Bannock Crit

Bannock might just be the longest running bike race in Colorado. It is a figure 8 crit just south of downtown Denver. It is considered a classic and this year the racers were treated to new pavement between turns 1 and 2. The 45 plus guy raced first and only Jimi took the line. unfortunately for Jimi several other teams showed up in force. Not one to shy away from work, Jimi attacked and did what he could, but eventually the other team's size got the best of him and a break went up the road. That was the end of the race and Jimi rode in with the pack.

The 35 plus team lined up with CJ, Jim, LT, Josh and Marcel. It was an important race as it was the last BAT crit of the year and with a good result the boys could put away their first ACA Best All Around Team Title. It was also the last race of the year for Josh, Jim, LT, and Marcel.

Jim & Marcel got the party started with a 1 lap attack and went up the road. When that came back some solo moves went, then LT lead the fired out for a $100 cash prime. Eventually strong man Michael Gibson attacked and Josh was able to bridge up. When that move came back the pack had a bit of a lull, CJ sensed it and attacked solo. A Vic's riding joined CJ, they had a long way to go, but that was the winning move.

Paul Espoti came up to the break solo. Paul is an ex-professional who still races at the cat 1 level. Not sure why he was racing masters, but he tends to win any and all masters races he does. The 3 riders rode well together and the 2 strong teams left in the field, RMCEF & Grove Subaru, chased, and then had their main men Michael and Lance bridge to the break. Things got complicated in the break, the Vic's rider (Gary Molder) got dropped, and Michael and Lance played games. So with 4 to go CJ & Paul were away solo. They rode to the last corner, where Paul attacked and easily took the win. It was great result for CJ and he was not going to beat a guy who has been racing major races in Europe this summer. Josh got a jump on the field and won the field sprint for 3rd, giving the guys 2 on the podium. It was by far the boys best crit of the year and the result gave them the BAT win for 2010.

Photos are compliments of Karen Steele. The first one is CJ crossing the line, relieved it is over, the second one is just before, where you can see the field sprint unfolding, and the 3rd is one is the final sprint where CJ lost to Paul Espoti.