Leesville Gap RR
Result: 11th
My initial plan was to try and stay with the leaders on the major climb and hopefully make it in subsequent break. A few minutes before the start Hans asked me if I would join him in an early break to get through the worst road sections ahead of the field and hopefully stay away long enough to make the climb and perhaps even better. He figured if two of us went someone else would probably follow improving our changes. Hans was in the front and immediately after the neutral start he took off. I was blocked by the front row so I couldn’t follow him. He made a good gap and was quickly out of sight. I could hear VOS talking and Rick said if someone else goes he would follow. As soon as I had a chance I attacked from the right. It went perfect. Within a minute Rick had caught up to me then we turned right and caught Hans in another few minutes. We were clear of the field. The three of us worked together through the potholes and gravel but were caught by a dozen or more just before the major climb started. I don’t think it was the entire field.
Even though we got caught it was a good plan. I was too tired to try and stay with the leaders for the climb but I did well enough to be in a chase group with four guys ahead. Two VOS and two Olympia guys. Hans tried another attack after the feed zone but the gap did not last. Of course VOS had no interest catching the break so there were only about eight guys rotating. This race can be hot but we had winds keeping it cool. Getting closer to the finish we turned right with a tailwind. Hans said he would attack after the final left turn coming up where we would have a crosswind and the field would slow down. This was another good plan to avoid being out sprinted at the finish. After the turn it was only a couple of miles to the finish. Hans attacked hard and I was right on his wheel. We passed a rider on the right which messed up my rotation. After I did a pull I did not think I had enough to keep up that pace. When I rotated off I saw Rick on my wheel with the pack behind him. A gap formed and Hans was quickly off on his own. He stayed away and got within 10 seconds of catching the break, which was less one VOS rider, taking 4th place. I was not able to give much of a sprint so I ended up with 11th place.
Even though the last attack did not work out for me, I was happy to try new things and experienced a good place to attack on two occasions. It was worth the effort and better than sitting in the field to watch the better sprinters take the top positions.
Bill