Super Dave's Wente Crit Report (4/29/12)

Dave Puglia's Wente Crit Report (4/29/12)
45+/55+ 1/2/3

I always do well at the Wente Criterium and was looking forward to a good finish - a salvation to my slow start this year. The key to Wente is to be in the front by lap 2 to avoid any crashes and being able to go through the corners at speed. I rode a perfect race and didn't expend any energy - I just rode smoothly through all the corners and moved up the middle and filled in gaps. Coming up to the last 2 laps I moved up towards the front. The race picked up and we were single file towards the front. Coming into the bell lap we were strung out and in turn 3 there was a big crash - I was well in front of the crash as I was with the front leaders. A break formed lead by team morgan stanley and team specialized and 12 of us got away. I was feeling great and all I had to do was ride the train and the only other 55+ rider up there with me was Mark Caldwell of Morgan Stanley. I'm in the money !!!


Next thing I see is the motorcycle race referee shutting us down - the race was neutralized because of the crash. We all had to go to the start finish line and they let the dropped riders participate as well. So we had to sit there in the hot sun until they cleared the injured. They add another lap to the race - now we have 2 laps to go. It's a drag race and dangerous since the dropped riders were allowed back in and I'm having to avoid these guys as they blow up again as we scream around the course. Coming up to the final sprint I get caught behind 3 alto velo riders who blow up - I can't sprint anywhere. I end up 10th...

I immediately jump into the 35+ 123 race and go for about 30 minutes - I lost my motivation and just drop out. Still full of energy but bummed about the previous race.

DP