35+ Louisville Crit April 2013

The guys came to race this event as it is really the kick off of the masters season for all teams.  We had a strong group of 7 riders to match up with a big group from Boulder Orthopedics and much improved teams from Rally Sport, and Grove Subaru.  The race has been won in a break the last few years, so the guys knew what needed to get done.  The race went off the line single file for a while, with heavy pressure being applied by Boulder Orthopedics.  Jim, Tory and CJ clipped in at the front and covered things.  The guys took turns covering the early moves, Matt S. covered a good looking break with local strongman Michael Gibson from BO.  When that came back Brad from Rally Sport attacked solo, got a gap and he rolled it.  CJ covered the move for our team, along with Byron from Grove and Grant from BO.  As is often the case the breaks that go are not the strongest, but the right combination, and this break had one rider from each of the 4 main teams.

The break took about 10 minutes and established it's lead, with all 4 teams back in the field controlling things and hoping their man could win.  The break had total cooperation, with even pulls and no attacks, with also helps lead to success.  CJ knew he was out gunned in the break, but rode smart and did just enough to not make anyone mad, while he waited for the Calvary to arrive.

Sure enough there was a slowing in the field and Matt Gates sensed it, attacked solo, got a clean gap, and rode solo across to the break over 30 laps, a 25 second gap.  CJ was sure happy to see Matt as RMCC was not the only team with 2 guys in the break.  It also put much more pressure now on the other 3 teams back in the field as they were at a disadvantage.  The group all kept working until the end and everyone was happy to sprint it out.  With one to go CJ put in a last attack, then when caught he pulled the entire last lap to the bottom of the hill, then pulled over and let Matt Gates take it from there.  Matt rode a smart sprint up the hill, as it is a very long developing sprint, where he rode Grant's wheel for a long time, and then easily came by him for the win.  It was a great team effort with Matt taking the win, CJ in 5th, and Josh in 7th.  2013 should be a fun year in the 35 plus field with more balanced teams and great racing.

45+ 1,2,3 Weld County RR

The RMCC 45 squad lined up with five riders.  Peter Ismert, Adam Asnes, Marcel Van Garderen, Matt Vawter, and Pete Lucke.  The team was racing against stacked teams from Rally Sport, Boulder Orthopedics, and a new team, Brookfield Homes.  50 miles awaited the racers and fireworks started the first time traversing the one dirt road.  After the first 15 miles, a lone rider from Brookfield broke away solo from the peloton.  He was able to stay away for another 15 miles before RMCC put 4 riders on the front to bring back the breakaway rider.  Once the field was all back together, everyone started positioning themselves for the finale.  But, with 10 k to go, Peter Ismert was able to bridge up to a small group who slipped off the front with a 10 second gap.  This was a good move for the team and RMCC helped to control the front to allow the break to widen it's gap.  However, with about 8 k to go, the break was closed down.  With a straight run in to the finish, a slight crosswind, and the yellow line rule in effect, the finish was going to be chaotic.  RMCC was able to have it's riders at or near the front to contest the final sprint.  In the end, Pete Lucke was able to open up the sprint really early which allowed for Adam to mark any riders trying to come across.  Unfortunately for Pete, he got passed in the closing meters and finished 4th.  Fortunately, Adam made the second move and finished a strong 2nd being passed at the line by sprinter extraordinaire, Jeff Ofsanko from Rally Sport.  Peter Ismert finished in 11th place after much work.  Both Matt and Marcel road in support for the entire race and kudos go out to both of them for the teamwork.  Although the team didn't get the win it did have a good day out on the road.  Next up will be Federal Center and Deer Trail.

Pete Lucke looking serious! Photo by Dejan Smaic

Bill Kellagher (winner) & Steve Matous (8th) Weld County RR 4-20-13

Photo by Dejan Smaic

Peter Ismert on podium (3rd) Louisville crit April 2013