Cycling Champion Read Free Page B

have to,” Dylan explained. “It’s not about being the strongest rider. It’s about being the smartest.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Austin asked. “The fastest rider is going to win the race, no matter what.”

    â€œYou have to be fast, but in a criterium, it’s all about where and how you use your energy,” Dylan told him. “Knowing when to coast will help save your energy so you can use it when you really need it. You need to save something to make your break and sprint at the finish.”
    Austin nodded. It was one more thing to remember, but it would help. With all this practice he was starting to feel like a real racer. He might have a shot at winning the trophy after all.

CHAPTER 7
LAST-MINUTE ADVICE
    Austin woke up early the day of the River City Criterium. The morning dawned cool and clear. It was the perfect weather for a bike race.
    Austin knew he was as ready as he could be for the race. When he thought back over the past month he’d spent training with Dylan and the rest of the cycling team, he couldn’t believe how much he’d learned in such a short time.
    Austin made sure to get down to the course early so he would have plenty of time to get registered. There was already a crowd gathered near the starting line when Austin arrived.
    He signed in and moved off to the side to stretch. The criterium would get to full speed within the first lap, so he needed to be warmed up and ready to sprint right off the line. He’d have to get in position early.
    Austin looked out over the roped-off course. He knew what he was in for. He felt used to the course after riding with the team.
    Cyclists stood all around him checking over their bikes and making last-minute adjustments. Everyone was decked out in tight cycling gear and helmets. The riders all had numbers on their racing shirts.
    Everyone seemed anxious for the race to start. Austin was busy checking and re-checking his racing bike from gears to tires. Everything had to be perfect.
    Suddenly he felt someone nudge his shoulder. Austin turned around and saw his brothers standing there.
    â€œJosh! Matt!” Austin exclaimed. “I thought you guys had basketball practice this morning!”
    â€œWe couldn’t miss your first big race,” Matt said with a smile.
    â€œYou’ve seen all our games,” Josh added. “Besides, we’ve never been to a real cycling race before. This is really cool.”
    â€œThanks, guys,” Austin said. “I’m glad you’ll be here to see me finally bring home a trophy.”
    Matt and Josh glanced at each other. “Remember what we told you before,” Josh said. “It’s great that you want to win, but have fun out there, too. That’s more important than some trophy.”
    â€œBut if I don’t have a trophy, I won’t be as good as you guys,” Austin blurted out.
    â€œIt’s not a competition,” Matt said. “It’s about doing something you like.”
    â€œYeah,” Josh agreed. “Go out there and do your best. If you win, great, but if not, at least you know you tried your hardest and had fun doing it.”
    â€œGood luck!” Matt said.
    Austin was quiet as his brothers walked away. Maybe they’re right , he thought. Maybe the trophy doesn’t matter as much as I thought .

    Across the crowd, Austin saw Dylan checking over his own bike. Even though they’d been training together for a month, Austin realized that Dylan had never said anything about needing to win the trophy. None of the River City Racers had. They all rode because it was fun.
    A voice over the loudspeaker interrupted Austin’s thoughts. “Attention, cyclists!” an announcer said. “The River City Criterium will be starting in five minutes. Please make your way to the starting line and get in position.”
    Austin walked his bike over to the starting line and got in position next to