BVC-CHAT Waco crit report

[Kevin Baker]

I don't normally write race reports, but I am this time so I don't have to tell the same story again and again. (skip to the last paragraph if you don't want to read the blow by blow)

The first few laps were crazy fast, and guys were taking turns three and four abreast trying to stay in position.  The attacks were coming pretty much non-stop, as they would for the entire race. About thirty minutes in to it, a group of six got a decent gap and then Brett Crosby (who has a win over Chann McRae on his resume, meaning he's got the motor to make a break stick) dragged two more up to make it nine.  I kept attacking the main group and finally got a four man chase group away, with Dominick V. from MSU, strong-man Edgar Nunnely (former A&M rider) and a guy named Chopper.  We were hammering all out in order to catch the break before it lapped the field, because we knew the break riders teammates would try to reel us back in once their guys were back with the group.  Dom got popped along the way, leaving just three of us to try to catch nine.  We were getting steadily closer when the break caught the main group, which then began to bring us back.  They caught us quickly, but we got the one lap to go signal just as they came up to us, which meant that the three of us would be alone on the course for one more lap, contesting the final money spot.  

I used a little craftiness to make sure that I was in third position as we rounded the final corner, with Chopper leading and then Edgar.  It was a tailwind sprint so I knew I had to go early.  As soon as we cleared the corner we started sprinting, I let Edgar come around the leader and once he had his line I started to come around.  Unfortunately, Edgar decided to keep cutting hard for the curb, right across my front wheel.  We were flying at the time, I was on the pavement before I knew it, landing hard on my shoulder.  I knew something was wrong when I saw my clavicle sticking way up. 

The ER doc said I tore the ligaments that hold the clavicle in place, which is why it was sticking up.  I also got some serious road rash on my hip and shoulder, as well as my elbow, hand, thigh, and ankle.  Even worse, I destroyed a brand new, just-removed-the-tags jersey and bib set. The good news is that my shoulder injury is unlikely to require surgery, and I should be back on the bike in a few weeks.  Also my bike got away without a scratch.  Even better, David C.'s bike, which is what I was actually riding, appears to have just a few scratches.

Have fun riding without me,

bakerA