We were treated to warmer weather and another dry fast course. My hope was that it would play out different but with the same result!
This time the race was not a 10-man group, but instead Steve Tilford jumped clear and a lap later Russell jumped across. Since I was marked, I knew it would work better to jump up to a break than to initiate it and have a bunch of riders chasing. I saw Jonothan Baker have some trouble and new it was time to jump!
Our three-man group had a nice 25-second cushion, so I decided to put some pressure on. My plan almost went sour when I crashed on a dry off camber corner. My lever was bent and my chain almost fell off.
In no-man's land, I worked hard to close the gap to Russell and Steve. Once I got back on I had a chance to tweak my lever on the road section while sitting on. I made a go of it with three laps remaining by attacking on the road. It was unexpected and I found my stride again after an all out lap.
Here's a photo from Asheville Times photographer Steve Dixon. There's a full gallery here.
It was awesome action and really close racing on both days for different reasons!
Go ride!
Jeremiah
Labels: Cyclocross, Racing
posted by Jeremiah Bishop # 11:48 AM 
