Boulder Centurion

This is a new event this year and is part of the trend towards Grand Fondo's. What is a Grand Fondo? Glad you asked. They are part race, part bike ride/tour. The idea is there is no real separation of categories, everyone starts at once, from pro, to first time participant. So it gives a way for any rider to try out the big time. They are popular in Europe and starting to get off the ground here in the state. This one started in Lyons CO, about 15 miles north of Boulder. The race features a 100 mile course, that was basically 2 loops, with over 9,000 feet of climbing, and some dirt roads. Four riders from the team started the 100 mile event, Matt S., Matt G., Peter I., and Jimi. Matt G. was the team's top finish in 11th overall and Jimi came in 21st, but also won his age category of 50 to 54. What a stud!

For more info on the event check out their web site:

http://www.centurioncycling.com/


Here is Matt G's race report: Matt S, Matt G, Jimi, and Peter lined up for 100 mile Centurion Race featuring two trips up to Peak to Peak Hwy - one up through Ward and the second via Super James. It was a nervous start to the race as some miles were spent on the flats before heading up Left Hand Canyon. All Mix1 riders massed near the front as the peloton rolled up Left Hand Canyon. A tailwind made the climbs very fast and by the time we hit the steeps at Ward the pack was halved. Everything splintered through Ward with 7 riders riding off the front. Matt G and Jimi came through in the second group which swelled to about 12-14 riders.

With guys sitting on the chase was really slow. By Lyons the break had 5 minutes. As the group went up to Jamestown for the second major climb three riders from the break were caught as things detonated up front. Jimi set good tempo to Jamestown which set up Matt G for the Super James climb. The group shattered on Super James. Matt G came over the climb in good shape and was just behind three riders when he crashed in the dirt section. As it turns out 5th place came out of that group. At the end of the day Matt G ended up 11th and Jimi won his age group despite cramping on Super James. Matt S and Peter came across in fine shape too .


Here is Peter I's race report: 400+ starters, but when we got to Left Hand Canyon, maybe down to 60 riders. The hard racing started on the steeps before Ward, where Matt, Jimi, and Matt stuck with the first chase group, or maybe they were actually with them. I slid to the second chase. Matt Gates did great. He had Nico and Jon Baker in his sights at the top Super James, but skidded out in the dirt. Still finishing 11th. Matt Segur hung in there with the chase group as well, but went down somewhat hard in the dirt as well. I caught up to him after he got up regaining his composure. We both dealt with some cramping on the rollers, but got our acts together to ride down the canyon strong and finish together 39-40th.

Before that we were quite the pair trying to get to the downhill. Matt had a pretty bent rear der and was lucky it wasn't completely ripped off at one point. I finished 5th/61 for the 45-50 group. As mentioned Jimi won his category, even after cramping right on Super James. 21st overall. He stayed with the chase group till the cramps came home to roost. Hardest day of racing ever for me. Quite the sufferfest on Super James. It is all I can do to type this message right now, Time to kick back and recover for Mt. Evans.