I kept glancing backward through my mirrors, dodging attempts from other riders to block my path or force me into dangerous positions. The race had turned vicious fast, with riders using every dirty trick in the book to gain even the smallest advantage.

Focus on Gabriel, I told myself, weaving around a rider who tried to cut me off. He's the only one who matters.

I'd caught a glimpse of that anonymous rider stalling at the starting line, their bike cutting out embarrassingly ...