Watermelon Crit

Monday, June, 11 2007

I raced the Watermelon Crit this past Saturday. . . this crit is one in a series of races that make up the Garden State Cup. About 50 of us fielded on Saturday afternoon.

The course was generally flat and fast with 3 turns and a clear straightaway into the finish. Given the presence of 4 teams of 5 or more riders, the status of the race as a Cup event, and 2 recent DNFs due to some breathing problems (which have now been solved thanks to inhaled albuterol), my plan was to ride conservatively until the last 5 laps, and then make a decision regarding sitting in for the field sprint, covering late-breaking attacks, or launching an attack of my own.

About 5 laps into the race, a group of 5 broke off the front, but the 2 largest teams weren’t represented, so I figured the peloton would certainly bring it back. Slowly, lap by lap, we picked up busted riders from that lead group, but 30 mins into the race, a lone group of 2 riders remained about 25 seconds up on the peloton. I was feeling good (and was finally breathing clearly) so I decided that I would try to go with anyone who attacked to bridge the gap. A few laps later, I saw my opportunity as another independent had attacked. I waited to make sure the peloton was disinterested in chasing (and they were) and I attacked. We stayed out for 2 laps before I looked over my shoulder and saw the good old white and green team leading the train to bring us back. I was disappointed that they decided to bring us back, but I was somewhat happy that at least the team had decided to reel in the lead group of 2. Not so!! As soon as we were caught, the chase was shut down and everyone sat up. I flipped and started egging them on to do some work—why bring back 2 independents and leave 2 team riders all alone up the road? What good is a 3^rd place finish for your sprinter when you can lead him out for a win? No go—they just decided to cover any other attack that went up the road, but had no interest in reeling in the leaders.

I decided to sit in until the last lap and launch an attack into turn 2, hoping that I could hold my speed long enough for a top 10 finish. Coming into turn 2 on the final lap, some jit crossed the peloton after touching wheels and guttered me at the apex of the turn—back into the peloton for the final stretch I was at full throttle for about 300m, only to land a 12^th place finish; out of the money, but not a bad day at the races all-in-all.

- Mario Muredda