Book of Chad

This racecourse is one of my absolute all-time favourites. It only started last year and it was immediately a hit with all the competitors. It is pretty flat and the “climb” is a two-part jaunt which ends in the only left-hand corner of the circuit. With a bit of a breeze from the south on the day, it made the breakaway hard to get started. although many did try including some I was involved in nothing was going to stick in the early part of this race.

That’s when I overheard some talk in the group about going for it in a few laps. The main instigator of this move was recruiting. A couple of laps later on the second part of the climb Jag went and brought a few recruits with him. I bridged as quickly as possible recognizing the threat. There were 6 of us altogether and we worked well together even slowing a bit to keep the group together.

With one to-go sprinter, Ian and another racer unknown to me split our group and I was caught out. I solo chased for a half lap back on their wheel. And then there were 3.

The last half a lap was slow and steady as we sized each other up. I was completely toasted from the chase and was pretty sure that I was going to be third in this group. As we turned the final corner to the false flat finish I was the third wheel and just hoping the other two would fight it out too early so that I could capitalize on a mistake at the end. The unknown rider went early with sprinter Ian on his wheel and I struggled to keep on. As the pitch went slightly up to the finish the one guy tired. Ian and I went past to finish 1 and 2.

RACE: North Saanich Crit
Distance: 62 km
Time: 1:40:52
Avg Speed: 36.9
Avg Power: 226
Place: 2nd