Call ups again by registration order, so I was on the front row again. Again, we had a combined Masters field, and again it was sold out at 100 racers. My plan was to go hard for the first 1/4 lap to get through some tricky sections so as not to get bottle-necked, then dial it back and ride consistently. I had a great start, slotting into 4th then passed into 3rd. I nailed the tricky sections with "clean air" in front of me, and settled in to be passed. I slipped into 5th by the end of the first lap, but was feeling pretty good. I gave up 6th and 7th, but they didn't blow by me like yesterday. Mid-way through the second lap, I gave up 8th place to a guy that looked like Tom Boonen from behind. He had to be 6' 4" or so, and at least 185 lbs, but lean and strong with big calves. That's my wheel! I surged forward and hitched my wagon, with the intention of letting him tow me so as to widen the gap to the guys chasing me. totally defensive move.
It turns out, my own personal Tom Boonen is a really good bike handler with a really big engine. He'd slow a bit on the steeper hills, but he was just drilling it on the flats and false flats. His long legs made easy work of the sand and barriers. I had a great view of his arse for 3-1/2 laps, as I selfishly stuck to his wheel like used bubble-gum. Each lap he'd find a place to gap me by a length or two, but I knew where my meal-ticket was so I'd fight to get back on. The reward on the flats was enormous. He never once asked me to come through, and I wouldn't have been able to if he had. I was essentially on my limit, with nothing to offer....but that was okay...for both of us. I rode his wheel until about 30 seconds from the finish, when he attacked me. I had no intention of pipping him after sucking wheel for 3-1/2 laps, and was happy with 9th overall. 5th in 40+. And I had way more fun than yesterday.
