Arc-en-ciel Newhouse Criterium Race Recap
By Mike Burris, Burris Logistics – Fit Werx Team Director
The team traveled all the way down to Charlestown, RI last weekend to battle on the infamous Ninigret Park course. The plan was to do the 3/4 and the 35+ races. Sounded like a good plan.
Upon arriving at the course Sunday morning, Bruce Bell was already out there mixing it up with the 55+ crowd and battling a fierce 20-30 mph wind. The group had split into fragments, with pairs and trios taking turns blocking a relentless gale. Bruce powered through and finished 4th.
Five of us lined up for the 3/4 race. This would be my first race of the year, so I was a bit nervous about my lack of fitness and the wide, aero downtube that was surely going to do more harm than good in the crosswind. The group stayed together for the first half of the race as launching an attack seemed a futile prospect in such dire conditions. Still, there were attempts and eventually a couple stuck.
Most of our squad stayed together in the main bunch, trying to pull the breaks back. There was a solid rotation of hombres taking pulls, but to no avail. We came across the line with the rest of the main group in positions 13 (Steve), 20 (Matt), 25 (Me) and 27 (Claude). I was satisfied with my ride though my chest hurt and I was tired. It was a good first step.
I opted out of the 35+ race because…well…I was smoked. I also like taking pictures. Bruce rejoined Claude, Steve, Matt, and Shawn as well as Mark McCormack, Peter Vollers, and many other bad ass bike racers on the starting line.
The race quickly got out of hand as the pace and the wind took a toll on the bunch. There was no place to hide. The group fragmented quickly and riders, no longer in contention, were pulled from the race. Unfortunately, this meant an early end to our squad though they did what they could to stay alive.
Many of us have limited miles in our legs due to the fact that we live in Vermont where it still continues to snow. I am confident we will get stronger as the season progresses. And remember, it is a long season. For more information on the Burris Logistics – Fit Werx team please visit www.impulsecyclesport.com.
