The weather was just beautiful all week in North Texas. That is, until this past Sunday morning when the temperatures dropped again and the rain came down. With a vengeance. And just in time for the Criterium in Denton, TX. I now recall the vivid memories of that morning, aided perhaps by the still present road grime trapped behind my eyeballs... or maybe because it was just yesterday. Note to self: Rain-covered sunglasses are a better option than an hour-long rooster-tail eyeball flush. I somehow think that I used to be aware of this useful nugget.
At the prerace huddle under the Williams Cycling Team Tent we discussed our tactics: In the first half we would all trade off working the field and chasing down any threats, trying to get someone up the road. If the field was still intact, Craig would make a solo bid with 5 or so to go ( it worked for the win fall of 2009 ). And if nothing panned out, we'd finish strong with our formidable lead-out train. Well... Attacks were mounted. Breaks formed and were reigned in. At one time or another we all found ourselves temporarily off the front, the only reprieve from the thick cloud of dirty road-spray that engulfed the long, thin, strung out field. Back in the pack the only speaking was an occasional woeful cry of "I CAN'T SEE!!"... actually, I think that was me saying that... But after more than an hour of wet, cold-soaked, numb-limbed racing, what was left of the pack was back together for the bell lap. For much of the last lap, Williams Cycling Team member Marc Montemayor was at the front forcing the pace, which made it too fast for anyone to change positon much. With half of the 3/4 mile lap to go I found a slight gap on the left that let me move into fourth position for what was sure to be the final sprint. When the sprint really opened up at about 200 meters, I was able to move into second and almost.... almost!.... nope... Just couldn't close the deal for first.
Back at the Williams Cycling display tent the rain was on our side, as spectators and racers alike came by to seek shelter and investigate the good looks/great value of the carbon 58's and 38's on display. Despite the weather, it turned out to be a great day for Williams Cycling here in North Texas: A 2nd Place and two riders in the top 15. 49 finished out of 75 starters with NO crashes.
Look for the Williams Tent at your next Texas bicycle race and come say 'Howdy'! Oh, and bring your sunglasses. You never know when you'll need 'em.
Jason McCombs
Williams Cycling Texas Team
