Connecticut Races (Road Race Results / Criterium results)

Road Race (April 13th)

A warm day on a beautiful course designated in peloton chitchat as the "14-corner 12-mile criterium." All corners were well-marshaled, however, and racers had both demanding climbs and 50+ mph screaming descents. Men's C started the day with Brian (16th) and Dan C (19th), who finished in the 20-person strong lead pack out of 45 starters… but neither had enough in the tanks to contest the final uphill sprint to the finish line. Men's D also got going with Dan O (22nd) and Jean-Paul. It was the first race ever for Dan O on his glossy new bike. For Jean-Paul, only his second bike race. Great job by these new riders as they gain more experience. In Women's B, we started the race off with Nikki (5th) and Nicolette (25th). For Nikki, her very first race of the season in Yale uniform… for Nicolette, her first extended road race. Strong performances by the two.

After the conclusion of the first race segment, a quick switcher-oo with the Men's B and Women's A riders who were marshaling during the early races. What about those two Men's A riders? Pete and Rob sacrificed their race time to continue marshaling their "cow-bell" corner through the whole day.  Many thanks to them. Especially for the bell. It added that European flavor to the Connecticut Grand Prix.

In Men's B, our man McPhee (10th) rode to a top ten finish even though he *supposedly* felt like crap. Obviously, his definition of "crap" is misleading. A top ten finish? Smooth stuff. Ryan Q was also out there riding hard on this demanding course. In Women's A, our squad of Marissa (1st), Amanda (2nd), Reilly (11th), and Catherine (14th) braved the 60-mile course to finish super, all scoring points for Yale. For Marissa, her first win of the season. For Amanda, only her second time out in Yale garb. For Reilly, sweet work, and for Catherine, her first A-road race. We loved the look on her face whenever she went by. Talk about intensity and the look that will kill. And finally, our Men's A team of Ryan B (15th) representing Yale over 72 miles. Tremendous effort by He Who Rides Road like Mountain. 

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U-Conn On-Campus Criterium (April 14th)

The day began at 5:30am. Team agreed that at least the sun was sorta up. After setting hay bales, sweeping dangerous corners (ie, spectator corners), and working out final logistics including eating extra donuts, the squad started off with the Men's D team of Jean-Paul (12th) in his 3rd bike race ever. Next was the Men's C team of Bryan (6th) and Dan C. Bryan rode super strong up front and looked great throughout the race. Dan C, however, met Mr. Curb on the downhill 90-degree left turn and ate Mr. Curb's friend, Mr. Turf. As shall be a theme throughout the day, crashing was the cool thing to do (thankfully, no serious ones). In Women's B, Catherine (3rd) did awesome, and Nicolette picked up a prime point before succumbing to the iron will of that accursed of cursed corners: "corner 3." She's a-okay, her bike is a-okay, and all is good.

In Women's A, Marissa (2nd) came back from a "corner 3" takedown to gain mega points for Yale. Reilly, too, did spectacular with a 4th place finish under the gaze of friends from Yale. In Men's A, our men raced with grit and guts in the super furious race. Rob (21st), Pete, and Ryan B all experienced the fury… notable developments: two small groups forming in the A-race with a stacked breakaway… Rob and Ryan B in the chasing pack… that pack is not closing the gap until Ryan B hits the front and pulls everyone back together to set Rob back into the main group. That's serious work by our man Ryan B.

Thanks to everyone for helping out with the marshaling on corners, with the on-campus crit logistics, and for putting things down at the end. A successful weekend of racing… we pulled it off !

     Reilly focused in the A race - picture here
     Another one of Reilly on the go - picture here
     Reilly looking good - picture here
     Marissa 'n' rival going at it - picture here
     Another one of Marissa - picture here
     Final one of A-rider Marissa - picture here
     Marissa driving - picture here
     A-rider Pete intense - picture here
     Rob focused - picture here
     Another one of Rob on the move - picture here
     Ryan B intense - picture here