NYC and Princeton (Columbia Results / Princeton  results)

Columbia NYC Criterium (March 30th)

The day began with soaring temperatures (relative to winter New England) and New York's finest closing down roads in Harlem around Grant's Tomb. Lots of freshly shaved legs (and arms?) were bared, and for once, we could all wear one-layers worth of clothing. Our women's B team of Catherine (4th) and Nicolette (12th) started the day with strong racing around the race-track like course (which was shortened at that time). Catherine again showed her "out-of-shape" form with a cool fourth place, while Nicolette rode another foreign bike to score a point for Yale even with a slight on-the-course mishap.

Women's A continued the racing 1-minute behind the USCF Pro/1/2/3 racers. Proving themselves faster, the collegiate racers caught up with the USCF racers on at least three occasions. Unfortunately, the officials did not let them pass, and instead slowed the A-riders down (on the corresponding three occasions). The final contested sprint was inevitably messy, with the collegiate riders AGAIN mixing it up with the USCF racers at the line. But our A-women of Marissa (3rd) and Reilly (12th) proved strong and powered it to the finish on the fast and fully extended/original course.

The Yale men's A squad lit up the field with Casey (8th), Ed (14th), Pete (19th), Ryan B (29th), Rob, and Cam. That's six riders. Unfortunately, Casey and Rob both suffered mishaps, with Rob's bike taking enough damage to take him out of the race along with serious road rash. Most importantly, he's okay (and his frame is too!). Casey survived what looked like a terrible "stay-on-the-ground" crash, and still finished on top to show his strength. Ed, Pete, Ryan B (his first A-race ever), and Cam put in their own strong efforts on this wide and speedy course.

The B-men of Chris (24th) and Ryan Q (27th) looked strong in their super field of some 60-like riders. When they passed for the first time, we thought that two categories had somehow merged. Both survived some of the sketchier elements of the race, and finished in the main pack at the line. Great job for our B representatives.

And finally, the C-men of Brian (7th) and Dan C (9th) closed the day in the later hours of the afternoon. Brian and Dan rode smart races, never really in trouble and crossed the line close together to score points for Yale.

Excellent work by all our Yale riders on the New York City course. It was a speedy but exhilarating ride. The evening was spent at the house of the generous Kellogg family. Wonderful food and times spent among Yale, U-Conn, and Wesleyan riders. A Connecticut conspiracy brewing.

     Columbia tower - picture here
     Marissa in the thick of the A pack - picture here
     Men's C squad of Bryan and Dan C also in the thick - picture here

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Princeton Circuit Race (March 31st)

With some sprinkles overnight, the day began in relatively mild weather with the Men's C race. Dan C (6th) started the day's races on the 2-mile road course loop. After losing the main break of 5 riders due to excellent blocking by Princeton (and sitting his rear in the rear of the field for the first few laps… damn) he powered away on the final hill climb to get clear of the main pack sprint. Women's B took stage next with Nicolette, who suffered a mechanical mishap today in the form of a front flat. We promise her that things will turn out for the better once she starts to bond with her own personal bike (coming this week we hope). Chris McPhee took the next honor with a fantastic 3rd place finish in Men's B. All while riding firmly planted in his saddle, even through the final sprint finish. A smart race by our man McPhee as he picked the right wheels to follow and the ones to steer clear in corners and on the hill.

Women's A threw in the fireworks with Marissa (4th) and Reilly (9th) hauling around the course. Marissa raced well (in the presence of her parents nonetheless), but was heavily marked by the other riders in the final swing up the hill. A more than respectable finish for Marissa. Reilly dropped a chain in the race, but looked ever so sexy with bike grease all over her right side (we thought she had crashed!). She still scored for Yale, giving us that extra edge.

In Men's A, Yale was represented by Pete, Ed, Cam, and Ryan B (14th). Pete helped initiate the eventual winning break of 4 riders, but decided to play it cool and slowed to mix it up in the main pack. Ed and Cam (along with U-Conn Pete) helped block the main pack to let the break develop. Ryan B hung tough and finished a top 14 to score major points for Yale in only his second A-race. We know which category he's staying at.