Category: 4’s
Team Mates: None
Place DNF
Average Speed: 23mph
My day started well because I was able to pre-ride the course. Then I went off and did my warm-up. When I was finished I headed to the line and awaited the start. The race started fast. As we raced round there were several attacks, especially when one of many $50 primes were offered. After about 5 laps my back tire blew out. I made my way to the pits where they gave me zipp 404s. Thank you Larry for reminding me to get a back wheel that had a Jr. cassette. Once I got the new wheel I rejoined the race. I had never ridden zipps so I was unprepared for the speed and handling in the corners. It was very fast. When I rejoined the race I was greeted by a flurry of attacks. A few laps later going into a tight left hand turn I almost crashed. I do not know what happened, I think I may have got my wheel stuck in a road crack, but midway though the turn my back wheel kicks up and out to the right. Luckily I managed to stay up right. After that I could feel a problem with my back wheel, it felt wobbly. The pace of the race was raised again with multiple attacks, but no one could stay away. Then with just two laps to go my back wheel flatted again.This was probably because of my near crash, and because I do not have brake pads made for carbon wheels like 404s so I was probably messing the rim of the wheel up when I would brake. When I got to the pits they said there was no more Jr wheels, and even if there was the free lap rule had ended, so unfortunately I was forced to take a DNF. This crit is one of the most fun races I have ever done, I wish my luck was better because I had good legs that day.