If someone told me before this race that I would end up 4th, I would have been thrilled. Having come so close to a Superweek podium, however, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed.

Ed, new teammate Eric Wiecek and I lined up for the Masters 30+ 1,2,3. It was a quality field with some good riders. The first 19 or 20 laps involved mostly a steady pace, with some surges to chase breaks. Much to my relief, everyone seemed to ride this race safely and sensibly (this is the primary reason I frequently opt for the Masters 1,2,3 events rather than the 3s).

With about 20 laps to go, the definitive break was established, largely thanks to some great blocking by Ed and Eric. It was a break of 6 (which was quickly whittled down to 5), including me. I have to say, this was probably not my best day. I felt strong for a while but really suffered and struggled through the last 20 or so minutes. What's the number one rule in a break? Don't get dropped from it. This is what I kept telling myself repeatedly. DON'T GET DROPPED FROM THE BREAK! Two riders from our group went clear with about 10 laps to go. I just couldn't follow them. That left 3 of us to hold off the field and compete for the final podium spot. There were some very close calls, and massive amounts of suffering, but I did not get dropped from this trio and still managed to put in my fair share of pulls. I led out the sprint and thought for a few seconds that I would get third. Alas, a Vision Quest rider came around me and got the last podium spot.

Again, 4th in a superweek event is something to be happy about, but 3rd was oh so close.

Thanks to Eric and Ed for allowing me the chance at the break and for their work slowing the field so we could get established.

Hopefully if you have read this race report you read Liam's also. And hopefully someone has a picture of him crossing the line first, bloodied, in the pouring rain.