Neither Snow nor Wind nor Cold
Sympathizing with their compatriots on the cobbles of the Roubaix, brave riders kicked off the first Onion River Racing Training Criterium in classic Vermont April weather- driving wind, sometimes snow, and and biting cold.
Nonetheless, with coffee and doughnuts (how uncyclist-like) keeping the internal fires burning, three races charged off from the start line in the parking lot of the National Life Group. The C group took four strong laps, with a handful of more experienced riders sitting in to give tips on pack riding, corners, and handling rougher roads. With two laps to go, the racing inductees flew off for an aggressive yet congenial finish.
We decided to mix the A and B groups to create a larger field, though each group was scored independently. The pack stayed together for the first few laps and then things started to get strung out. I was running around dealing with random cars on the course and taking pictures, so I can’t give the best account, suffice it to say that the lead group was pushing hard and a strong chase group was not giving up much ground.
With five laps to go, the B group leader Mike Prevace was tucked into the A chase group and held a solid lead on the rest of the B group. Looking comfortable and calm, he held his lead straight through to the finish. Patrick Caffely rolled across next, with Mark White and Pete Marin not close behind.
In the A group, Matt Mainer was alone and way out in front until the B finish. Chased by Matt Rossman and Ross Saxton for the better part of the race, the gap finally closed and the three held the lead together all the way across the line. Ross took the win, but all three crossed within moments of one another. Nick Petterson was alone between the leaders and the chase group for the last half of the ride. Though he gained each lap on the leaders, his solo effort needed a few more laps that he didn’t have to close the gap
The A chase group held together and did its best to catch the leaders. Onions John McGill and Steve Colangeli looked strong as they tried to gain some ground on the leaders. Fabian Grignari crossed first, with Phil Beliveau and John McGill just behind. Jean Lacriox kept pace with the chasers and finished just behind.
For our first race of the season things felt really fantastic! Despite the cold, everyone seemed in great spirits and the course really seemed to provide some good challenges for different kinds of riders. Special thanks to all our marshals who braved weather way to cold to be out in, and our official Thomas LaRose. Get your legs ready for next week and hope the weather is warmer!
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Great job guys on the first round of the crit series! It was a lot of fun. Now that my feet have finally thawed out, I am planning on a ride after work if anyone want to join…5:00?