Non-race report: Subway CX

I didn't race today, but I did go to the race so I figure I'll write a bit. Rolled in at the beginning of the 10 am race, saw Stephen go by quite quickly. That had to be a podium in M3? We'll see when the results are up. Chatted with some of the usual cross folks for a bit, the recurring topic being why I wasn't racing. My answer is that I'm finally taking a break. I thought all week about racing but decided to spend one on the sidelines, and after doing so I don't regret it.

The elite race was a great one to watch, with a front group stringing out early behind Morse, all the usuals in tow: Box, Stafford, Chown and Watson. Not far behind was Brusso and Mancini and a few others. Ah yes, Sam. He wanted to do the Elite race, and was told he had to win his Junior race first - and did so in style after flatting and chasing back. He sat in that lead group for about half a lap, then began falling back. After 2 laps, about to be caught by Mancini he pulled out, apparently having thrown up in the bushes. Nice.

Back to the front, Chown was there setting the pace with Box and Stafford in tow, Morse and Watson a few seconds behind. Then he flatted, leaving him chasing back to Morse. That would basically set the stage for the battle of the day, Box v. Stafford. It appeared they might come to the line for a sprint, but the last couple laps saw Erik pull away slowly opening a gap that would stick to the end. A well deserved win for him, after so many close ones. I'll let Watson off the hook because he's already taken a break from the 2009 season and is starting for 2010 as he explains over here.

I'm enjoying that post-season break right now, and will bring the tubulars out once more for Hespeler in a couple weeks. Other than that it will be riding when I can and trying to fix all the damage racing has done. I'm really looking forward to getting back on the base plan and racking up the kilometers for 2010. Time to start planning (ok, much of the planning has already been done). I'll start talking about next year's schedule soon.