2010 NC State Road Race Championship, age 50-54
Carolina Flyers Cycling was well represented with 7 riders present. During the warm-up, a plan for working together was discussed with the team members. The race consisted of 3 laps of the 13.35 mile course. A 200 foot climb with a short section of 6% grade was early in each lap, leaving time for attacks on the climb to be caught in the remaining relatively flat terrain.
As the race started, Charlie Moschel and Doug Engel went to the front to set a high pace and thus the tone for the race. Average speed for the race was 24 mph, proving these old guys can still ride hard.
Carolina Flyers were present in each of 2 significant breaks. The first break came in the middle of lap 2, with 4 riders away including Chris Steele. Flyers in front of the peloton kept the chase disorganized. 2 additional riders bridged the gap expending significant energy. The first break was caught on the climb early in lap 3.
Shortly thereafter, a second break of 5 or 6 riders went off the front containing Chris Dietrich. Flyers again came to the front of the chasing peloton to control the pace. As attempts to bridge the gap were launched, team members were quick to sit on the wheel of the attacking rider, spoiling their motivation to work. Teammates at the front, prevented organized rotation, but eventually 3 riders got clear of the group and just a few miles from the finish the ensuing chase brought the entire field together (except David LeDuc a 55-59 participant on a solo break). Carolina Flyers again gathered in the front of the pack to maintain position and control. Several attempts by competing teams to break clear of the group were shut down post haste.
Approaching the finish, Jim Emery and David Moore worked at the front to maintain a high pace, with Steele, Dietrich and others sitting closely behind to cover any moves. About 300 meters to go, Brian Jones of Asheville BRC attacked from the left side. As Dietrich yelled “Go Go Go,” Steele jumped to cover the move and was on his wheel right away. Able to draft well down the closing straight, Steele had energy left at the 100 meter sign to go around for the Flyers win!
Teamwork was the key to this victory and made the efforts on the road all seem worthwhile.
Flyers Results
Chris Steele 1st Place
Chris Dietrich 11th place
Randy Smith 15th place
David Moore 16th place
Douglas Engel 17th place
Jim Emery 19th place
Charles Moschel 21 place
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