Age Based Texas State Championship Criterium.

Going to this race I wanted to win. I didn't want anything less than first. This was my first time racing against the Jr Texas field this year so I saw some old friends along with some new kids I have never seen before.

My race didn't start till after 1pm so it was going to be a very hot race when I got there the temp was already over 95. warming up I just rode around for 15 mins I was scared to overheat just from peddling around slowly.

At the start of the race I all the Jrs rolled out as usual. The race started off really slow as any Jr race does. After about 2 or 3 laps a big Metro Volkswagen Jr got to the front and put in a hard 3 laps to hopefully weaken to field.  Just as he pulled  off I attacked and soloed off  the front. I then got a 20 second gap on the field and after 20 mins of a hard solo effort some the Bigger stronger Jrs brought me back. this included Cody Foster who is a strong Cat 2 Jr. Once I was caught I quickly countered myself  and was on another solo break. After being off the front for another 10 mins Cody Bridged up to me from the Jr pack and the 2 of us started to work really well together. going into the final lap me and Cody had a very large gap and we knew one of us was going to win. heading into the final 200m I was in optimal position and started my sprint with 150m and was able to win my half a bike length then my friend Zach was able to get third from the Pack sprint

11 traits of the champion. from hot tubes developmental team websight

11 Traits of a Champion

1) Calmness:  Champions demonstrate a stoic calmness that allows them to focus on the task at hand.  No prima Dona outbursts or ridiculous demands on friends or trainers; Just calm commitment.  

2) Self-Assured:  Champions, the really great ones, never really boast.  They have a quiet self assuredness that transcends talk, and they seldom distract themselves with such foolishness.

3) Aggressiveness:  Champions seem to be very aggressive.  Strong moves are indicative of the outstanding athlete.  Yet the moves whether made by design or by instinct are not made frivolously but rather only at times when their chances can be greatly enhanced by such a maneuver.

4) Tenacious:  Certainly one of the primary traits that all champions’ show is tenacity.  They just keep on coming whether it be a part of their training, a race or another part of their lives.  Adversity is only a step in the process rather than an impassable hurdle.

5) Not afraid to fail:  To a degree, we are all afraid to fail.  The champion seems to be willing to risk it in spite of the possibility of catastrophe.  

6) Patience:  Part of being a champion is the realization that patience is an integral part of success. Patience is not just a trait, it is a tool that a champion uses to a definite advantage.

7) Self Direction:  This does not mean the champion is self-coached or self centered, but rather that the champion knows where he or she is going and will use the best available means at their disposal to achieve that end.

8) Consistency: Champions seem to demonstrate a great deal of consistency, both in temperament and performance.

9) Inward Focus:  The really great champions seem unconcerned about whom they are competing against.  The riders in a particular event only provide a standard by which they will apply and measure themselves.  The champion competes against their own abilities and limitations. The champion does not look outward, blaming others for a loss, but rather inward to those areas that can be improved for the future.

10) Willingness to suffer:  Great champions do not wish to suffer any more than you or I, but seem to accept the pain of  athletic  suffering as part of their endeavor.  They seem to force more out of their bodies than other riders do, especially when the going gets tough.  Much of this sport, at all levels, is decided by a mental commitment that allows the body to react accordingly.  

     

An eleventh attribute that is harder to define in a single word and is probably as important as any.  Ultimately, a bicycle race is just a bicycle race, lives are not saved, the homeless are not housed.  Champions seem to realize this as well, and realize the lessons of racing and training are really only valid when applied to our life as a whole. 

 

Cold Spring RR cat 3s- A bit late. 62 miles

Quick write over the Coldspring RR. The race started out slow with several unsuccessful attempts at forming a break. Going through the hills on the 2nd of the 4 laps I attacked to set a  break but no one came to my wheel. I was caught after 4 or 5 miles. The pack stayed together even after ALOT  of attacks on the last run through the hills.

Heading up the final Hill was  on Jason Bentley's wheel on the right hand side. He surged with about 400m to go. I sprinted by him for my dash to the line. With about 25 meters I got passed by one one rider from bikesport. I got 2nd and was looking good for the Sugar crit that was the next day

Sugar crit 3/4s

Photo by Courtney Scott

The reason I went to the 09 Sugarland Criterium was to win. I did this event in the 3/4s last year and placed second. So I wanted to place one better after a full year of training. Everything I hear about this event is positive, not only are the roads in perfect condition but it is right in the middle of the town center square, and to top off the list of good things is there is always a good size crowed to watch and enjoy the race.

            I woke up at six and downed a bowl of cereal with a couple shots of espresso before heading up with teammate Dan Morgan. Once we arrived I got my number and got pinned then warmed up in a nearby parking garage with Dan as well as Rich Schmidt. After warming up for 20 mins we went down to wait for the Jrs to finish then get a good position at the start line. Once the course was opened I got at the very front skipping a preview lap knowing the only wet corner is the 180. While I was at the start I looked at my competition to see if anyone really stood out and I didn’t see anyone particular, but what I did see was certain teams had good amounts of riders, which could work together to make the race a little bit more difficult for me and the team. Pearland had quite a few amount of riders in the 3/4s the riders where Dan, Rich, Tom, Paul, and me. However Tom and Paul had just finished the 4/5s earlier

            The start of the crit was fast like any other crit is, the speed slowed down considerably after the first 4 laps though. Once the race slowed down Me, Rich and Dan got positioning towards the front and went into defense mode and looked to see what was going on. After 40 some mins I decided the race needed some actions so I decided to put in a small attack. I luckily timed it just enough so I stayed away for 1.5 laps and picked up a prime for a source Endurance lactate test. Once I was caught Rich put in a quick counter attack. While the pack was chasing Rich down I got towards the front of the pack to see what was happening. Eventually the pack brought him back after about 2.5 laps. That is when Dan put in a hard attack. The pack was getting more hesitant at bringing in the Attackers. Once the pack brought in Dan, Rich went again at a prime lap. I then got in second position behind the lead chaser and attacked. Rich and I went one two for the prime. This Prime I got a $25 coupon to Perry’s Steakhouse. Once I got the second place prime I kept going till I bridged up to Rich. At this time Rich and me where both off the front with a small 5 second gap to the pack. I looked at rich and said, “let’s go!” the two of us drilled it for the next lap to open a good gap before he fell back to block the chase. At this time there was only 5 laps to go, and I was solo off the front with a 10-15 second gap to the chasers. I just put my chin on the bars and started hammering. I kept looking back to see if the pack was getting closer but the gap stayed. As the laps slowly went by I could here my Coach David Wenger of Source yelling splits at me, along with the huge crowed that have came to watch the race yelling for me to go harder. In the final 200 meters I realized I had it and slowed up a little to enjoy my victory, I took my hands off the bars and did my first victory solute of the 09-race season

            I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this win if it wasn’t for the teamwork my team used heading up to the final 20 mins of the race

            I would like to Thank: teammates-Rich, Dan, Tom, and Paul for the efforts in the race. I would like to thank my Family for all the support. I would like to thank my Coach Dave Wenger for getting me strong enough to have a chance of doing anything on a bike, as well as my Sponsors- MSHC.net, Pearland Cycling Club, Apache Services, Turbo care, Trialtir

Fayettvile stage race cat 3

I'm a little late....

stage one. this was around a 60 mile RR.

well after staying in the RV teammate Steve got to use from his company Apache services and enjoying the awesome cooking of Ms. Gaye Koenning  of Fitness solutions And her Husband Aaron. during the race the fog was so thick you couldn't see a thing. any ways the race stayed together for the majority of it with almost no attacks. the reason for the calmness of the race was every one was waiting for the 6.6 mile TT later that afternoon. well the RR ended up with a big field sprint. I was able to get sixth place in the field sprint just one place away from a time bonus.

Stage 2

This was a fast 6.6 mile ITT.

well writing about Timetrials is very easy to get good at. I started off hard and went harder as I got closer to the finish line in the end I did a 15:23 which was a very fast time which got me 8 for the stage and 10 overall

Stage 3

another 60 mile RR on a slightly smaller loop (more laps)

well the race started out fast because now every one was racing to get the overall. I sat towards the front of the pack and I was watching Danny from San jose because he was sitting 2nd in Gc and he has been looking good all season. well several attacker's went off the front but nothing stuck. I even surged once across the peloton to chase down a break. but like I said the pack wasn't letting anything go. with about 1 mile from the finish people were getting very crazy and starting to get fidgety. with 1 k to go the was a major crash and half the pack went down. I was able to avoid the crash because I was riding at the front. I was able to get 16th in the sprint.

special thanks

I have to thank Steve with Apache for getting the team an RV to stay in and Aron and Gaye for the hospitality and food

Lago Vista day 1 and 2

All I can say is that I without the woodland cycling club I wouldn't have been able to race, for they were the ones that got me a place to sleep and stay over for the 2 days of racing and I owe thanks to one of my best friends Patrick Davis or as I would say BSD and his parents for schlepping me to and fro

Day 1

the first day of lago was a 50 mile RR that consisted of 9 loops. when the race started I was near the front like your suppose to and was in a good position to cover any attacks that would have went. after about 15 mins the attacks started to go and the race finally got harder. after several laps on the famous lago Climb and the even or famous decent Scott attacked and I bridged up to him with one other person. together the three of us started to pull away from the group and after about a lap and a half 2 more people bridged up including Jr racer Ian Sewalt. by this time the entire break was really hurting and we slowly become less efficient and then became sloppy. after about 2 laps the pack finally caught us and we all reintegrated. I then moved bake to the front to recover for the final couple laps. the pack was pretty calm till the final mile uf the uphill. then out of the blue Ian Sewalt attacked the Peloton and started to pull away. I saw this and really though the pack would react, but nothing happened. as the group started to go down the decent then the pace really picked up, which meant 50+mph down the hill. towards the end of the  decent Tucker Gerald (fellow Jr from Lubbock camp) surged and caught Ian who was still solo off the front. they both go 1, 2 tucker then Ian. meanwhile I'm in the middle of the crazy cat 3 field trying to sprint for whatever position I can get. I ended up 14th for the day.

still day one but after the race (also a little before)

Before my race went on the way Patrick was racing the Jr 4/5 and was going for his first win of the year. from what I saw... Patty attacked early in the race and got a 2 man break with Shelby Redding. after Pulling the entire race Pat surged with 400m to go and held it off for the win. Congratulations.

After all the races were done me Patrick and Travis Burandt all hung out at the condo and watched survivor man till we went to bed. The next mourning Travis' Mom made all of us probably the best breakfast burritos ever and then just hung around waiting for the races. While waiting me and Travis just gave Patrick some Paranoia about his new bike.

Day 2

This race was another 50 mile RR but on a little smaller circuit. which meant more laps. I got to breakout my White shorts for this race which meant I was ready to win. At the start of the race about 5-15 mins into the race there where several attacks but nothing got more then 30 seconds. About half way through the race I bridged up to a solo rider and a strong San jose guy followed me. the 3 of us started working together really good and started to put some time from us and the pack. at the most we probably had 45 seconds maybe... well after 2.5 laps of just pain and tears the pack finally closed down on us and the San jose squad put in some hard counter attacks. but still nothing got away from the pack. meanwhile I'm in the front trying to conserve energy for the almost inevitable sprint coming up. with only 1 lap to go the pack was still together and waiting for the down hill that is coming up.coming up the final hill there was a huge surge by the stronger riders to try to open a gap before the decent. going down the down hill I found myself too far on the front which is not where I wanted to be doing 50+ mph. half way down the hill there was an attacked from the front and I was already at my capacity to even think about going with him. about 3 seconds later the pack surged after him and I started to go backwards through the center of the pack. heading into the final K I was mid pack and just trying to hang on as the strong men left in the pack where revving up their sprints. Josh Brown took it for the win I came in with the rest of the pack.

After the races

I came home with Patty and his parents which was fun. the drive went by really fast. 

Recap

I had fun I raced both smart and dumb so I can't reall say much here.

Special thanks

I have to give a special thanks to

-Woodlands cyling club for giving me a place to stay

-Patrick's parents for also giving me place to stay and a ride to and back from the races

-also Travis Burandt's mom for the best dinner and breakfast ever

pace bend

funnest race in a long time. I'm going to cu this report short. after leaving the hotel I got to the park and waited around for awhile for my race to start
Once my race stared I was in the middle of what had to be the safest cat 3 field I've ever been in after around 8 to nine laps of racing I was still in the pack and was preparing for the sprint (at this point there is about 2 miles left and no break aways) I moved up to about 7th wheel after sitting mid pack the entire race and was getting ready to go up the finishing hill as fast as possible. as the pack took the left hander before the line I hear a major crash from behind and a start my dash with about 200 meters to go. I start to pass fellow Jr Cody foster up the hill as I flew to the line. with about 50 meters to go I see one guy fly by me on the left I I see that he has it in the bag. I keep going hard to hold 2nd but then I see Cody started to pass me on the left along with one other guy to my right. I cross the line in4 which was above my expectations. also in the womens race Jen won the fpr P ;and in the womans 4s

recap

I did everything by the book and probably wouldn't change much the only way I would have one was to probably start 1 or 2 more slots back but thats it.

walburg and first race of 09

after I long and crazy off season alot has happened since my last post. the most important one has got to be I had to go through another type of eye surgery which ruined the first week of my winter vacation and caused me to loose alot of fitness that I have been working on in secret since the end of states. Any way, walburg was my first race of the season and i was racing the cat 3s which happened to be a 72 mile race which was the same distance as the pros.
That Friday mourning I got up and started to get ready for my teammate paul to pick me up. Once he picked me up we started to head North to the Austin area and our hotel. after a while we arrive at the hotel to find my racing buddy Patric staying right below us.
once I got my # pinned and rolled out I was at the start line and ready to go. once we started to go I was at the front like my coach told me to and was waiting for the crosswind section. then I see scott simmons attack and went off the front solo. This didn't alarm me cause I knew he wasn't going to solo 70 miles of 30mph winds. as the lap went on we finally made the right hander into walburgs famous 30 mph crosswind I immediately got cover in the front and got teammate rich up to the front as well, then Me and rich along with some San jose riders started a rotating pacer line the wind and started to shred the pack. after one lap the pack went from 70 to 11 and still with 50 miles to go. I was one of those 11 but pretty much used up all my energy to to help shred to group in the cross wind. we then caught Scott and the pace went up again. 2 guys then attacked scott and he bridged up. this left about 7 chasing down 3 guys off the front. after about 20 mins at this pace I got dropped right before the strong cross again. I then pulled out after 50 miles of racing


Recap
I've come to learn I do to much work in windy races i have to learn to rest more in the pack and expend energy when necessary.