It is hard to believe that the 2012 season is underway with the conclusion of the Tour of Bahamas this past weekend. Seems like only a few weeks ago when the traveling circus that is bike racing took a deep breathe and concluded the 2011 season. Kicking off the season in January allows for some early season bonding, which there was plenty of, and an escape to much warmer temperatures for many.
Though much of the team remains the same we've made some strong additions to 2012's roster. Having everyone on the same page is always a big goal of any team and is best to be done as soon as possible. Friday night after registration we opted to walked a few blocks (New Yorkers dominated this category) and eat at a local Thai restaurant so we could bring the team closer together. Yeah that is right, Thai food in the Bahamas or at least something that attempted to replicate it.
So the race format is fairly simple; Saturday morning 3mile TT, Saturday afternoon 42mile Circuit, and a Sunday morning 76mile Road Race. Seeing as everyone was there for some quality training hours the 45min ride to and from the start would allow the riders to chat and learn more about each other. Perfect example of this is that Micah Engle found his real father, Karl Rahn. They will get plenty of bonding time throughout the season and we are sure Micah is excited to get that first hug in, Karl not as much.
The race plan in the morning was simple, everyone go as hard as they can and we will race in the afternoon Circuit Race for the guys highest on GC. As the morning progressed and the announcer belted out finishing times, it became obvious that there where some solid riders out there. We rode back to the hotel satisfied as a team with 4 riders inside the top 20 and easily within striking distance of the overall win. Brian Hill and Mike Margarite where the highest placed riders at 4th and 8th.
In the afternoon we knew historically that the race would come to a sprint finish but, refused to accept this as our fate. Not having a true sprinter on the squad for this race we sent Karl, Joe Whitman and Micah off the front numerous times in the early laps in hopes of establishing a break. In classic fashion John Lohner could be found on the front with his head down stringing the pack out in the windy sections of the course whenever we did not have riders off the front. A mid-race crash in an extremely rough section of pavement sent Karl and Margarite to the tarmac, luckily both riders where able to rejoin the field. Despite a number of late race attacks by Mike Mathis the Circuit Race came roaring to the finish line in a bunch kick. The happiest moment for our boys came when it was realized that Dan Zmolik, with a leg full of hardware, hung in there safely and finished with the bunch. For those of you that did not know, he suffered a major accident breaking his leg on a training ride in June but amazingly returned to the bike in November.
We found ourselves relaxing for most of Saturday evening on the beach. Light hearted harassing could be found at every opportune moment. Another speed walk to get Thai, followed by team talks of planning for Sunday's Road Race concluded the evening.
So fast forward to the final stage and we still have four riders within striking distance of the overall win. The plan of action was simple, race as aggressive as possible, attacking in pairs and get Brian and Margarite into the days winning break. On the ride to the course it was instantly noted that it was hotter and windier then Saturday, igniting a spark in our boys for the day to come. The starters pistol fired and our riders are seen instantly up the road. Break after break is formed and the distinctive Stans/AXA kits are ever present, until the right combination is achieved the peloton swarms time and time again.
Then it happens, Luis Amaran from Jamis/Sutter Home attacks, JLo is on his wheel and Frank Travieso from Team Coco's bridges to the them. Instantly, Mike Mathis and Micah are on the wheel of the BMC riders chasing rapidly with another Coco's rider in tow. As the riders turn into the dangerous crosswind section near the airport, Hill realizes this looks to the days winning break forming up the road and jumps from the peloton. A reshuffling occurs and the break establishes itself with 9 riders. JLo, Mike Mathis, and Hill are present along with Traveiso, Amaran, two BMC riders, a Hot Tubes junior and a DC Velo rider. The break quickly gains time as our boys work both in the break as well as on the front of the peloton. When the boys from BMC begin to lessen their share of work Amaran decides to make a bold attack and pulls Traveiso clear with him. The chase is now in full affect with our boys in the break and BMC in the main field. Unfortunately, with less then a half lap to go the main field soon absorbs all the 9 riders off the front. A late attack from Amaran springs Ty Magner from BMC, Hill, and Mathis from the field but the sprinters are out to have their day and real them back in the closing kilometers.
In the end we where able to walk away with 2 riders in the top 10, better tan lines and a tighter bond amongst all riders. With a full slate of racing on the horizon you can expect to see the Stans/AXA colors igniting the races and exciting the fans.
(Composed by Brian Hill)
