2009 Donovan-Ruhlman Naugatuck Criterium Master's Race Report

Rick, Abdul, Badger, Max L., and Ed lined up at the starting line of the 28 lap event (25 miles).  Unlike the usual rain and thunderstorms that typically occur at this event, the weather was perfect.  We met just before race to discuss strategy, and now all that was left was to execute the plan as best that we could.  The course was littered with potholes and manhole covers which took some getting used too.  The team was extremely assertive throughout the race getting into or initiating most, if not all, of the moves.

A few good moves involving Badger, Max. and Adbul looked promising early in the race. However, all were short lived.  A little later Ed attacked the field getting a prime and was off on his own for a little while.  This took some pressure off the rest of the team who could simply sit on and follow wheels.  The field eventually came back together and throughout the race most of the team had a moment or two in a break trying to get something to stick.  Once again, things came back together.

A bit later, and closer to the end, Ed once again got into another move and when he noticed some disorganization up front decided to have a go on his own.  Once he had a little gap, he rode an effort that he felt he could maintain fairly comfortably hoping that a few others would bridge up with more team support in tow.  Eventually Leigh Sorrells, a strong rider from another team, bridged up solo and there were two up front about 15 seconds ahead of the pack.  Leigh had team-mates in the pack that would not chase while he was up front.  Ed didn't want to risk being out-sprinting by this normally much faster guy, so with 3 to go Ed accelerated and was on his own giving it all he had to take the win.  In retrospect, probably would have been better to wait another lap or 2 because Leigh's teammates then picked up the pace significantly and Ed was reeled back in with about 1 lap to go.  Wasn’t a total waste though because this also gave our guys a chance to sit on and rest up for the likely field sprint.  Things were pretty stung out for the last lap and Max gave it a go from way out sensing a good opportunity. Max almost held everyone at bay for the win but was nipped by a couple of riders.  No-doubt he gave it his all as he laid on the ground gasping for air for some time after the finish.

Overall, the team executed very well and fell just short of the victory. But above all, it was fun and we're very proud to be wearing the team colors.

1 Wilson Vasquez  Champion System Racing

2 Johann Burrowes We Stand United (W.S.)

3 Max Lippolis TARGETRAINING 

4 Stephen Gray Bethel Cycle Sport Club 

5 Anthony Taylor CCV - Hotfoot Cycles/Iron Hill Race Teams

6 Raymond Newton Century Road Club Association 

7 Stephan Badger TARGETRAINING 

8 Gary Steinberg Global Locate 

9 Wayne Kirk Mystic Velo Club