March 23, 2014, Hungry Dog 50+
Phoenix, AZ   30 minutes
Report from Lionel Space, Phoenix AZ
Many thanks to Noel Space for the photography.
(Images can be clicked on for a larger version)

This course is only 0.48 miles around, totally flat, and has fairly gentle turns. We rode counter-clockwise this year (this is a course that had been used in the past, going in different directions in different years).

Another typical wonderful day for weather, with high's in the 80's and a gentle breeze from the South. Noel felt a little chilled if she sat in total shade.

This race had some strong riders in it, so I would no longer be the focus. I would watch Peter Smith (winner of the earlier 55+ race), Brian Lemke (a category 1 rider), and Mark Fosenburg (a member of the club hosting the event). If two of those riders were in the pack, there was a good chance that they would make a move to bring in any dangerous threats, but I could not risk having two of them out in front and away from me. Greg Barrett, who can demonstrate good sprinting ability, was also with us, as well as sprinter Jay Silvestri.

My plan was to ride as conservatively as possible while keeping an eye on the above 3 star riders. Jeff Beiver made a fast first lap as I sat in third to keep out of the way of any possible accidents from early jitters, observe Jeff's strength, and make sure the pack didn't let him easily slip away for a win while they adjusted to race pace. When he pulled off, I settled back into about 6th place, close enough to the front to jump on any early attacks by strong riders.

 
Start of the race.
 
 
End of lap 1, Jeff (yellow) pulled over.
 
 
End of lap 2, settling in.
 
I was on Mark's wheel on the third lap when he made a move just past the line and I just went with him. We got a small gap and just past the corner he motioned for me to take a pull at the front. I was not anxious to go off in a two man break for the next 28 minutes, so I declined and we were absorbed back into the pack.

 
Mark attacks early.
 
 
I follow.
 
 
Mike Parish follows.
 
 
Next lap, Mark follows Brian, I'm nestled in.
 
I dropped back a bit farther in the pack where I could watch the 3 primary riders. The two corners had a bit of reverse banking on them, especially turn 2, and the riders had a tendency to crowd me in the turns if I was in the middle. The inside could also get one boxed in, so I'd use these notes to make sure I positioned myself on the outside for the end of the race.

Occasionally a rider would go solo off the front and I'd patiently wait for the pack to reel them back in. About 8 minutes into the race, a Landis (green and white jersey) rider went solo, but didn't get very far off and we weren't going at a rapid pace. After a few laps, Mark took off and soon joined him. At first they gained a little ground (they rounded turn 1 before we crossed the line and they were out of sight), but then they stabilized as Mark allowed his weaker partner to take longer pulls. The two sat in front of us for several laps, but our pace was not hard and we let them have their time out front. Mark eventually dropped his companion and Peter Smith made a move to join him. I made sure to move up to his wheel as the two of us caught Mark just after turn 1, but as they looked back and saw me with them, they both eased up and we rejoined the group.

 
A Landis rider goes off for a solo break.
 
 
Mark jumps up to make it 2 away.
 
 
The pack contemplating the risks.
 
 
Two laps later and their success looks
unlikely. 
 
I took it easy while we let them sit out front.
 
 
Mark puts some hurt on
his companion. 
 
Sitting on Peter in case he chases.
 
 
Next lap, Peter starts pursuit of Mark
but gives up since I'm on his wheel. 
 
Next lap, Mark is solo and Peter jumps again.
I joined him before turn 1. 

Another prime was announced and Jeff Beiver took off, getting a good gap and easily took the prime. He was allowed a long leash and remained out front for many laps. Although a strong rider, the strength of the riders in the pack could reduce his advantage at any time.

 
Jeff takes off as they announce a prime.
 
 
I'm not concerned about the success of
this move. 
 
I can relax as Jeff's move keeps things steady.
 
With about 5 laps to go, Jeff rejoined the pack. I was monitoring my 3 star riders. Brian was generally keeping closer to the front and seemed most eager to be aggressive. Mark would be a bit farther back, but was generally riding a bit more to the inside and it was difficult to stay on his wheel as I'd get crowded out on turn 1 and then have to fight my way back up. Peter was riding very relaxed and would generally keep about mid-pack and to the outside; this seemed to be the optimal position to allow freedom to jump so I'd generally be on his wheel while still keeping an eye on the other two. So with one to go I kept on the outside and close to Peter.

The pack stayed together and picked up speed in the final lap, averaging 28.6 mph for the lap. We headed down the back stretch and I was in about 8th position. There were some Landis riders talking to each other and picking up speed as we approached the final corner, but they were far on the left side of the road. From 29 mph, I jumped immediately to 34.9 and swung to the far right side to set up the final turn. I had just enough lead to swing in tight to the corner while the pack was stuck in taking a less direct line. 200 meters to go and I felt the gear to be just a bit on the big side, but with a slight tailwind it should be OK. I tried my best to keep to the left, to keep on the inside of the curved finishing stretch for the shortest distance and just kept the pressure on, hoping no one else had more speed and with 10 meters to go saw that I had the victory, saluting with my right hand in the air.

 
Sprint: Leading down the finishing stretch.
 
 
Brian in second, trying to close in.
 
 
Peter (white and green) on the far inside (eventually 6th).
 
 
Brian still trying to catch up.
 
 
Jay Silvestri in blue.
 
 
Victory.
 
 
Mark Fosenburg crossing the line for fourth.
 
I was the oldest rider in the race.

So I survived my weekend of four races with a 2nd, 1st, 3rd, and a 1st, and gained another 50 points towards the season long Copper Cup contest. Next weekend is the Criterium State Championships and there's only 5 more days of crit racing after that for the season, so I'll be doubling up on those as well where I can.
Summary
Start
Time		 Distance
(Miles)		 Starters Duration Weather
(Deg F, mph)		 Speed avg
(MPH)		 Speed Max
(MPH)
1:20 pm 12.0 23 29:06 87, S@2 24.7 34.9

Results

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