Sunapee CAT 4 Report

Sorry for the 2nd post, I’m having issues posting to Kevin’s thread……..

Last year a break of two got away on the first major climb. Going into this race, I was concerned w/ this happening again as though we had representation from multiple teams, no team had full gas and my feeling was that it could very well be a repeat w/ a disorganized pack. Met up w/ Kevin in the parking lot. He said he was there for whatever was needed. We line up w/ Julian and Jamie (Bob had said he may not make it, I assume his hall pass was rescinded ;)). W/ the fear of a break going out, I was keen to make sure I went w/ almost anything. Yes, this is stupid, but when it cements itself in your head, paranoia becomes reality. The group was warned of the turn changes into 103 and the fear of God was firmly in place in the group. The first lap went off w/out a hitch. Kevin was doing a great job off the front and looked strong. I was looking forward to taking him up on his offer, but w/ the chain drop, that would end his day (atleast for contention) There were a few digs up the hills but nothing serious. As we came down the descent on 103A and into the now dreaded corner, the pack split. This was not your typical turn and surge. The first 15 or so through the turn got a nice gap and I took a serious pull to get back (match 1 struck). On the major climb on lap two, 3 went up. I was top 20 going in and surged up to match the pace of the 3 away. Turns out that this was completely unneccessary (no Sh*t jack@ss) as we were scooped up shortly after on the descent (match 2). Thankfuly, lesson learned. I no longer felt the need to chase any/all. On the final climb before 103A a small group got away, not concerned as there was a screaming rolling downhill before the next climb, I did not chase. It was at this point that we were neutralized for the masters. The “break” which I don’t believe stood a chance, was neutralized as well and we were all back together. The plan for this lap was to be top 10 on the descent onto 103 as I had no interest in the gap split from the last lap through the turn. I hugged the yellow and held firm through the descent. No issues through the corner and onto the final 3miles into the finsh. Two went away on this stretch and I was w/ two Cambridge riders (aka the Nick and Gary show). Nick piped up to the two riders in front of us not to let the two in the break get away. The goading was unsuccesful so he took it upon himself to begin the chase. I followed as did the pack, but Iost some positioning in the surge. Coming into the circle before the climb, I found myself top 15/20. As we began the final climb to the finish, the pace of course surged. I was right side and picking up places (big ring). This was my 2nd year on this course, but first time contesting the finish. My inexperience would be my downfall. As we reached the false flat, I had great momentum and was picking up riders. However, as I reached the spear of the pack, the pace mellowed. Not thinking, I mellowed w/ it. I was literally big ring soft pedaling as the pack was in anticipation of the final kicker @ 200m to go. I was w/ three, including Nick Mashburn. In fact, I was right on Nick’s wheel. I felt uncomfortable w/ the pace, but didn’t do anything about it. We reached the kicker and Nick took off. As I stood to follow, I couldn’t wind it up. Not sure if too big a gear, too much work or just bad legs, but to take Jay’s verbiage from last week “I was dropping like an anvil”. I had done everything right w/ respect to positioning. Literally in the top 5 w/ 200 to go. I ended up, I think, top 15 as I just good not get the cranks rolling to match the pace. Nick ended up taking the win. Sometimes you have it and sometimes you don’t. Jamie came in shortly after. He had been blocked by a rider coming into the final turn w/ some cone shennanigans, but had a strong race nonetheless. Missed my goal of top 5, but learned a few more valuable lessons. Beginning to feel more and more comfortable w/ how these races are playing out, just need to do a better job reminding myself to relax. This will be my last race for the next 6 weeks. The plan is to go into hiding, test the legs at Housatonic and prepare for goal A1 on the calendar….Fitchburg. Nice work out there gentlemen, looking forward to kitting up again w/ you all in July.

Btw,
Kevin, If I don’t see you prior, good luck in Utah. It has been great racing w/ you if only for a brief while.