'Tis the (Crit) Season

It seems that one of my favorite times of the year has come and is now gone. Crit season in Portland seems to be short, but intense. It actually started a few months ago with the Albany Crit. This was a new one for this year, but I am sure it will stick. It had a great course, great crowds and enough money to make it worth the trip. I learned an important lesson in this one after getting blocked in the last corner, never let someone else determine your race. I placed second and was a bit bitter about it.

Nearly a month later came another new crit. This one was another great race that was part of the Cirque du Cycling event up on Mississippi Ave. in north Portland. The course had long fast straights and tight corners on the ends. But I think it was the crowds that really made this race great. Nearly the whole course was lined with spectators that were really excited to watch some good racing. I was feeling really good that day and the whole team was out there. Eventually Hulick and I made it into the winning break of seven. Being the only teammates in the break, we controlled it and snatched up all the prems that we up for grabs. With 6 laps to go, I got a quick release in my rear wheel, breaking a few spokes. After a near panic attack and quick wheel change, I was back in it. I didn’t leave anything to chance on this one and lead out the long final sprint for the win.

I then hung up the road bike for nearly a month as the big money track races started. But my first day back proved to be a good one. The Vancouver Courthouse crit has not become a permanent fixture on the OBRA crit calendar, and it seems to draw a strong field most years. This year was no different. Having just come back from the FSA Grand Prix in Seattle, my legs were not feeling great. The pace was quick and I was suffering, but in the end I did have one match left and burnt it to lead nearly the entire last lap and had just enough to hold off Evan at the line.

The next weekend was my favorite crit of the year, the Portland Twilight. Last year I placed 8^th and was looking to improve. The race, of course, was fast. 31 MPH average fast. I buried my head and stuck with it. In the end I had no legs to actually sprint, but was able to roll in with the lead group for 6^th. The next day was a disaster for the GL squad. We had everyone out for the Sunset Crit, but somehow missed the break when Evan decided it was time to go. Then we could not even organize enough to bring it back. Evan and Aaron Johnson eventually lapped the field, Mark crashed out, I was not feeling it and the pink train was derailed big time. Not a shining moment for the Lovers. Good athletes have short term memory.

This weekend marked the end of the crit season. Swan Island was Saturday. I was not really planning on racing, but Bear wanted to so Mark and I went out. I did my efforts to try to help Tony and he placed well. But Sunday was the goal. I have always wanted to win the state championships and I felt like this was my year. Bear and Matt rode out to the race to provide some support. They rode like rock stars, going with the people that needed to be covered and doing work on the front when things need to be chased. The last few laps were dicey as everyone was trying to setup. HPChiro tried a lead out train, but I was feeling good and (remembering the Albany race) didn’t want to leave anything up to chance. I jumped hard coming out of the last corner to lead out the very long sprint and came across with a clean set of wheels and a Crit State Champion title.