First Race Report
08-16-08, 06:03 PM
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First Race Report
Today was my first race. The Alaric Gayfer PA Junior Criterium. I raced in the 15/16 Men's race. It was ~18 miles and it was my first race. I ended up placing 5th the whole thing was a great learning experience. There was a crash about 12 laps into it and someone else and I slowed down to make sure the kid was ok, while 4 other people attacked. I'm not sure if I was wrong for slowing down, or if they were for attacking but if I followed, I'm pretty confident I would have taken at least fourth and possibly third. All in all, it was a good race and I can't wait for next Sunday's Tour de Brew crit. I have a little more of an idea of what I should be doing and I hope to place a little higher. I'll post some pictures later.
08-16-08, 06:45 PM
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Congratulations. It's always good to get the first one out of the way...you'll learn something new every race. As far as what to do if there's a crash...use your judgment. It's not necessarily poor sportsmanship to attack if there's been a crash. That's why it's best to be toward the front, it's less likely you'll get caught behind a crash. However, especially in juniors or Cat 5 races I don't think you could go wrong by checking on the downed rider(s), especially if it looks bad...or at least make sure the race organizers know. Anyway, great job and good luck next week.
08-18-08, 09:16 AM
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Good job, unless its your teammate who crashes you really shouldn't slow down. Its sounds like a d*ck move but slowing down when see a crash can actually cause more accidents, well at least in the cat 5 fields.
08-18-08, 10:07 AM
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+1. If its a group ride you obviously stop and help. If its a race odds are half the field won't see the crash and your slowing down will cause them to crash. Not to mention in any decent race you ahve a follow truck with a radio. Unless you have a defibrulator and a pint of blood in your blowout bag, the radio is probably going to be more useful than you are.
On a related note, I was watching a masters race in Asheville and this guy overcooked a downhill right turn and high-sided. Just so happened there was a doctor in the pack. Not sure if he performed any life saving maneuvers but talk about your guardian angels. Most racers would have told the guy to get up and walk it off once he regained consciousness...
On a related note, I was watching a masters race in Asheville and this guy overcooked a downhill right turn and high-sided. Just so happened there was a doctor in the pack. Not sure if he performed any life saving maneuvers but talk about your guardian angels. Most racers would have told the guy to get up and walk it off once he regained consciousness...
