Tour of the Bitterroot - Day 2

So this is what Sunday morning looked like. Do
like it? The Criterium, or Crit as it is called, is an
adrenaline-charged, fast paced race around a short
multiple corner course. It's exciting to watch and
even more so to race. The pace is set high and it's
survival of the fittest, literally.



The day began with the juniors (which I wasn't there to see) then the Men's Cat5/ Master's B. There were several new-to-crit racers including our own Travis Howard, who when I met up with him later said, "Man, what a rush." He's hooked!

The women's Cat4's were next and TS5VV's Jen Luebke rode hard and put up a good showing for our team. Way to go Jen!

The men's Cat4/ Masters A race was the big showdown between 5VV and G.A.S. and between Big Al Gallegos and Michael Longmire (NRO).
Alex put the hammer down from the start and began to make everyone hurt. This race saw many riders unable to keep up with the pace and those who were left were grimacing. It came down to Alex taking the "W" over Longmire. Brian Fryckman (G.A.S.) was also trumped by our own Jeff Twohig in his first Crit win. Right on Jeff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A shout out for former teamie, Howard Williams for taking the Omnium GC, the whole tamale.

Alex's wife, Sarah returned to racing this year and fought hard in the Women's Cat1/2/3 race, but it was powerhouse, Tamara Bessette (NRO) who took top honors. Nice racing ladies.

In the men's Cat1/2/3 race it was hot from the word GO. Five Valley Velo had a solid team of 5 riders. John Weyrich and Adam Jensen raced the 2's while Elliot, Brendan and I cut our teeth as Cat3's. Our field was a combined total of 25 riders and was rockin'. Racing with the big boys is a lot faster, but also much smoother and generally safer. I felt good for half the race then fell off the back, but Jensen, John and Brendan mixed it up and did well. Elliot raced well, but it was Bob Presta (NRO) who took the field sprint and won it for the 3's. The Cat1/2 win was a two lap breakaway by Missoulian, John Curry (G.A.S.) who called his move, "perfect timing." Nice work guys. I'll talk more about the Time Trial tomorrow.