Marc Pro - Strava

After surviving the carnage of San Rafael Twilight the night before, Nate, Tasha and I headed to Lodi for the finale of a Crit riders dream weekend. Nate had wrecked the night before and Dustin was nice enough to meet us on the way to Lodi for a bike swap so Nate could race. As we strolled into Lodi and checked out the course, the race atmosphere was a little more low key than the night before. After signing in, I did have a chance to notice that Full Circle, Sklz P/B Pista Palace and all the other Norcal talent had made the trip from San Rafael as well. Just before the start Nate and I ran into Keith who made it to the race, but was still feeling the aftermath of a Downieville Podium Celebration.

To the start line with a stacked field and ice in my pockets. From the start it was full gas as typical. Luckily I was towards the front and didn't have to stop and start out of every corner. The course was great, pretty much a figure 8 through downtown lodi... I actually felt safe. After about 20 minutes there was a small break of six getting away, I was in a good position and drilled for the two long straight sections. I bridged up to the group and brought about 2-3 others with me. I looked back to the main field and we had a good 10-15 second gap. Knowing our teams chances for a good finish in a stacked Crit with Mongo's 1-10 from SoCal's Venice beach, I went directly to the front to share the pace making. The break had most strong teams represented and quickly put a large gap on the field.

Nate and Keith attempted to create a second break in the main field trying to secure a couple more spots in the top 20, but the fresh legged main field wouldn't let it happen. With about 10 laps remaining the break began to play games, attacking, sitting up, allowing gaps to open etc... I followed moves and intitiated a few myself. With about 6 to go, Steve Reany (Cal Giant) and I were off the front after a strong pull. I don't know how it happened, but it did. Reany and I traded pulls and were soon joined by Eric Marcotte (Sklz P/B Pista Palace). With a half lap to go Marcotte jumped and I could not follow. I tried to bring him back until Reany blew by me trying to bridge. It was a photo finish between the two crit mongers with myself just behind, safely on the podium.