Cascade Classic - Stage Four

Criterium

Ahh the infamous criterium in the middle of a perfectly good stage race. Fortunately for me it was a simple rectangle course with 4 easy right hand turns. Turn 1-2 could be taken at full speed and pedaling the whole time, while turn 3-4 were much tighter and taken at about 2-3 mphs. I started in good position, just at the rear of the bubble of riders that usually forms at the front of criteriums. I focused on moving up a few people every other lap since there were many people taking some risks and coming into turn 3 super hot, passing a whole group of riders at a time. This was really the only place to move up though since the 2 straightaways we were going at well over 30 mph every lap, you just had to be careful doing it. The whole time I was feeling very strong and keeping my position safely in line. The pace started to quicken the final 30 minutes since there was a strong break off the front. I got caught behind a few crashes and had to close down some major gaps. Also there was several people sitting up in the now single-file line of racers and forcing me and others behind to chase even more. These efforts took it out of me big time and with 9 laps to go I was gapped for the final time. My day was done, and I was a bit upset since my legs were feeling so good when I was sitting in line. Oh well, I still get to start tomorrow and my legs keep feeling better and better. Here are some pics after the race was over. The crowds were awesome!