9thJune
Super Squadra State Crit Story
The marquee event of the Memorial Day weekend crits is always the state championship, and on this particular Monday the full Super Squadra crew descended upon Fort Worth ready to do battle. After being stymied the previous two days, we didn’t need much pep talk to get excited. This year’s edition was earlier in the day than usual, so we wouldn’t completely melt in the 90-minute slugfest. Also, the Cat 2’s were given a separate race for the first time so it would just be 50-something P/1’s going round and round the traditional downtown course.
Dave on patrol
The race started with fervor, as full crews of Metro VW and THSJ had plenty of riders in the mix in addition to many from smaller teams. Our plan was to make sure that we had at least one rider in every move and to keep the intensity up. The race is often one of attrition, which we expected to ultimately benefit us. Just 15 minutes into the race, I launched off the front during a brief lull to see who I could draw out. After two laps alone, Chad Cagle of Dallas Racing joined me for another two. By the time I returned to the pack, it was clear that San Jose was racing for a pack sprint.
An experiment: joined by others or chased back?
As the laps ticked by, the race never slowed down. Every rider in red spent time off the front in an effort to get away, but with so many fast racers present it would have to be the perfect combination to get away. We never found that combination…. Around 4 or 5 laps remaining, THSJ set up their 8-man leadout at the front to control the pace. Phil slotted in a few riders behind the green train with Wheeler behind him. Dave and I were positioned a little farther back, biding our time. I was definitely feeling the previous two days of racing and my efforts from earlier in the race. When the final lap bell rang as we flew by, the race started to break apart. On the bricked back stretch of the course, chaos broke loose in a battle for position, sending multiple contenders sliding across the pavement, including Phil, Steven, Kremke, and Fawley.
Looking good mid-race
Josh Carter of THSJ brought home another win, while Dave crossed the line for 8th and I rolled in 18th. Not all races have happy endings; this one just stoked the fire for races to come….
Photos from C. Haga Photography. Thanks!