Race Report by Brandon Andrews- Halloween Cyclocross in Milwaukee, Wi this past week was loads of fun. Well not loads, but it was lots of fun. The temp was just chilly enough to wear warmers for the warm up but race-able in just the regular kit. This actually disappointed me due to the new Hincapie vests we just got in that are awesome. I really wanted to rock it during the race. My race was at 10:30 and at 10:10 I jumped on course to get a full lap in for a pre ride. Last week I didn't get to ride the entire course due to my crash and breaking of my brakes. Speaking of I am very proud of myself and being able to cut, bleed and install my new left hydraulic shifter. Thanks to SRAM for helping me get another one before this weeks race. The only issue with doing a pre ride right before my race is by the time I finished and stripped of all the warm clothes most of the field had lined up. I know I am not the fast cat in the cat 4 group, so I typically line up in the back area. I need to change that. The entire first lap I spent trying to pass people in turns and in as many sections as I could. Only issue was since it was the first lap racers tried to out sprint my passing and made more work for me. I was exhausted by my second and third lap. The course had a really fun bunny hop section over "coffins" that I was able to clear each time with no issues. It was fun to watch others struggle on this spot. 4th lap did come down with a sprint between me and the guy I was trying to catch on the last lap. I got the sprint for 45th place...not sure if I can brag about that one. 45 out 64 starters (59 finishers). I was just very happy to be back on my own bike and not worried about the brakes. Laura spent her time cheering me on and mentally preparing for her race....which means she only got two photographs of me racing. I am very proud of her race this week as she moved up in her category and passed at least one the racers that has beaten her all season long. Laura raced really well even though she hit the barrier and whacked her bars out of place. She rode the last lap with her bars facing about an inch or so off from her tire. She was caught on the last lap but during the run up was able to get some distance on her competitor. She ended up 5th of 12 which I think is her best standing of the season so far in the CX3 group. I was proud. AMR is always looking for new members- I talked with two possible new members at the races on Saturday. We are really ramping up the Team for next year. February will be the next big membership drive with kits ordering in March. If you want more info about our team check our About page. -Race Report by Brandon Andrews |
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