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CX Nationals Master's 30-34 |
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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Zach Magoon
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Tuesday, 19 December 2006 |
2006 CALIFORNIA GIANT BERRY FARMS USA CYCLING
NATIONAL CYCLO-CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI
Stick a fork in me I'm done for the season. I had kind of a rough season this year. It seemed as though I was sick or injured for most of it, but I was feeling pretty well for the start of the CX Nationals in Providence. Most people like the warm weather and clear skies, but not me, especially for a cross race. I tend to do much better in the cold and slop. Last Friday was not my kind of day. The conditions were overall dry and quite warm for December and with a fairly non-technical course, I knew I was in for some hurt.
I certainly can't complain about my starting position--I was in the second row. In fact, I've never been up that close in a cross race ever, so I thought my chances were pretty good. Off the line I held my own and sprinted as hard as I could go, which I normally don't have to do stuck in traffic back in row 15. Them dudes is fast! I had some trouble keeping up with the other front row junkies and I might've blown out my reserves for the rest of the race, but what the hell it's Nationals, right?
About halfway through the first lap, fellow Bikeman rider John Burns came flying up from behind me on one of the tar sections screaming "ZACK, JUMP ON, JUMP ON!" Holy hell, I tried my best to just keep up but he was just too fast for me--he must've been in the big ring and I'm only running a smaller. So between the sprint in the beginning and that little incident with John, I was already hurting. 40 min to go!
As far as courses go, this one in Providence is one of the best. I would prefer it to be a little more technical with less asphalt, but the layout and flow is perfect for racers and spectators. I think last year with all the snow, mud and ice it was ideal, but this year it seemed a little tame in the technical department. But that was true for most every race this year-I guess I need to do more road sprints for next year.
The rest of the race was pretty uneventful for me. I tried to stick with the same group of 4 throughout most of it. We swapped places a dozen times and routed each other on--especially near the end when the race leaders were gaining on lapping us. But we made it in time. I definitely dropped some slots from last year, but finished in the middle of the pack in 54th.
Props out to my Salsa Las Cruces--I only wish I could perform to its potential. I will definitely stick with it next year with a few modifications. I would also like to thank the rest of the team, Al and Darcy for their always-enthusiastic support during the races and throughout the season. I'm looking forward to a couple week's rest with just commuting miles and then get back into training in the new year.
Here are a few photos from the weekend--more Bikeman to come!
Zm
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