Diablos of the North Face Southern Heat at the USA Cycling Masters Time Trial and Road Nationals

6/16/2018

Augusta, GA
legacy.usacycling.org/2018/masters-road-nationals

June 14-16, 2018:
Temperature: 95 degrees F
40km (24.8 mi) Individual Time Trial:

Jon Lester and Bob Anderson like to test themselves.
The individual time trial is largely considered the most painful way to ride a bicycle.
The “Race of Truth”. Nowhere to hide. Just you, your fitness, perseverance, and equipment.

For years, Jon Lester’s teammates knew of his impressive cycling power. Many of us spent hours “hanging on for dear life” as he pulled us around on many training rides. So it came as no surprise, when he announced his commitment to racing the nation’s best in the 40 km Time Trial Nationals.
With the help of a wind tunnel assisted fit from Specialized Bicycles www.specialized.com/us/en (see what 2nd place in the Trans Am Bike Race can do for you?), a meticulous build from Recyclist Bicycle Co. www.recyclist.com/ and power to spare, Jon was ready.

Race Day. 95 freaking degrees! How do a couple of northern boys accumulate to racing “full gas” in that kind of heat? (Hint: you don’t)

During Jon’s warm up his daughters did their best to keep him cool.
Jon took to the course with elite level power numbers (I’m sitting here looking at his Strava analysis right now in awe) for over half the race but, eventually saw his power decrease due to the debilitating effects of the heat.
Never surrendering, Jon pedaled on and finished on the podium in 4th place!
in a National event! Against the nation’s best!

When I made my return to cycling in 2011, Bob Anderson was always the “wheel” I could count on to get me to the end of the ride. The guy is a freight train of power and torque.
Bob wanted to race on the “world stage”and prepared his body and invested in the equipment to do so.
Faced with the same heat, Bob left it all on the course.
Although he did not make the podium, he definitely made the experience.
Experiences. That is what life is about.

Road Race - About 54 Miles:
Jon Lester: 24 out 53
Bob Anderson: 56th out of 74