...so the Cherry Pie Criterium isn't the 'official' start of the NCNCA racing season. But based on the field sizes and strength of each category, it was eminent that riders are ready to 'flex their muscles' for 2013. Team Mike's Bikes p/b Incase lined up 10 riders for the start of the Pro/1/2 race. Our plan was to do all we could to get Napa local, James Laberge, the win. My role was sit in the front of the field, hang back on going with any breaks, unless needed, and lead out James on the final lap from 200 meters out. Two of our other strong men were to get me to that point (the final chicane) first.
Within the first 20 minutes of racing there was your typical hard digs to try to get away, but to no avail. It wasn't until about 30 minutes into the race that a break of 11 got off the front. And it included some strong riders: Freddie Rodriguez, Chad Sayers, Logan Loader, Nate English, Charles Hutcheson and three TMB p/b Incase riders (Adam Switters, Eric Riggs and Daniel Holloway). Back in the field, my intuition told me that the break was going to stay away. Some riders tried to bridge but were brought back. Only one rider was able to bridge up, that was Kirk Carlsen. In retrospect, I could have been a bit more attentive and hopped on his wheel for a tow to get in the break.
As it turned out, the break did stay away. Logan Loader ended up winning by surprising everybody with a well timed jump from behind most of the break with about 200 meters to go. TMB p/b Incase's Daniel Holloway ended up 2nd and Charles Hutcheson came in third. Full results can be viewed by click here.
In the field sprint, three of us hit the front on the last lap and executed a good lead out for James to take the win.
It's too bad we didn't get the overall win but we raced well as a team for our first race. It fuels the fire and we're already looking forward to our next one in two weeks; Snelling Road Race.
Thank you to all of our awesome fans and sponsors for all your support. We really appreciate it and look forward to racing well this year.
