« Marty RR - Windy, Windy, Windy... Hard! | Main | Opus 5 »
May 6, 2008
Opus 4
As I was heading out from work to the race it was raining cats and dogs. I assumed the field for the 4's would be much smaller than normal, but when I got there the registration lot was pretty empty. The rain was coming down hard and I was actually really excited for the race. Cobra was the only Loon-mate to show for the 4's, but the rest of the Loon crew who do all the hard work running the race and the officials were there so race on! As Cobra and I rolled up to the start, there were only 4 other guys on the line. Our race was cut from 12 laps to 9 which was fine with everyone as the field was small and the rain was still coming down. From the gun a Carleton College guy took off of the front. The pack stuck together and as we entered the first sprint lap we caught Mr. College and I was in second position. I went first from the bottom of hill and got out kicked at the line and took my proverbial second in the first sprint. The pace slowed quiet a bit for the next two laps which was good for me so I could recover. As we entered into the second sprint no one in the group wanted to take to the front so we all pretty much came to a stand still at the bottom of the hill. Soooo..... I went first again. This time I got enough of a jump to hold onto first (my first sprint win!). It was a long sprint for me and I was toast after it. A Silver Cycling guy took a flyer off the front and two others went to chase and I tried to go, but really struggled. I hung for a bit, but once the hill came around again I pretty much lost contact. I rolled over the finish totally spent but did take 3rd in the race. Yeah so, there were only 6 guys, but 3rd is 3rd. I did learn that no matter what when I put in a strong sprint effort I need time to recover. if I can recover I can sprint all out again. When I can't recover I die quickly. I think I might switch up my tactics next week and try something new.
Posted by kermisch at May 6, 2008 9:56 PM