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There are still so many thoughts and emotions running through my head after the finish at the ENH Grand Prix Category 3 race that I don’t even know where to begin.
Going into the race, there was definitely an elevated feeling of danger after witnessing numerous crashes and postponement of the races due to said crashes. But I also knew that the feeling would pass once we got started; and it did.
The race went off without a hitch and resulted in only one minor mid-race crash in turn 5, also nicknamed the BK Stacker, due to the fact that there is a Burger King on that corner, there is a BK burger named the Stacker and most crashes at last years’ race took place in said corner.
When racing resumed, we were given 14 laps which quickly dwindled to 10 and I think they shaved laps to 8 then 6 then 4 then 2. With 2 to go, my only thought was “I need to be where Andreas is!” Andreas has been finishing really consistently all season and being on his wheel meant being near the front.
At the bell, I quickly moved up the outsides of turns 1, 2, 3 and shot through on the inside of turn 4 (safely, mind you). I sprinted down the straight and decided it was now or never. I made my move to the front on the right just as Alex Voytek was doing the same on the left. We went through the BK Stacker 1 - 2, he leading by a bit and the pack close behind me. The sprint was almost full bore from the final corner and I was quickly gaining and Alex was quickly fading.
Just as I reached Alex’s wheel, Boba jumped up on my left side and I started to veer left to come around Alex. He must have twitched left because I had no time to react and my shoulder hooked his elbow and we both went crashing to the pavement at 30+mph. The aftermath was horrible, but luckily we both walked away with minor scrapes, burns and some damaged equipment. It could have been much worse and I’m glad we’re alright.
I’d be lying if I said I were not angry or frustrated or irritated or disappointed. All of those thoughts and emotions have been running through my mind ever since it happened. I don’t blame anyone. It was a simple mistake that resulted in a crash. That’s bike racing. So needless to say, my podium spot was filled by someone else and I didn’t finish the race…again.
Smitty rubbed salt in my wounds like any good friend would when shortly after getting changed into street clothes he said, “Yeah. If you didn’t crash I might have passed you at the line ‘cause I was coming up fast!” Ha!
Aside from the carnage, I must commend Turin Bike shop, ENH and the city of Evanston for providing such a great venue and positive atmosphere for this bike race. Also, the medic staff had their hands full today and they did great and didn’t once falter under the constant pressure. Bravo to all of them! And bravo to Margaret (my wonderful wife; we’re celebrating our 2nd anniversary today!) and all of my teammates and friends for checking up on me and making sure I was alright. Having them around me and patting me on my right shoulder seemed to make the pain and disappointment go away.
 To finish up, we all ride these streets day in and day out when we go on our training rides and doing well here is like doing well on your home field. So you can’t blame a bike racer for wanting to win in his back yard. But in my humble opinion, it’s the riders who make this course dangerous and we are all responsible for making the race safe. On the one hand we are extremely successful, but on the other we failed miserably. Maybe next year will be different.
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