Wente Crit

Riders: Me, Sergei, AC, Macfreshy, J/A, Mr, D Guikema, Big Rob. With Marty and Etienne running the show on the sidelines.

How it went down:

First off.... I love this race... and all criteriums for that matter. It was very windy with a particularly stiff headwind finish straight. There was big turnout with some of the big name sprinters, holloway (scarecrow boy, Dean Laberge, McCook, Devon Vigues etc...) From the gun it was very aggressive with attacks and counter attacks coming very frequent. I stayed put near the front early on with Sergei, Jandy being aggressive early on. My legs (as of late due to quality training and rest) felt very fresh... I made an early break and then another right after going for a prime to test the tactical sprint.. I went early and was nipped at the line by Laberge.... so i sat tight the rest of the race after being punked and waited for my time... my time came with 5 laps to go when my race officially starts and to say that I was aggressive during that time would be an understatement... I must have used my head, elbows, knees and my bare fist at times to get other riders outta my way as I was glued to Robs wheel, then too Sergei's and back and forth between McCook, Vigus and Holloway (good thing I stayed on holloway on a few crucial turns in the final lap as MCCook was nowhere.... Cal Giant had a fat leadout in front ... but it was a tid bit too slow and we had a BPG train overtaking them with 4,3,2 to go but we as a team never committed entirely to the sprint leadout ... but I used my instinct and years experience racing with out a finishing organization and just gritted my teeth to be up there for an even shot at the line... big props to Rob and Sergei for laying the foundation of the pain train in the last lap to sacrifice... last turn I got cut off by Darin Divine (Lombardi) but kept all my speed as I came out a lil far back in like 7-8th wheel.... I was near holloway but was stuck in the gutter.... as the sprint opened up I wasted no time and jumped into the wind only to come flying right into Holloway's behind as he threw his bike against Vigus in a tight finish.. Shoulda been on those two down the finish straight or coming off a teammates wheel about 50-100meters sooner... nonetheless I felt strong and timing is getting better. I was very happy with our team representation throughout the development of the race. Only a matter of time before we get the "W."


RLB