RPI Race Weekend

The RPI race weekend was definitely a success for all who participated this weekend. It was and excellent road trip despite the freezing weather. The first race of the weekend was Sat. morning's ITT in 22 degree weather. The course was a flat 4.5 mile out and back. We made a good faith effort to warm up but as we stood in line at the start the quads definitely cooled down. The hands and feet were not too happy during riding either. But, the ITT was a great way to warm up for the road race since Men's C was last in the ITT and then first in the road race. So here are official results: Pete: 34 out of 60 in C Brad: 54 out of 60 in C Chris: 27 out of 30 in DII Next up was the road race. It was a bit more balmy out now at 27 degrees and we were ready to go until the course marshalls weren't on course and we had to wait. Brad and I decided to wait in the car instead of outside and as a result we started in the last row of an 82 rider field. Wow, that was something else as the accordion effect at the back was rediculous as we sprinted and almost stopped repeatedly in the first couple miles. As a result of attrition and some good climbing, we managed to make our way further up in the pack. The last lap was expecially tough after the last downhill, which was so sketch due to the bumpy pavement and tons of gravel on it, where we had to put in a huge sprint to stay on the back of the main field. Then things settled down before the finishing climb. Brad and I put in a nice finish where we were able to pass tons of riders and nobody passed us once the climb started. Note to self, don't start in the back of such a huge field. There is absolutely no way to pass when the official's car is honking and freaking out if anyone violates the yellow line rule. So, results: Pete: 19 out of 82 in C Brad:29 out of 82 in C Chris: 21 out of 31 in DII Then onto the best part of the which was Brown's Brewery in downtown Troy, NY. Good food and festive drinks were had and enjoyed. We were intent on replenishing our glycogen stores and carb. loading for Sunday's Crit. So Sunday's crit was so much warmer, probably low 30's by the time we raced, and the course so nice that we were in good spirits before the race. The crit. course was absolutely great. Nice wide turns and smoot pavement, excluding the grates and manhole covers. Chris rode a great race sticking with a nice pack of guys throughout in the D's. The CII race was tons of fun because there was very little braking and you could just fly around the course. Brad and I were working throughout the race to get to the front but because of attacks and other things, like a crash, kept getting shuffled to the back. I took a couple pulls at the front of the main field to pull in two attacks. On the next to last lap I was in the back of the main field when coming toward the bell lap at the start/finish everyone sort of relaxed so I decided I must attack. I went by the entire field on the outside and got a jump into the first turn. I led the field and managed to string them out nicely and put some guys in trouble on the back as I drove towards home. As I came out on the finishing stretch I was sprinting as hard as I could, but it wasn't enough as several guys went past before the finish. I felt that I needed to attack and it felt great. Brad stuck in there and had an excellent sprint to the finish line. Crit. results: Pete: 12 out of 36 in CII Brad: 15 out of 36 in CII Chris:16 out of 32 in DII I think that I can speak for all of us that is was worth the road trip and racing in the cold for a successful weekend of racing. I am looking forward to some more races and putting it out there for a win.