First race of the year up at Claremont.
Arrived early, signed up and warmed up on the track with a handful of others. Track is a 1/3 mile oval, with slight banking. 10 of us signed up for the B race, including a Jr on a cross bike, and another fellow on a cross bike w/ a rack! Neutral first lap, then it was on. 40 laps with a sprint for points every 5th lap, and a sprint for primes in between. You'd have 16 opportunities to go for it if you wanted to come home with some glory.
Sat in on the first sprint for points, just went for third place. Points 5 deep, so I was on the board. Jr on the cross bike had a SUPER creaky bottom bracket. I tried to avoid riding his wheel, in case bearings started shooting out and he went down in flames.
After the first sprint, 3 of us had about a 1/4 lap lead. I thought that this was not going to be a 3 man show, and soon enough the rest of the group caught on. Started going for primes after that. It is kind of hard to hear what is up for grabs, sometimes it is $2/$1 for first and second, other primes are gift certificates for local merchants. Got a prime, settled in.
About 15 laps in, I got a bit gassed and let off a bit, which was a big tactical mistake. 6 riders went off, and I was relying on the others to help me chase back on. After a few laps, I realized that they were not working, and were just going to keep on at a more moderate pace. Spent about 10 laps chasing back to the group, which had almost a 1/2 lap lead. I'd get closer, then they'd have a sprint lap, and pull away. About 25 laps in, I caught on, and had enough in the tank to take the next sprint. Unfortunately, I had missed the double points on the mid-race lap.
Alternated sprinting and sitting in for every sprint after that. Picked up another prime and a few more points. Last sprint, again double points. I was tired and got caught a bit too far back, 6th wheel. No way I was going to get to the front in the last 50 meters, so I just rode in and watched from the back.
Came in 6th place, walked off with $1 in cash and $3 in gift certificates. Not bad. Letting the group gap me was a mistake, but first race of the year, it's allowed. Felt much more comfortable and in control sprinting out of the corner, which in the past was a bit nervous. Not sure what changed, but that was a great improvement.
Unfortunately I'll be missing the next two weeks, so not much chance of placing high for the monthly overall payout, but I'll be in seattle, so may try to catch seward park race, and I'll get a ton of riding in while I am there.
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