Race Report: Tour of Basking Ridge

Course Description: The Tour of Basking Ridge features 6 turns and starts on a slight decline. The first turn is a 90 degree left, which flattens out and then drops down into another 90 degree left. The course rises for roughly 200 yards at a slight incline and then levels out. Ahead, a 90 degree right approaches and leads into a sweeping left. Following the sweep is another 90 degree left, which brings you into another slight rise, followed by a small decent into a 90 degree left. That final turn kicks you fast into the final straight which starts out as a rise and then descents into the finish. It’s important to stay aero in this sprint to maximize full speed.

The race started out with 37 pre-registered racers, nervously awaiting the whistle. I positioned myself on the line, all the way left across the street. I looked around for potential threats and noticed one. Joseph Meyer-Fuchs, who rides for Bahati Racing. Joe got me on the line at the state crit and took 2nd place. I knew the guy was a powerhouse of a sprinter, so I planned on watching him carefully throughout the race.

The whistle blew and there were a few guys who sprinted off the line. I thought to myself, “ok, I guess it’s going to be that kind of race.” I positioned myself around 10th place and watched the leaders attack and then tire. They were full of energy on the initial rise coming out of the 2nd corner, but as it would level out, so would their speed. Either way, it wasn’t too fast for me. I followed the pace with ease, but raced carefully against many new, squirrely riders. The pack quickly split into 2 groups and by the 3rd or 4th lap, we had already lapped a couple of stragglers from the 2nd pack.

The race was only 5 laps, which was too short. Everyone was fresh and those who did try to attack, were just caught again quickly. I wanted to try a solo to the finish, but was afraid to go for it. I sat in for the 5 laps, careful to keep my legs spinning freely and not expend any unnecessary effort.

On the 5th and final lap, I saw Joe begin to position myself. He moved up the outside and I followed. As we approached the final rise, which led down into the sprint, he made his move. I kept seated in the drops and held his wheel. As I came over the hill, were were flying. Me, Joe and 2 other guys dropped the pack like they were standing still. Joe pulled into 1st and I sat in 2nd. When I thought it was appropriate, I changed gears and jumped out of the saddle for the sprint. I soon learned that I went too early and should have waited 5 more seconds. I also made the mistake of sitting up, which turned me into a wind sail. I wasn’t able to pass Joe at the line, as the guy is super strong in the sprints.

I took 2nd, just behind Joe. Followed by 2 others, who were very close behind. Then, the remaining pack came through a few seconds later. I later thought about the sprint and wondered to myself if staying seated or not doing the 60 mile training session the day before would have changed things. Either way, it was too late, but I could surely learn from this race too.