There were roughly 50 guys in the Cat 4 race at the Kenosha Training Crit. Tim and I represented vitaminwater-Trek. The temperature was a mild 35 degrees with a 10-15 mph wind blowing from the northeast which you noticed as you went head on into the brick wall of wind after turn 3 and turn 4. I contemplated on wearing my awesome, bright, fire engine red Craft thermal jacket, but after Friday’s ride, thought I might get too hot. Instead I donned a Craft base layer with a wind stopper front, my Craft arm warmers, storm tights (my baggy sweat pants to some), booties, gloves, and skull cap with wind stopper.
Tim did a lot of the work taking turns pulling at the front and helping the wind bring back those who tried to go off the front. There were a few attacks that didn’t last very long as they were quickly brought back at turns 3 and 4.
My goal was to stay up near the front and then work my way up in the last few laps. The race unfolded almost too perfectly except for the outcome.
I was up near the front nearly the entire race after struggling to clip in initially. With four to go, I was about 15 back. With two to go, I found Tim’s wheel and we were about 10 back. I hung on Tim until turn 4 of the final lap. At this point I said “Thanks Tim” and he pulled off. At this point, heading to the finish line, I was sitting pretty, or so I thought. The sprint was on, I was six or seven back, sprinting to the line. The group in front of me started to slow down. At this point, I decided to go around them and continue sprinting. I caught the lead rider and was next to him. The line looked so close, yet it was still so far away. With about 200m to go, I was gassed and 7 guys passed me. I finished 8th with much help from Tim.
So what did I take from the first race of the 2008 season? First of all, positioning is very important. Compared to last year at this time, my positioning was much improved. I looked for ways to stay out of the wind and stay on wheels. Secondly, I picked the wrong time to make my move to the finish. I feel that this will improve as the season progresses, as will my sprinting ability. Finally, the right clothing makes all the difference between being comfortable and freezing your hoo hoo off.