April 13, 2008

Westover Race report

M2
The M2 gang rode a great race today, with Steve and Chris jumping out on a break of 5 riders straight from the gun. After finally getting chased down, the Team RACE gang was showing themselves at or near the front for the entire race and were set up perfectly for the final sprint of the day. In the last kilometer, Team RACE was 5th, 6th and 7th wheel and were about to launch a massive sprint to engulf the riders in front of them when disaster struck with about 400 meters to the finish. A couple riders bumped, and one ended up going down and while doing so put his handlebars through Franz’s back wheel bringing Franz to a complete stop and ruining his wheel (at least without a painful crash though – Franz – give me a call, I may have a spare wheel for you). Steve had to jam on the breaks to avoid them and ended up scrubbing all his speed and got overwhelmed by riders on a different line that did not have to slow down, but still ended up top 20. Chris was able to avoid all the mishaps and finished a well deserved 10th.

M1
After a slow start, Hamish jumped up the road with 4 other riders on the first break of the day. The break stayed away for about 30 km or so, but was finally brought back as the Peloton sped up to pick up a second group that was slowly bridging up to the first break. With 35 km or so to go, a dangerous break formed with the favorites Greg C and Kevin D in it. Tim, recognizing quickly who was going up the road, managed to bridge up to the group and formed a breakaway of 6 riders (this by the way from someone who did not want to race as he was unfit…). Dan and Paul, with some help from Wheels of Bloor riders, started jumping all over any serious counter to the break which allowed the break to stay at a steady 30 seconds or so up the road.

Coming into the last few kilometers, the steady pace of the Peloton was starting to wear into the lead group, and Dan and Paul were positioned well in 5th and 6th wheel coming into the last km or so. All hell pretty much broke loose at that time as riders started jumping around for position. Paul, in a moment of idiocy, decided that he should jump after two riders that had accelerated up the road, leaving Dan’s wheel (note to self – Dan wins lots of races – do as he says and turn off brain as whatever you are thinking would work better probably will not…). 30 seconds later, after the two riders had popped, Paul had to figure out a) how to slow the pack down as the chase was about to catch Tims lead group and b) how the hell to get off the front of this train seeing as how there was still 800 meters to finish!

The inevitable happened, and the sprint blew by him. All was not lost however as Tim’s group stayed away and Tim picked up 3rd. Dan also finished well (shocker) and won the sprint of the second group for 7th. Paul picked up 15th and Hamish finished in the top 20 after his early long breakaway.

S1/S2
I am sure Steve and Josee will report, but suffice it to say that the picture will look nice of Dustin, Ryan and Mark riding side by side through finish for the whole podium! Team RACE Pro also finished 4th , 6th and 7th.

Well done to all for coming out and riding well!