The Bens of the Team
It’s 9pm Saturday night in Athens, GA. We’re all riding trainers under a tent as the rain pours down from the black abyss above. Occasionally the sky lights up in a flash from far away and the distant rumblings of thunder are faintly heard over the mix of music, crowd noise, and the announcer. The women’s pro race speed by with a splash, reminding us that our turn is next, we’re at the Athens Twilight Criterium, and 150 of our favorite friends will be trying to be first into turn one.
So, what’s it like to race one of the countries hardest criteriums in the rain, through puddles and rivers, in the dark? Absolutely crazy! 150 guys all double file, makes a very long line of riders that snakes half way around the course and takes over 30sec to completely pass a given point.
Fighting for Wheels
Those of us mid pack contend with traffic moving backwards as they blow up, sketchy people diving the corners, crashes on every lap, pot holes submerged under puddles, and hungry officials eager to pull you out of the race if you fall off the back. You navigate all of this in the dark, with a constant spray of water and road grit in your eyes from the wheels in front.
Josh Whitmore was the last one left before getting pulled
As the race goes on, less and less people are left. After 151 started, in the end, 31 finished. The battle at the back can be as tough as the battle at the lead, as gaps open and those behind are forced to close the gap to finish the race. Trips to the pit are often, as riders get caught up in crashes or flat tires in the potholes.
When the bell rang for the final lap, Team Gloablbike were all sitting back under the tent. No one had made it to the end. We were a bit demoralized, but also paid attention to the other 120 guys that were in the race that were now lining the course, many of whom are the biggest names in American Cycling.
Noah on a Mavic Pit Bike after breaking a shifter in a crash
Thanks to all the fans in Athens who cheered, yelled, helped us with our stuff. We’re hoping for better luck for the rest of the week!
Thanks once again to Eddie Helton for taking great photos of the team. Follow his link on the right of this page to see his other pics of the event.
