Veronica Leal is one of six riders on the Team Type 1 women’s professional squad who are competing in the Tour of Missouri Womens Series in St. Louis. The four-day event began Friday night under the lights with the Tour of Lafayette Square, a 45-minutes-plus-five-laps criterium.
Afterwards, we caught up to Leal, who finished 23rd. The 31-year-old is the reigning Mexican national road race and time trial champion. She also won the gold medal at the Pan American Games road race earlier this summer.
How fast was the race?
I think the pace was easy, but the real difficulty was the darkness. I’m glad the corners were so wide because I felt a little insecure with the darkness and the shadows.
Had you ever raced in a criterium at night?
One other time, earlier this year. But it was much more light at that one. This one was a lot darker.
Do like racing criteriums after doing so much road racing in Europe?
Now I like them. But I prefer when they have them during the day.
Did you do anything special to prepare for the criterium?
I was using a clear pair of lenses in my VSP Vision Care eyewear, so that was nice. It made it much easier to see the street and any dangers on the course.
Were there any crashes?
No. I think all the riders were riding with their eyes open because it was a bit more dangerous. That’s not to say there weren’t any crashes. I saw a few in the men’s race.
What does Saturday’s race look like?
I don’t know the course because I’ve never raced here before. But I hear it is a little longer course and not as technical. It should be easier. But if it’s raining, I don’t want to take too many risks. I’ll be racing for Mexico at the world championship in two weeks and I don’t want to crash.