Chico, eh?

9/20/2009 | Tony was HOT:

35+ 3,4 - Just poor me. Chico Corsa had 6 guys out of 40 or so and Davis had 4 so I figured I'd watch them. EARLY on a San Jose guy attacked, then a Chico guy bridged. Seemed to early. Then a guy I've ridden in several breaks in before went to bridge so I though hmm, better but it took me 1/2 a lap to get in position to get to the front. I spent the next 4 laps clawing my way to toward the 3. Finally a 3rd pillar guy came up to me and we worked for another couple of laps but he was spent and sat up. I flogged myself for another 4 or 5 laps and got within about 5 seconds but couldn't quite get across. It was unbelievable how the pack would let Chico sit on the front. Very frustrating race. Davis did some work but gave up and went for the field sprint which I figured out. I followed Fred Schnars for the last lap and a half sitting second wheel with his teammate behind me. Fred ran out of gas a little early and a couple of guys got around me into the last corner. I think I was 6th out of the final corner and finished 4th for 6th overall.

I immediately went to the fountain in middle of the course and essentially took a shower and then lined up for the 1,2,3's with Robert and Gregg. Fast and furious from the gun. About 1/2 way through, Gregg says he thinks he might puke. Not a good sign...so I told Robert that Gregg wasn't feeling well and that he should probably get in a break so he attacks and there goes the race. Unfortunately, EMC managed to get both Chris Baker and Alex Holtz into it. With 4 or 5 to go, Kurt Bickell attacked and got across. I saw it coming and should have covered it. Not sure why I didn't. Now the 1st 9 spots were up the road. A Chico guy got away from us with 2 to go and then Gregg lead ME out for 11th. Meanwhile Robert was getting tag teamed by EMC and Lombardi (sorry Robert, should have been there!) and Chris got up the road with one other for the win. Robert attacked to try and get away but they weren't going to let that happen so Alex got 3rd with Robert 8th.

P,1,2,3 - All Robert. Gregg and I sat on the sidelines and sweated but nothing like Robert did. Our friend young Andrew Talansky was ON FIRE. He went from the gun and had it strung out for about 10 laps before no one could hold his wheel. He then proceeded to lap the field and then solo off the lapped field for the win. Very impressive. Robert was helping Andrew and was in the 1st chase group with Chris Baker, Pat Briggs, and 4 or 5 others and wound up 3rd in their sprint for 4th overall. Way to go Robert!

Details due from Robert on both races!