Jay Lap Race Report

Thanks Joel for your report. This past weekend was not as successful as previous races, but overall it was fun and challenging (and isn't that why we do it?!). Speed Theory should be commended for a well organized and run event. The turnout was very strong especially in Cat 5. I did not do the TT, owing to the new baby and the fact that I don't have a TT bike (I didn't miss it!).
The crit was disappointing for me in terms of result and the course. I didn't really like the three u-turn course as it was tricky, dangerous (due to the dusty road) and I my legs aren't suited for the constant accelerations. Also, it didn't help that the one hill was into the wind as that certainly prevented the breaks. After about 4-5 laps I found myself in no-man's land. I lost the front group and that wind prevented me from catching back on. After a few laps by myself, I sat up to wait for the group a 5 behind me and we rode the rest of the race together. However, we never got organized and as a result we couldn't catch the lead group. I did manage to win the bunch sprint in my group to finish 9th overall.
The RR was the next day and Cat 5 had 72 kms. Our plan was to stick at or near the front; we even had a "ringer" (Jeff) agreeing to help us out. We thought to make a break for it after the second turnaround. As it turned out, Niklas Group ended up leading the entire race which sucked our energy - no one else came to the front! I would agree with Joel that 80% of the time there were one or two of us right at the front, especially Darren who went off on a flier halfway through the race and rode by himself 50m ahead of the field for a good 4 km (Huh?). Near the end of lap one, Jeff and I tried to make a little break for it, but that didn't work and only sapped my legs. I ended up almost losing the entire bunch after the Metis Trail turnaround. On the second lap, the speed wasn't as fast as our first lap, but everyone was watching each other. We were able to easily chase down the few attempted breaks from Speed Theory but it was obvious that they were saving their legs for the sprint finish (they had 8 guys in Cat 5!). With about 2-3 k to go, I found myself at the front of the pack and no one was willing to share the work. So, obviously, I had nothing for the sprint and came 18th. Kudos to Ian for coming in top 10.
At the end of the race, many riders complimented us for taking charge and doing the lion's share of the work. Small solace, since we got blow away in the results. This course didn't really suit us as we didn't have a pure sprinter to protect as did Speed Theory. We need the grind-it-out hill that was present in the TdB RR. Next time, we'll know better!