Vance Creek crosswinds...

Well, that didn't go like I wanted it to! A classy field containing 5 pros, including a mended Tyler Farrar made for a good bunch.

After all the smack-talk and WA Cup business, Wines of Washington actually seemed to have a game plan and raced like a team! It wasn't just Stangeland being strong on his own for once. Hats off to them for putting guys on my wheel repeatedly. I made some moves early on after some surges in the wind, but they were not successful.

Later, I was complacent going into the crosswinds and field split. I told myself to sit on and see if the others could close the gap and luckily they did. Then, when I should have gotten to the front before the next crosswind, I only made it a little ways up. Then it split again, I gave the others a chance to close the gap, and then gave it a solo effort and probably got within 5 seconds but they were checking back and ramping the pace up pretty heavily.

Seeing that the main team left out of the split couldn't close the gap, a gave it solo try as it was clear than me helping pull wasn't going to do the trick. I did nearly make it, and really didn't need to hear "nice work" said sarcastically from that team's "leader." I didn't say a word back in the race, but I guess here in print I'll say, "nice work yourself douche bag!" "Notice all my teammates (none) and the target on my back?"

The race was pretty much over there, but there was some spirited and non-sensical attacking with the lead group up the road at 3 minutes with 15 or so riders. I added to the ridiculousness with a late attack, but chose to shut it down the last time past the parking lot.

Maybe I'll have better luck at Longbranch?