Who: Lauren and about 15 other masochistic women
What: Sisqouc RR
Where: Sisquoc, Ca-but it felt hot enough to be hell
When: Sat 8/29
Why: Because apparently I like pain?
Place: 5th
The race started out just like any other RR with one exception-it was 105 degrees outside. Prior to the start I found myself "warming up" by attempting to stay cool in the only shade I could find under the trunk of Will Chesebro's car. After thinking about it I started to wish I could get my money back and sit inside the car with the AC on max, but I guess it cant be that bad, right? Wrong.
The first lap was rather uneventful with everyone just learning the course and suffering in the heat (the backside of the course got up near 110 degrees, ughhhh). I was surprised that I needed a feed already on the first lap (the laps were less than 11 mi and took us about 30 minutes) but was thankful to see Jen Jo standing there with a bottle. I was less than happy when I squirted the Gatorade into my mouth and it was about the same temperature as the air outside. I was wishing I had water to douse myself and began ridiing dangerously close to anyone spraying themselves down in hopes of getting some of the backlash. Katie Donovon attacked between turns 1 and 2 and no one wanted to go after her. I knew she could stay away and so I attacked to get up with her and another girl and I made it across. I guess she didnt like that because she decided to sit up and we were soon caught by everyone.
Another La Grange girl went off the front and no one seemed to worried and just sat around. A few attacks went and I was feeling dead. The heat was making my eyes burn, my stomach hurt, and I felt like my face was inside an oven. I led up the climb on the second lap and once I got to the top there was a small attack going up the left. They had speed by the time they reached me and I tried but could not get on it. Frustrated to see them go and even more frustrated that no one in my group would pull through I accepted the fact that I would now be racing for 6th-not what I came out here for. The thought of dropping out felt like the little devil side of my conscious just sitting on my shoulder whispering... but I ignored it. I needed to get some riding in so I might as well get a workout in.
I pulled almost the entire 3rd lap trying to catch them since I wanted to get good riding in and no one else would do anything. By the time we hit the hill everyone had gotten dropped except B and Morgan from La Grange and myself and we had also passed one of the girls from the breakaway that got dropped. We just rode tempo the rest of the lap and the 4th. B was not looking good on the 4th lap and it was clear that we were not cathing anyone or getting caught so I told Morgan I was not going to attack her if she wanted to stay with B (I got heat stroke in Oregon and so I had a lot of sympathy for her). We putzed along and finally made it to the final descent. I asked them how they wanted to do it and they made it seem like no sprint would be happening. I simply pulled the rest of the way because I did not care. With about 300 m to go I feel someone coming up my right and am suprised to see B sprinting. I was not going to let that happen though so I get out of the saddle and give it everything I can till I reach the line. I have no idea how close it was or where Morgan was, but I won that sprint. I found out that it was for 5th place and was pretty happy with that, especially after almost dropping out and for how much I was hating life.
It was great afterwards to be met by a few friends in the feedzone with ice down my neck and a coke. Took me awhile to recover but a swim in the ocean in SB fixed that right up.
To all who raced in Sisquoc, I salute you. It was definitely not the most fun way to spend a Saturday, but what doesnt kill you makes you stronger-or something like that.
Thanks everyone!
Lauren
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sisquoc takes its toll.
Hey NOW-MS Women's team,
As some of you know, Trudi and Betsy suffered heat stroke in the brutally
hot Sisquoc Road Race yesterday. Trudi came off her bike towards the end of
the race and was taken to hospital. She is in good spirits today and is back
at home in LA, having suffered no breaks, just dehydration. I was told the
temperatures were 107 on the front straight and 115 on the back straight.
Adam Masters called to tell me about the girls, and he was kind enough to
look after Trudi's bike until today. Thankfully Gus, who was with Adam, had
my phone number in his cell. Adam saw someone in a NOW kit go into the
ambulance so called to ask me who it might have been. He guessed Trudi or
Betsy.
Because Trudi was racing she did not have her phone or ID on her (obviously)
so the hospital staff were not able to alert Peter immediately. Thanks to
Julie, who is so wonderfully organized, we all have a list of the women's
contact information, along with emergency numbers. As soon as Adam called I
was able to contact Peter. I would suggest everyone putting at least my
number in their cell phones and Eddie's number. We can help co-ordinate
things for you if any of you get into trouble.
I hope you both feel much better today Betsy and Trudi. You are absolute
troopers racing in those conditions!!!
Good luck everyone racing CBR this weekend. It's supposed to cool down
considerably.
Louise
As some of you know, Trudi and Betsy suffered heat stroke in the brutally
hot Sisquoc Road Race yesterday. Trudi came off her bike towards the end of
the race and was taken to hospital. She is in good spirits today and is back
at home in LA, having suffered no breaks, just dehydration. I was told the
temperatures were 107 on the front straight and 115 on the back straight.
Adam Masters called to tell me about the girls, and he was kind enough to
look after Trudi's bike until today. Thankfully Gus, who was with Adam, had
my phone number in his cell. Adam saw someone in a NOW kit go into the
ambulance so called to ask me who it might have been. He guessed Trudi or
Betsy.
Because Trudi was racing she did not have her phone or ID on her (obviously)
so the hospital staff were not able to alert Peter immediately. Thanks to
Julie, who is so wonderfully organized, we all have a list of the women's
contact information, along with emergency numbers. As soon as Adam called I
was able to contact Peter. I would suggest everyone putting at least my
number in their cell phones and Eddie's number. We can help co-ordinate
things for you if any of you get into trouble.
I hope you both feel much better today Betsy and Trudi. You are absolute
troopers racing in those conditions!!!
Good luck everyone racing CBR this weekend. It's supposed to cool down
considerably.
Louise
Pro 1/2 Sisquoc Road Race
Race: Sisquoc Road Race
Riders: Cory, Aaron, Tyler, Nick, Eric B
Places: 7th, DNP
Firstly, this was a hot hot hot hot day, we started off with about 60 guys in the field, and by the end of the second lap there was only 40. From the start attacks were flying, the team was in every move, Aaron looked to have put himself in a nice move on the second lap, but it was brought back, on the climb of the second lap Eric set tempo, while doing so Tommy Nellson of Liquid attack, and I bridged up to him, splitting the field and forcing a break. I waited at the top, and about 8 riders came across. We then hit the gas and quickly pulled away, eatting up the rest of the previous break except for three. From then on it was all attacks, sitting up, attack again, sit up, nothing stuck and I was clearly marked as I was climbing really well. I tried many times to get away from the the group and while doing so we were able to shrink the group down to a few. From then on it was every man for himself, I was really please with the day, a nice solid top 10 in the guys and great riding from the ladies. More to come from the others.
Cory
Riders: Cory, Aaron, Tyler, Nick, Eric B
Places: 7th, DNP
Firstly, this was a hot hot hot hot day, we started off with about 60 guys in the field, and by the end of the second lap there was only 40. From the start attacks were flying, the team was in every move, Aaron looked to have put himself in a nice move on the second lap, but it was brought back, on the climb of the second lap Eric set tempo, while doing so Tommy Nellson of Liquid attack, and I bridged up to him, splitting the field and forcing a break. I waited at the top, and about 8 riders came across. We then hit the gas and quickly pulled away, eatting up the rest of the previous break except for three. From then on it was all attacks, sitting up, attack again, sit up, nothing stuck and I was clearly marked as I was climbing really well. I tried many times to get away from the the group and while doing so we were able to shrink the group down to a few. From then on it was every man for himself, I was really please with the day, a nice solid top 10 in the guys and great riding from the ladies. More to come from the others.
Cory
Lauren Liscinski 5th at Sisquoc
Congratulations to Lauren (one of our U25 Women's Team members, who
continues to produce great results). She just finished the very hard Sisquoc
Pro 1/2 Road Race and came 5th. Many of us know how hard that course is.
When she recovers she has promised one of her entertaining race reports!
Well done Lauren!!!
continues to produce great results). She just finished the very hard Sisquoc
Pro 1/2 Road Race and came 5th. Many of us know how hard that course is.
When she recovers she has promised one of her entertaining race reports!
Well done Lauren!!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Women at ADT and Brentwood-Race Report
When:Saturday 8/8/09
What: Elite Nationals Qualifier Points Race
Where: ADT
Who: Julia, Me, some other girls and oh, Sarah Hammer.
Why: Wanted some good ole fashion hurtin'
This was my first real womens points race on the track and I was, well, terrified. I have been racing Tues nights at the SD velodrome but that 20 degree banking made ADT's 40something banking look like a cliff. The fact that I was racing with Sarah Hammer only made matters worse. The race started off pretty calm. We were doing 100 laps with sprints every ten laps. The first two sprints totally sketched me out and I sent myself to the back of the group with my tail between my legs. It was about five more laps when a switch flipped inside of me and I heard Julia's voice in my head, "Just pick a lap to sprint and go for it." The next time we saw 2 to go I attacked and just went as hard as I could and no one passed me at the line for the points. I pulled up and there was no one there period. Too tired to try to go up the road I waited for the rest of the field. About this time Julia goes off the front to soon be joined by Sarah Hammer and a Proman girl, Hanan. I simply sit at the front for the next ten laps or so and slow it down so they can catch the back of the pack. That put Sarah at first, Julia at second, and Hanan at third. I got points in another sprint then saw Sarah Hammer attacking w/ Julia on her wheel so I decided to try to go with it. That was one of the most painful decisions of my cycling career. As most people know, I generally dont have a pain face, usually just a durrr face. That day I accepted my pain face and boy it was ugly. As Julia described, it was like Sarah Hammer just had another gear that we had never felt before, like putting it into overdrive. We came into a point sprint right before lapping the field and they let me take the points so I could move into third. After that I was so determined I pulled the next two laps to get back onto the back of the group. I saw 8 to go and that is the only really vivid memory I have. Coming into 3 to go Julia yelled at me to get on her wheel so I did, but she fit through a gap that would have been uncomfortable for me on the road let alone on a 45 degree banked turn with no breaks. I lost her wheel and tried to attack over the top but got boxed in and sprinted in at fourth place. After the points were calculated it was determined that I did finish third and made it to Nationals. Whew. Oh yea, about forty minutes later Julia and I hopped on the track again for the team sprint. Both our legs cramped, but we won. Meaning we were the only team. This was the first time I got really into a track race and felt competetive and it was amazing. I cant wait for Tues night racing tomorrow!
When: Sunday 8/9/09
What: Brentwood GP
Where: Beautiful Brentwood, duh
Who: Julia, Jen Jo, PC, Louise, Julie, and Me (tons of us!)
Why: why not?
Legs were feeling quite blocked from yesterday's effort, but I'm always up for a good crit. This course had two 180 turns, a hill, a ridiculous head wind, and lots of cash, definitely a good crit! Started off alright, nothing spectacular. On the second lap a La Grange girl attacked and I went with her and another Helen's rider. We got a gap but I had no faith it would stick. It didnt and we got caught on the next lap, so I attacked again going up the hill and the same two girls went with me again along with Katie Donovan. Now I thought this might have a chance. I never really looked back at that point so I dont know when we got the gap or when the other two riders bridged up to us but there we were; two La Grange, two Helens, me, and a random girl in a red kit. It took forever for us to get somewhat organized (we never did) and Katie kept attacking the group which at least kept the pace high and dropped one of the Helens girls. Once I saw that back of the field in front of us all I was thinking was "teammate, teammate, teammate, teammate." I figured the odds were against me not having a teammate. Looking back now I regret this decision. I was definitely the strongest sprinter of that group and was able to take the turn around a lot faster so probably had a better shot just the five of us, but oh well. Hindsight is always twenty-twenty right? As it went we caught the field and I went to the front with Julia and PC. I lost their wheels though with one to go (I was seeing cross-eyed and almost had a girl twice my size swerve into me so I figured I'd avoid a crash and lose the wheel). I also got cut off in the turn around and just tried to hold my position to the line. I felt the inner trackie trying to get out as my entire sprint was in the saddle. I finished 5th in the field sprint which put me in 3rd overall. Best result I've had in awhile. Seems like third is my position for the weekend. Maybe I can better that soon!
__._,_.___
What: Elite Nationals Qualifier Points Race
Where: ADT
Who: Julia, Me, some other girls and oh, Sarah Hammer.
Why: Wanted some good ole fashion hurtin'
This was my first real womens points race on the track and I was, well, terrified. I have been racing Tues nights at the SD velodrome but that 20 degree banking made ADT's 40something banking look like a cliff. The fact that I was racing with Sarah Hammer only made matters worse. The race started off pretty calm. We were doing 100 laps with sprints every ten laps. The first two sprints totally sketched me out and I sent myself to the back of the group with my tail between my legs. It was about five more laps when a switch flipped inside of me and I heard Julia's voice in my head, "Just pick a lap to sprint and go for it." The next time we saw 2 to go I attacked and just went as hard as I could and no one passed me at the line for the points. I pulled up and there was no one there period. Too tired to try to go up the road I waited for the rest of the field. About this time Julia goes off the front to soon be joined by Sarah Hammer and a Proman girl, Hanan. I simply sit at the front for the next ten laps or so and slow it down so they can catch the back of the pack. That put Sarah at first, Julia at second, and Hanan at third. I got points in another sprint then saw Sarah Hammer attacking w/ Julia on her wheel so I decided to try to go with it. That was one of the most painful decisions of my cycling career. As most people know, I generally dont have a pain face, usually just a durrr face. That day I accepted my pain face and boy it was ugly. As Julia described, it was like Sarah Hammer just had another gear that we had never felt before, like putting it into overdrive. We came into a point sprint right before lapping the field and they let me take the points so I could move into third. After that I was so determined I pulled the next two laps to get back onto the back of the group. I saw 8 to go and that is the only really vivid memory I have. Coming into 3 to go Julia yelled at me to get on her wheel so I did, but she fit through a gap that would have been uncomfortable for me on the road let alone on a 45 degree banked turn with no breaks. I lost her wheel and tried to attack over the top but got boxed in and sprinted in at fourth place. After the points were calculated it was determined that I did finish third and made it to Nationals. Whew. Oh yea, about forty minutes later Julia and I hopped on the track again for the team sprint. Both our legs cramped, but we won. Meaning we were the only team. This was the first time I got really into a track race and felt competetive and it was amazing. I cant wait for Tues night racing tomorrow!
When: Sunday 8/9/09
What: Brentwood GP
Where: Beautiful Brentwood, duh
Who: Julia, Jen Jo, PC, Louise, Julie, and Me (tons of us!)
Why: why not?
Legs were feeling quite blocked from yesterday's effort, but I'm always up for a good crit. This course had two 180 turns, a hill, a ridiculous head wind, and lots of cash, definitely a good crit! Started off alright, nothing spectacular. On the second lap a La Grange girl attacked and I went with her and another Helen's rider. We got a gap but I had no faith it would stick. It didnt and we got caught on the next lap, so I attacked again going up the hill and the same two girls went with me again along with Katie Donovan. Now I thought this might have a chance. I never really looked back at that point so I dont know when we got the gap or when the other two riders bridged up to us but there we were; two La Grange, two Helens, me, and a random girl in a red kit. It took forever for us to get somewhat organized (we never did) and Katie kept attacking the group which at least kept the pace high and dropped one of the Helens girls. Once I saw that back of the field in front of us all I was thinking was "teammate, teammate, teammate, teammate." I figured the odds were against me not having a teammate. Looking back now I regret this decision. I was definitely the strongest sprinter of that group and was able to take the turn around a lot faster so probably had a better shot just the five of us, but oh well. Hindsight is always twenty-twenty right? As it went we caught the field and I went to the front with Julia and PC. I lost their wheels though with one to go (I was seeing cross-eyed and almost had a girl twice my size swerve into me so I figured I'd avoid a crash and lose the wheel). I also got cut off in the turn around and just tried to hold my position to the line. I felt the inner trackie trying to get out as my entire sprint was in the saddle. I finished 5th in the field sprint which put me in 3rd overall. Best result I've had in awhile. Seems like third is my position for the weekend. Maybe I can better that soon!
__._,_.___
Monday, August 10, 2009
Race Report: Brentwood GP Women's Cat 3/4
Event: Brentwood Grand Prix
Race: Womens Cat 3/4
Who: Julie (4th), Trudi(12th), Nicole (in the pack) and Betsy (3rd)
With four of us representing the NOW team in the Womens Cat 3/4, it was a perfect start to yet another gorgeous day in sunny California. After assessing the field during our warm-up laps, our strategy was to stay up front and near each other so we could chase down any attacks. From the start, the pace was relatively fast for Cat 3/4 and there were many attempts (mostly from the two Lisas riding for Fast Fridays) to attack off the front after the turns, but we worked well together to make sure that no one could breakaway. Julie, with her racing experience and expertise, provided great leadership and always seemed to be in the right place to make sure no one got away. My job was to stay on her wheel and chase down attacks as well. The field stayed intact the entire 40 minutes. While it would have been ideal if we could have orchestrated our own breakaway, it just didn't seem worth the effort after watching so many other failed attempts by other teams. All four of us were riding strong and up in the front third. It was especially great to see Nicole riding so aggressively with less than a year on the bike. About half way through the race, Trudi made a very impressive move to the front of the pack to lead the field. On the last turn closest to Wilshire Blvd, an unattached rider hit the deck, forcing Trudi and Nicole to lose significant momentum out of the turn. About an 1/8 mile before the last turn, the pace was cranked up when Leah Bellamy (Fog Racing) started sprinting from the right side. By the time we rou nded the last turn, it was an all out sprint to the finish line. It was great to have such strong team representation...just too bad that the season is nearly over!
Betsy
__._,_.___
Race: Womens Cat 3/4
Who: Julie (4th), Trudi(12th), Nicole (in the pack) and Betsy (3rd)
With four of us representing the NOW team in the Womens Cat 3/4, it was a perfect start to yet another gorgeous day in sunny California. After assessing the field during our warm-up laps, our strategy was to stay up front and near each other so we could chase down any attacks. From the start, the pace was relatively fast for Cat 3/4 and there were many attempts (mostly from the two Lisas riding for Fast Fridays) to attack off the front after the turns, but we worked well together to make sure that no one could breakaway. Julie, with her racing experience and expertise, provided great leadership and always seemed to be in the right place to make sure no one got away. My job was to stay on her wheel and chase down attacks as well. The field stayed intact the entire 40 minutes. While it would have been ideal if we could have orchestrated our own breakaway, it just didn't seem worth the effort after watching so many other failed attempts by other teams. All four of us were riding strong and up in the front third. It was especially great to see Nicole riding so aggressively with less than a year on the bike. About half way through the race, Trudi made a very impressive move to the front of the pack to lead the field. On the last turn closest to Wilshire Blvd, an unattached rider hit the deck, forcing Trudi and Nicole to lose significant momentum out of the turn. About an 1/8 mile before the last turn, the pace was cranked up when Leah Bellamy (Fog Racing) started sprinting from the right side. By the time we rou nded the last turn, it was an all out sprint to the finish line. It was great to have such strong team representation...just too bad that the season is nearly over!
Betsy
__._,_.___
Hans Park NRC
Rider: cory
Race: hans park NRC ( North Carolina)
Place: 11th
Hi everyone,
I flew out to NC for some great racing this past week and caped it off with Hans Park. It was a great course, very fast,had a nice climb, and technical turns throughout the 2.2 mile cousre. I rode at the head of the race all day, going with strong moves, but nothing stuck. We battled the heat, which was the hardest part of the race for me. With 4 to go I was still at the front and managed to stay there until the final few laps were I hit it hard and attacked, I stay off the front only to be caught in the final 250m. So close yet so far, had a blast though and still managed to take 11th, overall it was a great day.
Cory
Race: hans park NRC ( North Carolina)
Place: 11th
Hi everyone,
I flew out to NC for some great racing this past week and caped it off with Hans Park. It was a great course, very fast,had a nice climb, and technical turns throughout the 2.2 mile cousre. I rode at the head of the race all day, going with strong moves, but nothing stuck. We battled the heat, which was the hardest part of the race for me. With 4 to go I was still at the front and managed to stay there until the final few laps were I hit it hard and attacked, I stay off the front only to be caught in the final 250m. So close yet so far, had a blast though and still managed to take 11th, overall it was a great day.
Cory
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Kendall at Worlds
http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=4339
The beginning of the women’s road race was super passive, however just after the halfway mark of the 81-kilometer contest things heated up. A group of 20 riders got away with Rivera making the selection. After gaining about 30 seconds that large group was soon chased down by the peloton. Things really became aggressive the final lap after Russia’s Larisa Pankova attacked solo with two Italians and a French rider eventually chasing her down. Rivera was dangling from that lead group but eventually fell back to the pack where she finished 20th overall. Kendall Ryan (Ventura, Calif./NOW-MS Society) finished 33rd in a small group around three minutes after the peloton and Jessica Prinner (South Elgin, Ill./ABD Cycling Team) just a few seconds later in 35th. Italy ended up taking gold and bronze as Rosella Callovi out sprinted the lead group to take the world title over Pauline Ferand Prevot of France who grabbed the silver and Suzanna Zorzi (ITA) got the bronze.
Marc Karzen
U25 Co-Race Director
NOW MS-Society Cycling Team
teamvrc.com/
Tel 310-990-2376
mk@relishprods.com
The beginning of the women’s road race was super passive, however just after the halfway mark of the 81-kilometer contest things heated up. A group of 20 riders got away with Rivera making the selection. After gaining about 30 seconds that large group was soon chased down by the peloton. Things really became aggressive the final lap after Russia’s Larisa Pankova attacked solo with two Italians and a French rider eventually chasing her down. Rivera was dangling from that lead group but eventually fell back to the pack where she finished 20th overall. Kendall Ryan (Ventura, Calif./NOW-MS Society) finished 33rd in a small group around three minutes after the peloton and Jessica Prinner (South Elgin, Ill./ABD Cycling Team) just a few seconds later in 35th. Italy ended up taking gold and bronze as Rosella Callovi out sprinted the lead group to take the world title over Pauline Ferand Prevot of France who grabbed the silver and Suzanna Zorzi (ITA) got the bronze.
Marc Karzen
U25 Co-Race Director
NOW MS-Society Cycling Team
teamvrc.com/
Tel 310-990-2376
mk@relishprods.com
U25's at Brentwood
Lauren made the break that lapped the field and finished 3rd. PC won
the field sprint for 7th or 8th (both are Velo-Fit athletes).
The men had 3 in the 18 man break that went clear: Tyler, Michael and
Aaron. Unfortunately they did not crack the top-10 and finished
11th-13th VRC alum Sergio was 2nd.
Eddie
the field sprint for 7th or 8th (both are Velo-Fit athletes).
The men had 3 in the 18 man break that went clear: Tyler, Michael and
Aaron. Unfortunately they did not crack the top-10 and finished
11th-13th VRC alum Sergio was 2nd.
Eddie
Now Women's Team 2 Podium Finishes at Brentwood
Well done NOW-MS Women's team!!
First up Cat 3/4 early this morning. Betsy came 3rd and Julie 4th.
Later in the day Pro 1/2/3. Lauren L got into a five man break which
maintained a 2 minute gap on the field. Lauren ended up 3rd -- now she has
two reports to do :) We also nabbed a few primes.
Great job girls and what a fantastic turn out today...Nicole, Betsy, Trudi,
Julie, Julia, Jen, PC, Louise, Lauren.
__._,_.___
First up Cat 3/4 early this morning. Betsy came 3rd and Julie 4th.
Later in the day Pro 1/2/3. Lauren L got into a five man break which
maintained a 2 minute gap on the field. Lauren ended up 3rd -- now she has
two reports to do :) We also nabbed a few primes.
Great job girls and what a fantastic turn out today...Nicole, Betsy, Trudi,
Julie, Julia, Jen, PC, Louise, Lauren.
__._,_.___
Bill Thomas-Brentwood Race Report
Beautiful day to race. Today, I decided to stay up front, but not to go with any breakways til' the end. The course was not suited towards the larger riders due to the 180 degree turns, but it was fun nonetheless. Had a problem with my left Keo cleat (didn't notice the front part was just about completely warn away) unclipping during all-out sprints (found this out in warm-ups). Not a good sign going into a race which was basically a sprint from every corner. I was bummed for sure, knowing I had to finesse sprints. As the great Robert Plant says though, "nobodies fault but mine". Anyhow, I digress.
I tried to stay smooth and up front. Job done. With 2 laps to go I was behind who I thought was the lead guy (Unknown to most of us one guy broke away and won....the RR national champion for Cat 3). I milked the draft and there was only one guy ahead of me (other than the breakaway winner) going into the final corner. Unfortunately, I pussy footed it through and got cut off by about 7 guys. Unfortunate, because once I got my sprint wound up (had to stay seated because of my cleat) I passed two going to the line.....7th place. NO POINTS :( but I can fill up my tank with gas now with a nice check for a 7th :) This is a race I should have taken top 3, but my lack of maintenance and being conservative screwed up what was good fitness. Chalk up another learning experience.
Bill "Tiny" Thomas
I tried to stay smooth and up front. Job done. With 2 laps to go I was behind who I thought was the lead guy (Unknown to most of us one guy broke away and won....the RR national champion for Cat 3). I milked the draft and there was only one guy ahead of me (other than the breakaway winner) going into the final corner. Unfortunately, I pussy footed it through and got cut off by about 7 guys. Unfortunate, because once I got my sprint wound up (had to stay seated because of my cleat) I passed two going to the line.....7th place. NO POINTS :( but I can fill up my tank with gas now with a nice check for a 7th :) This is a race I should have taken top 3, but my lack of maintenance and being conservative screwed up what was good fitness. Chalk up another learning experience.
Bill "Tiny" Thomas
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Men's Cat 3 Race Report-Dominguez Hils
First race in the 3's and with two of my NOW-MS buddies :) Way to go guys!
I figured a break will surely win in this class, unlike the surging 4's. So, my strategy was to go with the breaks, work and stay relatively fresh for the end.
After the opening two laps a solid break was established. I managed to stay in doing solid work and ahead of the field. Picked up two primes in the process. However, none eventually stuck as the break whittled down to me solo. This was a long race (well, longer than the 4's at least). I think my legs came up two laps short from being able to finish full tilt. Anyhow, I tried to dig deep and position myself, but since my top end was affected, I fell back to about 10th going into the last corner. I unleashed a weak sprint, but managed to finish 8th.
Bill "Tiny" Thomas
I figured a break will surely win in this class, unlike the surging 4's. So, my strategy was to go with the breaks, work and stay relatively fresh for the end.
After the opening two laps a solid break was established. I managed to stay in doing solid work and ahead of the field. Picked up two primes in the process. However, none eventually stuck as the break whittled down to me solo. This was a long race (well, longer than the 4's at least). I think my legs came up two laps short from being able to finish full tilt. Anyhow, I tried to dig deep and position myself, but since my top end was affected, I fell back to about 10th going into the last corner. I unleashed a weak sprint, but managed to finish 8th.
Bill "Tiny" Thomas
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