Race Report- Brandon Andrews- November 24th, 2013 is the day that racers awoke to the temperatures in the single digits. It was brutally cold. Heistand Park in Madison Wisconsin was the host for this cold day of racing. I could hear the laughter in Georgia at Jim Miller Park exclaiming they had warmer temperatures, even though it was only a few degrees warmer than Wisconsin. The course itself was surprisingly tough. At first glance it didn't seem like a tough course, but mixed with the repeated climbs, run up that needed ropes to get up, thick slick long grass in off camber sections and the brutal cold made this race just one that took a lot out of everyone. After "warming" up I started my race and had a good start, a large group of racers went down in the first off camber section allowing me to pick my line around the fallen comrades. I continued to dig deep in the cold lungs and move up in the ranks. Third lap into the race and just before the long granny gear climb I dropped my chain. I ended up running up the hill while about 7 guys passed me on the bike. While running I was able to get my stuck chain out of my wheel. The next lap was me trying to patiently attack at times where I could pass those who had passed me in my misfortune. I would pass one on the run up, two who crashed right in front of me and the rest as I worked hard to move the cold air to my legs. Sliding out on an off camber area I tried desperately to keep my position. Again passing an obviously stronger rider than I on the run up I had thought I was finally back where I thought I had lost positions. That rider then flew by me on one of the climbs, but at the last turn I picked the right line and got in front of him as we both sprinted to the last turn and to the line. I was able to beat him there and maintain my position. It was a fun race for me even though I had my ups and downs. I finished 19th overall. Still not where I wanted to be at this part of the year but I will take it. Laura was able to keep warm during the race by keeping Shimano the Pug in her lap the entire time I raced. She did her warm up and then started for the line. The course designer added another climb for her race and the rest of the pro races that day. She rocked it once again and was able to maintain her third place for the 3's. It was unbearable cold and she had a tough course but she kept going. Once again I was proud of this Angry Monkey. We have one more race for the Wisconsin Series. I hope to see a few more Angry Monkey Racers at the series and Wisconsin State Championships. -Race Report by Brandon Andrews. |
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