4/17/05 by Allied Decals Cycling Team
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There were a few less racers today for some reason (32 in the 1,2,3 40-49 masters, vs 37 last week). That didn't make it any easier though, as there were more breakaway attempts this week. In the first lap, a North Hills Velo guy took off. No one seemed to care. But as he got out of sight, I was really wondering just how strong he was. I chased, him down and as spoon as I caught him, there was another attack.
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By the 3rd lap I had a good idea of who was strong and anxious to break away with me. But it appeared that all the guys who worked early in the race, were now spent.
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Five of us took off again. They didn't want to work too hard, or maybe they were just waiting for some teammates to bridge up. It ended up that 10 of us were together, and pulled out of site of the others. Yet there wasn't much harmony as it was the same 3 guys doing all the work. I figured I would rather keep pulling hard, even if I blow, just to keep us all in the top 10, versus having a sprint with 37.
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With 2 miles to go I took off again, and no one would work with me. A freddi fu ride got on my wheel, but didn't want to work. I suggested he could take the win that lets just beat them in there. We surely could have done it, and both won 1st in our categories. He didn't seem to have the confidence to try. (he ended up 5th or 7th).
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After crossing the bridge and the last bend, I could see everyone working together and coming up on me. Its not real easy to stay out there alone in a headwind. But I was glad to take the chance, and actually surprised that I could hold onto this much of a lead since I was pulling for so long.
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The 10 of us crossed the line about the same time, contrary to the typo in the results (Gary informed me he made a mistake of transposing the numbers, which listed me as coming in at 1:27:47, instead of the correct 1:27:41). I was 4th overall, and 1st in the masters (beating my closest adversary by over 2 minutes).
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Mike Friedman, who I hadn't noticed in the race until pulling around me at the line, won. Great tactics earned him the win. Yet my lack of tactics earned me a great WORKout.
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It feels good to risk working too hard and digging deeper then is comfy. I felt much safer being in the front of the pack, and the finish was less dicey with 10 of us spread out at the line. The risk was worth it, because even if I would have snapped, and couldn't hold in with my group, I could have coasted in for 10th overall.
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Results are posted at : www.acaracing.com/rr041705.html
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Ed Delgros