11 traits of the champion. from hot tubes developmental team websight

11 Traits of a Champion

1) Calmness:  Champions demonstrate a stoic calmness that allows them to focus on the task at hand.  No prima Dona outbursts or ridiculous demands on friends or trainers; Just calm commitment.  

2) Self-Assured:  Champions, the really great ones, never really boast.  They have a quiet self assuredness that transcends talk, and they seldom distract themselves with such foolishness.

3) Aggressiveness:  Champions seem to be very aggressive.  Strong moves are indicative of the outstanding athlete.  Yet the moves whether made by design or by instinct are not made frivolously but rather only at times when their chances can be greatly enhanced by such a maneuver.

4) Tenacious:  Certainly one of the primary traits that all champions’ show is tenacity.  They just keep on coming whether it be a part of their training, a race or another part of their lives.  Adversity is only a step in the process rather than an impassable hurdle.

5) Not afraid to fail:  To a degree, we are all afraid to fail.  The champion seems to be willing to risk it in spite of the possibility of catastrophe.  

6) Patience:  Part of being a champion is the realization that patience is an integral part of success. Patience is not just a trait, it is a tool that a champion uses to a definite advantage.

7) Self Direction:  This does not mean the champion is self-coached or self centered, but rather that the champion knows where he or she is going and will use the best available means at their disposal to achieve that end.

8) Consistency: Champions seem to demonstrate a great deal of consistency, both in temperament and performance.

9) Inward Focus:  The really great champions seem unconcerned about whom they are competing against.  The riders in a particular event only provide a standard by which they will apply and measure themselves.  The champion competes against their own abilities and limitations. The champion does not look outward, blaming others for a loss, but rather inward to those areas that can be improved for the future.

10) Willingness to suffer:  Great champions do not wish to suffer any more than you or I, but seem to accept the pain of  athletic  suffering as part of their endeavor.  They seem to force more out of their bodies than other riders do, especially when the going gets tough.  Much of this sport, at all levels, is decided by a mental commitment that allows the body to react accordingly.  

     

An eleventh attribute that is harder to define in a single word and is probably as important as any.  Ultimately, a bicycle race is just a bicycle race, lives are not saved, the homeless are not housed.  Champions seem to realize this as well, and realize the lessons of racing and training are really only valid when applied to our life as a whole. 

 

Cold Spring RR cat 3s- A bit late. 62 miles

Quick write over the Coldspring RR. The race started out slow with several unsuccessful attempts at forming a break. Going through the hills on the 2nd of the 4 laps I attacked to set a  break but no one came to my wheel. I was caught after 4 or 5 miles. The pack stayed together even after ALOT  of attacks on the last run through the hills.

Heading up the final Hill was  on Jason Bentley's wheel on the right hand side. He surged with about 400m to go. I sprinted by him for my dash to the line. With about 25 meters I got passed by one one rider from bikesport. I got 2nd and was looking good for the Sugar crit that was the next day

Sugar crit 3/4s

Photo by Courtney Scott

The reason I went to the 09 Sugarland Criterium was to win. I did this event in the 3/4s last year and placed second. So I wanted to place one better after a full year of training. Everything I hear about this event is positive, not only are the roads in perfect condition but it is right in the middle of the town center square, and to top off the list of good things is there is always a good size crowed to watch and enjoy the race.

            I woke up at six and downed a bowl of cereal with a couple shots of espresso before heading up with teammate Dan Morgan. Once we arrived I got my number and got pinned then warmed up in a nearby parking garage with Dan as well as Rich Schmidt. After warming up for 20 mins we went down to wait for the Jrs to finish then get a good position at the start line. Once the course was opened I got at the very front skipping a preview lap knowing the only wet corner is the 180. While I was at the start I looked at my competition to see if anyone really stood out and I didn’t see anyone particular, but what I did see was certain teams had good amounts of riders, which could work together to make the race a little bit more difficult for me and the team. Pearland had quite a few amount of riders in the 3/4s the riders where Dan, Rich, Tom, Paul, and me. However Tom and Paul had just finished the 4/5s earlier

            The start of the crit was fast like any other crit is, the speed slowed down considerably after the first 4 laps though. Once the race slowed down Me, Rich and Dan got positioning towards the front and went into defense mode and looked to see what was going on. After 40 some mins I decided the race needed some actions so I decided to put in a small attack. I luckily timed it just enough so I stayed away for 1.5 laps and picked up a prime for a source Endurance lactate test. Once I was caught Rich put in a quick counter attack. While the pack was chasing Rich down I got towards the front of the pack to see what was happening. Eventually the pack brought him back after about 2.5 laps. That is when Dan put in a hard attack. The pack was getting more hesitant at bringing in the Attackers. Once the pack brought in Dan, Rich went again at a prime lap. I then got in second position behind the lead chaser and attacked. Rich and I went one two for the prime. This Prime I got a $25 coupon to Perry’s Steakhouse. Once I got the second place prime I kept going till I bridged up to Rich. At this time Rich and me where both off the front with a small 5 second gap to the pack. I looked at rich and said, “let’s go!” the two of us drilled it for the next lap to open a good gap before he fell back to block the chase. At this time there was only 5 laps to go, and I was solo off the front with a 10-15 second gap to the chasers. I just put my chin on the bars and started hammering. I kept looking back to see if the pack was getting closer but the gap stayed. As the laps slowly went by I could here my Coach David Wenger of Source yelling splits at me, along with the huge crowed that have came to watch the race yelling for me to go harder. In the final 200 meters I realized I had it and slowed up a little to enjoy my victory, I took my hands off the bars and did my first victory solute of the 09-race season

            I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this win if it wasn’t for the teamwork my team used heading up to the final 20 mins of the race

            I would like to Thank: teammates-Rich, Dan, Tom, and Paul for the efforts in the race. I would like to thank my Family for all the support. I would like to thank my Coach Dave Wenger for getting me strong enough to have a chance of doing anything on a bike, as well as my Sponsors- MSHC.net, Pearland Cycling Club, Apache Services, Turbo care, Trialtir