news from the peloton
Enumclaw Stage Race, May 15-16, 2004
All eyes on Russell . . .
Cat I & II
I have to be sure the Cat 2 squad knows how well they all raced on Sun. That was the way to do it. I wouldn't have changed anything, guys. The outcome wasn't what we had planned, but we did what we were supposed to do. The fact that we lost rests on my shoulders. I thought I was going to be unstoppable on that climb and I was wrong. It sucks but it's reality. When the BC boys bring 10 guys, half of whom can mark me and most any other NW climber, it's hard to win. Simply put, I just didn't have the legs and I'm sorry for that.
What you all did in the first 2/3's of the race was awesome. The field was under control and we had everyone at bay. That is what the leader's team needs to do. We set a precedent and showed we were not going to give this race away. Thank you! All of you....outstanding effort.
After the RR, I had three different riders and one team manger come to me and say, "you guys rode a classy race today". "You guys rode strong today". Even Kenny himself had respectful words for all of us.
So even if we lost, we gained more in respect and strength and that's valuable. The shout out award goes to - J to the P - Man...have to tell you, I was so impressed with your tenacity and grit to get back into the race and give us everything you had. I'm so stoked you were able to bounce back from what I know was a disappointing TT and crit. It's not easy to ride at the front and then make it up the climbs again and again. You are getting so strong man....really. Soon it will be your time.
The Crit! Man....crazy....that was a dog fight!! Kenny, the race leader, was off the back early in the crit, chasing back on. Even after he made contact, he never once made it to the front. It's too bad for him. I never even saw his team at the front - the race leader's team! Symetrics took over that night as they controlled the crit...I think Kenny was beat even before the RR started.
I've been trying to beat KW for years. I have had my moments but to take it to him in the crit like that really did feel good. He has his weaknesses like everyone else. Crosier, man that was a great ride that night. The lead out for the prime and the constant pressure on the front. You'll win it...I know you will soon.
As far as Symetrics - know this...They have just about ALL the Western Canadian talent. I mean they are more or less a pro team that doesn't race pro. None of those guys have jobs, kids or stable, responsible lives off the bike. They are all racing full time. I would almost expect them to win just as riders used to expect me to win all the time because I'm the pro. 2nd fiddle to them ain't too shabby...
So rest up!
Ride hard or whatever your program has coming...
Next biggie is Ballard. There are races every weekend from now 'til then but I say biggie because winning there is more important than any race in between. Big press there, sponsors, lights, camera, action. For all of us, pick that as your next big goal. St. RR is nice...Elma is cool and even Hood River is a focus race for me. But Ballard is where we make our mark.
All for now - Russy
(Note: Russell Stevenson led the race after Saturday's events, eventually finishing 2nd on GC after Sunday's road stage)
From the Minor Leagues
Todd & I had great TT's and Wagner put in a solid time. Erik & Brian were a bit further back but all in all a pretty respectable team performance. Don't recall where Squawk was but I'm sure he gave it. Most of us improved dramatically from Walla and it put us in a position to ride for GC.
The crit was great but we had some casualties. We started with most of the team up front and drove the pace just to stay there considering the conditions. Todd, Steve and Erik were just tempoing and it kind strung our field apart. Pretty impressive, without trying. Todd took a early prime and then got crashed out. I stayed at the front with Steve & Erik and won the 100 prime. Brian was in there also. Last lap we were set up fine with Erik in p3 and I in p4. The second place guy went down in front of us and that was it. Erik missed it but got out of position and I ran over the guy but stayed upright. Erik or I could have taken it, or at least both of us in the top 3 getting the time bonuses.
I went into the RR in 9th and the guys were ready to ride for me but I struggled all day and didn't have it. I showed up an old fat guy, unfortunately. Erik, Brian and Steve rode really well all race and finished well. Steve ended up top 10 I believe, Brian just behind and Erik a bit further back. Hard racing but they hung tough. Steve moved up from high 20's to take 12th in the GC. Great weekend for him. We ended up 3rd in team GC and I think that is pretty darn good. We still haven't raced this year with our whole team, both Lance, Dave& John missed the 'Claw and Brian is just recovering from an injury.
Mike Pratt did pretty darn good in the 4's. He beat most of the cat 3's in the TT but tested out the pave in the crit.
© 2002-2007 O'Brien Cycles