The 5-week Early Bird Criterium Training Series started with teammates pouring lots of energy into teaching some 200 new riders how to race and ended with an AMD-Discovery Channel win in the 1/2/3/Pro race.
Weekly averages came in at 329 riders which reflects the popularity of this event and the appeal of its progressive curriculum. The high attendance also serves as a positive sign that riders are willing to use early season events to brush up and learn new skills. The 2200 meter wide course (with just three corners) tests the riders comfortableness in a large pack of riders traveling at a fast pace. Yes, there were a few crashes but there were also 1600 participants.
Fast forward to the 1/2/3/Pro race… we’ve got Ken Carpenter, Steve Casani, Dylan Casey, Dean LaBerge, Scott McKinley, Daniel Tisdell(15), Wyatt Weisel and me in this 100+ rider field. We’ve got your typical fast pace(26mph) and attempts to break away, but this one has field sprint written all over it. Ken hits the front before the 3rd corner (700 meters to go!) with Scott on his wheel followed by Dean. I had the pleasure of watching Ken ramp up the speed so much that he gapped the 5th rider in line… and then dropped Scott off with 200 meters to go who in turn took Dean to the line.
Final results: Dean LaBerge- 1st, Scott McKinley- 3rd
Thanks for reading. Larry
2 comments:
Larry,
Good work toward the end keeping the pace fast. Too bad I can't seem to find the horsepower to get up there myself!
Gotta say I was pleased to see you guys on the front stringing it out and keeping it safe... I hate the last few laps of a crit when my kids are in there fighting for wheels... but I'm gonna call no joy on your results... The gap was after the fifth rider. Dean and Roman were too quick for my boy, but Alex did hang on for third. Gotta give him props when I can... and he loved the fact that thanks to you guys he didn't have to worry about getting swamped on the last lap!!! nice work!
Tailwinds,
Steve Wick
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