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Mauston '06 (WiSport Saturday 19th August)
There was a great turnout from the Coulee Region at this year's event -
probably the biggest I've ever seen. Riders included (and I hope I don't
miss anyone here!) Ralph Heath, TJ Brooks, Tom Hirsbrunner, Bob Marhefke,
Roger Lundsten, Randy McVean, Garret & Ryan Ping, Adam Malm & myself.
Most have done this race before or are at least familiar with the course
profile so it was no secret the key to staying in the race involved getting
over the first climb.
The start out of town was fast as usual with a
couple solo attacks off the front. None would stick however as the field
was cueing up for the climb. Several riders punched it up the climb and
small gaps were opening everywhere but a stiff headwind blowing across the
back side of the course and directly down the hill discouraged many from
continuing the attack once on top. Randy McV wasn't so conservative and did
give an effort across the top but a solo attack wasn't going to stick and
the majority of the field was still intact.
At the base of the second climb Ross White
(former Junior racer & current Brone's rider) led out with a huge attack up
the first step of the climb. The field quickly strung out again and when
the gap appeared both I and Matt (?) of Penn Cycle jumped across to join
Ross. The three of us were pushing the pace as hard as we could up the long
7%'ish incline but there was a strong chase on at the front of the field.
At the top the three crested in the lead but the pressure from the field
quickly brought it all back together. It did however serve to reduce the
field down to a smaller group of 35 riders. Almost immediately the road
dropped downward and you're on to the third climb of the day. Again a
longer but shallower climb there were some attempts to reduce the field
further but not enough organization to establish any clean break.
With only one climb remaining the non-sprinters
were running out of room to get away and the big sprinters were sensing a
shot at the line. The last tall, steep roller saw a handful of riders
attack the field. I was able to hit the top first and start the second half
of the painful false-flat rolling climb. Just 50 meters behind was Bob who
had crested behind and was trying to bridge up but the chase group was
keeping him within reach and he couldn't quite get the gap. Seeing they
weren't going to let him go I continued on just 100 meters off the front for
the next couple miles, desperately praying for some company as I fought the
headwind and small rollers. Unfortunately soon after a single rider bridged
up but was immediately followed by the entire field. Several escape
attempts followed in the next couple of miles but nothing was going to stick
as the sprinters were now anticipating their opportunity at the win.
The final two miles were as scary as any I've
ridden all year with rider after rider trying to reach the front and diving
for positions in the line to avoid the stiff headwind coming from the finish
line. Riders were being pushed to the ditch and others moving forward and
backwards very quickly. Garret took the lead in the wind and stretched the
field back into a single line. Dropping off just short of the last roller
left Bob to pull the group over and towards the line. I was tucked nicely
on his wheel just like a Tuesday night sign sprint and he was giving a great
lead-out as always. At about 400 meters (way too far out for my taste) the
sprinters started their kick for the line. Some of the early starters would
fade before the line but ultimately it was one of TJ's picks for guys to
watch who ended up taking the victory with almost the entire group finishing
in a span of just 4 seconds. Ross White finished in 5th, myself in 6th,
Randy in 13th and Roger in 30th. Bob and Garret sat up and coasted across
to round out the lead group.
Overall it was a solid performance for the
Coulee Region riders although it was the sprinters turn to win in Mauston
this year. Thanks for reading!
Chris
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This site was last updated on: June 28, 2010 01:56:29 PM -0500 |