Race Name: Bicycles Plus Folsom Criterium
Race Type: Criterium
Category: Cat 4, 30+ Cat 3 /4
Result: Middle of pack
Decided to do the Folsom Crit for the chance to do two races in one day. Carpooled with Tim (now with BBC) and got there with more than enough time to register and take my time getting suited up. Tim said the course was shaped like the letter D with two right turns and one large continues turn which allowed lots of time to just sit and hide in the pack and since I didn’t bring a trainer Tim said warming up was not that necessary.
Cat 4
Turnout for this one was close to 50 and the pace from the start was comfy allowing me to get my much needed warm up in. Kept my place more towards the back with little movements to the front. Couple of breaks went up the road but the wide open layout of the course made it difficult for any breaks to stick, this was a course that would end in a bunch sprint. Hatched a plan with Tim to either lead him out for the sprint or tow him to the front with one to two laps to go but that went out the window when going into the last turn to start the last lap some rider upfront slid while going over a wet manhole cover and caused a pileup. Being towards the back I had no problem going around the crash but by then the field has splintered and it was just a matter of chasing to make the front group. Spent the last lap trying to bridge over to the lead group jumping from one wheel to the next, dodging riders going backwards only to blow up on the last turn and coasting to the finish. Finished in 30th place.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23681437
30+ CAT 3, 4
After a 40 minute break, the ladies Cat 4 race was between bought races it was time to do it again. Turnout was comparable at around close to 50. What a difference a one mile and hour average makes compared to the first race. The race was at most times single file and what impressed me that most was one Cal Giant dude easily pulled the pack around for what seems like half the race distance. The race was smooth all the way with very little close calls. Kept my place mostly mid pack just inserting myself through openings and following wheels towards the front. Same as the first race breaks were attempted but non stuck which made the race end again in another bunch sprint. Tried to move up on the last lap but lost steam and drifted towards the back on the finishing straight. Finished in 33th place.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23681428
Jorge