Tuesday, May 26, 2009

THSJ Women Take State Crit Championship!


Phenomenal Team Hotel San Jose rider Jen Purcell takes it all in the State Crit Championship! As the crowning achievement to a fantastic weekend of racing, Jen again proved her mettle as a rider and sprinter in the State Criterium Championships.

Always a race of attrition, this crit inevitably takes place in no less than 93 degrees and 90% humidity on the streets of downtown Fort Worth, TX. The course is a great combo of standard right-hand turns and a couple of tricky ones, including the crash-tastic 110 degree, off-camber, cobbled one, just a couple of turns before the finish.

The heat seemed to keep everyone happy to rotate at the front for about the first 10 minutes- then Kacey of Lipsmackers made a move, and no one wanted to be left out! Jen was on it like white on rice, as were a couple of Metro VW girls, including their strongest rider, Shannon Koch, and relative newcomer (and former San Jose rider,) Lauren Robertson. Also represented were the Austin Flyers, Moritz's Tracie Akerhielm and Christina Smith of Veloforma- all in all, 8 riders.

The break seemed to be working well together, and Lori & Rachel covered things in the pack. Lori's rear derailleur took this race to misfire for the first time, starting when pedaling out of the start- the chain fell off! After a push from junior track star Shelby Reynolds of Sugar Cycles, the chain was back on, but the rear der. ghost shifted continually throughout the race. Very exciting- it made every pedal stroke a surprise!

Up in the break, Christina Smith decides she wants no part of a pack sprint with this crowd, and makes a move. No one is terribly worried, and she scoots off, head down and pedaling. Coming into the last 25 minutes, Christina has about a 30 second gap, and the break starts to look at bringing her back. Throughout about an 8 lap effort, Jen puts her head down for about 6 of them, and drills it to retreive Christina. She is brought back with 4 to go, and Jen sits in to recover for the sprint.

On the radios, Rachel & Lori hear only chaos, coming in for the finish, as Jen goes from the front of the pack, Shannon of Metro VW comes around her, and the sprint is on! Shannon slams from one side of the road to the other in two separate, desperate attempts to get Jen off her wheel. Jen powers out enough to get alongside Shannon, and they drag race the last 100m to the finish. It was so close, no one celebrated until the officials saw the race camera, and Jen, due to fantastic riding, tenacity and a great bike throw, was deemed the 2009 Texas State Criterium Champion.

An incredible ride, by an incredible rider, for an amazing and well-deserved victory.

Back in the pack, Lori takes a flier with one lap to go. Afraid her bike will shift when she stands, she sees this as the way she can help Rachel chill out in the final lap. Brought back on the rear side of the course, the pack sets up for the sprint. Coming out of the final turn, Whitney from Metro VW takes off- being a powerful rider, her best bet for the finish is to make it as long & hard as possible! Rachel comes up through the pack, and barely misses winning the field sprint for 8th place. It was a great ride, and superb effort on everyone's parts.

Thanks so much to our amazing women's team sponsors: Hotel San Jose, Crumpton Cylces, Vittoria, Oakley & Hed Wheels. Also we would not have made it in this hellacious race without our wonderful water-throwers, Barry Lee & Adam Biechlin! Lee Whaley and Wes Mundy, your calm collection on the race radios, as well as the timely reminders to drink, drink, drink kept us all sane and hydrated. A million thank you's are not enough!

Photo courtesy of Will Shoot Photos: http://shop.willshootphotos.com/Road%20Cycling/794128

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