GDVC Spring Crit #1, 2007, Masters 45+

by Joe King

The wintery spring weather finally gave way to a beatiful day with plenty of sunshine. There was also a stiff northwest wind that kept Gordy Paulson and the rest of the 45+ strong men with the pack of about 20 until the final laps.

The race is held on a three-corner criterium course in a business park with wide roads. Spectators come to view the action but not in large numbers. The corners are wide and the road is in reasonable condition so the racing is good for all levels.

The 45+ race was unusual in that Gordy Paulson or some other big-gun failed to get away during the opening ten minutes of the race. Just as things were settling down in the race, a prime was announced and it immediately occured to me that this is unique opportunity. My abilities are limited and just having any chance at a prime in the 45+ field is rare (due the normal early break). Add to that a strange sense of knowing exactly where to go and being perfectly placed at the very end of the group.

Heading into the wind from the tail of the group I could see a lane protected from the westerly portion of the wind and I planned to hit the front with some speed just before the next corner where we are greated by a hill and a tail wind. My excitement overtook me a bit and I had to slow down just before going off or risk going off too soon and being stopped by that stiff northwesterly wind. This pause and reaccelation made the attack feel like I was moving in slow motion but I as I slid through the corner I had 50 feet on the bunch and I knew there'd be a gap.

I wasn't at all sure I could keep a gap for the remaining 1/2 lap to take the prime. I was helped by the tailwind and downhill but did I mention something about big-guns? There is no shortage of strong men in this field so after careening through the final corner I emptied the tank. Perhaps no one chased but after I crossed I realized three things, 1) I just took my first prime; 2) I just blew myself up; 3) I need not have emptied the tank on the finish as there was a good gap behind me. Teammate Greg Andrews soon bridged up to me hoping to turn my venture into a two-up break but immediately realized that I was cooked and gave up the effort.

Gordy did get off the front near the end of the race but found no help and was swallowed up at the end. The details of the finish were lost to me as I was just hanging on to back of group, one lap down.