Author

Jeff Holland on Jul 17, 2008

Race name: Ray Basso Bensenville Crit #2 Race date: Thursday, Jul 17, 2008

Wow, I've never seen such unselfish and committed teamwork as I did today from my teammates Chris Sherpatis and William Pankonin. When we lined up for the 2nd day of the Bensenville Masters 30+ 4/5 crit, we didn't talk about working together or anything. We just started racing, and my plan was to sit up front and do less work than I did yesterday.

Immediately, William was up front keeping the pace high enough that the group would not swarm us at the front, but not so fast he'd blow up. Then Chris moved up to the front and starting riding 2nd wheel in front of me, and then pulling. He and William would trade off and on the whole race, while I sat in 3rd wheel and occasionally chased down fliers by a SCW rider and another rider in the blue/white polka-dot jersey. I let nothing get away, and then I'd tuck back in 3rd wheel again. I never took a pull, not a single one. With 5 laps to go, I started to get nervous. These guys have basically sacrificed their chance at placing in the money to keep me up front. I had *better* do their hard work justice.

With one lap to go, Voytek comes flying by. I was ready for him, knowing he'd take a flyer. I jumped, settling in about 10m behind his wheel. I was able to bridge the gap on the long back stretch, and then come around him on the final corner (which thankfully the organizers made safer by filling in the gutter with blacktop the night before). Once through the final corner, I sprinted with all I had. Coming up to the line, I heard the race announcer saying "Here comes Voytek!!". Uh-oh, time for one more dig. I reach deep and pump the cranks a few more times, throwing my bike across the line.

My first win! I post up like a tour rider with both arms held high, and let out a loud "YEAHHHHHHH!". Priceless that feeling is, just priceless.

Thanks to William and Chris for their teamwork and sacrifice. I couldn't have it without them.