Race Report: Wente Classic Road Race, m45 cat 4/5

Two steps lower than I'd planned, but glad to be on the podium
photo: Jennifer Kinion

Introduction:

Being the protected rider was a brand new experience for me. In my profession, I usually work either as an employee or independent contractor. I've only rarely supervised and/or managed crews on single-day video production shoots–so seeing my race teammates give their all, to put me in position to sprint up Carroll Rd. was transformational for me. They did everything that was asked and more. I can't say I'm completely at ease with the demands put on them, especially as I watched my heart rate lollygag in zone 2 for most of the race, but having been in their position for other races this season, I know they were glad to do it, not just for me, but for the team. And I knew my result was their result, so believe me I felt pressure and responsibility to deliver.

Teammates:

Henrik Schubert, Rob Lytle, Neil Leary, Mark Carson, Robin Roberts, Jorge Lopez

The core team consisted of me, Henrik, Neil, Rob and Mark. Since Robin is new to road racing, Kevin O'Donnell wisely suggested he use this race as a learning experience, and so we didn't assign him any challenging duties. But we left the door open if he was feeling comfortable doing some work early in the race. Jorge was a same-day registrant, and I didn't have time to find out what his strengths are, and so sadly I wasn't able to incorporate him into our crew.

Goals:

Glen on the top step of the podium, with potential for podium and/or top-5 results for Henrik and Neil.

Original Strategy (many thanks to Henrik for finessing this out of my first plan): 

Dial back the tempo on climbs, to keep our powerhouse teammates, Rob, Mark and Neil in the mix to “freight train” it on the flats, while protecting Henrik and me. Pushing the pace like this on consecutive laps, we hoped to wear down potential strong climbers before the final ascent to the finish. Henrik protected me in the peloton. He was committed to deliver me to the base of the final climb in the front few positions, where I was confident that I would be able to match the fastest climbers for the final climb and sprint to the line.

Results in a field of 42:

Glen - 3rd

Henrik 7th

Mark 12th

Neil 20th

Robin 31st

Jorge 34th

(by listing everyone's placing, I just want to show how well they finished, even after the significant amount of work they did to get me onto that podium)

Flaws in my plan:

Not enough knowledge about competitors. There was zero intel on winner Thomas Ivey (cat 5, team Skadden), who raced on a single-day license. I also should have paid closer attention to the resume of 2nd place Kevin McHugh (cat 4, Coretechs Cycling Team). I should have noticed his strong finishes at Sea Otter and the Central Coast road series races.

The hamstring cramp came from nowhere. I was thoroughly hydrated, and my fitness is great right now. I rode hard on the Wednesday evening Col du Pantol ride, but rested thoroughly and did only two other z1 recovery rides in the days leading up to this race.

Before the race:

Every teammate was onsite at least two hours before race time. We checked in with each other and everyone knew the plan, but would be ready for adjustments on the road.

The race:

Just as planned, our team set a comfortable pace at the turn onto Altamont Pass Rd. Rob, Neil Mark, Henrik then me. Rob Neil and Mark set a calm pace on this first climb. To avoid swarming, we upped the pace across 580 onto Flynn Rd. with Mark and Rob driving. 

Mark Carson (front left) and Rob Lytle (front right) driving a hard pace on upper Flynn Rd.
photo: Alex Chiu

The peloton didn't seem to mind letting us lead. Cresting the Flynn climb, Henrik me, Phil Malaspina (SJBC) and 4 or 5 others descended fast enough to cause large gaps on the strung-out peloton. While I knew these wouldn't stick, it told me that there were just enough skittish descenders in the pack that we would be able to hammer the descents on each lap, causing cumulative fatigue in the legs of those who allowed too much space ahead of them. Hopefully some of these guys would be the same ones who hoped to beat me on the climb to the line.

The peloton reunited on the slog up Patterson Pass Rd. to Cross Rd. There's a hump on Cross which makes even the strongest rider feel like resting. The pace eased here. Rob and a rider from Peninsula Velo hammered, and soon had a good gap. Our race plan was flexible enough to include opportunity for Rob and/or Mark to break away if circumstances were favorable, but this wasn't the case now. Rob says that rider refused to work with him because our team was so big, so Rob came on back. North on Greenville, The northwest wind was fairly significant this morning, so anyone on the left side of the pack was working a bit harder. Rob brought powerful Robin roberts up front to help Mark and Neil, while Henrik and I cruised, sheltered in the peloton.

Staying cool and protected on Henrik's wheel
photo: Alex Chiu

The four of them really flew up Greenville, and kept things hot on Altamont. Rob kept the speed up to the base of Carroll, where the second ascent was even more relaxed than the first. I had been having a luxurious zone 1 & 2 Sunday ride to this point. I can't explain why halfway up Altamont, my right hamstring locked up in a cramp. I think I heard snikkering behind me as I lurched out of the saddle to allow other muscles to take over. I would've had a hard time avoiding a laugh out loud if it had happened to another protected rider. I dropped back 15 positions while I massaged the area and brought the spasms under control. I felt like a wuss, being pampered as I had been, yet suffering a cramp?! Along the ascent of Carroll, I checked in with Henrik to give him a heads-up that I had some cramping. Onto Flynn, Neil and Mark were driving the pace hard. Henrik got word to him to dial it back a bit to give me a chance to shake out the muscles. With some out-of-saddle relaxing, I was back in business.No attacks, and gruppo compacto, there were no real fireworks on the descent of Flynn. On Cross again, Rob was doing more work, but was spent. He wished us farewell and dropped back, while Neil drove the wagon train hard. At some point, our field was neutralized to allow the P 1/2 race to pass safely. This allowed Rob to rejoin our peloton.

Neil drilling on the front, as he did so much of the time
photo: Alex Chiu

As far as I can recall, Neil drove the bus hard from Cross Rd, Greenville, to Altamont on the remainder of this second, as well as on the third and final lap, with big horsepower help from Mark as well.Approaching the third ascent of Carroll Rd, Henrik quietly told me to watch out for attacks. He had picked up some hints that the race might explode on this climb. The pace up the steep part of Carroll was in fact much faster. The group was strung out, but not catastrophically. Neil led the descent of Flynn, with Henrik and I in tow. I made space for Phil Malaspina ahead of my wheel, hoping he would work some of his expert descending magic and perhaps go up and drive, but he was content to sit in.Neil kept hammering on Cross, then the peloton regrouped and swelled forward on Tesla and Greenville. I was making room for Mark to go up front to work with Neil, and now I think Rob was still running strong in the group again. But a few more riders slipped between Mark and Henrik and I soon found myself near the back of the field. Henrik noticed this too, but no big emergency, before the hump on Greenville,I moved up on the left side without burning any crucial matches, to catch Henrik's wheel, where we coasted down the other side, to a spot in the front few positions of the peloton. On this last cruise of Greenville, I'm really starting to feel the responsibility to win this race. I've been cared for by an incredible team of individuals who have selflessly sacrificed their chances of victory. Was my hamstring loose enough? Am I going to get a puncture? Will there be an attack that sticks?A couple of other riders were drilling the pace and peeled off before the turn onto Altamont, where Rob gave one more powerful surge. He had a good gap of 60 meters or so! He tromped on the gas as long as he could. I thought “Go Rob!” If he could get enough of a lead, maybe he's got a shot! The peloton was really stringing out in chase, so this hammered some guys. Rob ran out of gas before the turn onto Carroll, but he did some more damage to some other guys' hopes with this final effort.Neil can climb fast, but had consistently hammered for laps 2 and 3, yet I hoped he could somehow be in the mix on this final ascent of Carroll with Henrik and I. Yes this is my A race, but the line is fair game for all of us.Henrik put me exactly where I wanted to be–at the front, just before the turn onto Carroll Rd. A tall rider (Thomas Ivey) attacked into the turn, coming up the left side, like a rocket. Two more riders reacted (Kevin McHugh and Iain Russell). I was right on them, but Ivey was 50 meters ahead and disappearing already on this, the steepest pitch of the climb. McHugh was getting away as well. I overtook Iain quickly, and was fully anaerobic trying to claw back to the two leaders. As the grade of the climb starts to ease, I was gaining on 2nd place McHugh, but damn it if Ivey was long gone. I flew faster up that climb than I ever had, face contorting worse than Thomas Voekler's, but could not close the gaps and came across the line third, to huge cheers from scores of CW fans, including my wife. What a damn thrill!I'm really proud of our result, though I felt I had not fully done my job after all the dedication of my team. They did exemplary work keeping me fresh and rested, then put me in position exactly as planned, where I could do my job. None of us could know who was hiding in the pack, riding smart, riding sheltered. Third is not first, but that's totally on me. I think this was another A-grade effort by this fantastic team. I'm so glad I was able to finish off with CW on the podium.

Takeaways:This race has left me with many mixed feelings. First of all I'm in awe of the dedication of this team, and I'm so proud and grateful that they all allowed me the chance to lead. I tried to make sure that everyone had a chance to give input to develop the plan, and the freedom to execute adjustments on the road. My road captain, Henrik is an amazing solid, cool performer who was happy to do for me what I tried to do for him at Copperopolis. But when I wrote “3rd” in “results” above, it really struck me, how different this season is compared to 2014, after racing unattached, every race an “A” race, free to ride as strong and stupid as I wished, with some great results and a very high ranking. This podium result belongs to this team, and I won't forget that.

Copperopolis Road Race, April 4th, 2015

L to R: Glen, Kevin O'Donnell, Henrik Schubert
photo: Rob Lytle

group: Master 45+4

date of race: 04/04/15

Teammates: Kevin O'Donnell, Henrik Schubert & Rob Lytle

My result: 3^rd of 21

For our small master 45+4 group of 21, we only race two laps of this, partially rough, 21-mile loop. For this, my second appearance at this race, the course truly felt like an old, dear friend.

Previous experience and a recent pre-ride with Rob Lytle, Henrik Schubert and Dan Wood, helped me dial-in the perfect air pressure for my 25mm clinchers: 70psi/85psi (front/rear). At these pressures, I was perfectly comfortable on the rougher sections–even while hammering, full-gas,on the long descents.

Kevin, Henrik and I have talked about this race for a few months on our frequent training rides in Marin, and it was clear that each of us wanted to finish well. The plan we arrived at during our pre-race conference call had impressive flexibility built into it, which, while none but me dared utter the possibility before the fact, allowed for three of us to stand on the podium.

I'll just quote part Kevin's efficient account of our race plan for lap two here:

Plan A: If the group was 7 or 8, we’d press only hard enough to weaken them, and keep Henrik surrounded and fresh for a sprint finish, where he is strongest.

Plan B: If too many or made up of big sprinters, then I would attack to open a large enough gap to make sprinters chase.  That would (in theory) allow Henrik and Glen to rest on the back of that chase … as close to the finish as possible.

I'll add:

I would be Henrik's lieutenant throughout, carrying his extra bottles on climbs & making sure he had my steady wheel. We would stay sheltered within the group, then attack over the final short climb. Ultimately I would deliver Henrik at my top speed to the beginning of the true full descent on the final lap.

The 4-mile, 4% climb on the first lap begins barely two miles in. One quarter of the starters are usually shed on this first ascent, and this seemed to be the case again. An earnest attack at this point isn't unheard of, and in fact a rider did get away, soon joined by two others. We know that while the WNW wind in the high valley wasn't particularly strong this day, it is significant for a tiny breakaway group to battle, and even if they can stay away until lap two, it's unlikely they'll hold their gap on the long climb coming up. Once in the high valley, our small CW band had no trouble forcing a strong pace while all but one breakaway rider faded back into our group before the short climb out of the valley. I missed the moment when we absorbed the remaining lone leader.

Kevin, Henrik and I hit the descent at high speed, creating a split in the remaining group. Rob was gapped during this split, but he and one or two more chased back on by the beginning of lap two. At this point I'd say we were down to fewer than a dozen of the original 21 starters. Kevin or Henrik told Rob to go ahead and “empty the tank, forcing the pace into the big climb, in hopes of wearing down others' legs.

Approaching the feed zone, Rob was preparing his last hard effort to wear down riders. I was on his wheel as he lost grip of a bottle he was pulling from its cage to jettison, prior to grabbing a fresh one from Paige. The bottle nearly fell in our path but he showed amazing futbol skills, juggling it with legs, crank arms, feet, while calling out to warn the rest of us, ultimately managing to nudge it to the side of the road. By now Rob was taking a bottle from Paige. I was concerned that Paige might not be able to reload in time for me, so as a failsafe, I grabbed an available neutral bottle. Henrik was right on my wheel and in good position to receive a bottle from Paige, who would've been more than ready for me. Henrik drank up, then I had him give it to me to haul up the hill. Rob burned what power he had as the climb kicked up in earnest. He had made some guys hurt before peeling off, which likely helped reduce potential attacks. Well done Rob!

As the climb began kicking up, Kevin asked Henrik frankly, “Is this the group you want to have?”

I couldn't quite hear the answer, but it was apparent to me that this herd needed thinning. I knew Kevin would gradually force the pace on this climb, though it didn't seem like Henrik was feeling his best yet.

Kevin went to the front and it seemed he was increasing the pace, stretching out the group. The overall pace so far was well within “conversational” for me, though I heard very labored breathing from competitors. Henrik's bright aero shoe covers were a big help to me in that it was easy to keep track of him with quick glances back under my arm, but he was riding nearer the back of the group now. Normally I would force a harder pace up this climb, but the commitment to watch out for a teammate kept my animal instinct in check.

1.5 miles into the climb, Kevin was leading, and picking up speed even more. Henrik shifted and his drivetrain seized, forcing him to a stop near the left side of the road. I was on the right side, with several riders between and immediately behind me. Damn! I left too much space between us. I slowed to a crawl, letting the group go. I didn't dismount or u-turn, suspecting that Rob couldn't be far behind, and he might help sooner. Just as I was about to reverse direction, I heard Rob bellow, “I got him! GO! GO!”. Rob must have burned actual bone marrow to launch Henrik to my wheel. Their effort was significant, so once Henrik was on my wheel I didn't try to regain the group too rapidly. We still had two miles of ascent ahead. By the time the climb was done, Kevin was off the front, with a 20-second gap, charging east into the high valley.

By this time, Kevin couldn't know of Henrik's mechanical misfortune, or the fatigue that chasing back into the group inflicted on him. Even so, this new situation was working out according to one of our planning scenarios, Plan B. Henrik and I now had a “free train ticket” as Marty Panos (CA Racing), Chris DeMattei (Victory Velo), Shawn Blosser (CA Racing), and one other organized their attempt to chase Kevin down. As gatekeepers, I rode 5^th and Henrik 6^th wheel, reducing the likelihood of other riders joining the mission, as the miles ticked off–moto-ref announced Kevin's gap was now “forty seconds”, “one minute”, and then “one-fifteen”! It was a little bit heartbreaking to watch the four of them struggle.

After a few more minutes the chase was failing–now driven only by Marty and Chris. Marty was beside himself. One mile before the base of the final short climb, Marty made one last all-out solo, 45-second effort before being reabsorbed into our group, completely frustrated.

As the final short climb begins, the hills shelter us from the wind. Now there could be no danger of catching Kevin, so our plan for a decisive attack on the short, final climb, that tows no unwanted passengers is next. I feel perfectly fresh. I felt like this race had been a z2 ride. But Henrik looked serious when he checked in with me one more time, telling me he still hasn't recovered from the chase on the long climb. He doubts he will have the legs for our attack. He told me “It's you.” I suppose I should have paused a moment to be sure, before blasting off, but this attack needed to be decisive. I took off and within 30 seconds, I had a workable gap. This gap grew, though nearing the summit, I began to feel mild cramping in my vastus medialis muscles. I could keep the twinges in check if I stayed in the saddle. I dumped it into the 50x11 and hammered over the top, onward and down, not looking back, only hoping that my previous experience on this hill would pay off on this bouncy, 31mph average, 7-minute full-gas descent.

As the descent flattens, I was surprised to see Kevin only about 600 meters ahead. We're within a mile of the finish. Would I catchhim? What do I do? No doubt chasers are bearing down. But he has earned this win! I looked behind and was thrilled to see blue–Henrik! There was one rider chasing some distance behind, too far to be a threat to what was now a very blue finish... as long as these cramps... ooh, stronger spasms now... no danger of overtaking Kevin for sure now I guess I did ride sort of hard today after all. In fact as much as I want to, I can't give Henrik a run for his money!

I found out later that Henrik had been covering several repeated attacks on the remainder of the climb, helping to maintain my gap. Then he executed an even faster descent than mine. By the 1k sign, Henrik overtook me. Shortly after that, Kevin crossed the line, then Henrik, and then me after a few more seconds.

What worked:

Preparation

My fitness this spring is apparently miles ahead of last year. While training climbs are merely on par with my best efforts, I'm sustaining longer efforts at threshold, sprinting better, and weathering random race-pace surges with less fatigue.

Previous experience on this course in the form of pre-rides and the past year's race, paid off.

Planning

Discussion about certain races with teammates and even just comparing notes on sleep, diet, hydration and form, during training rides goes a long way to laying the foundation for the pre-race phone conference, where preliminary race plans are formed.

Commitment and Flexibility

During the race, things change. A good race plan has flexibility and being direct and honest with teammates helps everyone make the adjustments necessary.

Commitment to teammates, commitment to a descent or an attack takes effort. I can't believe how many times I had to force myself to forget last year's “unattached rider” mode during this race. Committing to stick to Henrik likely kept my efforts governed, saving more power for the final chapter.

Lessons Learned

Follow Through

I tried to be consistent and supportive, but I “dropped the ball” when Henrik's drivetrain seized. Fortunately Rob was near enough to step in, but I really should've found a way to stop and assist sooner.

Reduced Training Week in Wisconsin

From the 2013 Cheesehead Roubaix
© 2013, Moroder Photography

To avoid "burying the lead" I'll just throw it out there right now... ship your bike and fly out to Wisconsin for the Cheesehead Roubaix, April 26th. My brother in law, Dave Hanrahan has founded this great ride that is in the tradition of the spring classics of Europe. I got an abbreviated preview of this ride, and it is definitely a blast for those participating. While I can't attend this year (it's the same date as the Wente road race here in California), I hope to do the full route in the future. More on this great event later in this post.

It's been just over two years since my wife, Jen and I have made it back to the Milwaukee Wisconsin area, to visit her side of the family. Now, after twenty years of visits to Jen's place of origin, this California native has finally sampled of all four its seasons. It seems this midwestern spring is rather mild–two or three days of 18-30 degree temperature, followed by two or three days topping out at 50 degrees or so. There is no snow left, just frozen earth and thin ice on standing water in the bogs and ditches.

With one of my favorite road races coming up this Saturday, this trip away from my bike would certainly create a break from my weekly ten-hour training schedule. Either the reduced intensity will help or hurt... I'll find out on Saturday.

The Domes, in Milwaukee

With Jen, her mom Carol and dad Tony at the Domes

Staying at Jen's parent's home in Franklin, WI, Jen and I do daily three-mile walks around Mud Lake in Grobschmidt Park to at least keep the body moving.

In winter I love hearing the ice covering the lake “sing” as the surface expands and heaves. Right now, there is no ice, but there are lots of Cardinals and Robins. The native trees and smaller plants are still dormant, but once the ground defrosts, I assume buds will erupt everywhere.

Two nights in West Bend, at Maria and Dave's home (Jen's sister and her husband), was great fun and also reunited me with two-wheeled workouts. Many faceted brother-in-law Dave is a strong CX and XC racer in Wisconsin. He doesn't just race, train and ride, but advocates for cycling. His blog posts remind me how involved one can be in the cycling community and beyond.

Dave loves road cycling as well, and in the tradition of the European cobbled spring classics, founded and organized the CheeseheadRoubaix. This 63-mile, unsupported group ride is growing every year, and I have to say that its ten miles of dirt, gravel, and very possibly slippery mud, it's worth a special trip in late April from anywhere in the country.

Jeff's bike on Dave's trainer, in the "gym"
photo: Jennifer Kinion

Dave's Pedal Moraine teammate Jeff Wren (also a competitor) came by to lend me his beautiful Felt CX bike. Jeff rocks. It was closer to my size than all of Dave's bikes.

While on Sunday the weather turned warm, it rained all day. I put in a 100-minute stationary trainer workout. Monday the sky cleared, the temperature topped out at 50-degrees, and Dave took me on a 42-mile loop which showed off a couple portions of the Cheesehead Roubaix route.

Dave and I before rolling out for a 42-miler
photo: Jennifer Kinion

I brought my pedals and road shoes, and borrowed Dave's spare helmet and a water bottle. I was thrilled to discover that Jeff's 54cm frame fit me pretty well. Rides from Dave's place usually start and end on the beautiful Eisenbahn Trail, with access right across the street. After thirty minutes of warmup, I did some sprints, then settled in while Dave showed off the countryside which, even in its dormant state, is strikingly beautiful.

Lover's Lane: The first, and most challenging section of gravel on the Cheeshead Roubaix route

Dave topping the tough uphill grind

While time was short on this day, Dave incorporated the first and last sections of gravel that lucky riders of the Cheesehead Roubaix will grind over.

I can't thank Dave and Jeff enough for arranging some training time for me on this trip. While I gained four pounds or so eating fish fry on Friday evening with the family...

The family having fish fry

and frozen custard from Leon's after a trip to the domes...

What's frozen custard? Think "gelato", but even better!

I think I'll still be ok for this Saturdays Copperopolis road race.