The ECV threesome of Cicerchia, Miceli, and Cowman played much harder than the end results will indicate. Freddy got stronger as the race progressed, and showed why he does well on Mt. Washington every year. Rob has an excellent punch, as we discovered in Plymouth last week, with which he can deliver a fast attack or a quick bridge, and I, with my rolling mass, can really move on a downhill and maintain a decent top-end pace. All of these strengths were brought into play at various points, as we three were more prominent at the front than any other team today.
On the first lap, no break lasted more than a few minutes, including a couple instigated by strongmen from Cox and CCB. As I was feeling pretty good after the initial hills, I tried to make a go of it with a couple of boys on a long, downhill/rolling section on the first half of the course. While this effort went unrewarded, it was an early indication that we could play with anyone. Freddy and Rob tirelesssly took turns setting tempo at the front for a good part of the lap, while I would try to catch anything breaking. The lap ended with the hard climb through the finish area, in which a group of climbers and power guys tried to gain advantage over the crest. This was quickly caught, but established the patter for the second lap - every hill was hotly contested in hopes of getting clear.
Again on this lap, our band kept playing, though the repeated attacks were taking their toll on my legs. Two guys got away, and organization to chase was tepid. Late in the lap, Freddy and Rob were the instigators of what was a successful overtaking of the two rabbits, just before the final right turn up to the finishing hill. On that final road, several attacks were launched, unsuccessfully, but well before the actual climb to the line, the hill sprint began. After what seemed forever, we passed the 200 meters sign and I was toast. Rob, having spent his last change chasing the break, still managed to push me up the grind. Meanwhile, Freddy was dancing his way up the slope, holding his position in the front third of the group across the line.
A couple more guys to work with and we'll be taking these races! If you've been thinking about Masters Racing - now is the time . . .
Terry