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William Pankonin on Jul 4, 2009

Race name: UW Whitewater Cycling Road Race Race date: Saturday, Jul 4, 2009

All the small Wisco towns were preparing their 4th of July parades. Whitewater was preparing for their 35 mile road race through south Kettle Moraine. I lined up with Bob Willems and Greg Heck. What a way to spend part of Independence Day! UW-Whitewater Cycling did an excellent job preparing the course, and the USA cycling referee and judge kept order as we rolled out neutral over the tracks and out of town.

Our first and second lap was real laid back, until the first attack went off the front -fast. Bob shot up the side and made it his own before I even had a chance to grab his wheel. I positioned myself to block for him, and I saw him swing around the flyer and yell out, "Let's go!" Awesome. The rider didn't want to work too hard and soon all were together.

The suffering began, as expected. What a relief to see Greg take control of the climb up at the front. I jumped on his wheel and kept tempo, minding the field behind us. Next lap, same situation. Greg destroys the road and then attacks. He did this twice, once I went with him and the second time I blocked for him. The attacks resulted in a pretty good gap the second time, but the peleton gobbled them up on the next kicker. What these moves did do, however, was smash the field. The guys were calling it a break, but I don't know, twelve or thirteen seems more like a race. I wanted to drill it, but everybody else thought we would stay away so I found some patience.

Last lap. Greg pulls off the front and I focus as we ascend the big hill one last time. I kept waiting for the attacks, especially from the teams with 6-7 guys, like Team Extreme. I also waited to the Kettle Moraine Flyers to rip this up too, but nothing came. Greg's and my tempo was just too hot. I wonder, now, if I should have attacked. Could I have stayed away for 5 miles of flat roads? Probably not, but who knows. Next time I'll give that a go. F it. But for now, it seemed like smart and patient would pay off. It would also mean me getting put to the test in the field sprint. Did I pace that out? No. Didn't the IL masters crit champ pace out the finish at Proctor? Yes.

Team Extreme got the blue train rolling and we all jumped on. Tickets please.. all aboard the crazy-fast-train! We all hit the line together, and I threw the bike for 9th place. Two mistakes: I could have been out of the saddle sooner, like at 200 meters, but I couldn't visualize the line and sprint. Next, I spun out my 50-34 chain ring. I was desperate for more gears coming down the little hump. Peter warned me in April. It has never happened, so I ignored the small gearing. If you read this before the meeting, you can yell at me -for both mistakes.

Anyway, great race! Bob and Greg were fantastic, and I can't wait to race with them again. (I'll get a bigger ring for Oak Brook!)