Iron Hill Twilight Crit, My first "PRO" race

Yesterday was the Iron Hill Twilight Crit. The course was one kilometer long, four corners, and lined almost completely around the course with people. The start/finish was a narrow straight one lane wide, which lead into the first turn which was covered in bricks. Out of the second corner the course opened up into a two lane road through the second corner into a four lane road. The backstretch of the course was downhill and very fast. The third corner made things narrow up again as the turn took us into another one lane stretch into the fourth and final corner.

I was racing in the Pro-1-2 race, only my second race as a Cat 2. There was to be 10,000 bones on the line. With that kind of prize money, there were sure to be some big teams. I was not to be disappointed, Toshiba-Santo had 6 guys, Inferno Racing had 6 guys, Time Pro Cycling had 6 guys, and several more.

Once at the race I walked around and tried to find to find registration, it was crowded and that took a bit of time. I picked up my number and then went back to my car to get dressed and get moving. I got my stuff together and started riding. Everything was progressing normally as possible for a big crit. When I rode past some kids would get all wide eyed like "Wow a PRO biker!" I got a kick out of that. Around 25 minutes before the race I was riding through a parking lot when I hit a patch of slick tar, sure enough my bike went right out from under me. I didn't get hurt too badly just a few scrapes and a nice little bump on my hip. My bike made it through that little mishap just fine and off I went. I made my way over to the start finish and get in line for staging. Once they let us on the course I had made my way around halfway up through the group. Then came the call-ups, Nationals Champions, World Champions, and previous winners. I was nervous and just wanted to get underway. Then they announced a $250 first lap prime. "Shit, that's only going make things a little nuttier for the start"

A few moments later the horn sounded and we were off. The speed was incredible, and the first lap was definitely a shock to the system. After that I began to settle in as much as one can settle in at 35+ mph. Lap times were averaging around 1:10 seconds a lap. Just under 60 kph. I was giving it a lot to try and stay up in my position. The race was becoming just a complete blur of speed and pain. Perhaps the only thing that kept me going was hearing "GO PAT" around almost every corner. Without that I don't even think I would've finished the first ten laps. Needless to say it wasn't slowing down and the speed was taking its toll. Riders were blowing up and gaps were opening. Pro riders were dropping out, it was that tough. With around 35 laps to go of the original 60. Four riders in front of me blew up and let a huge gap open, I simply could not close it down. My race was over.

Toshiba-Santo would go on to have a rider lap the field solo, then they would take 2 more spots in the top 4. It was a great race, an eye opening experience but one that was encouraging. I have a ways to go for sure, but I guess time will tell. I would encourage everyone who likes a good crit to do this race, great course, great town, great people. I know I will be going back next year. Hopefully I'll be able to post some photos soon.

Peace and Love,
Patrick