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.

Bariani Road Race: March 15th, 2015

The spectacular Sierra Buttes preside over a somewhat less remarkable frontage road.
photo: Katie Truong

Result

11^th of 58

This was my second time racing on this course. A little slower this year, due to the wind. The difference a year, and my new team, would make became evident right from the whistle. More importantly, our team's efforts helped get our protected rider onto the podium, and a fifth place finish for our second sprinter.

The Course

Three laps at roughly 13.7-miles each, for 42 miles total. This day is dry and slightly overcast, with a temperature of 70°. A constant 15-18 mph wind blows from SSW, meaning the finishing stretch will be into the wind.

The Plan

We expected to show up with nine riders. Our protected man being Mark Carson. We had second sprinter Neil Leary in the back pocket too. Kevin O'Donnell would be Mark's main guardian. Tony Low, our remarkable, aerodynamic “locomotive” would serve chasing, train-propelling, and other protective roles. Jim Forester, Peter Aughney and I would be ready interpret and to respond to credible attacks. If none occurred, and if the pack was relatively cohesive halfway through the final lap, then Jim, Tony, Peter and I would form the blue-hot train of doom, stringing out the field, hopefully delivering Kevin, Mark and Neil through the rollers, around the final turn, and into the setup for the final sprint. Even though the road is wide on the final stretch, we don't want fifty guys involved in the sprint.

I would ride in the front of the pack, hopefully within the front ten riders. My assignment was to go with any viable breakaway, with full intent to stay “gone.” By “viable”, of course I mean it has to be sufficient in number, and threat (other teams represented). If a breakaway goes without me in it, I've failed.

"Blue Crush" (Cushman & Wakefield Racing) leading the peloton into the wind on the first lap.
photo: Katie Truong

Lap One

Next to Victory Velo, we were the largest team. Knowing the course narrows dramatically once we turn north onto the crappy roads after four miles, CW lined up in front for the neutral rollout and no one protested when we pulled the pack into the wind. There wasn't the usual fight to get to the turn onto CR 88A. It's very difficult to move forward on these skinny, potholed roads, with a centerline rule (yet no centerline).

I wasn't quite in position yet when an attack off the front by a solo rider was covered by Chris Kolm, and I think a rider or two tried to bridge, but shortly all were reabsorbed, but the original rider, who flailed on his own. I worked into my position as we all came back together.

Rolling east, on CR14, through the only features on this course that could be called “rollers”, Victory Velo's Christopher DeMattei attacked by himself. I rolled my eyes. He's already in a crosswind out of the south, and it's only going to peel his eyelids back when he rounds the turn onto the frontage road. But I thought I heard a voice from a teammate nearby (probably just in my head) yell “Go!”, so I go-ed. The pack stayed pat and laughed at us with their pirate laughs while I caught Chris 500m prior to the overpass. I asked “Are we really going to do this now? Or should we wait for some more guys next time?” He was cooked, but wouldn't stop. Once onto the frontage road, I sat up, then he followed suit. I looked for some blue to drop in front of.

Lap Two

The race got downright fun (for me anyway) on this lap. Only Tony and Mark's race reports have filled me in on what caused the action. Rounding the turn onto CR88A, onto the cruddy roads, a strong looking guy in a bright red jersey seemed ready to attack. Phil Tercero and Klaus Grimm were ready to play too. They were stretching out the pace and I thought this could turn into a split. I thought we were just speeding things up, I was glad to be in the front, picking my own line through the dicey 90° turns, happy to have the extra cornering clearance that my new (used) Speedplay pedals provide. After a bit Phil yells “Let's go! Let's work! We got a gap!” I didn't know there had been a crash somewhere behind us. I kept hammering with Phil and Klaus. At some point we were joined by Jim Forester, and then a few others. We had run out of right angled turns, so it was hard to look behind to see the real situation, but I could see there were only eighteen or twenty riders in our group. I thought that was too many and our rotation would get too sloppy, but someone astutely muttered “it's better than seventy-five!”

Phil and Klaus were super-motivated to work hard in the front of this lead group. Jim looked strong and willing so he and I matched their efforts, the four of us pulling the rest along at 29mph for two miles. I got a case of potty-mouth yelling at other riders to help out before I realized I was trying to catch flies with vinegar. About then I suggested to Jim that we back off, knowing Phil and Klaus were two of the top sprinters in this race, and were thus motivated enough to perhaps wear themselves out.

Once eastbound on the first flat section of CR14 I saw KOD come alongside and I figured he, Mark and Neil had made the split no problem. What I didn't know was they had been caught behind a crash on one of the turns. Tony had to quickly unclip while skirting the mess, then go into TT mode, pulling KOD, Neil and Mark within range of our lead group.

Lap Three

The slog south, along I-5 is nearly pathetic at 18mph. It felt like a commuting with a backpack. Turning west onto CR19, Jim, me, a ZOCA rider and one other find ourselves up front again (in my case because I don't want to be caught blocked on skinny roads), as KOD coaches an echelon training drill. I still feel really fresh, and for me the drill is like a car-trip game that the adults use to keep me happy.

Going north, Phil and Klaus light it up some more. I join in and Jim is along for more fun. I knew we didn't have much time for meaningful breakaways to materialize, but I was still feeling really good, as I had all day.

Eastbound onto CR14 for the last time, the pace is already high, so it doesn't seem crucial to form the blue train. Jim and I keep the pace hot through the rollers, to the turn south onto the frontage road. I'm finally fried so I peel off, but quickly have to work my ass off to latch back onto the tail of the group of about twenty. I'm watching from the rear as Mark and Neil choose their wheels. We're still about 1K to go and there's a surge, but no one is out of the saddle. At this point, more to watch the action, I find some big, fading corpses to slip in behind, and move up to around twelfth wheel. Smart guys like Mark and Neil waited longer than I expected in this wind, so much so that I found myself almost alongside Mark, thinking I'd better surge one more time to give him a leadout. But right then the sprint began and I flailed over the line, eleventh, just edged out by... yup, Chris DeMattei from Victory Velo. Curses! I missed top-ten by inches.

Team leader Mark Carson (far left) crossing the line third. Teammate Neil Leary (near right) finishing fifth.
photo: Katie Truong

Takeaways

This was one of the funnest races I've ridden. Our team did well at Snelling, but I didn't accomplish all of my duties there. For this race I was determined to set a goal for myself: To not only confidently hold position near the front, ready to act, but to be a controlling force in the race. Last year as an unattached racer, I had to treat every race as an “A” race, being my own domestique and lieutenant. Those diverse duties often had me err on the side of caution, staying more sheltered, slightly farther back in the pack, where I often got blocked when important moves happened. Ironically, having a specific set of duties as a team member this year has given me liberty to focus on dynamics that I'm so glad I didn't miss! I really finished the day feeling like Jim and I made some guys hurt, driving the pace. Sorry that it turned out to be some of my teammates. Oops.

Cherry Pie Criterium - Sunday, March 1, 2015

My too brief attempt to string out the field
photo: Katie Truong

I didn't plan to race this weekend, but with teammates up at the Chico Stage race, and several teammates heading to this one, the urge to do this nearby race is too hard to pass up.

Jim Forester and Henrik Schubert already had their carpool arranged, so I invited unattached Jeff Kato to carpool with my wife Jen, race-dog Stella, and myself.

Goals

In this combined field there were six uf us Cushman & Wakefield racers: Jim Forester, Dan Rugani, Jaime Madrigal, Henrik Schubert, Peter Aughney and myself. The race was a combination of two groups: M35-cat4/5, and M55-cat4/5, picked separately. My “raciing age” is 55, but denial and the desire to complete a second season in the m45 group has me registering for m45 and occasional m35 groups. I thought I was entering to be picked with the 35s, but in the end, officials recorded results based on racing age.

With two weeks until my next race (Bariani), my primary goals for racing this day, were simply to maintain my pack riding skills and get a great workout. Nothing beats the random power surges that result in a criterium. Also I hoped to be available be of use to my teammates.

Team Pre-Race Discussion

Our brief pre-race meeting acknowledged these factors:

• the brevity (25 minutes), the size of the field (likely 65-70, with 50 pre-registered and many, like myself, signing up onsite)
• the abbreviated hill on the course (shortened by almost half compared to last year)
• the expected high speed right from the whistle

We decided to attempt to unite near the last few laps and check in with each other to see if we feel like mounting an attack.

The Race

A year ago, during torrential rain, I placed 5^th of 20 in this race and felt the course was quite safe. But this day the peloton was over three times the size. One more factor made this year's race completely different. Promoters cropped my favorite feature–a 290-meter long finishing stretch, up a pack-splitting climb, from the chicane to the finish line, which got progressively harder each lap. Now the u-turnaround and finish line were 120 meters down the hill, resulting in a much faster course. Now at only 170 meters, the tight chicane would certainly be the start of the final sprint.

In such a short crit (25 minutes!) Many a racer's plan to get a good position at the start were foiled by the official releasing us to ride full lap. I used this time to regain a decent pack-forward position at the actual lineup.

As predicted, the pace was fast from the whistle. Early on, Henrik skillfully dug in and maintained an impressive hold on a position in the front 5 for the whole race. At about mid-pack, I used the first 4 laps to note the areas that were best for moving up. The wide, sweeping curves and corners of last year were much tighter with more riders. I had success  for advancing in the pack on three sections:

• A 350 meter, curved stretch right after turn 1
• A 240 meter stretch right before the chicane
• The 170 meter rise from the chicane to the u-turn.

The rare times I achieved a forward position I was not diligent about holding it (I need to work on this). Kudos again to Henrik on his skills here. With 6 laps to go, on the big curve, I moved up along the right side, from mid-pack to the front, ahead of Henrik's wheel. Through the narrow, 270 meter, curved section that followed, I asked Henrik if he felt like going for it. I could tell he thought it was way too early, and he was right, but I like to change the flavor of these short criteriums. Time to string out the peloton and even see if Henrik and I could get away with maybe two more riders. I launched but only succeeded in increasing the peloton's  pace from 25 mph to a bit over 26 mph for about 1-1/2 laps riding on the front. Shortly after I began this effort, passing through the narrow section on the backside of the course, I heard a crash that must've been among the front ten riders. Next time around, I saw Jaime laying on the asphalt, with a course marshall next to him. I felt terrible for him and I could only hope he was not badly hurt. He appeared to be conscious, and I assume the course marshal asked him to stay put until medics arrived to check him out. The road is divided with orange pylons and yellow tape there because the other half is open to vehicle traffic. So the marshall needed to protect Jaime from traffic on either side of the border tape.

I wasn't producing a gap, and I was now toast. With about 4 laps to go, a rider jumped into the lead on the finishing stretch, overcooked the u-turn and clipped his pedal. He slid to the right, but not far enough. The rest of us had to alter our lines out of the turn to avoid hitting him, while making sure our new lines didn't cause more damage behind us. Jim pulled through for a bit, and by then we had a lap or so to go. On the bell lap, I knew I wasn't recovered enough to claw my way into position to set up before the chicane. If I had, I'd become an obstacle, so I remained mid-pack and watched the sprint from there.

While teammate Henrik Schubert takes 5th at the line, I'm rolling in twenty riders back, calling out a downed rider
photo: Katie Truong 

It took skill even at non-sprinting speed to avoid a rider who crashed in the front six sprinters.

At the line, I came across the line 26^th. But with the age group split, I learned I'd finished 5^th and Jim 6^th, of nine m55 riders. I'm not particularly proud of my result, because I was racing with the whole field, not nine guys.

The team regrouped afterwards, then rolled down to find Jaime was basically fine, though stiff and banged up a bit. He had many family and friends who came to watch him race. Seeing them I again felt terrible about him laying on the road for two laps. By the way, double-kudos to Jaime for winning the E5 race earlier that morning!

There's no substitute for efficiency. The same goes for commitment. You can combine both qualities, but I didn't in this race. Once I deviated from the team's plan earlier than expected (staying sheltered in the front 10-12 until possibly the last 3 or 4 laps), I should've committed more fully to the attack, which might have at least created a gap, which in such a short race, is actually worth a try.

I didn't approach this race with much in the way of commitment, so it took me a long time to get around to posting this. I think this disappointment in myself helped me develop determination for my next race.

Snelling Road Race, 2/21/2015 - My First Road Race as a Team Rider

Some of the Cushman & Wakefield Squads at Snelling L to R: Me, Norrie Quinn, Armin Pressler, Dan Tkach, Neil Leary, Henrik Schubert, Long Nguyen, Tony Low, Jaime Madrigal

I was more nervous than usual about this race. While I dove into the Early Bird training crits in January, and had a good showing on New Year's day at San Bruno, I have felt like I've gotten a late start to the season, racing for my new team. This would be my first opportunity to learn how to ride with a team. But this course seemed to have a reputation as being best for big, crit-types, so I was expecting a physical, argy-bargy bell lap with lots of potential for crashes. My season goal is to perform as a valuable and integral team rider, so I definitely want to demonstrate to my team and others that I'm dedicated.

The original plan

During our team phone conference two nights prior, our primary goal was to work for our A-rider, Mark Carson. Tony Low, Norrie Quinn and Dan Tkach would work to protect Mark in the pack, while Henrik and I would police any breakaways and make sure that if any occurred, CW would be represented. If possible, I would support Henrik for a win.

A new plan

Henrik and I carpooled from San Rafael to the race. On the way, we got an email from Mark that his cold had progressed and he won't be able to race. Our race strategy would now be revised. With a brief pre-race discussion, Tony, Norrie, Dan, Henrik and I agreed that our new plan is to protect and work for Henrik.

My understanding of my current role and goals

Work to protect Henrik if I can. If I can't (and I wasn't able to do much for him until the final lap), be aware enough to notice what else needs to be done. Also I did not want to place top nine because I wanted to avoid picking up another upgrade point so early in the season.

A change in duty

I can't figure out why, but on completing the slow, first lap, my left hamstring cramped violently and relentlessly. I hydrated with electrolyte amply during my prerace warmup on the rollers. And my training efforts have been strong in recent weeks. Whatever the cause, I quickly found myself at the rear of the pack approaching the feed zone. Unable to stop the seizing, I thought my race was done. I got dropped at Copperopolis last year with the same affliction. I rode out of the saddle to use different muscles. For insurance I took a bottle from Paige, guzzled a bit, and as if I'd been “sha-zammed” by a genie, my cramping subsided. I don't know if it was the fluids, or real magic, but thank you for the change in circumstances Paige.

Back in the peloton, it was still challenging to thread through, to ride near Henrik, Tony and Norrie in the front dozen riders. Even though we have the luxury of covering both lanes of the closed course, the right side still bunches up, so it turned out that it was easiest to move up on the left. The breeze was practically nonexistent, so there wasn't much of an issue with echelons.

Crash avoidance, luck, team headcount, moving on

A crash (on Los Cerritos Rd, during lap two, spawned a breakaway with three riders (FSB, ? and ? represente–do any of my teammates remember what other teams?). Due to the post-crash scramble and confusion, I'm unaware at this point that these riders got away. I notice a bit late, that Tony is working hard at the front all alone. I come alongside Norrie and ask what's up. He tells me that Tony's trying to reel in the break by himself. I felt like such an idiot for not noticing sooner. Once I understood, I got up there and helped Tony, knowing that every second counts. Norrie is working to protect Henrik. Dan is working well forward in the pack. Tony explains that FSB has a rider in the break, which explains why he's receiving so little help from other teams. Tony was a beast throughout these efforts. He has hinted that work and other obligations have reduced his training time, but it did not show. He almost single-handedly reeled in the breakaway.

I remember seeing one of the three leaders fade and get reabsorbed. I'm not absolutely sure when we picked up the remaining two. But by the beginning of the fourth lap, I'm pretty sure we were gruppo compacto.

Last lap

Midway through the fourth and final lap, on Olsen Rd. I move up along the left side, to the front, and our blue train leads the peloton. I'm pretty sure it looked pretty cool... at least it felt very cool. We're winding it up, beginning to stretch out the field after a tough chase to reel in the leaders. Taking the sharp, sandy, right onto Los Cerritos, with Henrik on my wheel and at least Norrie and Tony tucked in, I decide to try to string out the field with a hard, sustained effort, expecting to burn all my matches, hoping to sap some energy from the sprinters to give my guys a better shot. 3/4 mile after the turn, I have to take a break while we're neutralized by the moto-ref so the P1/2s can get past us. Somewhere in that group is Airgas rider Chris Horner, but I don't care. I was hoping for a consistent effort all the way to the steep-ish climb after the bridge. The ref holds us back until there's a gap, for about 3/4 mile. I'm recovered a bit, unfortunately so is everyone else. But I know I'll get the word first from the ref once we're released. As soon as he signals, I hit it again hard and burn my last matches up and over the climb. I don't know for sure if I'm doing any damage, I just hear Henrik yelling "Go Go Go!" I hope at least that I helped keep my teammates up front, instead of inside the swirling “squaredance” that can occur in a prolonged windup to a sprinter's race like this one.

The finish

Left turn onto Figmund, I drift back, mid-pack, spent. I see Henrik and Dan have hit the hard, uphill right turn onto Fields Road, in good position for the bunch sprint. Henrik gets to the turn about 5^th or 6^th wheel, and Dan is in there a few riders back. At the line, Henrik gets 3rd! Dan is 5^th! I “wander in” for 22nd place.

Blue on the podium L to R: Henrik Schubert (CW), Ron Stofan (BP/Sierra Nevada), Krag Rasmussen (Eden Cycles) 

Where I might have “dropped the ball”

The cramping really got me off to a bad start. My experience has been that severe cramping like that is more due to lack of fitness than lack of hydration, but I know I'm fit, so who knows? Whatever the case, it affected my ability to stick to my job. Fortunately another teammate took over that role, and once I recovered, I was able to take on new work helping Tony reel in the breakaway. I also feel like I didn't demonstrate confident pack riding skills, in that I found it difficult to find slots in the front dozen riders. Next time I'll communicate better with teammates, signaling that I want to drop in line ahead of their front wheel.

Job done. Tiny blue guy (on the left) finishing mid-pack

What I think I did right

Not that I “did” anything to achieve this, but my training has been excellent so far this season. I've been extremely lucky with family, work and general health. I have so much to learn about cycling on a team, after riding, essentially solo, for over four decades. But I feel like this race presented several great examples of why it's important to be receptive to the dynamic nature of racing, as plan “A” gives way to plan “B” and “C”. In my own “fantasy world”, so far, I feel like my hard efforts in the final lap served some purpose to improve my teammates' chances in the setup for the sprint.

What I think could be improved

That crash was a close call for nearly all of us. Granted, riding in the front of the pack is always safer, but isn't always possible to stay there. As far forward as Henrik was, he was actually closest to the incident. He was lucky to do a fast move to the right to avoid being caught on the fringe of the tumbling wad of legs, arms and bikes. I was farther back, with an extra second or two to react, but the evasive moves by others were amplified like waves. My safest line, took me off the right side of the road, into the sand at the edge of the almond orchard. Fortunately the ground was firm enough to stay at speed and cx ride a bit, then get back onto the road. My first thought was to check on teammates. It looked like all five blue kits were upright. But if not, what does a teammate do? I am inclined to stop and do anything possible to get my mate back in the pack. Give up a wheel, a bike, whatever. The experience of CA rider Greg Pacheco tells me that the race is not over if you go down–he was in the crash, got up, chased back on, and finished 4^th. We were all lucky this time. I feel like I need to be ready to react more rapidly to situations as they arise though.

I recognize that I've had some time to knit this yarn into a tale that makes me look like less of a wimp. But I'm riding with you guys to learn, so please call me on any errors you notice. I'll keep an eye out for your reports to see what else I've missed.