The location couldn't have been better and the course was spectacular. Wide open corners with a chicane added in the middle of the lap which added to the technical aspect of the course. Pavement was smooth and so was the rider's handling.
Field being strung out
The race started off quick and strung the field out for the entire race. The goal for every rider was to get to the front and stay on the front. Many attacks were thrown down from the Bloomington Cycling team since they had nearly 10 riders showing up for the day. Attack after attack. Each time the field gave the break enough rope to hang themselves with. Finally, with 5 laps to go a few of us had a good break established. We increased our gap on the field to about 7 seconds and were increasing the time through each corner. As we passed the start/finish line with 3 laps remaining the officials neutralized the race due to a crash on the backside of the course. WTF! Neutralizing the race with 3 to go? As we rolled around the course, all the bodies involved in the crash were cleared off the course and no major injuries. So we expected to at least get our gap that we had on the field back when we started. NOPE! The officials started everyone together. Idiots!
Establishing the break!
The final 3 laps were excruciatingly fast. Everyone was rested up and those of us who had been working so hard to establish the break were paying for it. No one crashed through the final corners and the sprint was on. I sprinted and threw the bike for 7th place. And... I was given 8th. I couldn't believe it, but the dip-$*^# officials had the camera facing the wrong way! So, in order to figure out what place we finished, the officials asked us to report to them where we believe we finished. I explained that I finished 7th on the bike throw, but the official said the guy standing next to me said he finished 7th and she placed me as 8th. Really? Sure... give it to the Illinois guy. He needs the points for the ICA series and I don't.
The sprint... for 7th, or 8th.
Don't get me wrong on this... the race was great and I will do it again next year; however, these officials really messed it up today. I understand the need for safety on the course, but when we're over a half lap away and there are no serious injuries, there's no need to neutralize a race. I've seen plenty of races with crashes and they support staff make the field aware of the crash. Never seen a problem come of a situation like that. At least give our break the time we worked so hard for when restarting. And for goodness sake, have the camera facing the right direction! Who's the fool that turned that around?
So, I left the race with a bit of a bad taste left in my mouth, but I'm sure happy to have still finished in the top 10. Next up is a week of long, moderately paced rides and then the Glencoe Grand Prix on Saturday, 8/14.
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