Cycling in a Toque: April 2013

Pedaling above the circle

Japanese Keirin

Joe Martin: Stage 3

Misty, a little rainy and just windy enough out there today to make for some tough racing. A large breakaway went early (8 riders) without the yellow jersey so Optum rode the front most of the day. On lap 3 of 4, 5-hour Energy blasted the field on the climb, with only Clay and I making a select 20 man group. Although the field did eventually catch back on, it took a major dent out of the break's advantage. After another similar selection on the final climb, in which Haga (yellow), Hamilton (Jelly Belly) and possibly 1-2 other riders managed to slip away over the final metres of the climb, bridging the now 50 second gap, the responsibility of the peloton's speed moved to Champion System and Cashcall. With 5km remaining the gap dipped to 20 seconds, prompting Mancebo to bridge in the fast rolling terrain. With Uberti, Winsor, Clay and I all attentive near the front, Uberti was able to put in a mean bit of work to maintain the speed of the peloton but ultimately the 15 man group up the rode was determined to stay away. The sprinters team's jockeyed for the remaining places and after we lost Clay to a flat, I surfed the sprint to go 3rd in the bunch.

Labels: Road Report

Joe Martin: Stage 2

Great team unit today. Monte, Uberti and Patton especially worked tirelessly today until Winsor joined the break. With 20km to go, 3 riders remained off the front (including two of the original 4). In the finale, the team was lined out but three untimely flat tires took Clay, Simes and Livermon out with a few kms remaining. Winsor helped Ben in the finale but the hectic run into town, with cars all over the place made for very challenging positioning. However the team is looking strong and tomorrow will be a more traditional sprint.