Sunday, April 1, 2007

Langley Speedway - Racing is a Team Sport

Cycling is a team sport. I'm not thinking of my 30+ finish but being able to help my teammates out by putting in my effort. I was thrilled that Steven and Joe got 3rd and 4th respectively and hopefully I contributed to their placing in the final laps by moving towards the front of the peloton and blocking so the pack won't catch my teammates. I know I was able to slow the pack down to the mid 20's as we were consistently hitting 26-28.
On the final lap as I was off the back and gassed from my previous effort, I threw my hands in the air as Steven crossed the line thinking he won. There was actually 2 other riders 20 seconds ahead of him and Joe. These guys attacked when there was a crash in the field. A guy was laid out and this tool attacks at the first sign of a crash. As I crossed the line, I threw my hands in the air anyway Boonen-style.
There were a few riders out there that couldn't keep a line today. One in particular (bib 635) had a red Costa Rica jersey on. I know he was part of the big crash but managed to stay upright. This guy would twitch and made everyone around him react to his sudden movements. I tried to stay away from him but everytime I looked he was either on my outside wheel. The pace was fast at the beginning and there were some riders that were off the back in the first 2 laps. They ended up being road hazards as some would stay on the inside as the pack was passing. I think they got pulled at the end.

2 comments:

SHAWN B. said...

Great job today Albe.
Sorry about all of the yelling, but it is just because we care.
It was a great day of racing for the team.
I am looking for you to finishing on the podium this season, you can do it.

chris d said...

It was a fun race. Glad we both stayed upright. I was bummed when Steven went. While I was feeling strong, I'd just been trying to pull to bridge to the two leaders. The Fat Frogs and the W&M boys were coasting on the front and everybody was letting them do it. They played the race well. So were you in that front group that pulled off to the side as the bell lap started? If so, thanks, that opened the door for me.
I like the track, but I can't wait to get out of Cat 5.