Well, this was my first crit. I've been riding with the Aaron's Club for a couple of years but only as a means to fitness for triathlon. Group rides seem largely populated by Cat 3 and 4's and this crowd can be merciless about dropping slower riders.

I raced 'novice' Cat 5 - Slowest heat of the day besides the juniors - 35 minutes plus three laps. Horn went off and pace was brisk immediately. There were Prime's offered for a lot of the laps, inclu. the first one - the upshot was that a couple of the stronger riders rode off the front from the git-go. I started towards the back of the pack and gradually worked my way up as the race went on. The group seemed to splinter w/in a couple of laps and I wound up in the first chase group about 25-30 seconds down. Group was unable to organize a challenge to front three so we raced ourselves for final position. Ifinished 9th but had the same time as the fifth place rider.

To summarize, I haven't worked so hard in a race in a long time. . These crits hurt! I was kind of bashful at the start and again when it came time to chase down the leaders but I am chalking that up to crit inexperience. I think the legs have enough spring to race with the front runners at this level and next time. .


Go out faster and look to attack.

These bike races are a very different kind of animal. It definitely takes a little experience to race efficiently.