Sat in for the first half - had some trouble getting used to cornering in the pack (not much real cornering at Nutmeg). Tried to stay mid-pack until 7 to go, when I moved up. Sat first 5-10 wheels for laps 7-3 to go and was feeling good, but got complacent and was swarmed during a lull on 3 to go (getting chopped in turn 2 on that lap didn't help) - back to mid pack, but now the field was lined out and chewing stem. Moved up some on laps 2 and 1, but not enough. Passed some guys in the sprint to finish 27/60. Meh.
A little frustrated, but a learning experience.
Lessons:
- Trust your handling in the turns: stay off the brakes and hit the gas at the apex of the turn. Also, taking the inside line takes much more energy (gotta slow down and then speed up)
- Beware of the standard lull that comes around 3-4 laps to go. Make sure you have an escape line so you don't get caught in the center of the pack with no way to get on the wheels that are moving up. Having teammates will help here, as having 1-2 guys on the front keeping the pace high will prevent being swamped.
Hartford Crit
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RFollansbee
- Peloton
- Posts: 402
- Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2009 4:27 pm
- Location: Grafton
Re: Hartford Crit
We got you next time Stefan.