Yours Truly at the Races: 2009 on a Gitane!

[sandranian]

Here are some pictures of my very disappointing race this weekend. I was supposed to lead my friend to victory...but instead, I was overtaken in the leadout by the eventual winner. I ended up in 11th place..my friend got 6th. The good news is that our positioning was perfect. The bad news is that the fitness was not. I think I overgeared the slight uphill before the final turn into the finish anyhow.... The eventual winner is right behind me in the top two pictures here. He was going about 3mph faster than me coming into the final corner, and came around me like a friggin bat out of hell. In the bottom two, my friend (Tony) is in the maroon/grey/yellow kit just to the left of me in the last two pictures.









I have to say though, the Gitane kit looks good, and even makes me look a bit slimmer than I am. I am, of course, the fat guy in black and yellow kit....

[verktyg]

Stephan,

Don't think of it as being fat, think of it as riding with a bunch of nutritionally challenged (skinny) guys!


Tio Gordo Carlitos

[Wisey]

Yeah, yeah. You'll want us to call you Greg next..........
Complain all you want about being fat, then come out and whack everyone at the Tour. I know your tactic and I aint fallin' for it.

[Wisey]

Great to see you are making the race. Win or lose, at least you're not one of the "soft" ones sitting in at the back.

[sandranian]

The first lap I led...then I sat at the back for the rest of the race and "relaxed". With 7 laps to go, I went back up and shepherded my guy and kept him in his spot. Just failed to get him to corner 4 first, as the lead out had to start early. My bad....

But I spend my time at the back of races, because I get tired of banging bars to hold position in the front. If there is a break away...more power to them. They rarely work in criteriums.

[scozim]

Thanks for the pics Stephan. Kudos to you for getting out there and racing. Location and kids prevent me from being able to do that (not for lack of wanting to) so I just pretend to be the guy on the solo breakaway on every ride.

The Gitane and kit look great!!!

[Gtane]

Great photos and well done on the result. Most impressive.

I notice that you, and a few others, are wearing gloves and not mitts. Is this for grip when sprinting, the weather, comfort or other?

Tim

[sandranian]

I only wear those for racing. They are BMX gloves. I am a lawyer, and type for a living. In my experience, the road-rash on my hands have been the most painful after crashing, specially when trying to work. Therefore, it is the bit of "armor" I will afford myself when racing.

[Gtane]

Ah, yes, the unspoken 'c' word. I didn't mention that in the hope that they were perhaps for another use, possibly sprinting. Nevertheless, they're clearly a good and sensible idea in that instance.

Safe racing and thanks for the answer.

Tim

[hibaaryan]

Thank you for sharing. Hope you will share more ideas and pictures, I wish you good luck.

[catttty]

Great to see you are making the race. Win or lose, at least you're not one of the "soft" ones sitting in at the back.






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