Level Up: Summer Slam, Part 1
Confidence is a strange thing in sport. I came into the LA Summer Slam race series fresh off a perfect, unbeaten run in Trexlertown. I knew I had good form. But as the start list for the three-week, twice-a-week series was finalized, a new wave of nerves hit me. This wasn't just a local race; the best in the world were here. The former Keirin World Champion, the former 200m World Record Holder, and a deep list of Olympians and world-class competitors. My confidence from T-Town was suddenly facing its ultimate test.
The first race was the Keirin on Wednesday, July 9th. I was anxious, unsure of how I'd fare against this level of talent. Although I didn't make it to the semi-finals, the day was a huge success. I learned that I was strong enough to be in the mix, to keep up with the blistering pace. I didn't need to panic and sprint full-gas at every little move; I could temper my effort and still be a factor. It was a massive mental breakthrough.
That confidence carried into the first Sprint day that Saturday. After a decent qualifier that put me in 7th, I found myself matched against a good friend from Team Mexico: an established, Pan American medalist. In a tough, tactical battle, I was able to best him. I let out a cheer as I crossed the line; it was an amazing feeling, tangible proof of my progress. I was knocked out in the next round, but it was a solid day that laid the foundation for what was to come.
American vs Mexican
The second Wednesday of Keirin racing marked a significant step forward in my career at this level. It was a brutal, marathon race day, stretching nearly 12 hours from start to finish. Our final race didn't hit the track until just before 11 PM. Knowing I couldn't sustain peak anxiety for that long, I shifted my mindset: be present, stay focused, and enjoy the process.
Using the tactical lessons from the previous week, I made it into the semi-finals. As I lined up, I looked across the track and saw the 2023 Keirin World Champion in my heat. I was nervous, knowing I needed a top-three finish to advance to the main final. But I was also confident. I stayed sharp, and when I saw him launch his move at 375m to go, I didn't hesitate. I sent it, 100%. And I beat him. I won my semi-final heat. The result was a shock, but I knew I had to immediately refocus. The job wasn't done.
Leading the Semi-Final in the final turn
Refocused for the final, I drew the first position off the moto. The final was stacked with the former World Champ, the World Record holder, and the same Colombian who had surprised me at Pan Ams. This time, when the Colombian attacked early, I was ready. I went full gas, locking onto his wheel and committing to a full 2.5 lap effort to chase him down. I could feel the legends of the sport behind me, but I didn't care. I just gunned it. As we entered the final lap, nobody was coming around me. I kept charging, closing the gap to the Colombian with every pedal stroke. I threw my bike at the line, narrowly finishing second.
This is a race I am proud of. While I was stoked with a second-place finish, the result felt like more than just a podium. The entire podium from this year's Pan American Championships was in that final with me. After leaving Pan Ams so disappointed with my performance while sick, to be able to come back healthy and finish ahead of them was the validation I was looking for.
It's a confirmation that the process is working. But even in that moment, my first thought was about the sloppy pass attempt at the end, a clear sign that there's still so much more to improve on.
Shocked at the result
This result is a crucial data point. It's not a final destination, but it’s powerful evidence that I'm on the right path. It's a new baseline to build from, proving that I don't just belong in this field, but can contend for the win.
Part 2, covering the final week of the Summer Slam, is coming soon...
