Good turn out, about 36 guys for the Masters 45+ race, and unseasonably cool temps (low 60s) and windy (stiff headwind on the back stretch). A 2-man break went early, but were not a real threat to stay away (especially considering it was the first lap). At the top of the finishing hill on lap 3, Dale rolled off the front, not really attacking but rather just keeping a steady tempo over the top. A guy from IL joined him, the field let them roll off, and next thing you know they had opened up a decent gap by turn 1. Shortly after they got away, they caught up with one of the guys that was still off the front from the early 2-man break, and then Mike and Eric pretty much rode tempo on the front, chased bridging attempts (of which there were several), and they effectively shut down everything. The winning break was gone!
Fast forward to the last lap: Given the break included Dale and two IL riders, Trek Midwest had the state championship wrapped up! Dale and his break-away mates duked it out on the uphill finish, with Dale taking 3rd but 1st WI rider! Back in the peleton, Eric attacked on the stretch between turns 1 and 2 with John van Susteren following (but unfortunately the rest of the pack followed him!), so then Eric attacked again (thankfully John decided not to chase the second time!) and with one IL guy in tow, the two stayed away to the end (Eric took 5th, 2nd WI). And the rest of the pack sprinted it out for the remaining places, with Mike finishing strong in 10th.
All in all, a great day of team racing!
Dale on the podium.
TMT's WI State RR Champ!
great work guys!
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