Watsonville Criterium

By Alexis Alexander
Date: July 22, 2006
Category: Women 1/2/3
Teammates: Eryn, Jenni, and Me
Field Size: 15+
Winner: Jenni! Lex 3rd, and Eryn 6th

The crit was held in Watsonville on a fun course that squirmed through a small neighborhood, with six right hand turns on poorly paved roads and a (so-called) hill to the finish.

Once Jenni and Eryn arrived at the race we predicted that most teams wouldn't show since Altoona is just around the corner. Also, we would have the biggest team turn out. Therefore, our goal was to attack, attack and attack and have one of us score a win.

Rolling to the start our prediction was right. Time to dominate! As soon as the whistle blew Eryn didn't waste any time and put the hammer down. Next thing you know after two laps the whole field was demolished, with three riders from McGuire, Proman, and Webcor plus our squad. PABW Powered by TIBCO continued the steady pace through out the race, with Jenni and Eryn attacking and me covering attacks and drilling the train. At one point Jenni yelled, "I have a flat!" so Taitt (McGuire) made commented that we were down one and now what would we do? All of a sudden, I see speedy Gonzales -- here comes Jenni passing the field and me. I thought, "She is back already?" Turns out her seat post was a little stripped, causing a 10-15 degree upright angle (uncomfortable). Just in time we rode through the finish and the officials yelled that we had 1 lap to go, so Eryn attacked and had a two-bike length gap. Jenni and I sat on, but the field bridged up to her. In turn five, Jenni accelerated with me on her wheel and powered up the hill, through placing first! Taitt just nipped me at the line for second, so I had to settle for third.

Overall, our team worked well, hard and had fun with only three competitors. Great job and I look forward to racing with you guys at the Cal Cup!