A technical, high-profile, big summer crit with a large field. Not exactly what I think of as an ideal race for personal success but as a team, we had a very strong line up with Seegs, Koster, Wiberg, Morrissey, Truemper, Pankonin, Murray and myself. It was a good mix of riders with varied and complementary talents. Before starting, Randy said we had to race in front, basically in the top 10, because it was so difficult to move up during the race. That was fine by me. The technical nature of the course caused me more than a bit of anxiety about competing in the frequently sketchy 3’s field and I would be more than happy leading the way at the front.

I got a good start and pretty much went straight to the front. During the first few laps, I was either at the front or in the top 10, staying out of trouble, and getting a feel for the corners at full speed. I think shortly after the first sprint for points, about 5 laps in, Flatlandia’s Dave Jaggi got a small gap. I moved up and put in a modest acceleration to close the gap. Looking behind me, I was surprised to see that I had actually created a gap and by the time I got to Dave, we probably had about a 10 second lead. It was time to begin our 30+ minute two man escapade to the finish.

I knew that the ease with which we got off and extended our gap meant only one thing. The xXx boys behind us were doing a stellar job slowing down the field. No doubt, this was the key to our eventual success.

So there I was, very early in the race in a 2 man break. The breakaway is my favorite part of bike racing, but this seemed a bit early to me. I thought that if a break stuck, it wouldn’t be until the 2nd half, and I was pretty sure it was only a matter of time before we would be caught. Nevertheless, we both just put our heads down and kept a steady, high pace.

Dave was a great break away partner and rode strong the entire race. I think we had similar ability and took equal pulls throughout. As the second sprint for points approached, I told Dave that I didn’t care about the points, he could have them. He said the same thing, and we continued our unified march to the finish.

The time gaps given to us were somewhat erratic. We were told 15 seconds, then a half a lap later, 30 seconds. It really didn’t matter. We were committed to a maximal effort for as long as we could hold it. With about 20 minutes to go, however, I was suffering. It was going to be tough to make it with such a long way left to race. I stopped looking at the lap counter and my bike computer and just settled into a rhythm to tick off the miles.

My teammates, friends, and people I didn’t even know cheered us on. It helped a lot.

Headed through the start finish, I inadvertently glanced up at the lap counter and saw 3 laps to go. I began to realize that one of us was probably going to win. There were no more words spoken from that point on. We continued to alternate pulls. 2 laps to go. The crowd was amazing. 1 lap to go. My teammates had set this up for me, I had to deliver. Do I attack the hill or wait for the sprint? Dave wasn’t showing signs of weakness, so I didn’t think I would drop him on the hill. I’d wait for the sprint. ½ lap to go. I was leading and I knew we wouldn’t be caught. I didn’t expect Dave was going to volunteer to pull through so close to the finish, so I eased up a bit to recover. 2 corners to go. I stay on the far left side of the road with an eye to my right to see if he’s going to make a move. Last corner. I drop it down 2 gears and begin my sprint as soon we round the bend. I sprint with moderate intensity at first. I can see his wheel right behind me. Half way down the home stretch, I give it full throttle. The finish line is oh so close. Another glance down and Dave’s wheel is gone. The finish line is upon me. I raise my arms in victory for the first time since I was 17 years old. Getting the win was surreal, and honestly still probably hasn’t sunk in.

The first thing I do is congratulate Dave on a great race. I would have been proud to end up 2nd to him.

Of course I can’t give enough credit and thanks to the team for giving me the chance to win. I owe all of you.

I wasn’t anticipating the podium interview, and if I had to do it over, I would start by thanking the promoters and organizers of this great race, as well as the beautiful Village of Glencoe. Maybe I’m biased. I think most people are going to love the races they win. In this case however, I think the accolades are appropriate. It was a great course and an extremely well organized race. We can only hope they continue to host the US Pro crit championship. Thank you.