Nutmeg Classic Criterium

Saturday, June 10, 2006 - Walnut Hill Park, New Britian, Connecticut

Nutmeg Classic Criterium - Connecticut State Criterium Championships

Believe it or not, the weather was fine in Connecticut. When we left Watertown, it was under grey skies and steady rain. We weren't sure what the weather would be like in Connecticut, but according to the "weather doppler", it was cloudy but dry. So we loaded up Mike's race bike, grabbed the small hound, and headed West! As soon as we passed Worcester (pronounced "Wooster"), we spotted patches of blue sky on the horizon, the rain stopped, and we even spotted some dry roads. Immediately our spirits were lifted.

40 miles; 40 times around a one mile loop around Walnut Hill Park---no corners, just a curvy loop with a slightly rolling effect. From the Start/Finish, spectator's were able to see the racers not only as the crossed the line, but also as they wound their way around the course. Mike lined up with another 80 or so guys. The wind was the main factor today---yes, it was a blowing!

Very early in the race, two guys snuck off the front and worked together to hold off the field at about 20-30 seconds. But with 19 or 20 to go, the dynamics changed when the Anthem team headed to the front (they are a big local team and these were the championships after all) and reeled in the break. Once the two guys were swallowed by the pack, two other guys (one Anthem rider and one US Army rider) gave it a go off the front. They were working well together---4 other guys snuck off the front and were trying to bridge the gap.

Taylor, frustrated that every time he got out of the saddle to go, would get immediately chased down, used a different tactic as he came through the Start Finish with 7 to go. This time he shifted into a bigger gear, but stayed in the saddle and snuck away on the outside. No one could react and he was able to close the gap to the break solo style in half a lap.

By two to go, the two leaders, who at one point had 35 seconds were now hovering at 15 seconds. The Taylor lead break was reeling them in---200 meters from the line, the announcer, who was sure the two leaders would not get caught, was already calling them the winners. But when I saw the Scrapper wagging her tail (if you knew how much she adores Mike, you'd know that she only reacts that way when he's in close proximity) so excitedly, I looked up and sure enough, Taylor stood out of the saddle and was about to shut it down! The guy who was riding his wheel in hopes of taking him in the sprint tried to go around him but it was no use! Mike took third at the line and barley by a wheel length!

Mike rode a lap and met me at the finish line! Smiling he says, "How'd we do?" (I love how he says "we".) "We did great! You were 3rd and are on the podium!"

You know the drill by now---Belgian Beer, Sushi and Seven! It just doesn't get much better than that!