GDVC Spring Crit #1, 2003

by Al Macey

In the 4/5s field we had 8 or 9 (I'm not entirely sure) teammates. Our original intent was to send people up the road over and over and keep attacking.

However, we didn't manage to stick to that plan. For the first few laps everything stayed together, with BDs strung out through the field. We had decided to attack after the first prime, assuming that, based on experience, 4/5s tend to sit up after an intermediate sprint.

But no one sat up after the prime, and suddenly a break formed. Joe Tavano bridged up to the break, and we had 2 (maybe three?) people get away with what appeared to be about a 10 man squad. Knowing that Joe is a strong rider, the rest of us sat on the remaining pack of 12 or so riders (apparently some of the original 35 riders were dropped already?). We took control of the pack and blocked to let the break succeed, since we seemed to be in a good position up there.

Once the break was away we started to discuss how to break up our 12 man pack to facilitate better odds for the final sprint. We rode in that group for awhile, covering every jump. In fact, in every break in the race, at least one BD got on a wheel and covered it, at least where I was sitting. I can't speak for what happened with the front group.

With three laps to go we decided to attack. This is where I made a major tactical error and discovered I need some more fitness. On corner 1 I stomped on it, and ran out of gas at the top of the little hill. The pack was strung out but looked to be grouping back up. Tactical error: going into corner 2 a handful of the pack had passed me, and I thought coming out of the corner I could effectively block and let a gap form since a couple of BDs were up in front of me. Unfortunately I didn't pace it right and got passed by everyone and only gapped myself. Going into turn 3, slightly uphill into a stiff wind, I couldn't maintain contact and got dropped with 2 laps to go.

Anyway, I met my 2 goals, which were to show up to the race and to finish the race.

Joe managed 5th place in the final sprint (I think), so congrats are in order for him.

I have to say it was awesome to have such a cadre of teammates to race with - I'm really looking forward to the rest of the season.

Reply from Joe Travano

First off, I must say the team rode extremely well and thanks in particular to John Miller for coming to the front of the group and slapping me upside the head for trying to attack from the front. What can I say, I felt good and needed to warm up, fast. Anyway, once the initial break formed I don't think there were any BD's in it...that's when I went into "oh s$%t" mode and bridged up to the leading group. I know I towed a UW rider up and maybe someone else too. The lead group consisted of myself, two UW riders, two riders from some team I didn't recognize (Green, orange, and white jerseys...something about coffee?...maybe I just wanted some coffee?), and three other riders. I immediately went to the front and told the guys that "if we worked together we could stay away, my guys are blocking". My words must not have been too inspiring as the group never really worked all that well together. One of the UW riders launched an attack with about 7 or 8 laps remaining, but I was able to chase him down. Coming into the final corner I decided to give everyone watching the sprint an example of what "boxed in" means. With riders in front, a rider on my left, and a rider on my right I couldn't go anywhere. I managed to get fifth, a little disappointing, but a good early season result. Again, thanks to the team for doing a great job.