Oschner Spring Classic (30+) and Trek Road Race (30+), 2002
by Mike Grinney
Yes, it is true, I received my first DQ. I was all of 4 miles into the race. No complaints though--the officials heavily emphasized that they were going to be strict about it. Panofski asked if I wanted to go and I agreed to. Instinctively, I swung to the left and crossed the division of the road (no lines painted) and was pulled by a militant official on the back of the motorcycle. Jabo (Team Bontrager) however, was pulled after the pack swung to the left slightly to avoid a dropped rider. His options were to cause a crash by not moving or crossing the center marking. Stupid call by the official--whatever happened to sound judgement???Sunday had a nice showing of BDs in a field of 60+. Lots of solo efforts, nothing really organized. I had lead in my legs, so was just happy to finish with the field on a very windy day. The other BDs looked good.
Previous Sat 30+ at Trek saw a field of 35-40 riders shredded to 20 by the half-way mark. I was caught after an attack and someone countered heavily. The pack was strung out and as I tried to hold on at the back, guys were getting gapped. I yelled at them to close, but to no avail. The gaps were increasing, so I accelerated around and found myself chasing for about a mile. I finally caught up and recovered. With 4 miles to go a group of 8 of us got away. 7 of us were working really well, taking strong even pulls with one guy sandbagging at the rear. I yelled at him, but he just sat at the rear. I thought about trying to gap him off, but I am not sure I would be able to get back on. Any advice on this one??? I led out the sprint and held on for 5th. I was very pleased with my result, but bummed that the [sandbagger] (I will happily point out the Oschner rider) got 1st. Scored some sweet Nike neoprene booties and some socks.
