By Mark Fairman -- Folsom - Two Bridges Circuit Race (3) -- 09/13/09
The weather provided a dramatic backdrop for last weekend’s three-day bike event in Folsom, Ca.
It was my last race weekend of the season—a season that has been long and eventful. One that brought new experiences, new venues, and a new team. I brought to the team a desire to learn from the talented riders, to learn the ropes of competitive cycling and to be a part of the contributing group that has a specific goal in common. It’s been a rewarding season, and Folsom was a great way to end it.
Day 1: Time Trial
The 100 degree heat made for a difficult warm-up. The course was a 10.5 mile out-and-back along a canal—mostly flat with a few steep road crossings. I was just trying to limit my losses with the ride, with an 11th place finish keeping me somewhat in the race for the overall. Phil Mooney finished his ride quite upset, as his rear brake had been suppressed against his wheel for the whole ride. Despite that, he won the TT by half a minute. Awesome work.
Day 2: Challenge Criterium
The weather changed dramatically, and now speratic rain and lightning littered Folsom. The course was D-shaped and dead flat. I figured it would go down to a field sprint, as a breakaway didn’t seem likely. I was hanging in the rear of the field for the first half of the race, while Dan Adkins kept the pace high in the front—constantly attacking the group. I finally decided I needed to move up, and put in a little dig to get up to the front. At the same time, two other riders went off the front , so I hopped on for the ride. I figured we were pulling the field along, but a break opened up. Staying away for 25 minutes seemed unlikely, but Jason from Davis and Mike from Chico were both very strong and very motivated. We were doing what we could to stay away, but it was the work of our strong teammates that gave us the chance to take it to the line. Steve Vickery and Dan did amazing work controlling the pack early on, and a large Davis team locked down the peleton towards the end of the race. I’ve never been in a break that lasted, so I was unsure when and where to start my sprint. Davis pulled most of the last lap, and when he pulled off with 400 yards to go, I decided I better open It up if I wanted to shake the other riders. The plan worked, and I won my first Elite 3’s race. Great job Team!
Day 3: Two Bridges Circuit Race
The weather was similar to Saturday—overcast with ocasional sun and rain. I got to the course to find that Phil grabbed 3rd in the P12 race, as well as the overall omnium. I was sitting fourth after the crit win, but a podium finish seemed difficult. The course was technical, with two hairpins and some changes in elevation. It was difficult to stay towards the front, but in the last lap I found myself in decent position on the wheel of the rider in 2nd overall. The pack slowed, and there was a quick move on the right from behind me. I had to decide whether to stay on the strong rider’s wheel, or to hop on the moving train. I chose the latter, and ended up sitting third wheel with a half mile to go. The rider in front of me crashed in the final hairpin, and I now found myself on the front of a fast pack with 500 yards to go. Not good. I knew I didn’t have a shot if I led these riders out, so I started my sprint early, hoping to surprise them. It seemed to work, and I held off the other riders long enough to grab the win.
One of the things I love about racing is the split-second decision making during a race. The pack is so dynamic and volatile, that a simple wrong misstep or miscalculation can be the difference between first and last. I took advantage of a couple opportunities this weekend that led to good results.
This ended up being a great year—a special thanks to all of my new friends and teammates, as well as the amazing staff at the Freewheel Bike Shop for all of their continued support to keep me and my bike race ready. Can’t wait til next year!
-mark