Me– 4th out of a break
Nick– 6th out of a chase group
Eight corners, many of which were tight, single file affairs. It was a really technical, fun course and definitely conducive to a break. Our plan was to stay near the front and monitor attacks, looking for our own counterattacks. Dave Casale attacked from the gun and Kyle bridged up, taking a beer prime while they were away. Once they were brought
back, Nick went, but took a wrong turn (turning left one block before turn two, I think). We tried to keep it chill to hopefully allow Nick to get back on, but couldn’t see what was going on back in the pack. Eventually Lighty went with Jamie and Ross and the three got a decent gap, 10-15 seconds. We covered a few counter attempts; eventually Ross started coming back and I attacked to bridge up, with Robin Carpenter and Geron Williams (Lighty’s teammate) coming along. We rotated for a couple laps and eventually got up there. I was feeling comfortable fitness wise, but a little uncomfortable carrying the speed through some of the corners; I skipped a pedal once or twice and it put me off a little. Lighty got popped with 10 or 15 laps to go, and our gap kept growing despite Iggy Silva and Shane Kline chasing because of some stellar blocking back in the field. At some point, Nick got away with John Minturn and the dude who won the Cat 3 race. I was planning on attacking with a lap to go because I didn’t fancy my chances against three of the best sprinters in the region. I never got more than a handful of seconds though, and got hung out to dry a bit after I was caught. Jamie countered my move and I was gapped briefly, but chased back on. Jamie led into the last corner (still on the front after his
attack) and led out, and still won the sprint, with Robin coming on fast, Geron behind, and me floundering in their wake. In retrospect, I probably should have conserved and fought for good position in the last corner– with such a fast sprint, their advantages over me might have been somewhat mitigated.
Had a blast– the Navy Yard is a fantastic venue for races. Thanks to Charles for promoting a great race and everyone who lent their time to help out!