I learned a lot from racing the Fort Lee Criterium today. After looking at the corners, which were full of potholes, gouges, and manhole covers, I went into the race with the goal of getting on the front and out of danger, at least until I could get a feel for how the pack was handling themselves. So I went hard from the gun, averaging 350 watts for the first 6 laps. While I at the front, I practiced what the front group did to the rest of us at the Ephrata RR – slowing into the tight corners, then sprinting out of them, so as to accordion the field and make them suffer. This had the effect of shelling out quite a few folks, I think.
Then I settled into the front group, doing some work, marking some break attempts, and trying to get away with a few groups here and there. I got suckered into a couple primes, which was a mistake, since I burned some matches for nothing, really. I don’t exactly know why I go for the primes, except that, unless I get in a break, I’m probably not going to be sprinting for the money places, so I might as well get some cash by being opportunistic. Usually, though, I just waste energy only to get pipped. In fact, my second attempt cost me dearly, and I micro-blew (not to be confused with micro-brew, which is a good thing) and dangled off the back for nearly 5 laps.
Psychologically, I was ready to call it a day, but then my “inner coach” yelled me back to my senses. I grit my teeth managed to chase back to the field, although by this time a 2-man break had gotten away. From there I actually found fresh legs, and was in the front group again as we approached 3 to go. Then at 2 to go, they rang the bell for the Chipotle Burrito Prime! As we came around the corner, I could see that the front of the group wasn’t really going for it, so Banzai!! I uncorked it, attacked, and won the prime!
At first I sat up to celebrate my free burrito, but then I realized I had a decent gap, so I went for it! Unfortunately, I got caught on the far side of the course, but it was an awesome race! Perhaps had I kept my head down and really gone for it after the prime, I might have enjoyed a better result than 17th, but I’m happy with my racing overall.