After the steep learning curve in race 1 two weeks ago I felt much better prepared for the race but even still I had that weak feeling in the stomach as we rolled out for 40 mins + 2 laps of racing.
After a couple of laps things had settled down pretty well until two riders attempted to sneak away as A grade passed us but the peleton was awake to it and I was pleased that I could contribute to the chase as we brought them back into the group.
After finding myself too far forward on the last lap in my first race I was keen not to make the same mistake and settled into about 15 place looking for one guy in particular who I knew would be moving forward. I found his wheel and stuck to it like glue and he took me forward.
The final straight saw a big group come together and just as I thought my options had been closed a small gap appeared and I went for it sneaking through with a clear run to the line. In a blanket finish I crossed in 4th place just half a wheel from second. Pretty good result with $30 coffee money for my efforts.
B Grade was a very tactical race with many surges and solo breakaways but nothing seem to stick. Jase and Row spent more time than usual in the middle of the pack assessing the situation but finally Row had enough and went to the front in an attempt to up the pace but nobody would work with him. Jase was keeping his powder dry for the final sprint and was well placed going into the final lap.
Unfortunately Jase had picked the wrong wheel to follow and the guy in front dropped off the pace leaving a gap to the first 5 riders. Jase gave it everything but couldn't bridge the gap finishing a gallant 6th. Row finished mid field having given his all towards the end to help set Jase up.
Here are some pics of the Powerade boys in B Grade....
Jase crosses in 6th place
Jase biding his time in the peleton
Rowan putting the peleton under pressure
Rowan riding hard at the front
Todays honours all go to skip,he rode an awesome race for only his second crit!Well done mate .
ReplyDelete