ah well... THOSE are the stages i like to watch... drama, pain... it woulda been doubly sweet if Axle had held on for the win... at least he got some major air time for the sponsor, prolly picked up the most combative jersey for the day.
I'm gonna pass this on from a local guy who race (for the last time appearantly) in the 35+ 5 race at Sterling. Supposedly came home from the race with a dismal placing and hypothermia... DAMN!
I did the 35+ Cat 5 [sterling, MA] last weekend, and ... oh boy, are they green. Can't hold a line, shift on a hill, or move into gaps without bumping. 'course, the road conditions were the worst.
GRRRR... great greenhorns... should be fun... maybe i'd just better get off my ass, get the lisence and get it overwith...
not the encouraging words... I would have guessed maybe that the 'old' folks would have a bit of skills... but then... what am i thinking... its probably a field full of Lance Wannabees with more cash and time than brains or skills at this point.
but i'll be nice - who knows - maybe people think i'm the phreaking phred stinkin up a ride... i don't think so, although i have been known to (due to in-attention) drop kick folks on a hill (stand in the saddle and let the momentum shift the bike rearward 6-12")... but at least i know what to do - even if i can't do it (exhaustion, brain fart, whatnot)... my guess would be the best way to deal with that crowd is to find one or two strong fit other guys in the group and get as far off the front as possible... down side is (my gut) some of the guys are stronger than they are smart... riding alone for 5000 miles so far this season might make ya faster than me but dude - hold a freaking line... (letting my caffine amped mind run isn't good maybe)...
at least its lunch time...
1 comment:
The solo break will always be a low percentage play. Everything has to go your way for it to work. When you are not a sprinter though, what have you got to lose? Second place sometimes pays well, but it is still the first loser.
It could be worse though. My most unsuccessful solo break was in the 1993 District RR around the Quabbin, in the 30+ group. I attacked with about 8k to go. This was the first time we did this course, and since it was only a 1 loop race, I did not know exactly where the finish was. I had a good gap at one point, but I started thinking it was too far, when suddenly I saw the 1K to go sign! At that point I probably had 10-20 seconds, and the sprinters were just eyeing each other. I was dieing, but I kept my head down. Within site of the line, maybe 200 meters out, the sprint came by. Heartbreaking loss, for sure. Luckily my team mate won, but some dork in about 25th place, sprinting from the back cut right across me and took my front wheel out from under me. I was still going 40+ kph. I only slid on the scorching hot pavement about 15 feet before going off into the dirt, but it was enough to melt all my clothes, and I was burned and scraped down my entire right side. Not the way to end a solo break...
Post a Comment