First road race today!
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krazyfranco posted 38 weeks ago.
Get out in front for the crit. Every turn, the peloton stretches out longer and longer, so if you are in the middle or back of the pack you will be losing time on the leaders. Be prepared to ride really hard!
Hard days hard, easy days easy.
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Gsal posted 37 weeks ago.
if you find yourself losing time on the leaders but want to make a move, quickly fill gaps between you and riders in front of you so you dont expend too much energy. Also, be careful around turns, but if your in good control of your bike you can pass people when they slow down for turns, especially if its a really technical race
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TriSooner posted 37 weeks ago.
krazyfranco wrote:
Get out in front for the crit. Every turn, the pelotonstretches out longer and longer, so if you are in the middle or back of the pack you will be losing time on the leaders. Be prepared to ride really hard!
. . . crashes and if you are in front, the better the odds are the crash is behind you. Granted, everyone will be doing this too, so crits are full-contact cycling at 30mph. And btw, you can't swim with a broken collarbone :) Good luck.
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SueR posted 37 weeks ago.
I have lovely scars down the right side of my body from a nut who attacked in the second last corner, so listen to Sooner and be the one attacking! That way no one takes you out! Going slow makes it worse. It's gonna hurt like hell - enjoy:)
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jnrice posted 37 weeks ago.
nah, no need to be out front from the gate, although in a C race it might not be a bad idea considering the crash factor. I hate crits so I try to tail gun them, sit in the back of the lead pack until there is something like 3-4 laps and then get up front and break on the last lap or two. The race will start out hot, so if you feel like it's kicking your ass then just sit in the back and let it cool down (always does).
Oh, one last piece. "crits suck..." At least I hate them.
So this isn't entirely tri related, but I completed my first road race today. Racing for my university team, I finished 5th (I think) in a 32 mile C category collegiate race. Lesson of the day, you can't go it alone! I didn't believe in how much difference the peloton could make until now. I foolishly tried to make a few solo breaks, but luckily I didn't wear myself out. Tomorrow we have a crit, does anyone have any advice besides don't die?