Cloterium Criterium Race Report

Event: Cloterium Santa Rosa Criterium - Pro 1/2
Teammates: URIV (1st), BP (7th), Randy (8th), Aaron (15th), Paul (22nd), Sergei (top 20)

So, here's how today's race played out:

The course was L-shape with smooth pavement and many bot dots. The weather was over 90 degrees, with wind gusts that made the backside of the course treacherous. The race started out fast, with many small attacks, but nothing that seemed too threatening for BPG. UR wasn't sure how he'd feel after the tough race the previous day, so he decided to stay protected in the pack and remain inactive for the first part of the race. Fortunately, Randy, Sergei and Aaron were feeling good from the start and were involved in just about every threatening break that went up the road. BP was also riding up at the front of the race, staying well protected while remaining far enough up in the pack that he could be active when necessary.

After the initial flurry of attacks, the race began to slow, allowing many of the riders to begin to recover. BP and UR recognized this, and after a quick talk decided that it was time to start attacking. After BP and UR traded a few attacks, a rider from the BMC Racing joined in, and the race blew apart at the seams. Attacks were going off every lap, and counters as soon as the they were reeled back in. However, if a group of riders went up the road, there was at least one BPG rider in it. After being reeled back into the group, it was such a great feeling to look over and always see a teammate in the counter move. It really can't be stressed enough how well everyone raced together as a TEAM today.

Toward the latter part of the race (~10 laps to go), a break with BP, UR and the BMC rider were joined by a group 5-7 riders. Shorty after, the break became disorganized, and break began to sit up after seeing the pack close behind. UR immediately jumped, and was able to get a small gap. He was soon joined by the BMC rider, and the two worked well together to increase their lead. Four riders eventually bridged, but were not able to contribute much after the effort to get up to the break. After getting time checks from ATN and Jiro, UR knew that the team was controlling the race behind him, and that they would be ready to counter if he was brought back.
With a little under three laps to go, the BMC rider attacked the break, just after UR was finishing his turn at the front. UR saw that no one in the break had the legs to go with the move, and began to chase. He caught up to the BMC rider with half a lap to go, and was able to claim the victory for BPG. BP caught the remaining riders from the break to take 5th, and Randy was right there to clean up the field sprint.

BPG had a GREAT showing this weekend. I am truly proud to be a part of this team. Everyone raced their hearts out, and in the end we were all rewarded with great results.
A special thanks to ATN, the BP family, Jiro, and MacFreshy for being there for support! It was great to have you all out there cheering and yelling out time checks.