For one of the longest road races of the year (at least in the Washington area), OVRR usually tends to result in a breakaway for the win, and this year proved to be no exception. The day started looking promising with dry roads and temperatures in the 60s. As we approached race-time however, the temperature dropped to the low 50s and the clouds darkened - we were in for some wet racing. As the 90 mile race began the pace was a little jumpy - a combination of people trying to warm up and riders looking to force a selection. Not even halfway through the first lap the main break formed. Modest at first, it was only around 8 riders (luckily we managed to get two riders into the group), and shortly after an addition of riders managed to jump across to increase the firepower in the break - all but assured of victory by now.
As we had 2 riders in the break, the remainder of our team had a free ride along the peloton. Audi unfortunately had no one in the break despite all the opportunity, and as they were the largest team without presence, they were saddled with the job of chasing. For the next lap and a half, Audi spent a majority of time digging at the front, with some assistance from the other small teams without a chance. As we rolled through the 3rd lap and heard the break was still over 3 minutes, Audi pulled the plug and the pace slowed.
About halfway through the lap we had some bad news as we picked up one of our breakaway riders. The break was now down to 10 riders. We did still have a rider up the road, so we were still free to ride along and save strength. The break had a strong lead, so there was no chance of bringing it back, but now there was at least some room to string out the race for the final lap. Robson was the captain for the race and was hoping for a strong leadout for the finish (and to snag the group-sprint), and as we were heading to the finish he requested we pick up the pace to break up the race.
I jumped with a few riders to form a breakaway of 5 or 6 riders and carried on for a few minutes before the peloton caught back. At this point I was certain of finishing the race, so I was more than happy to lay it out for Robson and do a decent amount of work. As we hit the final hill, I slung up the side and sat down at the front. Tucking down in the drops I started to crank it up and drag the field. After a few minutes I pulled to the side and found that we had broke off with about 7 riders around 100 ft off the front of the peloton. I tucked back into the group and turning the corner, was 4th in line. An HSP rider was a little careless in the corner and wiped out, causing our group to run wide and make the gap to the peloton even greater. We hit the bridge with my teammate Munson on the front pulling what was now only 5 riders. As he tired, I again pulled to front. Despite the big pull on the hill, I dropped into gear and started launching for the line, still around 500m from the finish. A rider for Hagens was on my wheel and jumped slightly after the 300m mark and shortly after two other riders followed. I tried to jump too, but at this point my legs were burning so I just continued to churn the gear and came across the line as 4th in our group (making for a finish of 14th for the day).
Behind me, the field sprint was occurring. Our pulling had spread up the field and my teammates Alec and Schwin were able to lead out Robson well and put him in the perfect place to seal the deal and take the field sprint! Not a perfect day, but we successfully managed to get riders in the top 20 with one rider in the main break at the finish, and taking the field sprint. To make matters better, I was finally able to finish a race in the 1/2 field! It has taken a bit of work to get in form and not burn out early, but I am happy to have a good result after the work at the end of the race.
I do need to start posting my reviews and the bike this year, and promise I will get these posted ASAP so keep on riding and reading folks!
