A little overdue but here's the scoop on last weekend's racing:
The first weekend of May brought the Wisconsin Cycling Associates races to two locations that are known for intense racing and hard fought battles. The 2010 versions of the Circuit of Sauk and LaCrosse Criterium brought out the best in each category and provided for great racing.
Saturday, 5/1 brought everyone to the hills just south of Reedsburg, WI in which all who have raced there previously know about a hill that resembles a “wall”. The hill is about a half-mile and has a decent gradient to it, enough to deter many from trying to charge away on their own. Conditions were okay for spring racing but Mother Nature threw in a twist with some strong winds which proved to be a challenge for everyone’s handling skills.
The Cat 3 race rolled out last in the day at 1:10 and finished just under the time of 2 hours for the 45 mile, 3 lap race. 3 laps equaled 6 decisive climbs. On lap one going up the “wall” a good portion of the field was already decimated. With a strong headwind going south, those without a wheel to find shelter were out of luck and unable to gain any lost ground of the lead group. Our lead group started with about 15 and whittled down to 12 going into the last climb. The last two laps of the race didn’t have any spectacular events take place until the last climb on Shortcut Road. I fell off the group of 8 and was chasing two in front of me. Time trialing I caught the two racers about 150 meters before the finish and launched a quick, surprising sprint that was unmatched by the two who had no idea I was coming. Sprinting hard after a long race I finished 8th on the day. Happy with the results we packed up the car and drove up to LaCrosse for Sunday’s criterium.
Sunday, 5/2 was the LaCrosse criterium which is one of the best venues of the year with the course having its front straight along Riverside Park and the Mississippi River. One tight turn and a few bumpy turns to finish out a lap. The Cat 3 race started off as usual, immediate attacks and high pace to catch all attempts. Break attempts were made but none succeeded. Everyone was able to keep their bikes upright even in close corners. Race came down to the final lap in which after turn 3 the race was pretty well decided. My recount of the last lap includes me holding 5th wheel and being boxed in tightly down the back stretch. Just before turn 3, the riders in front of me shifted to the left while 2 riders made a large acceleration from the right. I jumped to catch the wheel of the acceleration and was able to go through turn 3 in third wheel. Coming out of turn 4 the position was the same and the sprint was on. Headwind sprint didn’t help but was gaining on the two in front of me. With a wheel throw at the line, I just squeaked out 2nd place. Photo finish at the end showed me out of 1st by about half a wheel length. A few more meters would have been nice but I have no problem with 2nd. Highest placing of the year!
Team Extreme had another great showing over the weekend with Jeff Melcher winning back-to-back in the M3/4’s. In Cat 3’s we also had Jeramey Werbelow finishing 6th at LaCrosse.
Next up: Muskego Park Criterium in Muskego, WI on Saturday, 5/8.
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