2nd Race of the Weekend GMSV CX #1

Sunday morning I was hopeful for a cool morning and it was cool early but it warmed quickly. By the time the race rolled around it was just hot. The Golden track isn't may favorite, in the past it's been so rough it'll rattle out your molars. After a few years of use and a lot of work by GMSV, it's getting better.


So hear we are, fourth CX on the ACA calender and their making call ups based on 2009 BCR results. So I'm back on the front row. I actually feel the new CX cup system is really lame, are they really going to make call ups through out September based on last years results? Even if you do well this year you get no love at the next race. If you ask me, its just stupid! They should have the first race a points race to get things set up for this year. Then have more races in October so that people that want to start later in the season still have a shot at the call up points.

The Sunday race for the SM35+/4 was huge. There were 96 racers! This photo shows how important it is to have a good starting position. Click on it and have a closer look, I'm on the left in full sprint for the start, back a few rows the guys are still standing around waiting for their chance to ride. Proof positive it's better to be at the front of a starting CX race.


Here is a movie of everyone diving into the first single track. I'm in about 5th place.

GMSV Cyclocross # 1 - SM 35+ Cat 4 Lap 1 from Dale Riley on Vimeo.

Throughout the race I tried to race a little more aggressive, chasing people down. The lead 5 to 6 guys got way off the front. Looking back there were very few people close behind us. There were actually some pretty big gaps between the lead riders.

The coarse had a gnarly steep little climb.


Barriers


Fun little hills
In the end, I finished fifth and totally surprised with my results for the weekend! It's a good sign for the coming Cyclocross Season.

Photo Credit: Mountain Moon Photography