Cat's Hill Race Report

Team: Randy, Sergei, Paul, Aaron, Uthman Rob Evans and BP
Results: BP 4th and KoM; Uthman 9th

BP's Race Report:
So, the fiercely contested Cat's Hill Classic got underway on Saturday, May 5th under much fanfare and beautiful, clear skies. The BPG Posse was out in full force and ready to swing it. Our plan was to be aggressive from the gun and be involved when the race went up the road. I decided to go at the gun and stayed away for 8 laps or so, gobbling up some KoM points. Although the announcers neglected to tell us at the start that there was even a KoM prize!

After I was reeled back the attacks started with the quickness. Uthman and Rob were throwing down on the front, covering nicely and thwarting any attempts by riders from BMC, VMG, Webcor and Cal Giant. I got in a few half-hearted moves, pulled but a stiff headwind around the back stretch prevented the magic separation from happening easily. Randy and Sergei also did a good job of being present early in the race and patrolled the front.

Ted Huang did manage to get away with a Davis Bike Club rider and the two held onto a 10-15 second gap for 4-5 laps. With 10 or so to go, a dangerous move with a BMC rider went up the road forcing Uthman to make a HUGE effort to bridge the gap. Uthman latched on and the break eventually crumbled.

With 2 to go, Randy made a SAVAGE attack at the start/finish line and stayed off for the better part of one lap. Nice work breaking up the lull in the race!

The pace slowed considerably coming into the final time up the hill. I was on Daniel Holloway's (VMG) wheel as his teammate, Eric Riggs, led him into the final time up the Hill. I attacked at the top of the Hill and got a good gap. I tried my darndest to hold onto the gap around the corner and through the park, but the legs were feeling otherwise. I started cramping and had to sit back down. I did the cycling No-No and looked back to see the pack closing.

Coming into the final right hand bend, I tried to maintain position for the sprint, but Dan Martin (Safeway) came through on the outside for the win. I managed to stay up in 4th, while Uthman was in 9th.

Overall, a super strong showing from the BPG group. I was bummed I couldn't get the "W" for the Team, having come so close.

Thanks for reading!

BP

***Below is a Video of the Race Provided by XP Multimedia.com***

Song by: The Transplants
Title: "Diamonds and Guns"