State TT Champs & Niwot Crit

Saturday was the Colorado State Time Trial Championships. In the 35 Plus race Matt S. and LT competed on their Velo Vie TT frames. Matt S. had a strong ride to take 3rd and LT came across in 8th. In the 45 Plus group Gene, Bill, Jimi, Matt, and Peter raced for the State Championship. It was Gene's first race back after getting taken out at the last Cherry Creek TT of the season. In 2010 Gene has been undefeated in TT's and TTT. Gene put on a great ride, especially considering how hurt he has been, and all the time off the bike. Unfortunately it was just not fast enough, as Gene took 2nd by 38 seconds. Bill also made the podium in 3rd, with Jimi and Matt V. in 7th and 9th. 2 guy on the podium is a great day and we all were really happy to see Gene back and racing.

The next day was the Niwot Crit. For those who like crits this is a great race, held in the downtown area of Niwot, CO, just north of Boulder. It is a short course, with lots of tight corners, and hard turns over 120 degrees. The 45 Plus guys lined up first with 6 riders on the line. the race went hard from the gun, with 2 Skin's riders leading a 5 man break. Unfortunately for the boys in red they missed the break and could never get the field organised to chase. The Skins riders whittled the break down to where it was just the 2 of them and they took 1st and 2nd after a long break away. The field set up for a sprint for 3rd, with 35 Plus strong man Bob Dahl taking it, with Jeff close behind in 5th and Chris L. in 8th.

The 35 race started the same way, really hard for 10 minutes. In fact it was one of the same riders from Skins, Todd Robertson, who was just hammering on the front. Too has good form now and the boys would learn even more the next week (stay tuned.....). CJ, Pete and Josh all rode in the top 10 for the first 10 minutes covering the hot laps, hoping if the string to break, and if it did they all would be in the winning move. However despite the pace the pack stayed together the whole race, with no real moves ever getting away. With 5 to go the boys moved to the front, but were never able to get into the right place, with CJ having to chase a 2 man break late and Josh getting boxed in. With one to go 3 riders slipped away and that was it, we were racing for 4th. Josh won the field sprint and got 4th, CJ took 7th, Jim Thies took 12th after doing a lot of work, and Matt G took 16th after being aggressive as well.

All photos from www.prerace.com

Matt Gates leading in the final turn, with Jim on his wheel













Pete working hard

Josh proving that racing is not easy. He got a free lap and took 4th

Josh putting the hammer down

CJ leading a 5 man break late in the race. Look at those yellow Mavic shoes