David, Sean, Tyler, Austin, Derek and myself headed down to Blythwood, SC and Forest Acres this past weekend to do a weekend of crit racing. Saturday was a 1.4 mile course in Blythwood, SC and was flat with a little rise to the finish. Sunday was held in Forest Acres and was a 1.5 course with a decent climb on the backside of the course.
Saturday: The weather was cold and pouring rain. Luckily for us the rain subsided for bit during our race, but it was still really cold. The plan for today was to try and get a guy in a move, and if one of us got out numbered in a break we were to bring it back. After a talk from Glenn “Papa” Thrift and the mayor of Blythwood the race was on. Right away guys were attacking and counter attacking. Tyler was able to get in a move with Mountain Khakis only to be brought back by by a teammate from Mountain Khakis. Of course Thad Dulin was also bringing everything back. Halfway through the race Sean had the honors of ripping his brand new pair of team shorts, by sliding out on the wet pavement in one of the turns. My hat goes off to him for getting up and getting back into the race! The race started getting close to the end and I soon realized that the race would come down to a sprint finish. I would still have to do a hard effort close to the end to bring back a break because David was out numbered. With 2 laps to go Sean took a flyer hoping to maybe ride away and get a result. He was brought back and guys quickly started fighting for position for the sprint. Sean told me to fight it out and hold my position if I wanted to contend for the sprint. On the last lap David starting railing it from 800 meters out. I was sitting about 5th wheel or so going into the final turn. I got gaped on the turn and was able to close 2 positions to finish a solid 3rd place. Tyler finished 7th, David 14th and Sean 23rd. The team once again worked great together. All in all a good race.
Sunday: The race was in Forest Acres and we had Josh, Sean, David, Tyler, and myself racing. It was still pouring rain and cold. The plan for the day was the same as Saturday; try and get a guy in a move and if we get out numbered bring the break back. Sean attacked from the gun and was off solo for a couple of laps. When he was caught Tyler countered and was off the front for a couple of laps before being brought back. When Tyler was caught people tried to counter but nothing was sticking. Eventually Thad Dulin attacked hard in and I and a Mountain Khakis guy were sitting on his wheel. He eventually sat up and I countered and was off the front solo for 2 laps before someone bridged up to me. We worked well together, but could not hold the feel off. We got caught with 6 laps to go. I sat in the field and recovered as best I could for the sprint. Thad attacked hard with two laps two go, but Josh did a great job of covering him and not letting him slip away. With one to go I tried setting myself up as best as I could for the sprint. Unfortunately things did not work out the way I wanted and I got 6th, David 7th, Sean 10th, Tyler 11th, and Josh 20th. The whole team made it in the money!
It was a great weekend for the team; we all worked good together and know that we can get results. There is still a lot left to the season, watch out here comes Globalbike!
-Andre
