2010 Greenville Spring Series overview

March 9th, 2010

They call it the Greenville Spring “Training” Series — six races starting in the coolness of February that run into the growing warmth of March. I think they call it a “training” series so people can find it easier to make excuses. However, it is definitely a race! This year was my best one ever.

As my coach, Jim Cunningham, and I discussed the series we set some goals.  We set some goals for all six races. Actually, I wasn’t sure I would be able to compete in two of them. So, our goals were to with four races from the series:

  1. Stay safe
  2. Podium at River Falls
  3. Finish top 5 in the omnium

A congratulations from one of my mentors, Steve Sperry

Race One: This one was at Donaldson Center. I remember distinctly wondering what the day would hold. Jim had me prepared to try an early break on the final lap. Unfortunately, I didn’t execute it well. Rather than going extra hard to build a gap, I simply tried to ride the field off my wheel.

The result was that by the time I was swallowed up and the field sprint began, I was too tired.  Though I hung with the field until about 500 meters to go, I blew up and went out the back like an anchor off a boat. I started the series with a 36th place finish.

Mentally, it was tough because it seemed to be a repeat of every other race I’ve done at Donaldson Center. I wondered if the training was going to payoff. To make matters worse, the following race was to be a Criterium style race and I typically stink at those.

Race Two: BMW Performance Center Test Track. Jim brushed off the Donaldson Center finish. “So, that didn’t work. I know you have the fitness. Just stay near the front and watch for breaks.” Frankly, I didn’t go into the race with much confidence or expectations.

However, the key turn around for my entire series happened in that race. First, I found that I was holding my own with the field. Second, I recognized a winning break. Third, held my own in a sprint – even though it was with very bad form!

I was ecstatic with a fifth place finish! I knew the next weekend would be more my style of race with the road course at Fork Shoals and a chance to try a different approach at the second Donaldson Center race. Besides, I had my first points toward the omnium goal and I was currently in 12th.

Race Three: Redemption at Fork Shoals. I was most nervous at the beginning of this race. It was on this course back in September that my cycling world was turned upside down with a hard crash. To this day, I am still living with hip pain from that wreck.

This race was about more than just a good finish. It was about exorcising the demons of the past. I felt that if I could make it through this one in one piece, I would be ready for the season. In my mind, the 2010 season started right here.

I used experience gleaned from past races on this course to know exactly what to do. It worked exactly as I thought it would and with 10 meters to go, I would have thought I had my first win of the year. Unfortunately, the 2009 Cat. 4 Road Race Champion beat me in the sprint for the line by half a wheel.

However, the demon was gone. I had a solid 2nd place finish – the best ever for me on the course and I was moving up in the omnium! Best of all, my confidence was beginning to grow.

Race Four: Back to Donaldson Center. Okay, this was the race where I figured I would learn whether I had learned anything from the last attempt. No late race heroics! It was time to sit in for the race and see if I really do have sprinting legs.

Everything seemed to be working perfectly until we got neutralized on the final lap with a lone rider off the front. It ended up that the field was racing for second. Turns out, I think that helped me. With no need to over think things attempting a win, I just threw caution to the wind and went with all I had for the line. I won the field spring handily.

Hmmmm, who is this guy riding my bike? Things began to change in my mind. I wasn’t sure how to deal with it. I’m so used to writing about my struggles and wondering if I would ever be competitive. After that finish I was in 1st for the omnium (by 1 point), and I knew that I was going to be in contention for any remaining races.

Race Five: My favorite — River Falls. Jim and I had set a goal to podium at this race. I never said this to anyone, but I fully expected to win after experiencing my Fork Shoals finish. There was only one thing that was playing with my mind.

I had the omnium lead going into the race. People kept telling me to protect the lead. I realized that it was important for the team… and me. As I finished each climb of Gap Creek Road I was thinking of protecting that lead. It wasn’t until the final 200 meters of that final lap that it registered that I was going to leave with the series points and it was time to go for the win.

Once again, a tactical error really messed me up. A wrong gear got me out of rhythm and a racer not in contention for the overall beat me to the line. It was the most disappointing finish of the series. Of course, that disappointment was tempered by the realization that I had not only protected the points lead, I had secured the omnium victory.

Race Six: The victory lap at Donaldson Center. Here we were again and I felt as though I was finally figuring this place out! It was time to see if I could turn that second place into a win.

It was during this race that I truly felt the advantage of the Taper. Midway through the race I felt as though I could go anywhere and do anything on my bike. In my mind, there was nothing that could keep me from winning — other than another tactical error.

I believe I was a little too smug about how good I felt. I was so confident about how I was feeling that I tried to be smart and time things rather than just put my head down and give 110%. This is to take nothing away from the guys who out sprinted me to the line, but I left that race knowing that I beat myself.

Wade Greene in the green on left. Jon Leifer first to the right.

Final Tally: 36th, 5th, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd. I realize that I finished 1st in the omnium and that is an accomplishment. However, part of me comes out of the series feeling like the perpetual 1st loser. You know, that might just be what I need for the remainder of the year. That will be my motivation to pour it all out on the line and not settle for anything less.

I’m tired of having the front row seat to other racers’ victories. Thankfully, I have a full season ahead of me. Hey, this was just a “training” series anyway, right?

Photos by Eddie Helton. http://picasaweb.google.com/Eddie.Helton

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Today’s Twitter Trail (2010-03-09)

March 9th, 2010
  • Some words on the 35+ Master's action in the Southeast. Go POA Cycling! – http://wurl.ws/oCuh #POACycling #
  • Just picking up my FREE Dunkin coffee! Yum! http://twitpic.com/17e8w2 #
  • Just finished a relaxing 1hr ride in the park with a junior rider. Ahhhhh, youth! #
  • The oddest thing… I am extremely dizzy. Laying on the bed the ceiling seems to spin. No, I do not drink. ;-) Inner ear, maybe? #

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Not quite Champs-Élysées

March 8th, 2010

Sunday’s final race of the 2010 Greenville Spring Training Series was for me a tiny bit like the final stage of the Tour de France ending on the Avenue de Champs-Élysées. The omnium was in my pocket and all I had to do was finish out the race without any scrapes and bruises and this would be my best month ever on a bike! My only goal was to stay up right and have a respectable finish.

When I woke up that morning, I began to wonder if I could accomplish those goals. Something had started settling in my chest the day before after the River Falls race. I was coughing a bit and feeling my sinuses grow tight.

I headed off to teach Sunday School and then sat in the morning service starting to feel more and more tired. Actually, it felt as though I was very, very relaxed. It was that way you feel when you lay in bed after a hard day of manual labor and feel like you are a stone.

However, by the time I got in my car following the service, I was no longer coughing. I rolled the windows down on the car and got some cool air going and that seemed to revive me. The adrenaline was starting to flow as well and that helped.

Quickly I changed, loaded up the car, and ate a peanut butter and honey sandwich as I drove toward the course. I arrived with about 20 minutes to warm up. As I headed out onto the course, I saw Eric heading the other way in route to a third place finish in the 35+ Masters. Soon behind him I saw Hank on his way to a second place finish in the 45+ Masters race. POA Cycling was already getting off to a great start!

As I lined up with Louis, Matt, and Billy, I felt no pressure. I was just taking it all in. I appreciated the people who congratulated me for winning the omnium. It was fun to chat with some of the other riders. However, as the start approached, I really just wanted to be a spectator and take in the sights and sounds.

Then we rolled away. What a relief! The field started out at a nice clip. It is so much easier to ride in a fast group than a slow one. For almost two laps we enjoyed the speed.

Then things began to slow a bit. There would be someone who would go off the front and the field would act to bring them back and then we would start doing our yo-yo moves. By the fifth lap it was as though the word had gone out and no break was going to be allowed — and no meaningful one was attempted. This was going to come down to a field sprint once again.

I had a chance to communicate some with Jon Leifer and the two of us talked of connecting for the final sprint. His main concern was finishing in front of Wade Greene and I really don’t think he would have minded too much had I ridden his wheel for the finish… if he could out sprint me then he would win… if I could come around him, then I would. Either way he would get his second place in the omnium.

Mid-way through the race I was starting to feel great! I was breathing clearly and my legs felt great. My fears started to fade and I started to think that perhaps I could finally get a win.

My focus was on staying out of the wind and avoiding riders that might cause me problems. It was all very clear to me. As we moved around the course, I followed the advice that Mike Askew had given me about the wind. Sure enough, I could see the flags pointing the directions he mentioned. With each turn I would set myself up to allow riders to block the wind for me.

As we moved into the final lap, I was setting up for a strong finish. I thought it was interesting that what wind there was came from our left and that was where the lines were forming. By riding to the right, I was feeling no wind at all. Riding in the draft of the rider in front of me, I wasn’t putting out much effort.

As we entered “the dip” things started up in earnest. I noticed Leifer went left and I stayed to the right. I’ve learned that while the field tends to start to the right, it then shifts to the left along the yellow line as we make a left turn just before the fire station. If you are patient, the road will open before you.

I was coming along the white line with two riders on the same team right in front of me. One came around the other and the one being passed said, “Go!” The first riders took off and the second one went over to the white line and slowed. Unfortunately, that was right in front of me with the field streaming to my left!

For a moment I hesitated and finally to avoid losing any more positions, I went around him in the grass. Once I did get around him the road was open. His teammate was heading up the road, but I knew he went too early. He was going to be swallowed up before the line.

I then moved up like I did in the last Donaldson Center race and sat on the hip of the fourth placed rider. I wanted to wait until after the 200 meter line before I attacked. Again, like Saturday, I was wondering where Leifer was. In my mind I was thinking he would come around and I would ride his wheel.

Moving now to the front, I kept waiting for someone else to make the move and I planned to counter. However, that was a mistake. The reason why is that by the time you move to counter it is normally too late. The people coming around you already have the acceleration. From that point you are playing catchup — which if you have enough road might not be a bad thing as you can catch his wheel and pay him back.

Knowing I made a mistake and trying to fix it - Photo by Jimmy Helms

However, that wasn’t the case. I didn’t have enough road. Two Greenville Spinners split me on either side. I dug after them, but bottom line is they got to the line faster than I did. Clark and Robert both beat me and I finished third.

Lesson learned? When sprinting, don’t think — DO! When you go — GO! Hey, I finished third. Had I not tried to analyze the sprint in progress and just turned myself inside out after 200 meters I might have still gotten third. However, I wouldn’t be sitting here saying, “I shouldn’t have waited to counter.” Who knows I might have gotten my first win of the year.

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Today’s Twitter Trail (2010-03-08)

March 8th, 2010
  • Hmmmm, woke up with a nagging cough. Wonder how that will play this afternoon for the final race of the Greenville Spring Training Series? #
  • Good thing I locked up the omnium yeaterday. Today I feel like crud. Hope I don't let my POA brothers down. Time to give it my best shot. #
  • Well, I didn't get 2nd. This time I got 3rd. However, I am VERY pleased with the start to this year – 36,5,2,2,2, and 3. A win will come. #
  • Ha! Got to work on the technique. I hit 1210 watts moving into position for the sprint. Maxed out at 1144 watts during the sprint. Duh. #

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A glass half full

March 7th, 2010

Ahhh, River Falls. It is one of my favorite places to race. I’ve only had the opportunity to contest the course three times. Once, as a category 5 racer I got third. My first race of 2009 as a category 4 racer I got fourth. This year I was back — better trained, better motivated, and confident. I was wanting to better any previous finish.

The one thing that was different this year was the fact that I was going into the race as the series points leader. Lining up right behind me was Jon Leifer. He was only two points behind me. There were also three other riders who had a mathematical chance to tie me or take the lead. As I looked around, the only other one of the challengers was Wade Greene. Looked like it was going to be a three-way battle.

Waiting to begin (Click image to enlarge)

Billy and Matt were there to help me out. The plan was for them to manage any breaks and to keep the field moving. My job was to take care of the challengers for the points lead. So, we rolled off with a job to do.

The first lap was typical. It was a chance for us to all get warmed up. A lone rider did go off the front, but everyone knew he wouldn’t survive. Everyone was riding for the first climb.

That first one was no fun at all! I heard chains dropping right and left as riders searched to find their climbing gears. Riders were coming back and some were moving back and forth as they tried to find a line. It was impossible to find a rhythm!

Determined to avoid that if possible, I moved to the front on the third climb up. This time I was able to get in a rhythm and my legs were sending me good signals! As long as I didn’t wear myself down, I would be okay.

Controlling the front (Click to enlarge)

Something that made me smile was overhearing some of the conversations around me before the race started. Leifer was behind me and I heard him comment to some of his friends that “417″ was the rider to mark. The result was that it gave me confidence.

Here on the front after that third climb, Brian (a Greenville Spinner’s rider) came up beside me. He kept looking over at me as though he was trying to see if I was tired or something. I made a point to breathe through my nose so he would think I wasn’t working and finally I looked over at him and grinned.

The only problem now was that I was on the front. There was a break up the road with a minute lead. I was torn between the primary objective – protect the points lead – and the secondary objective – win the race. I knew the guys up ahead were pretty strong. What if they were able to hold it?

Matt was calling to me from behind me. “Get off the front, Jonathan!” I started to slow, but no one came around. Finally, a rider moved pass me on the left with Matt in tow. I decided to slip back into the clutches of the group. The vision of Leifer coming around me at the end because I was too tired to counter reined me in.

Speaking of Leifer – where was he? Wade was in front of me for most of the race, but my closest challenger was not coming near me. I chalked it up to him patiently waiting back at the rear of the field with some friends waiting for a final lap attack.

Back in the field (Click to enlarge)

From that point on I attempted to stay in the first 20 or so riders, but away from the front. As we neared the fourth and fifth climbs, I would work my way toward the front so I could avoid the circus of the climb. After we crested the top, I would ease back into the field.

Finally, the last lap arrived. Still no Leifer and I could tell that Wade was going to give it a go. My focus was simply on trying to stay near him and conserve as much as I could for the inevitable push from the Charleston racer. I was in between the two.

The pace picked up as we made the right hand turn onto the final climb. I quickly increased my cadence to match the acceleration. It was at that point I made a fatal error.

I was moving easily within the first 15 or so riders. The riders who had tried to create a gap up the initial part of the climb were starting to get caught. Wade was up there driving it! Still, no Leifer.

Just past the 1K to go line I was well within the top 10. Suddenly, I started to think less about Jon Leifer and Wade Greene. “Hey, you just might be able to win this thing!” It was about that point where the road kicked up. My legs were not responding the way they had earlier on the climb. I looked down. I was in my big ring.

Now, I realize that most cat 3’s and up will respond, “So? That hill is a big ring hill.” Sure it is, for you guys. However, that wasn’t what I was expecting. I had determined a sweet spot for putting out a steady tempo that I knew would run most of these guys in the ground. The big ring realization threw me for a loop.

I shifted to the small ring and searched around for the right gear on my rear cassette. Thankfully, I hadn’t lost any positions and there was only a small gap. I reeled them in and nearing the 200 meter notice I was moving into the lead. “Come on!” I thought to myself, “You might get both objectives today!”

A rider was now coming up to my right. It was going to be a sprint once we got over the rise. However, now my gearing was working against me. I shifted back to my big ring, but that moment of hesitation gave the rider an advantage. I was then searching for a smaller rear ring and attempting to shift into a sprinter stance. Again, more hesitation and I was starting to spin out!

By the time I got into a decent gear, I was nearly a bike length behind and had another rider coming up fast on the left side of me. It was going to be close even for second! The lead rider threw his arms in the air at the line and I crossed with mixed emotions as the third place rider threw his bike forward for a photo finish.

Another second place finish (Click to enlarge)

Oddly enough, a rider not in our race and without a teammate anywhere near me in the finish, protested my second place finish. I’ll grant it was close, but the camera showed that I beat Johnny to the line. In case you’re wondering, normally the people to protest are riders involved or a team manager.

As I was standing talking to my wife, someone walked up to me. It was Jon Leifer in his street clothes! I’m sure I looked confused. He congratulated me on wrapping up the omnium and then explained that he had dropped his chain on the first climb and after trying to catch back on decided to call it a day.

On my way home, I went over things in my mind. What would I have done differently had I know Leifer was out of the race? I do know I would have attacked sooner on the climb. Would that have gotten me a win? I don’t know. As John James told me afterward, “Stop second guessing. Be happy with your place!”

I am happy — very. I can race at Donaldson tomorrow without pressure of defending the points lead. Leifer wants to make it a sprint fest. I’ll give it a shot. As you know, I’ve never considered myself a sprinter… but now I’m starting to believe.

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Today’s Twitter Trail (2010-03-07)

March 7th, 2010
  • Starting to get that feeling. #
  • 2nd place three races in a row! Arrrrggghhhh! However, sewed up 1st in the omnium. Tomorrow I just race for fun… and a win? :-) #

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Race Logic

March 6th, 2010

Objective number one for today:

Protect the omnium position.

Objective number two for today:

Win the race.

Complete objective number two and objective number one is assured. However, objective number one can be accomplished without completing objective number two. Trying too hard for objective number two could jeopardize both objectives.

Today’s approach? Assure number one and be in a position to accomplish number two. Let the race come to me and adjust as needed on the road. I must trust in my training when the time to move comes.

I can

Protect the omnium position.

I can

Win the race.

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Today’s Twitter Trail (2010-03-06)

March 6th, 2010
  • Going to do short lunch ride with some POA peeps then it is over to see @dhmruz to make sure I'm all comfy for tomorrow's race. Let's roll!! #
  • Why am I still amazed by how much better I feel after a visit with @dhmruz? Now I'm ready for tomorrow! #
  • http://tweetphoto.com/13362148 @hincapiesports Hey, is that the Silver Surfer with his head cut off? What is he doing wearing Cadel's clo… #
  • IHOP with the family, then a movie (Cloudy with a chance of meatballs), followed by some sleep, and then time to race! #

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River Falls

March 5th, 2010

The fifth race of the Greenville Spring Training Series is the one farthest from the city of Greenville. It is located in a beautiful area near scenic highway 11. Though I’m sure that by the end of each race the riders won’t be paying much attention to the scenery! They’ll have their heads down as they attempt to be the first to climb Gap Creek Road to the finish.

The course almost forms a rectangle. You start at the top of the hill on Gap Creek Road. Right out of the gate you are descending with a near right angle turn onto Devils Fork Road. The section doesn’t have much climbing. After some initial rollers, things level out a bit as the road follows a creek that connects two lakes near the course. There is a sharp turn again at the end of this section as the riders turn onto River Falls Road. This road also follows a creek and there isn’t much elevation to contend with.

View map of course.

However, soon after turning back onto Gap Creek Road, that begins to change. Things start out seeming about the same until you turn a corner and cross a small bridge. At that point, you will see the climb begin. It starts off pretty shallow with some false flats and even some straightaways. You’re climbing though and about halfway to the top you’re going to be feeling it!

Then you will enter a winding section and the pitch kicks up a bit at that point. Suddenly you come around a right hand curve and “crest” the hill. In front of you is a straight shot of 100 meters or so to the finish line. The unfortunate thing for you is that you have to do multiple laps of this 5 mile course.

That climb is the deal maker — or breaker. The rest of the course is pretty manageable. The field is able to stay pretty much intact through the majority of the route. If you are going to make separation, it almost has to be on the climb. It is there the race is decided — both by attrition during the race as riders must climb it multiple times and then by selection as the strongest remaining riders race to the top for the final time.

I have seen pros and masters racers use this climb to build a gap early and then increase it as the race goes on. For the most part the categories 3, 4, and 5 do more of a group race. Racers from those categories attempting to build that kind of break might blow themselves up on the multiple climbs.

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Today’s Twitter Trail (2010-03-05)

March 5th, 2010

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