BRE Real Estate Crit

This is a newer crit in Highands Ranch, south of Denver. Last year was the 1st year and it is a solid race, with a few corners, and a short, but steep kicker to the line. the 45 plus guys raced first today, for more BAT points, and the the 35's. With a good day the 45 Plus guys could effetely end the BAT race for 2010.

45 Plus race report from Peter I.: The 45+ race was fast enough today to not allow for any breaks to be maintained. The Mix1 guys pretty much covered all breaks through out the race. The guys rode well as a team near the front of the pack, taking a few turns on the front to stretch out the field along with some attacks. A headwind on one portion of the course seemed to help neutralize any escape attempts. The race came down to the last couple of laps. The Mix1 guys were taking turns countering and covering attacks. Eventually it all came together on the last 1/2 lap with a final sprint up the hill. Rod Yoder from Natural Grocers took the win after an awesome lead out by his teammate Bill. But Mix1 was able to stay near the front, and Jeff Ofsanko got on the podium in 3rd, while Chris Leggere got 5th, Peter I. 6th, Matt V. 9th, and Jimi brought up 15th.

The 35 plus guys lined up later in the afternoon with Matt G., Matt S. (back from Nats & a bad crash), CJ and Peter (back from Europe). The guys put 2 riders in the break last year at this race, so they decided to try again. The first half of the race was not too exciting, with lots of wind, and a few solo moves that did not worry the boys. Matt, Pete and Matt were all active at the front, while CJ surfed the back. About half way strong man Michale Gibson laid it down and that was the move. CJ made it across and the 4 man break was away. Eventually 3 other riders came up, including last week's winner Paul Espoti. With 2 to go Espoti attacked again, CJ gave chase, but no one pulled through, and that was it.

With the break racing for second CJ attacked the last corner and got into it first, but it was all uphill to the line. CJ ended up in a 3 way bike throw with Michael Gibson and Byron Nix, with CJ taking the short end of that deal and getting 4th. Matt Gates followed an attacked with 1 to go and was able to solo in for 8th place. Matt Segur kept the pace up in the pack and do to the hard work Pete took out the field sprint for 9th. So 3 guys in the top 9, not a bad day.