September 13, 2009
Doylestown, PA
Eric: 5th
After throwing down the gauntlet in Allentown and Souderton, BikeReg.com / Cannondale had one more opportunity to prove just how strong we are to a field full of international talent. The Doylestown Criterium is a beautiful race in a bustling little town. Big crowds came out to peruse the Arts' Festival and cheer on the racers despite the fact that in a few short hours, the Philadelphia Eagles would be kicking off their season opener.
The race started off fast and furious, and the team moved to the front to cover attacks. Justin, Thom, and Dan took turns patrolling the front, and Dan narrowly missed out on a hefty prime after initiating a promising breakaway. It took me a few laps to get my legs under me, but I slowly moved up. I focused on saving as much energy as I possibly could for the inevitable sprint finish. As the racing continued, it became clear that Amore-Vita would attempt to hold the race together for their sprinter, Yuriy Metluschenko. Alister and Josh worked together to position me as close to their lead out as they could. Josh and I got into a rhythm each lap of moving up on the long downhill straight away, and then attempting to maintain position as the field bunched up on the uphill finishing stretch. Finally, with two laps to go, Josh pulled up next to me after the first corner, and I asked, "Ready to go one more time?" Josh replied with something to the effect of "Hell Yeah!", and I locked on to his wheel.
Coming down the downhill back-straight, Josh powered his way in front of the Amore-Vita leadout and took control. He then singlehandedly towed the field at a ferocious pace while Kelly Benefits attempted to organize behind us. After a monstrous pull, Josh relinquished control of the front and was replaced by a Kelly Benefits rider who polished off the leadout. Coming into the second to last corner, I was sitting second wheel. A number of riders jumped around me and I tagged on the back. We pulled onto the finishing straight and I struggled to escape from the riders going backwards all around me. I saw an open path and sprinted to fifth place. It was a true team effort, and an excellent way to finish off a spectacular weekend of racing!
