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!
Bike Racing, Fit Science, and Physical Therapy
April 28, 2013
March 19, 2013
Milan-San Remo / Tour de Dung 1
This past weekend was the running of Milan-San Remo, the longest single-day race in the Pro calendar. Just under 300km, this race makes for a brutally long day on the bikes, and can play out in a multitude of ways. Every year, as with most Classics, there are the riders that are favored to win - usually due to recent success, past performances at the race, or just canny nature and skill. This year, everyone had eyes set on Peter Sagan and Fabian Cancellara - strongmen who excel in these situations. Cancellara has won here before, and came so close last year before being nipped in the sprint.
The conditions this year were quite terrible - cold rain and wind turned into icy slush. The weather got so bad that the event was actually shortened - cutting out some of the snowy and treacherous sections to protect the riders. In the end, a small group escaped over the final climb and powered into the finish. This group just happened to include BOTH Cancellara and Sagan. Sagan launched a little early and ended up getting overtaken right before the line, ending up 2nd with Cancellara right behind him. Great racing from both riders and incredible effort by everyone who managed to finish the brutal race.
My recent race held a similar effect. The Tour de Dung in Sequim, WA - a staple of the early-season racing in Washington, is usually a decent weather affair due to the rain shadow from the mountains. This running however was anything but. Temperature dropped to a low 44 degrees and featured a chilling rain for the majority of the race. To make this even more challenging, a strong wind off the Sound ripped across the area, with gusts up to 45mph! Racers huddled in the cars after quickly getting changed, and hastily warmed up before the race began. The layout of the 12 mile circuit meant that you had a long section where the wind pushed us to about 40mph, spinning out the gearing, two sections where the crosswind had you riding at a slant, and another long section with a BRUTAL headwind limiting you to around 14mph.
As with last week, I felt great at the start of the race. I knew that the big thing would be to try to conserve a bit more energy compared to last week, so that I would be able to hang in for the finish. The strong winds were a constant fight, as they tried to whip the wheels around whenever you hit those parts of the course. It was pretty crazy to spin out the gearing on a flat section, but quite demoralizing fighting the headwind on the other side. As we started lap 5, I was definitely feeling exhausted. Moving up the early climb I sat on the wrong wheel and soon found myself off the back. I worked to chase back, but the gap was already expanding, and once they hit the fast section, I was never going to make it back. I powered along solo, passing a few other riders who had peeled off (many of which were turning around) and then fought along the headwind to try to catch the main grupetto that had formed. I was only about 200m back as we made the corner to start the final lap, and wisely followed them into the parking lot, once again calling it a day. As we changed out of our soaking clothes and tried to warm up, we saw the leaders of the race come around for the win. Dave had managed to attach from the group and almost catch a small group of riders who had broken away. He ended up with a great top-10 finish, and Joe was 2nd in the group sprint from the remaining pack that arrived shortly after. The final tally - only 28 finishers - over 50% abandoned!
I was once again a little disappointed that I was unable to finish the race, but definitely did better than last week, so my fitness is getting there. Tour de Dung #2 is this weekend, and the weather should be better. Lets see if I can make my mark.
The conditions this year were quite terrible - cold rain and wind turned into icy slush. The weather got so bad that the event was actually shortened - cutting out some of the snowy and treacherous sections to protect the riders. In the end, a small group escaped over the final climb and powered into the finish. This group just happened to include BOTH Cancellara and Sagan. Sagan launched a little early and ended up getting overtaken right before the line, ending up 2nd with Cancellara right behind him. Great racing from both riders and incredible effort by everyone who managed to finish the brutal race.
My recent race held a similar effect. The Tour de Dung in Sequim, WA - a staple of the early-season racing in Washington, is usually a decent weather affair due to the rain shadow from the mountains. This running however was anything but. Temperature dropped to a low 44 degrees and featured a chilling rain for the majority of the race. To make this even more challenging, a strong wind off the Sound ripped across the area, with gusts up to 45mph! Racers huddled in the cars after quickly getting changed, and hastily warmed up before the race began. The layout of the 12 mile circuit meant that you had a long section where the wind pushed us to about 40mph, spinning out the gearing, two sections where the crosswind had you riding at a slant, and another long section with a BRUTAL headwind limiting you to around 14mph.
As with last week, I felt great at the start of the race. I knew that the big thing would be to try to conserve a bit more energy compared to last week, so that I would be able to hang in for the finish. The strong winds were a constant fight, as they tried to whip the wheels around whenever you hit those parts of the course. It was pretty crazy to spin out the gearing on a flat section, but quite demoralizing fighting the headwind on the other side. As we started lap 5, I was definitely feeling exhausted. Moving up the early climb I sat on the wrong wheel and soon found myself off the back. I worked to chase back, but the gap was already expanding, and once they hit the fast section, I was never going to make it back. I powered along solo, passing a few other riders who had peeled off (many of which were turning around) and then fought along the headwind to try to catch the main grupetto that had formed. I was only about 200m back as we made the corner to start the final lap, and wisely followed them into the parking lot, once again calling it a day. As we changed out of our soaking clothes and tried to warm up, we saw the leaders of the race come around for the win. Dave had managed to attach from the group and almost catch a small group of riders who had broken away. He ended up with a great top-10 finish, and Joe was 2nd in the group sprint from the remaining pack that arrived shortly after. The final tally - only 28 finishers - over 50% abandoned!
I was once again a little disappointed that I was unable to finish the race, but definitely did better than last week, so my fitness is getting there. Tour de Dung #2 is this weekend, and the weather should be better. Lets see if I can make my mark.
DNF
Well, so much for coming out swinging.
I lined up for the start of my very first Cat1/2 race the other day, to compete in the second Mason Lake event - one of the traditional season-starters up here in Washington. Due to the early season, and the location, this race always attracts big fields of racers looking to start their racing season. We also get a good amount of Oregon riders who make the trip up to compete as well. We also had some of the locally-based Pros racing for some early-season fitness as well.
The Mason Lake course basically consists of two parts - wide-open main road (where you typically fight the wind) and a narrower, winding road around the lake. The key is to move up during the open section, since the narrower road makes things a little more difficult (especially when it is a little damp, which is a majority of these races). The finish is a slight uphill grade, roughly 350m after a sharp 90 corner (where there is usually at least one crash during the day). This uphill finish can make for a very difficult and long sprint if you don't time it right.
I felt great during the warm-up and even during the first lap and half. Moving around through the field, trying to be of assistance to the team. As we turned onto the back stretch along the lake during lap 2, I started to realize that my legs were feeling a bit tired - probably my fault for not eating enough, but I think it was just not being used to the race-pace of the field (one of my teammates mentioned after the race that the Mason races this year were the fastest for the last few years). I sunk back into the field for the remainder of lap 2 to try to recuperate. Lap 3 was an effort to rest as much as possible, but I was definitely starting to notice the lack of power in my legs.
I made it through about a quarter of lap 4 before I just couldn't hang on and fell into the no-mans land off the back. I figured that the main reason I wasn't able to hang was just the fitness side, so I continued to ride along on my own. Just before the turn onto the back stretch I caught onto a rider who had fallen of the back as well and we worked together, switching turns pulling for the next lap and half. This completed 60 of the 72 miles in the race, and I figured it was time to call it quits and catch the finish of the field. I found another member of my team who had blown up early as well and we rode back to the finish line to watch. About 2 minutes later the leaders came through - riders from Oregon taking the top 2 spots. Our best finish was in the top 10, so not terrible, but I really felt that I needed to improve my condition to be of help to the team. At least I got some good miles into the legs and hope to be of more use in the next race.
On a good note - first race on the new bike, and it performed as well as could be hoped with me dragging it down. I will post a write-up with photos shortly.
I lined up for the start of my very first Cat1/2 race the other day, to compete in the second Mason Lake event - one of the traditional season-starters up here in Washington. Due to the early season, and the location, this race always attracts big fields of racers looking to start their racing season. We also get a good amount of Oregon riders who make the trip up to compete as well. We also had some of the locally-based Pros racing for some early-season fitness as well.
The Mason Lake course basically consists of two parts - wide-open main road (where you typically fight the wind) and a narrower, winding road around the lake. The key is to move up during the open section, since the narrower road makes things a little more difficult (especially when it is a little damp, which is a majority of these races). The finish is a slight uphill grade, roughly 350m after a sharp 90 corner (where there is usually at least one crash during the day). This uphill finish can make for a very difficult and long sprint if you don't time it right.
I felt great during the warm-up and even during the first lap and half. Moving around through the field, trying to be of assistance to the team. As we turned onto the back stretch along the lake during lap 2, I started to realize that my legs were feeling a bit tired - probably my fault for not eating enough, but I think it was just not being used to the race-pace of the field (one of my teammates mentioned after the race that the Mason races this year were the fastest for the last few years). I sunk back into the field for the remainder of lap 2 to try to recuperate. Lap 3 was an effort to rest as much as possible, but I was definitely starting to notice the lack of power in my legs.
I made it through about a quarter of lap 4 before I just couldn't hang on and fell into the no-mans land off the back. I figured that the main reason I wasn't able to hang was just the fitness side, so I continued to ride along on my own. Just before the turn onto the back stretch I caught onto a rider who had fallen of the back as well and we worked together, switching turns pulling for the next lap and half. This completed 60 of the 72 miles in the race, and I figured it was time to call it quits and catch the finish of the field. I found another member of my team who had blown up early as well and we rode back to the finish line to watch. About 2 minutes later the leaders came through - riders from Oregon taking the top 2 spots. Our best finish was in the top 10, so not terrible, but I really felt that I needed to improve my condition to be of help to the team. At least I got some good miles into the legs and hope to be of more use in the next race.
On a good note - first race on the new bike, and it performed as well as could be hoped with me dragging it down. I will post a write-up with photos shortly.
February 3, 2013
Speedvagen Integrated Stem
They also offer a special limited edition World Championships edition -
Even cooler with a custom paint scheme, and limited quantities, although with a higher price-tag as well.
If you have the funds, these stems are an awesome upgrade to your cross rig. Order here - http://boutique.vanillabicycles.com/category/stems
Maybe order and extra and send it my way too!
Cyclocross Worlds 2013
Yesterday was the World Championship of Cyclocross, the first ever raced on the US shores. We had an awesome year of professional racing in the US this year. Jeremy Powers, as the reigning US champion, put on an amazing season littered with wins and easily led the US in points for the Elite men. His Rapha-Focus teammate, Zach McDonald, in his final year as a U23, also raced incredible as national champion. Unfortunately neither was able to defend their title for 2013/2014, but they did race and win in style all season. Zach almost took home the Elite national title with an amazing ride to finish behind Jonathan Page. Flash forward to the Worlds, and surprising it was Tim Johnson who managed to grab the highest finish for a US Elite, coming in 19th, ahead of Page and Powers who finished in the mid 20s.
Going into the races I, like most cross fans, figured our best bet for a win rested on Katie Compton - the most dominant US crosser for the past for years. Katie was on a roll and managed to win the World Cup this year - no easy task. Yet, in the Elite Women's race, she was unable to hang with Marianne Vos - perhaps the winningest woman in cycling history.
Similarly, in the juniors race, an incredible Logan Owen raced well, but had to settle just off the podium in 4th place.
Not the finished we were all hoping for, but impressive non-the-less, and hopefully next year we have better luck.
Read more here - http://www.cxmagazine.com/
Going into the races I, like most cross fans, figured our best bet for a win rested on Katie Compton - the most dominant US crosser for the past for years. Katie was on a roll and managed to win the World Cup this year - no easy task. Yet, in the Elite Women's race, she was unable to hang with Marianne Vos - perhaps the winningest woman in cycling history.
Similarly, in the juniors race, an incredible Logan Owen raced well, but had to settle just off the podium in 4th place.
Not the finished we were all hoping for, but impressive non-the-less, and hopefully next year we have better luck.
Read more here - http://www.cxmagazine.com/
January 28, 2013
MadFiber - part 1
After the tour, the MadFiber staff began to get a set of wheels together for me to take home - luckily I received a set of the uber-light tubular model - perfect for some cross and road experiences. In addition to the wheels (packed into that great double-wheel bag shown above), MadFiber also sends you this little goodie bag:
Overall, the finish on the wheels is very high, part of the benefit of low-production wheels - they have the time to carefully inspect each wheel and ensure it meets their demands. Areas like the valve-stem hole are carefully finished and blend into the wheel. The tubular bed is equally impressive and is part of the strength of the wheels. Now it is time to brake out some glue and get some tires on these wheels. Check back for part 2!
January 6, 2013
Winter Miles
Here we are in the midst of Winter and in preparation for the 2013 season. This means long stints in the saddle and big mileage to get ready for the 1/2 races. Today was my longest stint yet this winter, and I am glad to relaxing now.
After my 3 hour ride yesterday I started my morning by cleaning and regreasing the chain (an important step for maintaining your gear and sanity - nothing is more draining than listening to your chain squeak the entire ride!) I then rode out to meet my teammates for a few hills and some good miles. After some delay in the main group, Mike and I started off along the route on our own.
Riding along at a slow place we discussed wheel sets for the Baron Outsider bikes we ride in the winter and rainy day training. Since the Outsider uses disc brakes for all-weather stopping, choices aren't as plentiful, but many narrow 29er wheels work perfect. This was something I have been looking into since I really need to replace this Kona Payroll rims that I took off my girlfriend's bike. She is riding happy on the velocity/white industry wheels I ran before, so once I get some new wheels I can finally unload these silly Konas.
After finishing the first hill, the rest of the group was still nowhere to be seen. We kept riding the route and started the 2nd climb where we ran into our teammate Andrew. He hopped onto our wheels and finished the climb with us. At the top we decided to turn around and redo the climb, hoping we would run into the rest of the team. We were right, and about halfway down we saw everyone climbing up. A quick turn-around and now we were climbing again. At the top we regrouped and then rode into Juanita for the final climb of the organized ride. Some of the team kicked up the pace on the climb, but I chose to hold my pace and slowly passed the people who had tried to go all-out and ran out of juice.
At this point it was time to head home. Heading back along the river, I unfortunately battled the wind the entire way, not the best way to end a long day. After the wind tunnel I finally turned off the path and heading up one last hill for my destination. This hill is a long grinder, and by the top you are definitely ready to be done. A nice shower and some lunch is a great reward for these miles, and hopefully come racing, all this work will pay off with some solid results during the season.
After my 3 hour ride yesterday I started my morning by cleaning and regreasing the chain (an important step for maintaining your gear and sanity - nothing is more draining than listening to your chain squeak the entire ride!) I then rode out to meet my teammates for a few hills and some good miles. After some delay in the main group, Mike and I started off along the route on our own.
Riding along at a slow place we discussed wheel sets for the Baron Outsider bikes we ride in the winter and rainy day training. Since the Outsider uses disc brakes for all-weather stopping, choices aren't as plentiful, but many narrow 29er wheels work perfect. This was something I have been looking into since I really need to replace this Kona Payroll rims that I took off my girlfriend's bike. She is riding happy on the velocity/white industry wheels I ran before, so once I get some new wheels I can finally unload these silly Konas.
After finishing the first hill, the rest of the group was still nowhere to be seen. We kept riding the route and started the 2nd climb where we ran into our teammate Andrew. He hopped onto our wheels and finished the climb with us. At the top we decided to turn around and redo the climb, hoping we would run into the rest of the team. We were right, and about halfway down we saw everyone climbing up. A quick turn-around and now we were climbing again. At the top we regrouped and then rode into Juanita for the final climb of the organized ride. Some of the team kicked up the pace on the climb, but I chose to hold my pace and slowly passed the people who had tried to go all-out and ran out of juice.
At this point it was time to head home. Heading back along the river, I unfortunately battled the wind the entire way, not the best way to end a long day. After the wind tunnel I finally turned off the path and heading up one last hill for my destination. This hill is a long grinder, and by the top you are definitely ready to be done. A nice shower and some lunch is a great reward for these miles, and hopefully come racing, all this work will pay off with some solid results during the season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)