Race Report Saturday March 13

The weather forecast for Saturday was for scattered showers all day long with the bulk of the storm hitting Lawrence at about noon. The Juniors Race was scheduled to start at 12:30, so if we were lucky....... Given that it was a 50-50 chance of rain, this effectively, increased possibility of injury. This weekend's race communicated a great deal, as it was an indication of the commitment and dedication level of not only the athletes but that of the parents as well. It is one thing to pack the gear and drive 10 or 15 minutes to the race only to find out that the weather has not cooperated, it is quite another to get up at 6:00 am, pack the gear and drive 2.5 hours for a race on the oft chance that the weather will cooperate. All in all, we still fielded at least 9 racers! No, our no-shows did not wimp out but had other obligations or were ill.

The race was on a .7-mile loop and consisted of 9 laps. We were graced with a dry track with only a mild sprinkling of rain and a wind of 10-15 mph out of the southwest. Team X shot out of the starting line with an immediate two-man attack. This was countered by two simultaneous solo attempts. By about the third lap, the Team X attack had gained almost a ¾ lap lead on the pack. The two solo riders were still hanging in there giving a valiant effort trailing the leaders by about 20 a nd 30 seconds. The two solo attackers were overtaken by the pack somewhere in the sixth lap. It was blatantly obvious that these two attacking Team X racers were toying with the peloton, as they were asking their coach if they could lap the field. The leaders finally slowed their pace to allow the pack to join them in the final two or three laps. The final sprint to the finish started with about a half a lap to go with the results is very similar to that of the first two.


These results can be expected since we are competing with the same group of racers on the same basic course. These first races of the season, I am expecting this, Team X, as a team is more experienced than our racers. With more races and time in the saddle, we will come around and demonstrate our
true capabilities. Our team will mature physically as well as
functionally. Do not count us out yet, we are now providing the only serious competition for Team X in the region.

Ron Wade