Race Reports

Brian and Kyle competed for KCBC at two of our early season race series this weekend. Saturday’s event was the Spring Fling criterium and Sunday was the Perry Lake circuit race. With all the snowfall and chilly temps, it was nice to see familiar faces on the local racing scene.

Race Reviews
Spring Fling - is a fast fun criterium series with 5 race days in total. It’s a fast ride in general, spurred on by primes the officials announce on laps of their choosing. The course is flat and about 1 mile in length.

I competed in the cat 4/5 Saturday. The field was pretty large and the racing was fantastic. There were a few memorable moments. There was a breakaway with John Williams, myself, and a couple anonymous Velotek riders. We created a nice gap and held off the field for nearly 3 laps. The breakaway was eventually snuffed out though. I followed John a lot during the race, and it was interesting to watch how he constantly assessed what was going on. Whether in the peleton or on the breakaway, that guy is always watching and thinking. There is much to be learned from experienced racers, like positioning yourself well on the final turn. I didn’t figure that out until it was too late, and finished just outside the top 10 spots where points are awarded.

Perry Lake race is a nice little gem for early season road racing. The course is a 5 mile circuit, and overall race length varies by category. They add length to the race for the second and third days. The main feature of the course is a hill at the end of each lap, and the climb is serious. The hill is a focal point for most of the action including KOM points, but it’s not the only source of excitement at the race. Check out what Kyle had to say about the Cat 4’s.

“I think I'm still in cyclocross mode. No sprint at the beginning? No going all-out for an hour? First lap was nice and easy. Second lap was more aggressive, about like normal. I pulled off the front for while and only one guy wanted to follow, so we had a short breakaway attempt. As I'm doing that I'm thinking "Boy, that was stupid... Well, nothing to do now but catch the 3's." Then for some reason I just couldn't turn it on at the hill, so I just took it easy then time-trialed back to the group on the last 2 laps.
There's something about that hill, I guess I just haven't figured it out yet. I was at the back of the group on the final time up the hill, and that sealed my fate.”

I think it's safe to say none of us have figured out that hill just yet, but I'm willing to bet Kyle will be the first of us to do so. Nice racing Kyle. We both had a good time racing for KCBC this weekend. The courses were in good shape, great shape really, considering all the snow.

The season is rolling, and so is KCBC!

Race Results:

Spring Fling Criterium
Cat 4/5 Brian Luce – DNP in top 10 of 43 riders

Perry Lake Circuit
Cat 4 Kyle Guinn 24/34
Cat 5 Brian Luce 5/38