GMSR Cat 4B Men's - 9-2-08
Green Mountain Stage Race Report – Cat 4B
http://www.gmsr.info
Lucky number 7
Prologue – Big World Prologue (Individual Time Trial)
http://www.gmsr.info/bigworld_ITT.php
The Prolog was a 10k partially uphill ITT. I had a chance to recon it the day before with Greg Brown and Mrs. Bianchi and had ridden the route in past fun rides. Scott Brooks had advised (to all the teams) that the first 2k should be ridden ‘within’ one’s limits but after that as the course started to flatten and descend that you could go all out from there to the line. The trickiest part of the course was between 1k and 500m as the road dipped severely for270m and then rose back up for the remaining 130m.
In the recon I had tried to shift to the small chainring and been unable to – I lost a lot of momentum and had to finish it off in the 53. But it seemed manageable and I decided not to risk losing momentum and just shift down via the cassette for the race.
The next day was a little anxious especially as I had a mid-afternoon start and plenty of time to hang around thinking too much. I got in a decent warm-up on the trainer close to the start and also got my TT helmet and number placement checked by the officials early so I wouldn’t have any surprises right before I went off.
I got to the start with a few minutes to spare and lined up. The start lead almost immediately into the climb and within a few seconds I could see my 30 sec rider up ahead. I estimated how quickly I was reeling him in and decided to adapt Scott’s advice and try and pass him by the 2k mark even if it meant going a little over my perceived effort level (the reason being I usually climb slightly better than others but can lose time on the descending). I dug a little deeper and managed to pull alongside right about 2k. I though negative thoughts about how slow he was and how tired he looked thereby boosting my own confidence ;-). There was one smaller rise for about 200m + before a wheel pit and the level/descending began. I pushed hard after a quick look back to make sure I had some distance on him and hoped not to become a ‘carrot’ for him to chase.
Once on the flat I tried to settle into an aerodynamic position (no TT bars were allowed) and focus on maintaining pace. The speed quickly rose as did the burning sensation in my legs. In the farthest distance I could see what looked to be about 4 or 5 other racers trying to get past each other but they quickly disappeared around a bend and I didn’t see them again. Damn. No carrots for me.
After that it was mostly a matter of maintaining the pain level until I could see the dip/wall combination. As I passed the 1k mark and began the fast descent (40mph+) I eased off slightly to give my legs a few seconds respite and then just before reaching the bottom started trying to spin the gears as fast as possible in an attempt to maximize my momentum through the transition to uphill (steep). I shifted down through the cassette about 3 gears (as planned) and resumed trying to power up the remaining climb. Reality settled in and I ended up taking 2 more downshifts before getting onto the finishing false flat. I stood and attempted a power sprint to the line being careful not to peak too soon. As I crossed the line I felt about as drained as ever and I’m pretty sure I had done an OK time. I spun back easy to the start to rest the legs in preparation for tomorrow.
Finish time: 16:33
Avg Speed: 20.7mph
Avg Power: 295watts
Result: 11th
1.1.1Stage 1 – The Bridges Circuit Race
http://www.gmsr.info/circuit.php
Today was two laps of a 30 mile rolling circuit with a climb on Baby Gap for KOM points. I had decided to try and ride up front as much as possible before the KOM and if I was feeling OK try and grab a point or more (placing was 3 deep). Pack positioning was never my strongest point but the field was unusually small this year and we began with only 56 starters. I also hoped the longer stage (both today and looming tomorrow) would keep some of the other racers from going all out. The first few miles were neutral and I surfed the top 10 positions (and the pace car which was holding a miserly 12 mph even downhill!). When racing began I found myself slipping back a little but within a few miles there was a short steep rise and I used a little energy to move back up to the ‘sweet spot’. After that it became pretty mundane and I tried to make sure I didn’t spend too much time in the wind and thought ahead to the KOM. As the 5km to the KOM came up I found myself working the front a little with a couple of other riders (I kept trying to make sure they worked harder than me) but deciding when to go was the hardest thing. My brain said “Not now, wait, wait” my legs said “come on let’s GO! Allons-y!”. Around 500m I was 2nd wheel and my legs finally won. The first rider started going for it and I tried to jump around him. As I came by I looked over to see how much pain was etched in his face (quite a bit) and I also got to see 2 guys who had just jumped from the pack overtaking us at a good rate of speed. Damn! Still 3rd spot was up for grabs and I looked back to see pain-man fading fast and a big-ish gap to the field behind (When did that happen?). I started to go for it and the brain chimed in with “Let’s go. Allons-y!” and the legs came back with “Not now. It hurts a lot”.
Traitors!
Another quick look back to see if I could afford to slacken off and I see the pack is not reacting.. except,, wait.. there’s one guy pouncing off the front. Long (200m) story short he pips me for the line and I just could not make my legs match his pace. He got the last available KOM point by about 30m.
I continued to push as there was a little more climbing before we got to descend and assimilated into the pack. As per usual I found myself sliding to the back (partly from tiredness and a little to hang back on the descent). I sat in (minus a little excitement as I dropped my chain in the corner at the bottom of Baby gap) and focused on recovery. I planned to try and move up again around the same place as on lap one and try to repeat the plan again if I felt good.
After the intermediary sprint we raced after a couple of breakaway attempts (mostly solo efforts) and came through the feed zone pretty hot. I waved off Mrs. Bianchi so she knew I didn’t want/need a feed and stayed out of the messiness. I ended up getting more in front from this and then maintained that spot for a good few miles more.
On the way to the KOM one guy sprang from the front on a sharp rise and I watched for a few seconds to see if the move looked good. He moved away and had a nice brisk cadence – now he was about 30m in front and still going. I jumped. It wasn’t in the plan but we were getting close to the 5k (I think – I never did get that familiar with this new course) and it seemed worth a risk. He continued on as I reached his wheel and glanced back – looked like a good little gap still but I could see some reaction starting. He pulled off to let me come through and the legs just didn’t want to up the tempo any more. I could hang on his wheel but it looked like contributing was asking too much. I hoped that after another minute or so I would start to be able to work more but another glance back showed me we had been joined by a 3rd rider who had the front end of the pack hanging on his wheel. I knew we were done and shut down my effort and tried to hide in a few riders back for some quick recovery.
The pack kept a pretty decent tempo from there to the KOM and it was a very late sprint away for the guys who placed this time around. My legs weren’t interested anymore and I settled in to repeat my plan from lap one and save as much energy as possible for tomorrow. All I was looking for now was to get the magic letters ‘st’ after my name to hopefully maintain my overall placing (same time).
No great problems on the fast run in to the line and I hung back saving energy and stayed alert for crashes and snuck through in the 3rd last rider in the bunch. ST!
Finish time: 2:49:41
Avg Speed: 22.9mph
Result: 39th
General Classification: 10th
1.1.2Stage 2 – Champion Systems Mad River Road Race
http://www.gmsr.info/mad.php
The Queen stage. Scott Brooks came up with a plan for me and I stuck with it. By the end of this stage I’ll have my best Cat 4 placing ever (not including Wells) and on one of the toughest road courses in the calendar.
As I had been gifted a top ten GC position yesterday I got a call up to the front line for the start. We glided down Sugarbush Access Road at a reasonable pace despite the fact that our pace car had shot off ahead and was often out of sight. (Our revenge for yesterday?). Once racing began I maintained my position near the front for the first 11 miles to the top of Granville Gulf. Once the pace quickened for the downhill intermediary sprint I let myself drift to the back and made sure I kept contact with the tail end of the pack. After the sprint I started to move back up a little when there was an immediate attack off the front. 3 solo riders evenly spaced started tearing away down Rt 100. The pack didn’t seem too worried until 3 more riders (together) split from the front. Chase on. We went pretty much single file from there for the next 5 miles as the pack chased them down. There was still 1 rider off the front as we turned onto Rt 73 to Brandon Gap. I used the first 2 little rises to move my position up to the front of the pack and maintained there. A few guys were chasing but no concerted effort was being made. I found myself on the front for a few hundred yards but as I pulled off no-one came through and I decided that waiting for the other teams to organize was a better tactic than working now.
We came upon the feedzone just as the chase was starting to get some steam up. I moved over and got rid of my first bottle as I identified our team feed area. I could see my bottle in my wife Kathy’s hand and then.. <
Despite having taken a feed many times in the past without any issues the bottle just left my hand and disappeared. I looked down at the ground while swearing magnificently and glanced at my computer. 22mph. Crap. No wonder I didn’t get a good hold on it. (Later on after the stage my 3rd finger on that hand would show huge bruising and some swelling from the impact.)
As the climb of Brandon Gap began in earnest we caught the solo breakaway and 2 more guys tried to go but never got very far. I went to the front and upped the tempo partly to test the legs and partly to test everyone else’s. When I pulled off the front twice and no-one came through I went for a quick attack to gap the field but a reaction came and they dragged back up to me within a minute. We were approaching the KOM at this point and someone went for a quick attack off the front I started pulling the lead group a little to help out the KOM jersey leader (if he scored any points here he’d seal the jersey) as I thought it might come in handy to have friends later on. KOM guy got 4th over the top and ensured he won the jersey. I came over about 10th and quickly went into descending mode so that I didn’t lose touch with the leaders. We quickly went down the first mile and a half but after the steeper twistier section was behind us the pack settled into a nice safe speed and recovery was the order of the day.
At the base of the descent Chris Gagne (BRC) who was in the sprint leader’s jersey blew his front tire in the sharp right hand turn. He controlled it but there was a quick rumbling of conversation through the pack and a consensus was reached that we would take it easy until he made it back. This was quickly parlayed by the Placid Planet guys (who had the race leader) and a few others into an unofficial ‘break naturale’. The moto rider we had with us agreed to our suggestion/demand and we formed a line and pretended we were professional. And French. After resuming, the Sprint jersey joined up and it was mostly an easy run until we reached Rt 7.
Here we encountered a reasonable headwind and because no-one wanted to do too much in the way of work the pace stayed somewhat slow. Two guys just sort of drifted off the front and no-one seemed to care about that either. As we approached the turn toward Rt 116 they had gained over a minute and the peloton awoke to the danger and chasing began. I remained up front and tried to avoid doing a lick of work as the stronger teams and less astute riders chased the break. We caught them somewhere before the turn onto Notch Rd (steep!) and went into the 2 miles of dirt as a reasonable compact lead group. I tried to test my legs on Notch Rd to ensure I’d be able to turn my 25 tooth on the steep grades to come. The usual dirt section was dry and not too bad although there was plenty of gravel in places which were best avoided. I gritted my teeth and tried to hang onto the tail knowing it was only for a few minutes. Slammed a few unseen potholes, skidded slightly on gravel, got hit by a couple of flying stones and saw at least 1 or 2 riders standing by the side waiting for the support vehicle. Suddenly it was over and we hit the seemingly oh so smooth tarmac on the lead in to Bristol. Another steep climb and I then knew the only obstacles remaining were Baby and App Gaps.
As per Scott B’s plan I went to the front as the climbing of Baby Gap began and tried to ride hard to thin out the group. Suddenly I couldn’t remember – had Scott said to do that on Baby Gap or AFTER Baby Gap. My legs decided they weren’t going to do it all the way at this stage and so I stayed up front sometimes moving forward to keep the pace high and trusting to the plan that even though I wouldn’t be able to see it there would be damage being done further back.
Baby Gap goes on forever.
Just when I thought I was done we would descend a little, turn a corner and then there would be another not insignificant climb. Each one felt like it was taking a little more of my strength with it. Suddenly someone zoomed off the front. I can’t remember seeing him start it but there he was with the lead vehicle dangling ahead of us. Somebody should chase – but it wasn’t going to be me. Placid Planet had 3 guys, BRC had at least 2 and Organic Athlete (who had been staying quiet) also had 3. All I could do was wait and listen as the Placid Planet and BRC guys tried to decide if the solo leader was a threat. Ultimately it came down to the fact that he wasn’t in the top 10 – but with a minute lead already he could still be in contention for the overall. At 10th on GC I was only 1:28 back – the time gaps weren’t huge behind me either (I helpfully informed them) and so Placid Planet started the chase. The run in to the base of App Gap became uncomfortably fast. There were one or two times where I thought my own personal elastic was about to snap but in the end we made the base as a group of about 15 or so.
The Placid Planet chaser was toasted at this point and having done his work pulled off. The group coalesced for a moment and I heard the leaders from BRC and Placid talking about bringing the pace up. This is where the big dogs go on the chase I thought. I want to be a big dog don’t I? They raised the pace. I tried to follow but it just seemed I couldn’t go faster. Perhaps the 25 tooth in the back prevented me from having a quick acceleration but in all honesty they didn’t jump away but just gapped me. A few guys came around to get on their wheels and suddenly I was stranded between the lead group and a chase behind. We passed 3k to go and I tried to get into a comfortable (ie painful) rhythm that I could sustain and hoped to pick some guys off.
Between 3k and 2k are some tough pitches that rarely let you have any rest. I ebbed and flowed a little but still basically remained between the 2 groups.
At 1.5k to go there’s a left hairpin. I tried to be somewhat aggressive and stay more on the inside. This seemed to lengthen my gap to the riders behind and I focused on reeling in the guys ahead of me as the lead 3 riders broke free further forwards.
At 1k to go I hadn’t made much progress and my strength was fading fast but it flattens out for 500m before it goes into the insanely steep. I knew I could rest a little there and I believed I had no choice – if I continued pushing as hard as I was I didn’t think I’d be able to keep it up when it turned back up to the 18%+ section.
1k-500m I rested (relatively speaking). I unzipped my jersey all the way to get maximum airflow and I squirted out the rest of my energy drink. It wouldn’t help me now.
500m. I was caught from behind by a rider who had the temerity to be spinning what looked like a 27 tooth cog. I said something to him about jealousy and spinning (though I may have made no sense) and then decided that my only option was to stand up and push my 25.
Of course if you can push the 25 around you are going to go faster that someone with a smaller gear unless they can spin it fast. I left him behind. I wonder what he thought of my comment?
Up ahead I could see someone in my field that was zigzagging. I pushed on. I pushed on straight. Straight beats zigzag. I passed him at the first bend. As I rounded the bend I started to get into the cheering fans/friends/teammates. I thought where are my cheers? I looked down at the road. There was chalk of some names but I couldn’t make any sense of it.
250m. From here you can see the finish line. There was a crowd of people. Many riders scattered, struggling up the steep grade. I started to hear my name. I saw some faces I recognized. Suddenly there was a huge wall of sound. It was so noisy I couldn’t hear anything except every now and again I could recognize my name. I looked back and made sure no one was so close they could take me before the line. No-one was close enough. As I looked forward through the noise I saw Kathy put the camera down and start to run alongside me. “Hey she has to run! I can’t be that slow!” I could see the guy ahead of me. He was reachable, all I had to do was hurt some more. I stood up and tried to make something that might pass for a slow-motion sprint.
As I stood on the pedals and tried to wrench the bike forward the noise went to a huge new level.
Sadly I didn’t pass him but my front wheel was only a couple of feet behind at the line. Same time!
I had been trying to keep track of how many riders were ahead of me and thought that I probably had somewhere between 12th and 15th. Kathy, Marylou and Lauren all said they thought I might have 10th. No way I said. I knew there were more riders ahead. Tom Evers and Pat thought I had 10th. No, there might have been a guy off the front – did they catch him? In the end I hung around for a while recovering and layering up then rode back to the condo to wait for the results to be posted.
I was 10th.
Finish time: 3:55:03
Avg Speed: 19.6mph
Result: 10th
General Classification: 8th
1.1.3Stage 3 – Burlington Criterium
http://www.gmsr.info/burl.php
Ask anyone who knows me. I don’t do crits. The only thing I had going for me here was I would get called up to the line and, after years of practicing, I’ve become an expert yo-yo-er.
34 laps. 204 corners. 20 miles.
From the gun I was one of the fastest clipped in but started to get swamped in the first corner. I slowly kept easing up rather than fighting for position until I was close to the back. I feel at home here. Now I knew I had a hard job ahead of me (I’ve always been pulled before the finish in previous years) but also that this year I’d been riding better and damnit, I had a top 10 position to protect. What would Scott Brooks think?
The first 5 laps were very fast; I knew people were falling out of the pack and getting dropped but I somehow wasn’t one of them. My entry into corners was still a little nervous but my acceleration out of corners has improved. The pack relaxed a little after the first 5 laps (and a first prime lap) and slowly it got a little easier and I started to find my own personal rhythm. I’d let a gap open up to get a clear line and decent momentum coming into turn 6 but that also meant I had to jump really hard to make up the gap on the exit. The only significant hill on the lap is, of course, after turn 6. On the hotter laps I barely made contact before we dived into turn one again but if the pace were easier I made contact a little earlier and used the time to rest a little ready for the next lap.
Lap 18 crash in turn 1.
There’s always a crash in turn 1. Luckily it’s one of the slowest corners on the course. I was at the back but travelling quickly and had nowhere to go. I skidded to a stop but safely nudged up against the fallen riders.
I unclipped and put my foot down.
I clipped back in and maneuvered around the crash and made my way quickly to the pit. There was already one other rider there. “I was caught in the crash too”. They checked my bike and I tried to remain calm. We waited for the lead group to come around. I clipped in and BAM! We were boosted right back into the leader group. It happened so quick I thought we only took 1 free lap but my computer shows 2 laps missing (The shortness and quickness of the course demands a 2 free lap rule).
I found the going tougher now. Despite the rest giving me a chance for recovery the rhythm had been broken and I never again felt settled in with the pace. I started to struggle to regain the pack out of the turns.
As we see 10 laps to go I feel pretty sure I can finish this off. When we get 5 to go I know I can.
3 laps to go and I’ve started to lose contact. I come though turn 6 and I’m shelled. The gap is too big and I no longer have the strength to close it.
Lucky number 7.
Friends and spectators start yelling as I approach turn 1 off the back. They are shouting “Crash!” I slow more than usual for the turn and at the same time see the wreck ahead of me. From the lead group 6 or 8 riders are down or obstructed. I see one rider braking too late and going over the handlebars very slowly. I see Chris Gagne (now the leader’s jersey holder) just getting started. He’s not gone down but must have come to a stop. The guys that were unaffected are powering up to turn 2. I’m passing the crash and my legs hurt but this is the moment to go. 2 laps left – no free laps. I pass one guy who’s back wheel is virtually locked against the brake. I look back over my shoulder and I see the survivors chasing. The Placid Planet leader is zooming towards me. He’s so fast as he powers past me on the start finish straight there’s nothing I can do but watch. 1 lap to go.
They ring the bell. I look back; one of the other Placid Planet guys is back there. I know he’s strong – he’s been up front all race but he’s not coming at me as fast. I go through the next 2 turns and look back again – he’s there but not really gaining much. Another turn and there’s an unattached rider ahead going very slow. No, he’s picking up speed. He stays ahead of me through turn 5. Turn 6 we’re all about equally close and as I come up the hill I’ve had to sprint up every damn lap I realize I’m gaining on the unattached guy. This is very unusual but I’ve got to go for it. I sprint. I’m catching him but we’re both coming up on the line fast. At the last moment we’re neck and neck and we both go to throw the bike forward. He’s taller than me but I throw first and I have more momentum. I take him at the line by a few inches.
I have no idea where I finished but I know it could have played out in my favor.
Shortly after when my heart rate comes down to a manageable level we check the results.
Finish time: 53:12
Avg Speed: 22.6mph
Result: 11th
General Classification: 7th
Wrap-up.
7th place on GC turns out to be worth $85.
The wall of sound of encouragement on App Gap was unforgettable.
The Crit was pretty damn noisy too. It seemed at least half the course had places where people were shouting my name.
Thanks to Scott Brooks for the plan and all the encouragement not just at this race but in past years too.
John Cavanaugh was talked into upgrading to Cat 4 specifically to do this race by Greg Brown. In his first year of road racing he attempted one of the toughest 4 day races New England has to offer. He’d never seen any of the courses before other than a brief recon of the road race a few weeks before. Despite these difficulties John completed all 4 days to finish the stage race – something that is an accomplishment in and of itself. John finished 43rd on GC out of 56 starters.
John should be congratulated for his achievement and his perseverance under difficult circumstances. He should also probably give Greg a friendly clip round the ear!
Ciao!