Race Report: Louisville Criterium 40+ Cat 4

We only had three Primal riders in the field – Eric Welch, Troy Westergren, and myself.  Other teams brought a healthy amount of support.  Mod Market had 10 and Palmares had 5.  These teams controlled the front for a majority of the race.  Because we didn’t have the numbers, our (my) plan was to stay near the front and let things play out.

The big teams kept the pace high while letting a few attacks go, but always reeled them in.  With 7 laps to go and riders getting antsy, one rider from Lee’s Cyclery attacked.  Four of us followed.  I wasn’t too concerned with anyone bridging – as we had a riders from both Mod Market and Palmares in the break.  Kudos to those teams for continuing to control behind us.  Our gap was 24 seconds on the bell lap.  At the line, I was edged out by .03 seconds for the top spot.  

I’m stoked with how things turned out.  Frankly, my expectations were low going in, and I just wanted to survive my first ever crit.  Glad everyone on Primal was able to stay safe.

• Gary Wiese