Day two at the state senior games went very well for most of our team. In the road race we had four riders in the 40K race. The three of us who rode yesterday plus one strong team mate and felt pretty good about our chances. Our race plan was to control any breaks that didn't include our two riders who still needed a top four finish. In lieu of that we decided to form a sprint train with 1/2 mile to go. Joe, who won yesterday, would start the train and at 400-350m I would lead out into sprint zone, then Greg would take his sprint to the finish with Marshall on his wheel.

The race was slow paced and not too aggressive with only a few attacks which Joe and I bridged up to and helped to bring them back. Just before the last lap I heard a tire blow in the field behind. I moved over and looked back and only saw two black kits. Greg got the flat leaving Joe, Marshall and myself. Time for plan B! On the last lap I rolled back to speak with Joe and we decided to delay the early sprint until 600m with the idea that I could bring Marshall close to the line before I blow up. I then informed Marshall of the change of plan and we were all good to go knowing that Joe would flick then roll off left and I would hold my line when I blow up. The pace went very easy then with 1.5 miles to go one guy jumped and got a big gap. Two other racers started to chase and Joe and I bridged up and when they both rotated we slowed the pace until the pack got back together. At that point I looked back and Marshall was on my wheel. With one guy away we needed to get Marshall in one of the three remaining spots. Just as planned, we went to the left of the field and at the landmark discussed, Joe jumped and the train was flying. Joe was strong and pulled us to the 300m land mark then flicked his elbow and rolled to the outside. I was watching my cadence and once leading got it back up to 97 then went OTS around 250m and just nailed it for as long as I could. With about 60m To go I looked back and saw two riders on my wheel then a decent gap back to everyone else. My cadence was 118 so I just stayed OTS and ran through the finish for 2nd. Just past the finish riderspassed me on both sides. The one on my left was not on my team then when I turned the other way I saw Marshall, mission accomplished! I kept asking him what place he ended up as I didnt expect to make it to the finish with my sprint and was worried my placement would take a spot. We got our guy in using team work and planning. What a great feeling it was to work as a team and meet a goal. The day prior Marshall controlled the front allowing Joe and I to sprint with fresh legs, and that was the way to return the favor.

Sorry for the poor quality of this post. I'm terrible at typing on a phone.