There it is, the site of so many emotions for Villanova Cycling this weekend. Yale University set up a great race at East Rock Park in scenic New Haven, CT. And Romeo and Ceseare's market runs a great deli in New Haven. Villanova Cycling collectively dropped about a hundred bucks on the most delicious subs and fine Italian confections and lusted after a 5kg ($60) jar of Nutella on numerous occasions this weekend.
Hill Climb ITT
The weekend began well for Villanova Cycling. Look at this guy trucking up the rock!
Those long intervals on the trainer this winter added up to a win for Rob. The course was moderately un-hilly for the first two thirds, and then a grinding but quick ascent to the top of the rock. Beautiful views up top! I was a quick five seconds behind Rob, leading to a personal best fifth place finish for me. Garrett and Justin did well also, finishing 21st and 27th respectively in a field of 49. Joe finished 25th in a monster field of 95, and Will Kavanagh worked hard to finish 13th in his second intro experience. Villanova made a strong showing as usual in the time trial!
Circuit Race
Joe led off the day on the intense Yale Circuit course. Racing around the grounds of East Rock Park, it seemed that the roads had taken a beating with the winter snows. The weather was wonderful Saturday, a stark contrast from the rainy madness of a year ago.
(HT to Chatura Atapattu)Joe maintained good position throughout the race, netting a 9th place finish and a point for Villanova Cycling.
Will Kav had another solid effort in the intro field. Unfortunately, a bum ankle kept him from finishing the race, but with some key stretching, Will should be able to take intro (and beyond!) in the future.
"What's the Gap!?" Unfortunately Rob got a flat tire on Lap 1 of the B mens' circuit, so we couldn't send him to the front for the climb up the Rock to the KOM jersey. Justin, Garrett, and I navigated our way through the race, its potholed course causing us (and our bikes) much pain. Garrett and Justin caused the field a great deal of pain by taking monster pulls off the front.
The course diverted from its normal loop on the last lap to a climb up to the top of the rock, same as the time trial. We raced up its curvy course, pounding our way up to the line, me leading the pack. Near the top of the hill, with less than a hundred meters to go, a group of fans stood in front of the sign directing the field to the right. As I led, I had no idea which way to go. No marshal from Yale was present to direct me. As such, I veered left instead of right to the finish line, and picked up a flat tire among some grass at the finish, leading me to a disappointing 19th place finish. I saw that KOM jersey slip by... but that is racing, unfortunately. Garrett and Justin finished 33rd and 43rd respectively. The efforts of Villanova Cycling were not commensurate with finishes on Saturday... but Sunday is a new day.
STAY TUNED FOR SUNDAY'S POSTING!
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