Robert Winder

Calm winds, flat circuit… oh sorry, wrong race.

The wind is anything but calm when you’re by the Bay and the 4-corner flat circuit turned out to be a grinder climb and a downhill sprint. Much has already been said on Olaf’s page about Romans crash, it happened right in front of me, and I almost quit the race right there. Stomach turning. He face planted and his wheel flew off and bike flew up in the air. It sounds like he’s going to be ok. I hope so.

For much of the race there was a cross-wind with only one short stretch of tail wind between turn 1 and 2. The hill made it easier to move up the field and the race was stretched out from the start. CalBerry almost put the entire field to shame with their 4-up break, containing 2 of their own, and it took Eric the Strong to bring back the break, almost single-handed. I tried to help, when I heard Riggs shout “once more unto the breach”, but I got the impression that I wasn’t much assistance. In the end I was relegated to spectator from a few bikes back. The break came back with about 5 to go, and I was surprised that CalBerry didn’t launch again, actually, I think they tried, but it didn’t stick.

The last couple of laps I heard a tire blow out and looked as though someone came down. Down the finishing straight starting the bell lap I let myself get a really crappy position for the sprint, getting swarmed before the first turn. I paid the ultimate price and had to settle for 10th, which sucks because I had more in my legs.

Overall, I had a good day, 5th and 10th (only my 3rd P12 race) so I had mixed feelings about my own performance. As I said, Ruth & Mex rode their hearts out. The organisation was excellent, the prize money good and I hope they put this race on again next year.

Benicia is a nice little town.