage—and hopefully seeing this city on the calendar again next year.
