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
