TdN Redux X2

6/22/2009 | Jess Raphael wrote this:


Don't forget JLaine in the 45's!!
But for a pretty surprising effort by Rich Juarez to hang with the pack at NorthStar and get 2nd place in the final sprint, JLaine would have finished 4th on GC instead of 5th, making it Safeway 1st, 3rd and 4th. In fact, but for a remarkable effort by Bubba and Clover to get back on after the flat (allegedly assisted by some hometown motorcycle ref's), Safeway could well have swept the podium!!
As it was, a Safeway 1/3/5 finish with Bubba and Juarez, two confirmed winners, as the only interlopers, was really remarkable.

As for my experience, it was short and undignified.

Truckee: 18 hours from returning from 3 weeks in Spain I'm racing. Spent the two hours before the race in a losing battle with Montezuma (wasn't he Mexican?) until moments before the start gun. Thus, started at the back of the pack and got accordianed around for awhile on the hairpin. Had to close lots of upwind gaps and finally got dropped and pulled. Terrible stomach cramps followed. But a GREAT night of partying and team bonding followed, so it was all good.

Reno: Several delays of two+ hours for the start. I was on the front of the line up for two of the starts, determined not to repeat my mistake, but they delayed again. Finally, when they lined us up again, I was at the back. They told us to ride a neutral lap, not having given race instructions or called out the leaders. I was a little perturbed when guys started attacking up the hill, and I thought they were idiots. I rolled up, adjusting my cleats. From the top of the hill (2-300 meters away) I saw the leaders fly through the start without stopping. I had to chase for two laps just to join the back of the peloton. Then, as in Truckee, the initial laps were terrifically fast and I paid the price. TT'd for a while, joined a couple of other guys, then they pulled us. I went to Janice immediately and complained about the start. She said "You guys were supposed to stop at the line." She acknowledged that they'd screwed up, but that there was no remedy now. Lots of guys didn't even ride the first lap. There were no pre-race instructions. Amazing! Great hanging out afterwards and more good team bonding, so it was another good day in the end.

Northstar: Great course. After about 20 minutes, my lungs were bleeding from the 6500 feet of altitude. No excuses there. You guys rode and suffered terrifically.

Overall, I got some fitness back after Spain, and I got to play soigneur info-transmission guy, which seemed pretty useful -- especially at Northstar, where information was at a premium. GREAT race to watch, too. But I wish I could have been part of the tactics.