This past weekend was the real season kickoff, with a crit on Saturday, the famous Boulder Roubaix road race on Sunday (which was also the start of the season long points series) and for some guys a 3 day stage race in Utah. This photo is of CJ leading the field and on his way to a 5th place result at The Prairie Center Crit.
Prairie Center Crit: this was a new race, but had a large cash purse from long time cycling sponsor THF Reality. With the big road race the next day a lot of guys were resting. Photo is Marcel working hard on the front in the 35 Plus race. The 45 Plus squad was only represented by Larry, who was up against several other team with full compliments of riders. It was an aggressive race, with lots of breaks, but nothing would stick. In the end it came down to a sprint and Larry took his first top 10 of the year. CJ and Marcel raced the 35 Plus race, which also had a small field, and was 
aggressive. Both riders were active, but a break never got up the road, so the race was decided in a sprint. CJ took the 35 Plus team's first top 5 of the year and rang the cash register with some money. Photo at left is Larry riding at the front of the 45 Plus race. All photo compliments of Larry's friend Kate. Thanks!Boulder Roubaix: this is a classic Boulder race and was back after a few years absence. The promoter created a new course, that was longer, more interesting and very well received. The 45 Plus team lined up a full compliment of riders, with several team members making it their first race of the year. Over the course of 3 laps the pace took it's toll, as did the dirt roads. However a large group came in for a field sprint. The team missed out on the win, but slotted in Jeff, Jimi, Peter and Matt in paces 5th through 8th. It was an impressive show of force and certainly an indication of how strong the team is. The 35 Plus race was considerable more aggressive. 99 riders started and after 1 lap it was down to 35, with all 5 Mix1 riders making the split. Then the team luck ran out. Josh flatted, CJ flatted 5 seconds later, and Matt G. flatted in the feed zone, all on lap 2. Matt S. stuck with the front group and finished 10th, with Marc in 15th. The flatting was really unfortunate as it robbed the team of several more top placings.
Tour Of The Depot: this is a 2 day, 3 stage race in Tooele, UT. The 35 Plus team went last year and had a blast, winning a stage and getting 2 guys in the top 4 on GC. This year Pete, Jim and LT represented Mix 1. LT set the tone with a strong TT result to claim 4th place. Both Jim and Pete rode strong in the afternoon circuit race to protect LT, but the leaders team had a death grip on the field and they could never get away. Pete took a time bonus and moved up on GC, while Jim took 11th in the sprint. The next day the boys in red woke up to 30 to 50 mile an hour wind gusts and wondered what they were in for. Due to the wind part of the course was closed, so the race was shortened for safety. This allowed the boys to be super aggressive, with Pete taking another time bonus. By the finish climb the field had blown to bits. Jim rode at the front and scored a fine 5th place on the stage and moved up into 10th overall on GC. Both Pete and LT retained their places on GC, so after 3 stages all 3 Mix1 riders were in the top 10 on GC. Way to go guys.
Tour Of The Depot: this is a 2 day, 3 stage race in Tooele, UT. The 35 Plus team went last year and had a blast, winning a stage and getting 2 guys in the top 4 on GC. This year Pete, Jim and LT represented Mix 1. LT set the tone with a strong TT result to claim 4th place. Both Jim and Pete rode strong in the afternoon circuit race to protect LT, but the leaders team had a death grip on the field and they could never get away. Pete took a time bonus and moved up on GC, while Jim took 11th in the sprint. The next day the boys in red woke up to 30 to 50 mile an hour wind gusts and wondered what they were in for. Due to the wind part of the course was closed, so the race was shortened for safety. This allowed the boys to be super aggressive, with Pete taking another time bonus. By the finish climb the field had blown to bits. Jim rode at the front and scored a fine 5th place on the stage and moved up into 10th overall on GC. Both Pete and LT retained their places on GC, so after 3 stages all 3 Mix1 riders were in the top 10 on GC. Way to go guys.
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