I’m hoping for dry, or dry-ish conditions today at 10 am for Elite Criterium Nationals. I don’t really have much desire in riding in circles in the wet with 100+ other guys that mainly don’t want to be riding in circles. The radar is showing just about rain. Like it might move north, but could be heavy. Forecast says 60% chance.
We rode over to the criterium course yesterday, sort of out of the way to go to Cherokee Park to watch Finn Smith race at 2. The course is alright, nothing to really write home about. I honestly think that all criteriums should have at least four 90 degree corners. This course has maybe one that might qualify. The more corners, the safer the race, generally.
I never saw the course that was deemed too dangerous, by USAC, to run over 100 guys on, but this one should work. It is pretty wide open, which doesn’t suit my liking much. I think you should get rewarded for better bike handling skills criterium racing.
Anyway, the race is at 10 am today, 75 minutes, which is fine. It is supposed to be raining at 10 and 11, so there is that.
We’re pretty much packed up, so we’re taking off right after the race and driving to Delavan Wisconsin, to stay the night with Trudi’s family. Her mother, plus her sister’s family is there for the holiday. It is about 400 miles from Louisville to Delavan. We’ll stay there tonight, then do the rest of the drive to Cable, Wisconsin on the 4th.
I think my form is like throwing darts right now. I rode 50 miles yesterday and was all over the place depending on where on the ride I was. If it’s wet, then I might be in for a short day. Or maybe it will benefit me, who knows. I surely don’t.
Oh, how about Lea Davison finishing 2nd yesterday in MTB World Championships. Super result. Two North Americans on the podium with Emily Batty, Canada, finishing 3rd.
Okay, that’s about all I got for ya this morning.
Stacie has been a super host the past few days. They are following us up to Cable tomorrow.
Riding for Shawnee Park to Cherokee is pretty sketchy. Some of the most beautiful old houses are really hurtin’.
Lea crossing the finish line for 2nd. Think she was happy?
Tucker is going to miss the backyard here where the bees and butterflies hang out.
Not good.
Current.
Nice finish at MTB World for Lea. Reminiscent of 2001. Alison Dunlop was in second, when Gunn-Rita (who started Saturday but crashed out in the start. Will she be the Tilford of the MTB?) Gunn-Rita flatted in the lead, right in the last lap. Gold for Alison, a nice ending for the USA team. But Saturday’s last lap, the German seemed to have punctured, but the Pole, Wloszczowska, just ripped that tire right off, fluid everywhere. She got a wheel swap in the pit, and then a great sprint for third, true racing. Reminds me of the sprinting for 30th place at a NICA event. All out at the line, nothing back.
Lea was riding strong and steadily moving up the whole race. Headed into the last lap I thought her great riding would met her no more than a respectable 4th.
The last half of the last lap of that race yesterday was as exciting and compelling as any sports event I’ve seen in some time. Everything was great…the surprises, the true excitement and joy, the relationships from the trade teams, and even the up close and personal video of the agony of defeat moments after the race.
Let’s not overlook the strength of the other United States women on the field…lots to be excited by. Now if the men could crack the top 15…
Who raises their arms for coming in second place? Fred move.
Who? People capable of being happy. Are you capable of that?
19th place. Pretty damn amazing! I hope you’re satisfied with that at your age (and considering the injuries you’ve sustained).
Dick.