Air Centre Criterium in Reno

Every Tuesday evening the Reno Wheelmen (renowheelmen.org) have some form of road race. Last Tuesday I did the Boca Road Race in near freezing conditions (post) and this Tuesday Conrad Snover, Gary Mandy and myself raced the Air Centre Criterium in Reno with the support of Ruth and her camera.

(Four man break away – me in third wheel)

(Loading bikes with Conrad Snover and Gary Mandy) 

32 laps – every fourth a sprint for points, with the final one counting double. Everyone was divided into different coloured teams (a small coloured tag pinned to one’s shoulder), and the winning team would get $20 per person. Entree fee was $10.

(Entering alongside Gary)

Again there were three batches, C finishing up first, B were busy as we arrived and then a free for all in A. If I were to judge performance on bike spec’s I would have been blown out the back of the B batch. So lucky legs count for more than the bike setup. Not that my Specialized Tarmac aint mint, but these boys had the carbon deep sections out, skin suits, the whole nine yards.

The last criterium I did was part of a youth bike tour in PE. I was 14 years old, and came out the last corner in third, before taking down some 8 riders behind me. This and my lack of time on the road bike, and even less time cornering on it at speed made for a hairy first few laps. I was nervous as anything, trying to hold my line, watching wheels not to be switched like the innocent guy I saw going down in B moments earlier.

I was trying to get my knee out, shoulder leaning in, while the rest were pedalling through the corners. I’d loose 2m out every corner and loose a few spots in the single file as my line wasnt as aggressive as theirs. Ai. I kept thinking someone’s pedal was going to clip the tarmac, but never did, and lap after lap I was able to pedal for longer and get lower.

(Early laps)

 I tried to steal away in a few breaks, jumping across, but never really getting away. Until about 21 laps were done. I saw three stronger guys who’d just mixed it up on the 20th lap sprint get some day light, and I bridged across, put in a few big turns, and soon we had a big enough lead to show some hope for the break. I loved the thrill of getting involved.

On the final lap we had half a lap lead over the main group, and down the back straight one of the three attacked just after my pull. I was at my limit, and didnt respond fast enough. My HR was as high as I’ve seen it on the bike, going over 180bpm. The other two came round me and I couldnt follow. I dragged home in fourth, watching the sprint out from behind. Next time.