Patman1776

Rode my first Crit this morning (New Britain Criterium Cat 5 Open Field) after five road races. Not knowing what to expect other than the horror stories (high probability of carnage), I figured I'd stay back and out of trouble at first, and then see what happened.............NOT. I started mid-pack of the 10 lap, 10 mile race and immediately found that I was not intimidated at all. The fact is that the adrenalin was pumping, and I felt unexpectedly confident in the close quarters at 25+ mph. I expected that the fast pace of a crit may be hard for me to maintain, but right away I felt strong and relaxed..............Six laps in I decided to break away for 3/4 of a lap to see how the field would react. As soon as we crossed the start/finish going into lap 7, I eased up and fell back into the front group.........Bell lap, and I'm in the front group. Half a lap to go and there's an attack on the inside. I jump out of the saddle to respond, but find I've reacted a bit too late. Rounding the last corner I take off and find myself quickly gaining on the lead group........50 more meters and I know I could have got at least 2nd place, but had to settle for 10th (my first top ten finish 10th of 31 finishers).

I left this race dissappointed in the tactical error that cost me my first podium finish, but very encouraged by the knowledge that I had the strength to compete and, I feel, win this race. It's the first time I've heard my name announced after a race, the first time I've heard my number/name called out as the leader, and my first field sprint (in my FIRST Criterium!). I was also the first finisher over 40 (44).........As an aside, I was worried about racing a crit on my Trek Pilot (more relaxed, etc., etc.), but I shouldn't have been. It served me very well, and was up to the task.....Can't wait for the next Crit........I'M HOOKED!!!


2005 Trek Pilot 5.2
Ultegra 53/39 12-27
Ksyrium SL3 Wheelset
Michelin ProRace2 tires
Specialized Toupe Team Saddle
Look Keo Carbon Pedals

ElJamoquio

Great race! Good luck in your next one.

Snicklefritz

crits are as addictive as crack. Not like I've had the latter, but I can say I enjoy the former even though I suck at that type of race.

waterrockets 

Yeah, the bad thing about crits is that it's like a roll of the dice in the finale.

The good thing about crits is that it's like a roll of the dice in the finale (next time).

Sounds like you did well, but I think your tactical error was the uncommitted jump off the front, not the late response...

Patman1776

I don't think that was it. I had absolutely no intention of trying to maintain my break. I do know, however, that I had plenty left at the end.....and.....I was closing fast on the riders in front of me before the finish. Not feeling "spent" after the race made me dissappointed. I left something out there on the course, and I'm pissed at myself for not positioning myself better, and reacting quicker, to that last attack. If I had another crack at it, I would have made that attack on the last lap since I feel I had the legs to do it..........Four laps, however, would've been stretching it.

waterrockets 

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. There's nothing tactically to be gained with a test-break. That effort spent on the last lap would have surely had you in the top 5. While you weren't spent at the end of the race, that test effort did take something away. Maybe without the earlier attack, you would have been antsy on the last lap and shot off with all your extra energy. Also, with an attack in my past, my brain just kind of thinks I've taken a hit, even if my legs feel ok -- like I think of my position as a bit more precarious, and it makes me more conservative.

Does that make any sense? I don't doubt you had plenty of juice at the end, you just didn't have as full of a tank as you could have. Still, it sounds like you have a good grasp on how to play the game. You had a great first crit

obra3

Ya live and learn. Good job.