Racing Season Opens!
University Oaks Criterium cat 4/5 race – San Antonio, TX
I got up close and personal with my first cat 4/5 race on Sunday. The University Oaks Criterium series runs roughly twice a month a mere three miles from my apartment, so I snuck out of bed on Valentine’s Day morning to have a look at the local competition.
I settled on a sweeping curve of the 1km course to observe the brightly-colored kits. I wasn’t struck by the speed of the crit, as I anticipated, but by the duration. Half an hour never felt so long, and I wasn’t even racing. I have to admit that I didn’t realize how hard crit racing could be until I translated time into distance, and it dawned on me that it requires a hard effort for 20 to 40 miles. I mentally mapped my training routes, which are about that length, and my heart sunk.
But the beautiful, eerie sound of 40 cyclists and 80 wheels whooshing past also stirred my spirits. A group of MTBers watching the race with me pooh-poohed the speed and danger of a criterium, but I was enthralled. Bodies and bicycles looked so majestic spinning and gliding in tandem.
In the end, a San Antonio native and college student from Texas A&M who was riding in his first race won the bunch sprint. He finished among new Pinarellos and $2,000 wheel sets on a forgettable, aluminum Motobecane.
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I know it looks fast and it is but if you use some simple tactics and hone your group riding and pace lining skills i bet you would have a blast.
Crits are more about surges, accelerations and sprints then about avg speeds. Check out my blog for a some tactics and tips.
CYA,
Rob G.
You take remarkable photographs, mellovelo. I’m envious.
I admire these racers, too, as well as your desire to be among them. I don’t think I’d ever have it in me to race, though watching and reading about races sure gets me fired up to ride.
Wow – a crit in February. There’s still a foot of snow on the ground up here in Michigan.
Contrary to popular belief, my beautiful, black Motobecane will never be forgotten.
Thanks and Gig ‘Em.
Heeeey! Cool! Everyone: meet the race winner, Ben Silva.
I heard from Mon that the bike isn’t even yours.
Congratulations! I hear you might just be one of those naturally gifted ones. Good luck this season.
Ha your sources are correct. My brother did a tri when he was about my age and got the bike, but I’m currently putting it to good use. Thank you for the compliment, I’m trying to make use what I’ve been blessed with while having a good time. The race was well-fought and very beneficial experience-wise. I’m hoping to perhaps have a repeat performance or two this collegiate season. I appreciate the mention!