Escape Velocity Spring Series #4 : Extended Aldergrove Lake

5 laps of circuit just over 10km featuring about 100m of elevation gain per lap in two relatively short climbs and a long crosswind flat stretch.

Approximately 30 riders lined up for the C race with 10 finishing in what remained of the main field. I was 10th.

The pace was pushed by one of a handful of riders up every climb and a number of small attacks went out. At about the halfway point I hit the front coming into the crosswind section and attacked, hoping to pull a couple of guys with me. It worked and three of us got into a relatively good echelon and started riding hard.

Unfortunately, a few strong guys in the field hit the front and reeled us in a few km later.

On the other hand, the hard effort on the crosswind stretch followed by the main climb of the race caused significant damage in the field. When I nearly unhooked near the top of the climb, I was surprised to find myself at the back with so few people in front of me. So, a big thank you to the guys chasing for hammering it in the gutter instead of getting a crosswind echelon going.

It was good to get into a break that was working well together, even if it didn't last overly long.