Niwot Crit

The 35 Plus team arrived at Niwot with a strong squad of CJ, Jim T., Pete, Matt and Marcel. Marcel had gotten 2nd here the prior year and the team was looking to repeat a solid result. The field was small, but stacked with the best guys, and the race went from the gun. Jim T. got things off with bang taking an early flyer and it was like waving a red flag in front of bull. CJ was next to go, taking a prime and getting into a break that Matt came up to, but there was no cooperation from RMCEF up there, so it came back. Pete is pictured here leading the field out of the last corner. Man those ROL wheels are going fast.

Jimmy T. seen here taking the first flyer and stringing the field single file. Jim is a early attack guy and wants to make sure if someone throw a party, he gets an invite. He was the one throwing the party this day!

Back in the race a dangerous break got away that Jim was in, but eventually he came back to the field and Mix1 had to join the chase. Byron Nix from Green Mountain was an animal and did most of the chasing, but eventually with our help the break came back. By the last last only 11 guys were left in the lead group (35 started). CJ and Matt were up there, but neither had much left and then came in at the back of the lead group.

CJ covering the front and Colorado BAR leader Bob Dahl.

Patrick was also out representing in the 35 Plus cat. 4 race. Patrick rode most of the race at the front, in smart position and out of trouble. He was 1st in line at 1 to go, but was jumped on the back side by the sprinter. None the less it was a solid top 10 an his best result in 2009. Good work Patrick.

The 45 Plus had gone earlier in the day with Henrik and the ageless wonder Jimmy lining up. From what we hear Jimmy does not like to ride in the pack, so there is only one thing to do, attacking and pull a "Jimmy" on the field. Jimmy got away with 1 other rider from the powerful Vic's team and that was it. Here is the commentary direct from Jimmy:

" the 45's had a nice sized group...just henrik and i...legs felt good...took a couple of flyers right off the bat...got loose once early...for 2-3 laps...didn't stick...about 15 minutes into it...took another flyer from way back...had a good head of steam for this one...got a nice gap...and joe came across with me...which i was glad for..it was kinda windy..have wanted to be in a break with joe all year...we got our chance...for 20-25 minutes we were off the front on our own..karl and derek, and a bunch of other guys chased pretty hard..at one point they were within 7 seconds!..2 laps to go...put the gas on!!...i knew there was no way i'd out sprint joe, so i tried to lose him on the backside..with one last dig..got 2 bike lengths on him, but the head wind on the last stretch made it hard...last turn into the finish, joe and i came around the bend...joe came across...with me on his wheel for second..i was very happy with the ending...i just wanted to stay away...and he is a great guy to work with, i think he was very happy to have the company!!..the pack came around the last turn about 15-20 seconds later...henrik was right there for 5th...chris stout 3rd...i think john tally 4th...i love that course...a perfect course to be off the front...not very technical...but the turns really slow people down who are in a pack..nice day for us thank you to henrik for the pack patrolling...!!!..i owe ya"