Sterling Masters 45+ RR Report 5-11-08
Sterling is a 6 lap circuit race around an 8 mile loop with the destinctive steep hill, then a quick rest to a long grind where the pain really happens. Although weathermen called for rain, we were blessed with cool breezy dry weather. NEBC racer Norm Collard attended and we strategized team tactics during warmup.
The race started with a long neutral run from the school to the steep hill then race officials decided the timing was all wrong, so we were stopped for a few minutes go get the pack gaps were just right.
Once racing, the attacts started off the front. Lap 2&3 were particularly brutal on the climbes that put me into difficulty after closing a gap after the steep bit to get up with the climbers bunch. Each lap the pack regrouped after the climb as attackers exhausted their agression on the hill.
On the third lap four riders broke free of the bunch on the downwind
straight back to Sterling
and the pack mellowed it’s pace. The next couple climbs were
reletivly easy and it was clear
that the break was destined to succeed and a pack finish was in store for me.
On the last straight into Sterling the break away was visible and teams competed to close and defend the gap. The pack was still very large and I did not like the thought of another 20 something finish with so many strong legs around me. With a couple miles to go I noticed a team BOB rider ( Tim Shea?) smoothly making his way to the front of the pack.
I grabbed his wheel.
The pace was quickening as we approached Stearling, at about 1K to go, the BOB rider jumped with me fast on his wheel. We got maybe 50 yards on the pack and I saw the break cresting the rise. My friendly leadout slowed all too soon and I knew it was my time to work. I pushed past him and maintained my power as much as I could. We approached the rise into Sterling and I found myself looking for some help. No volenteers emerged from behind me, so I knew I was commited to suffer up the hill on my own steam.
On the rise I hoped the pack had fallen asleep, had flat tires or just admired my efforts enough not to chase, but they were quickly overtaking us and my legs were powerless to do anything about it.
By the top of the rise I was mid pack and having problems matching their speed. I tagged on the back of the pack and hit the bottom of the steep and finished 40th at the back of the pack.
I was unable to find Norm after the race to see how it went for him.
Eric Pearse, Bethel racing, won the race with David Kellogg ahead of the pack by 1:05.
Racing is fun.
Tim