Saturday sees the next round of our Club Race Series presented by Accelerade and 2nd Surge. In fact, this week will be the perfect week to try out 2nd Surge (and 3rd and 4th Surge) as we kick off our first points race for the season. (C field is a scratch race). Saturday's race starts at 6:40. Our last race had high participation rates. We do have field maximums and once the cap is reached, no more racers will be allowed to enter. No exceptions. The only way to guarantee your entry (including dinosaurs, donors and life members) if to arrive early. Registration should be open by 5:50. Race roster is here
The points race is loved by some because it often requires a different strategy than the usual scratch race. Its loved by others because it rewards the power riders that can sustain their efforts again and again, and it's hated by other riders for the same reason.... Its a race that can favor a strong team who can work off each others strengths swapping sprints every other lap; but will also handsomely favors the bold breakaway that gets away early. And there are always riders who decide only to spring for the 'victory' on the final lap.
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In the A field, Champion System has already shown its ability to get riders off the front and with the potential depth they have in their team, they could be hard to beat if their key riders are in town. Same is true of Foundation; and although Gavin Robertson took the win last time out, but he's a one trick pony betting on a field sprint - and the points race needs more than that. With no USACrits races this weekend, I suspect many of Foundation and Champion System riders will all be in town ready to duke it out and that could make for a very exciting race.
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Two weeks ago the Women's race saw Innervation create a break with two of their riders making up the group of four. Houlihan-Lokey were unable to bring it back. In a points race, that would be even more deadly. It was a great move on Innervation's behalf, but I hope that have been working on another plan, because I am sure Cindy Ma has been cooking up a counter-response. The BH/Comedy Central team found a gem in Emily Spence last race so it will be interesting to see how they set themselves up in this race. In fact, it Radical Media, BH/Comedy Central, Eumaeus Asset Mgmt - Fuoriclasse and Asphalt Green all show up with full squads, this too will be a great tactical race to watch.
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The B field this week does not count for the team cup. We instituted this change this year to see how (if) it impacts racing. Perhaps we will see some riders take a bigger risk and go all in to get a break away. Best performing teams this year so far have Sigis, SIDS, Sixcycle and Setanta. Seems like this season is brought to you by the letter ' S', so place a few $ on Stefan Singer of Siggi's,
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The C race is a scratch race. Riders please note, that although USAC does not permit us to award cash prizes at our races, this week we will have products from Chomper Body for the top 5 rider.
