Originally Posted by
Mayonnaise
Skills class? Are you kidding? I've raced hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of crits over the years. My skills are as sharp as anyone I race with. Better even. I keep a mental count of all the times I've done something stupid in a race that caused a crash. Do you know what that number is? 1 One time: hit an invisible hole in the blacktop on a turn and slid out, taking out the guy behind me.
In my entire career I've been in maybe 5 other crashes, always someone else doing something stupid, putting many of us in unavoidable situations.
There is no safe place in a bike race. If there were we'd all be there. But there are safe and unsafe riders. I quickly scan in detail as many riders as possible. If your chain is dry or your cleats squeak, I don't trust you and won't let you get ahead of me. Overcook a corner? Get behind me.
Many many many times i've had guys come up to me after a race and say they loved being on my wheel: I'm smooth, confidant, and predictable.
It only takes one person one time. The guys who took you out might have counts that look similar.
And sometimes despite your best efforts circumstances are going to place you around sketchy riders. That or you can burn matches getting out of their way.
But you are certainly confident. No doubt about that.