DClog

Covington CX - another look

The Setting: It was a little misty and cool for the first race of the 2004 Georgia Cyclocross Series, but it looked like all the riders were warmed up and raring to go.

Who's who: There were about 35 or so riders in the combined Masters 30+/40+ race, with notables such as Tony "Blade" Scott, Big Jon Atkins, Doug "6-gap" Pomeranz, Lamar (40+ Champ) Mauney, and representing GTC was 2003 champ Bob Kuhn debuting in the 30+ ranks and Gerard Remery who was dominant in the 40+ last year.

Expectations: This event was the first race for me in over a year, having missed the entire 2004 road and mountain bike season due to illness and injury. My hope and expectations, based on earlier cyclocross practices, was to get a top-5 finish in the 40+ field (too bad they don't have a 50+ category).

Riders ready... Go! Toward the end of the first lap I found myself riding among the top-10, but as the second lap began, my pedal tangled in the course-marking tape and I was forced to dismount and untangle my pedal. After chasing for a couple of laps I got back up to Doug Pomeranz who was closing in on Lamar Mauney. Eventually the three of us were involved in a knock-down-drag-out battle that lasted for the next five laps. I can't say that there were any strategies involved, we just kept relentlessly attacking one another and chasing each other down. On a paved section of the course, I got around a couple of lapped riders and launched an all-out road sprint opening a substantial gap on Lamar and Doug. I think Doug and Lamar were waiting for the other one to chase. Finally Doug made his move and caught me on the last lap and on the final climb, Doug "6-gap" Pomeranz got away from me and I couldn't reel him back in before the finish line.

The Finish: In the end Tony "Blade" Scott had won the race, Gerard Remery had finished 2nd overall (1st 40+), Bob Kuhn earned 3rd overall (2nd 30+), Big Jon Atkins came in 4th overall (2nd 40+)

Evaluation: I was OK with a 6th place finish in the 40+. Mainly I am very happy to be participating in competitive cycling again and feeling like my health and fitness are gradually returning.

Posted by dancoy at October 25, 2004 10:26 AM