2009 Blogs
Today was the downtown Silver City Criterium. This stage usually draws a good crowd of spectators, but this year there was the extra "Lance Factor" to make it even more popular! Webcor put on a good show with all our riders at the front controlling the race and covering any significant attacks. We wanted the race to come down to a sprint for Gina and to have another opportunity to fine-tune the team leadout. The team rode very well together with everyone contributing, but our leadout got derailed in the final turn, which was a good 300m of uphill headwind from the line and Gina had to go early and Carla Swart from Lipsmackers came around her in the final meters.
Here is Gina's Report:
"Well today's stage started out with Nikki, Alex and I making bets on all the kids racing. We cessed out the competition of all ages from 4-10 in their respective age categories and picked our racer. Probably the best incident was this kid who had food all over his face and the smallest bike in the gang and Nikki chose him...he rolled in last (she'll make a great mom)!!! Alexis made progressive improvements and finally chose a winner in the final race.
Then our race. Everybody with tired legs fighting a "breeze" so they called it. Well winds swirling and twisting our tent in a pretzel. The main goal of course was to not let anything up the road that would put Kathryn's GC in danger. Kristen Armstrong laid the brrrrrrrrrrraaap down in the first 2 laps tearing our legs off. She continued to do that a lot of the race. A few attempts were made for breakaways but the wind was so strong that it was tough to stay away. Nevermind Kristen and Alison Powers bringing things back that didn't really matter. That was ok though because we wanted a field sprint anyways...
A girl got away and was away at 2 laps to go. We learned a lesson in patience today. We panicked a bit and brought her back too quick too soon, leaving not the whole team for a leadout. We needed to control the race with a solid leadout because of the wind and the course. We are capable but because of the circumstances of PANICK we didn't. So Alex was there as the last leadout, which as usual she had under control...then comes the out of control Alison Powers basically cutting her off and making some erratic move before the last downhill off camber left corner. Alex was in her 53x11 leading me out downhill...spun out. Alison comes PAST her right before the corner...I had to make a split decision and follow the fastest person...well, I made it through the corner with her line and speed, following a 2 wheel slide for me and then (what we think happened) Alison scared herself!!! Because she kind of hesitated and didn't continue driving it to the finish...at that point I had to jump at 300-350m to go...yep I basically lead somebody out for the win. And I got first Loser...2nd place.
Criterium racing is so fast and takes split minute decisions, which is what makes it so fun and exciting. Sometimes things work out and sometimes not. All in all Webcor rode a really good race and continues to show how we shine working together as a team on and off the bike. We've been on the podium everyday...tomorrow is no exception!!!
Tomorrow I think are more hills....:-))))))
gina"
Then our race. Everybody with tired legs fighting a "breeze" so they called it. Well winds swirling and twisting our tent in a pretzel. The main goal of course was to not let anything up the road that would put Kathryn's GC in danger. Kristen Armstrong laid the brrrrrrrrrrraaap down in the first 2 laps tearing our legs off. She continued to do that a lot of the race. A few attempts were made for breakaways but the wind was so strong that it was tough to stay away. Nevermind Kristen and Alison Powers bringing things back that didn't really matter. That was ok though because we wanted a field sprint anyways...
A girl got away and was away at 2 laps to go. We learned a lesson in patience today. We panicked a bit and brought her back too quick too soon, leaving not the whole team for a leadout. We needed to control the race with a solid leadout because of the wind and the course. We are capable but because of the circumstances of PANICK we didn't. So Alex was there as the last leadout, which as usual she had under control...then comes the out of control Alison Powers basically cutting her off and making some erratic move before the last downhill off camber left corner. Alex was in her 53x11 leading me out downhill...spun out. Alison comes PAST her right before the corner...I had to make a split decision and follow the fastest person...well, I made it through the corner with her line and speed, following a 2 wheel slide for me and then (what we think happened) Alison scared herself!!! Because she kind of hesitated and didn't continue driving it to the finish...at that point I had to jump at 300-350m to go...yep I basically lead somebody out for the win. And I got first Loser...2nd place.
Criterium racing is so fast and takes split minute decisions, which is what makes it so fun and exciting. Sometimes things work out and sometimes not. All in all Webcor rode a really good race and continues to show how we shine working together as a team on and off the bike. We've been on the podium everyday...tomorrow is no exception!!!
Tomorrow I think are more hills....:-))))))
gina"