Battenkill race report by Joe K

Chris B and I left CT promptly at 7:30am and arrived at 10:30am in an overcast, cool, and windy Cambridge NY to take on America's Queen of the Classics! Registration was super easy and efficient, as was parking, bathrooms, and all other amenities. This is a well run and organized race. We had plenty of time to get changed, stretch, and warm up.

Although it was cool and windy we got lucky as the sun popped out and it was blue skies for the start of the race. The race started off at a pretty mild pace due to some nasty cross winds and no one wanting to work at the front. As we hit the first dirt section and the pitch turned upwards the pace increased and guys were already getting popped off the back.

I was sitting comfortably in the top 3rd of the field, Chris was a bit further back but still doing well. Then came a super fast dirt downhill, guys were hauling ass and POW! BAM! dirt, bikes, wheels, and riders down....major crash at at the front! I managed to break hard and avoid getting messed up in it, Chris had to slow down more and as the group split he got caught in the back of it. He tried to bridge up but as he caught the tail end of the group we surged again and he got caught off. The rest of the race was pretty fast with surges and steady hard pace up the climbs. I was able to stay at the front and keep pace.

About 40mi into the race my legs began to twinge and I had some slight cramping. I downed my 2nd bottle and had a GU and was able to hang in the pack and let my legs recover a bit. With about 8mi to go there was some major attacks with some groups of 2 and 3 trying to get away. I was able to stay at the front and even made a dig myself and chased down a couple of guys. Nothing really stuck and what is left of the main field maybe 30-40 guys is all back together.

We make a slight left turn onto the last dirt section and the final climb of the day, 5mi to go, again I find myself able to cling onto the back of the main group, about to crest the climb I jump out of the saddle and BAM! CLUNK! my rear wheel slips right out of the drops! I did not go down but had to stop and re-seat my wheel and get going again. I lost precious seconds and all my momentum. I go into the red to try and catch back on with no avail. I manage to pass a few riders here and there. I hook up with a group of 6 guys and we are working very well together taking pulls to try and catch the leaders but at this point there is just not enough time left.

I cross the line 1min 32sec off the winner's time in 30th place. Chris battled his way through the race, he had a rough day, the legs were just not there for him today. He finished 58 and will take this race a good learning experience and will use it a launch pad to some good results down the road. I take pride in being the 1st CT finisher in my race and feel good that I was able to hang with the top guys in my field. I truly feel that a top 10 finish would have been possible with out the mechanical.