2014 Bob Beal Memorial Crit

[Jacob]

This was at Ninigret in RI; cat 4/5 35+ field. I was the lone MRC representative. They ran a separate 4/5 open field at the same time by starting the two groups one minute apart. This worked better than I expected as there was very little interaction. It was pretty windy, though I heard that it can be a lot worse. It was a tailwind on the finishing straight.

The pace was respectable, with Blue Hills and Optimum doing team tactics and other solo guys doing big turns of strategically questionable work. This was my first time here, but I got a good feel for the circuit after a couple of laps and installed myself into the correct position. This was probably the most "chess match on wheels"-like race that I've done so far, with my fitness being at a good level I felt like I had a lot of choices to make throughout the race. I was doing my best to keep track of everyone and trying to figure out exactly what they were trying to do. It was actually fairly stressful. I was happy when we got to the last lap because I felt like things would be simpler at that point. I kept my good position and was at the front on the inside going into the final turn. A guy on the outside jumped before I thought to do it myself and I reacted as quick as I could, but I was looking at a bigger than a bike length gap as I sprinted to the finish. The tailwind helped the guy in front win and it helped me stay ahead of everyone behind me, so I hung on for 3rd place. I'm happy to finally break into the top 3 in a cat 4 race!

[scottc]

Funny coincidence. Whilst mulling over next step race plans and happening upon bikereg.com posted results I see that and then this. Nice work Jacob -- Well executed!

[rusto]

Congrats!

[ahamilton]

Podium! Very nice job.

[PJ McQuade]

Yeah, Jacob!

[Mkidd3]

Well done! Congrats!

[Robd2]

Well done my man! Arn't these results are the best motivators!