The Lakewood Criterium

Great race and crowd. A must race next year.

Super fun crit in Lakewood, Ohio, just outside Cleveland. Went up with Sami, met my Cleveland buddies and raced. Had a 2.5 lap flyer and eventually got caught. Went to the back to rest and missed the next move. He stayed out all day. Tried to get something going but Robert Sroka was the only other racer that wanted to work. Everyone else was content to race for 2nd and 3rd. Such a shame. I sat up with nothing left in the sprint. I'll get the hang of road racing one of these days. 'Cross season isn't too far away.

Spent. A beautiful day, nice course and fast class. The 35+ masters group had some heavy hitters lined up to do battle. A group of 30ish started with immediate attacks that left everyone chasing. Made the break to the lead group but that was short-lived as I was spit out the back after a few laps. Landed with the chase group and settled in. With about 5 to go the chase group attacks started and the pace surged. With 2 to go the group came back together and set up for the sprint. We sprinted up the incline and down the back-stretch to the line. Finished mid-pack with most of the group within 10 yards. I think I over-trained this week (was on vacation) and had little snap left in my legs.

Congrat's to Ted for his 9th place finish. Also, Lo and Jason were mixing it up in the 5's. I think Lo finished in the top 6, not sure about Jason. The Spin Bike Shop sponsored inaugural Lakewood race was well run, a great course and venue. Hopefully this will become a annual event.