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2006 Canton Cup |
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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Steve Morse
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Saturday, 28 October 2006 |
2006 Canton Cup Cyclo-Cross Race (NEBRA)
Presented by North Atlantic Velo
Canton, MA
 Not sure what I was thinking, signing up for an Elite men's race. Somehow I figured it wouldn't be so bad - at the very least a good hourlong workout, especially since I thought there was a UCI race down in the mid-Atalntic region that would lure away all the big-wigs. So, it would cherry picking for the local working slobs and bottom feeders. This dream was instantly shot down as we rolled into the parking lot and saw the familiar CLIF bar kits of Mark McCormack and Jesse Anthony preparing for action.
OK, plan B - maybe if I had a great race I won't come in last, or get lapped. This would be the best I could hope for.
So, Matt D, John Burns and I kitted up and warmed up on course. Conditions were surprisingly dry, considering that we had monsoon rains the previous day. Hmmm, could it be the 50mph gusts that are drying everything off so fast? I would describe the course as very open and fast- which would suit the roadies.
My first start in an Elite race was sort of like a mosh pit. Just get to the first corner any way you can first, and take down anything in the way. There were tires rubbing, brakes barking, and dudes yelling. It was pretty sweet, but I guess I wasn't aggresive enough, as I found myself in almost DFL coming out of the first turn.
The first lap or so was spent going as hard as I could just to not get dropped. Didn't matter - I still got dropped like a bad habit. I contemplated stopping to vomit after the first lap I was going so hard. There is nothing worse than riding your guts out and still watching everyone else ride away. So demoralizing.
I ended up riding by myself for a long time in the driving wind which wasn't very fun. I decided I would just concentrate on my form and at least get in the good technical workout. Once the effects from the start had worn off, the legs actually felt pretty good out there.
Spotted a rider up ahead, and started working harder to catch him. It took me almost a whole lap, but I finally caught him. As we approached the start/finish area, I started to make my move to pass him. Guess what - he pulled off and dropped out of the race, so I didn't even get that satisfaction! Doh!
On 2 to go, I saw the red CLIF bar train coming up behind me. I was determined to not get lapped, so I started going ballistic. Mark shot past me right after the last set of barriers - he was finishing up. Jesse came by me right at the finish line. So I did get lapped, by only a few hundred feet. Oh well - Only 1 lap down - I have experienced worse.
I think I finished 3rd or 4th from last, so at least I didn't come in last place. I definately learned my lesson - I'm not an elite racer, and will henceforth forever remain in the B's.
Steve
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