RATL

Much better day today as our team had to win with 11 riders. Carbon made it a hard race today as well as Andy Clarke from Panther. We ended up with total domination with a 6th place from Marco, I took 3rd, Jeff Pendlebury took 2nd, and Jim Baldasare took the win.

Warm and windy at the RATL in Munroe Falls. A very sweet location for a crit/circuit race. This was my first time here and I was not disappointed given that I drove 60+ miles. As for the race, it was a combined class of Masters +35/+45 totaling 38/40 riders. The first several laps were elbow to elbow until there was a break and the groups spread out. I ended up in the chase group, also in the group was teammate Ted Pablo. The pace was fairly high as the miles went by, and we lost a lot of riders. When the bell lap rung the group totaled about 15/18. Everyone fought for position as we shot down the back-straight setting up a mad sprint to the top of the small climb. I wish I would have jumped a little sooner but was able to salvage a 7th place +45. I think Ted got boxed in but recovered nicely to take 9th. All in all a good day.

Just not aggressive enough. I was boxed out for the sprint. Fast with half the field being dropped, finished 9th.

RATL #2: Race started timid, course wet. Rode first lap mid pack to feel out riders. Second lap breakaway split field, went with lead group. Third lap coasted to back of lead group coming into downhill turn as some riders seemed oblivious to course conditions. Ended up blowing tire on turn and crashing out of race anyhow. Will try to redeem myself on race #3...