DAN'S PRE-SEASON CRIT #2

All photos courtesy of Phil Lee, Team Florida

Cycle-Logic SHOWED UP this weekend!!
What a great race for the team. CL attendance was up this week in the B race, our youngest member held his own while providing no draft in the women's race while Scott was left to fend for him self in the A's.

First, the A race:
Scott Pfaff, once again tried his luck with the Pro1,2,3's, and faired much better than last week. Finding last week that working on the front of the Pro1,2,3s may not have been a great idea (you gotta hand it to him for trying, though), Scott chose to take a little different approach this weekend. Mr. Pfaff did a great job of staying protected, and limited his work in the wind to 'when absolutely necessary'. A few breaks formed early in the race, and it ended with two groups finishing before the main group. we were all happy to see Scott finish with the group this time. He seemed pleased with his efforts, and we were all impressed with his accomplishment. Congratulations Scott!!

The Juniors/Womens Race
Young Justin Pfaff makes history as the youngest rider to ever compete in "Dan's Bring it on Crit Series". Justin wowed the crowd with his determination and speed. By far the loudest cheers of the day took place as Justin sprinted for the line at the end of the race which was won by the reigning U23 womans national time trial champion...tough competition for Justin, but he's looking for some podiums this season against other 10 year olds from across the state. Great job Justin!!!!
Young Pfaff during his impressive ride at the Bring it On crit this past Saturday in Alachua, Florida.


Now, the B's:
Starting in the B's, we had:
Myself (James Penrod)
Mr. 'Art Guru' Paul Messal
Mr. 'I finished with the A's last weekend' Anthony 'Moose' Musalo
Mr. Ron 'Baldy-Locks' Palsgrove
Mr. Steve 'my first road race, I'd rather be in the dirt' DeRoche
Mr. John 'Time Trialer' Duggan

Even before the race, we were all excited to have 6 guys representing Cycle-Logic in the same race, but seeing as how most of us were just getting off of a cold, and others had just gotten on the bike after a long winter hiatus, we were kind of all pointing fingers at who we should be working for.

The early stages of the B's race sees Cycle Logic stringing it out with Moose on the front followed by James, Ron and Paul (7th wheel).
The race began with a two man breakaway, that stuck until the last lap. The remaining Cycle-Logic riders were on the front immediately with at least one man for the rest of the race, and our faces were visible in the front of the group for the entire race. Anthony Musalo has to be thanked for his efforts, as he was on the front the whole race, and was probably mostly responsible for us catching the break. One JRC racer was content to sit on the front and let the break get away, and unfortunately, most of the riders behind him were either unaware, or just didn't want to pull. After many conversations with the gentlemen on the front, the pack started to work a little more consistently to catch the break. Ron went off the front a few times, sometimes with other Cycle-Logic riders, and sometimes by himself. I attempeted the same, but my endurance wouldn't let me hold any kind of gap. Steve DeRoche was in the front, and although being inexperienced with road racing, did a great job of pulling through, and putting out an effort that assisted in 'the catch'. Paul did a great job of positioning, staying in the front of the pack, and doing his share of work. At the end, the break was caught and a group sprint ensued. I and Paul tried our best to give our last bit of energy to Moose coming out of the next to last corner. I didn't see the finish, but I hope we helped.

Unfortunately John Duggan was taken out by a falling cyclist in the first few laps. His injuries seemed minor (to his body), but his brand new wheel got banged up pretty bad. We're wishing you a speedy recovery John.
Ron, Moose and James off the front of the B's race.
Ron Palsgrove looking over his shoulder to see if his break attempt is working.
Anthony Musalo marking a Team Florida rider at the front of the field.
Steve DeRoche getting a feel during his first crack at racing on the hard, smooth stuff. Although Steve is hanging towards the back of the field in this photo, that's not where he ended up as he finished as the highest placing Cycle Logic rider!
Paul Messal creating plenty of draft for those behind him during the B's race.




The race ended with the following results:
Steve DeRoche - 6th
Anthony 'Moos' Musalo - 7th
Ron palsgrove - Won 1 preem: Dan's Summer Sausage
James Penrod - Won 1 preem: Valentine's candy (for Vern)

I would like to say the front of the pack was dominated with orange and grey Cycle Logic Jerseys, but unfortunately we are still riding incognito until the kits arrive in mid-February. If this race was any indication of what the season will be like, then it is going to be an EXCITING year!!

Thank you all for your valiant efforts, congratulations to all that attended, and thank you for the friends, family, and teammates that were there to chear us all on.

See you next week at the races.