by Keith Creeden » Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:37 pm
Drew Landing Race Report 12/19/09
Some great racing today despite it being very cold and windy at the start.
C Race
Too cold for the juniors this morning, only 2 showed and they decided not to race each other or race with the B’s.
B Race
We started 17 racers. The first breakaway came immediately with Steve Arniella (Big Wheel) going off immediately solo. Steve stayed away for about 10 minutes on his own and got up to a 25 sec gap on the field before being pulled back. At that point there were several break attempts but nothing stuck, so the race came down to a field sprint finish. Jonathan Stewart (A.J.’s Bike Shop) took the win with a 2 bike lead over Ted Barnett (Powerhouse) in second and Steve Arniella (Big Wheel) in third.
A Race
We started 26 racers. This was a fun race to watch, good aggressive racing, attacks, counterattacks, etc. The race started quickly with the field together. On the third lap there was a crash in the last turn going up the hill. A racer rolled a tubular and went down in the middle of the field including Josh Drew, Craig Creeden, Will Willis, Cathy Cote, Juan Carlos. Nobody was hurt and all were able to restart the race. At 15 min in the first significant 4 man break went including Tim Molyneaux, Juan Carlos, Steve Selby, and a forth rider ? This break grew to an 8 man break as a few others joined, and lasted only a short time before it was groupo compacto. Immediately as this group was reeled in another 4 rider break went but was again pulled back. Another counterattack this time included Juan Carlos and Josh Servi. This break got away and stayed away for about 15 minutes but only had a 20 sec gap at most. Will Willis and J.P. Russo began a 2 rider chase and chased for 2 laps, catching the breakaway, but the field was not far behind and the field came back together again. Another counter went with Ryan Carney, Craig Creeden, Craig Duxbury, Cathy Cote, Juan Carlos, Todd Barzak, and Jackie Kurth. This break lasted about 2 laps, reeled in, and countered by Juan Carlos, Laz Mencia, and Ryan Carney. This break quickly gained a 20 sec gap and the race was now 45 min into a 60 min race and began to look promising. Pavel Stuchlik tried bridging solo, made it about 15 second across, and lasted out solo for about 2 laps before retreating back to the field. At 3 laps to go Selby took the front and attempted to pull the break back, closed about 10 sec of a 25 sec gap, but could not get any help so the field let the break go. At the finish Laz went hard from the last turn and held his lead over Juan Carlos and Ryan coming in for third. Pedro took the field finish for fourth. Great racing guys.
I would like to thank all those that came out to support our efforts to hold these training crits for the racers of Central Florida. The next event will be held on Saturday, Jan 2. Have a good holiday season and see you back after the New Year. Remember that all racers will need to renew your license for the 2010 season for the next race on Jan 2.
Keith
