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Fitchburg Longsjo Stage 4 |
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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Jerry Hughes
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Monday, 02 July 2007 |
Longsjo Classic Stage Race (Cat 4)
Sunday, July 1st, 2007
Stage 4 Criterium (19 laps – 17 miles)
Fitchburg, MA
The weather was once again perfect for the final day of racing in Fitchburg. The Cat 4’s went off at 11:15 so I arrived around 9:45 to give myself time to get a decent warmup. I signed in and walked a bit of the course while watching the Masters fly around the course – wow – they were really hauling ass.
As I got prepared, I felt like I just wanted to get this final day done with. I knew not much was going to change in the GC today so I figured just staying out of trouble and finishing with a non-torn jersey was good.
The whistle blew and we were off. As with all Crits, the pace from the line was very quick. The Laps for extra points really got heated but I was managing well - staying in the top 10 folks for the most of the laps. As the laps ticked by, riders were being more and more aggressive jockeying for those coveted slots up front. Lots of 'rubbin but 'rubbin is racing! 4 to go….3 to go….2 to go…..At 1 to go – I attacked with everything I had. I felt good and I honestly thought I could hold off the group for the short .9 mile lap but this glorious gap was shortlived and I was swallowed up by the masses about mid-lap – finished in the 30’s – most folks all got the same time. What a great race! Crits are very fun as it actually feels like you are racing the entire time!
Fitchburg was my first stage race and I had a very positive experience. I learned a ton and look forward to doing some more in the future. Racing 4 days straight really taxes the system! When I watch The Tour this year, I will have a whole new found respect for what those guys put themselves through. Anyway, thanks for reading and keep it in the big ring….
Jerry |
