Wendy's Intl Grandview Cycling Classic

Before this race I knew the same guy would break today and go for the win. I decided not to chase it and waste my energy for another's benefit. That's pretty much what Chris Fisher did last year. It's interesting that we both had the same placing, too.

I started near the front this time and sat in moving up on the climb while still staying comfortable. I felt really strong climbing the hill and even tested the legs a couple times breaking contact and seeing who was motivated when I pushed the hill. Since I wasn't serious about getting and staying away, I wasn't surprised to see the same stuff happening again today.

I wanted a good position near the front at the bottom of the hill on the last lap, but I didn't have it. I was caught off guard as there was a good push going up the hill to receive the bell. I ended up further back than I wanted at the bottom of the hill so I pushed hard from the corner making up several places. That was good. As I closed in, the front group intersected my path as the street swept left. As they moved right heading toward the top, I resumed my push and was able to catch the rest except for Steve Ballinger.

I'm completely happy with that result considering that I last week, I wasn't sure if I would be able to race.

The Wendy’s race in Grandview is great fun- I always look forward to it. Lots of friends and family support and a great course with a gradual hill make this one of my favorite events. The children this year asking for autographs was a little bizarre— where are the elite riders when you need them. After a couple of laps I got settled in, but I just didn’t feel like I had the strength to make much happen today. One rider took advantage of the shorter race (seven laps shorter than last year) and held the field off for the win. I couldn’t understand why the field played each other rather than chasing the break— it was like there was an imaginary team blocking for this guy. Oh well, at one point I thought we actually caught everyone, but that’s what I know. Joe, to no surprise, had a great sprint to the line and took third for SH. I felt like I was actually sprinting relatively well and from where I thought was a good position- unfortunately ten others felt even better. What I love most about the Wendy’s series is that it is actually less expensive than 18 holes of golf and only 15 minutes away- now that is something to cheer about- Woo Hoo!

A criterium with a hill? Just what I needed. What’ll they think of next... cyclocross barriers?

This race played out true to form: a race of attrition with the hill doing most of the damage. Again, I was killing myself just to hang on and finish in the bunch.

Actually, it was a fun race—a nice change from the cornering festival of the day before. And it was good to see Joe do well.

A big thank you to Jay Baumeister and crew for putting on a great race series. Everything was top notch, and for only $15. Can’t beat that.