Arnold Classic Bike Race

On Thursday evening I came home from work and was disappointed to learn that Saturday's race at the Mid-Ohio sports car course had been postponed due to snow (the 2nd race postponement in as many weeks). Apparently racetracks do not fall under ODOT's snow plow responsibilities. I've never raced well at Mid-Ohio but I love riding on the course, going full bore through the corners of the silky smooth track. Hopefully Mid-Ohio will take place later this season.

One race option remained for the weekend - the inaugural Arnold Classic criterium on Sunday. I wasn't too excited about being in a criterium this early in the season but I decided at the last minute to give the race a go. Teammates Woody Barry, "Iron" Cadillac George Conti and I represented our team in the Masters race. Arnold himself was at the start, posse in tow, as the official starter of our race and it was pretty cool to see him make an appearance.

The masters started a minute or so after the 3-4's and our group stayed together for a few laps until 5-6 of us created a gap. One rider from Kreitler made a move off the front and we worked to pull him back. A few laps later another rider (Allied Decal?) attacked off the front and would stay away the rest of the race for a solo victory. That left the rest of us racing for 2nd place. About halfway through the race I felt myself starting to come off the back of the group but was able to work back onto a wheel.

Iron George (shown in photo below courtesy of Mike Perakis) was an animal today doing far more than his share of work pulling at the front. I'm not sure what he had for breakfast but I'll take two please. After about 40 minutes we heard "2 laps to go" and our group of 4 stayed together until the finish. Krietler and an Anthem rider had a bit more horsepower and crossed the line for 2nd & 3rd. I crossed the line with George to finish 4th and were both in the money. Not a bad days work but it became painfully clear to me that I have a lot more work to do as the season progresses.

Overall Team roll: was well represented today with Mike Perakis in the 4-5 race and both Josh Morrow and John Price mixing it up in the huge 3-4 field. Andy Will raced well in the 1-2-3 race. We even had cheerleaders today: Mel Corroto, Amanda Orr, Amy Reese and Eva Simon. Along with Tom Will, Marco was there coaching us on and resting his legs so he can kick some serious butt next weekend.

There's no way 3 races in a row can be snowed out - is there?