Sturbridge Road Race report; 4/28/07

This race was pretty uneventful, and the Fast/IF powered by Lionette's squad did a great job of controlling as much of the race as possible. Jon Bruno, Brian Hayes, Dave Berryman, Steve Weller, Greg Montello, Luke Krisch, Stan Jurga, John Hanson, and myself Adam Branfman took the start line for the 65 miles road race. We nearly had a full squad. The race was fairly mellow to get going and stayed together for the majority of the race, with small breaks going up the road, but nothing too promising staying away. Everyone did their share of the work, and with a full team, it was evenly dispersed throughout with everyone chasing down attacks and getting into breaks. Dave Berryman had an unfortunate flat tire on the second lap of the day. Brian Hayes placed himself in one of the more substantial breaks of the day, which for some time seemed like it had some promise of sticking. We once again prepared ourselves for a mass sprint finish, what seems like a recurring pattern for every race thus far this season. We had decided that I would place myself toward the front, and coming around the final right hand turn with 1 mile or so to go I was in great position. The final drag to the finish line was slightly downhill, and I think we nearly approached 50 mph as we accelerated to top speed in the sprint. I was on a Legal Sea Foods leadout train who towed me to about 300 meters to go, when I jumped to try to catch the surge from overtaking me. In retrospect, I went a bit too early because I opened up a gap immediately yet was eaten up at the line by the top 5 riders. It was a fine group of sprinters, and a very predictable collection of finishers. Overall we were pleased with a 6th place finish in a field of 92 starters. For me, another learning experience as I am figuring out my strengths and weaknesses in the sprint. For the team, a very well controlled and dictated race. Steve and Brian finished 18th and 19th respectively, Greg in 53rd, John Hanson 66th, Jon Bruno 68th, and Luke 73rd. The full the results are found here at http://www.bikereg.com/Results/2007/04/28-Sturbridge-Road-Race.asp.

A highlight on the day was the presentation of the first new team bike. Steve raced on the first production version of the IF 953 Crown Jewel, equipped with a Shimano Dura Ace drivetrain and wheels, FSA bar and stem, WTB saddle, and Hutchinson tires. An absolutely gorgeous bike, that we will all be so privelaged to race on this season. Thanks to our sponsors to making this possible.

Palmer Road Race report; 4/29/07

Dave Berryman, John Hanson, Steve Weller, Brian Hayes, Tom Gosselin, Greg Montello, Luke Krisch, Jon Bruno, and myself Adam Branfman, took the start line for the 80 mile road race on 4 laps of a 20 mile circuit. Berryman formed the first and most substantial break of the day as soon as the neutral roll out ended out of the school parking lot in Warren, MA. The break was 9 riders strong and stayed away for the first 40 miles of the race. Dave's aggressive move from the start allowed the remaining 8 of us to sit in the 110 rider peloton and relax before the racing got hard and fast later on. When the break was in sight with about 40 miles remaining, a series of attacks began and the race was on as it seemed everyone wanted to be in the counterattack move. This aggressive racing continued for the next 20 miles or so, before a small break of 5 slipped away at after teh feed zone at the start of the bell lap. Unfortunately the FAST/IF powered by Lionette's boys missed this move as it rolled off the front of the race and we were soon forced to dictate the chase. We made a valiant effort to chase teh break, a little too late, however. The break was destined to stay away on this day as the team was quite fatigued and had a bit of difficulty organizing at the front of the race to bring back the break. A field sprint ensued for 6th place, and I planted myself on Mike Cody's wheel to prepare for the final acceleration. Coming around the final right hand turn with 2k to go, the race was strung out and I sat 6-7 wheels from the front. The sprint began on a false flat/slight uphill about 200 meters from the finish and I crossed the line 4th in the field sprint for an overall 10th. The team finished strong on a grueling final drag to the line. The team had mixed feelings after the race, yet we learned a few lessons about being aware and observant at the front of the race. The team is determined to learn from our mistakes, and we look forward to building on our early season success as a new dominant force in the New England elite racing circuit. Fitness is coming on strong and we are aiming for success at the Jiminy Peak Road Race on Saturday 5/5 in Hancock, MA.

Thanks for reading as usual. Stay tuned for more.

Race photos are located at www.flickr.com/photos/ifracing

Adam Branfman
Newton, MA
FAST/IF powered by Lionette's