23 Aug 2014 IL State Criterium Championship

Illinois State Criterium Championship podium.

As the month September looms near, it’s difficult to believe that the end of summer is close at hand. Even the weather seems a bit caught out, rising up in protest, puffing out a bout of steamy, stifling air to punctuate an otherwise mild Midwest summer. I haven’t used an ice sock all season!

Concurrent with the confused weather, the approach of September also brings a winding down of US road racing for the year, and, in many regions, state championships to close out the season. In addition to being able to attend the Edwardsville/Belleville races the previous weekend, a second happy consequence of my shortened visit out west was the opportunity to race the Illinois State Criterium Championship, this year held in downtown Bloomington IL.

Warm reception from downtown Bloomington businesses.

The second year hosting a race, Bloomington boosts an exciting figure-eight style course with a bit of a climb on the back side, a couple of tight corners, and a superfast downhill finish. I love figure-eight courses, not only because figure-eights have more turns than basic shapes like squares and rectangles, but also because spectators standing in the middle of the course get to see riders twice each lap – and riders similarly get to see the same fans twice each lap – which is cool because the ones who plant themselves in the center location tend to have amazing enthusiasm for racing, projecting passionate cheers of support and encouragement!

Cyclists in one of the races blur through the streets of downtown Bloomington. Photo by Cycles In Life

The 3-hour drive to Bloomington was wet: black skies, bucketing rain, gusty winds. The early races would’ve had miserable conditions on the semi-technical course. Huge kudos to all who braved the squalls. Morning had greeted the day with absolutely sweltering heat, the oppressive air almost dripping so heavy was its load of moisture. A positive outcome of the deluge was a precipitous drop in temperature, the heavy water-laden air replaced by a light, almost cool breeze.

Maria Larkin (Chicago Cuttin Crew) braving early rains to win the Women's Cat 3/4 jersey - and then race again later (with some excellent attacks!) in the Women's 1/2/3. Photo by Chicago Cuttin Crew

I was fortunate to catch a ride down to Bloomington with ex-teammie, good friend, and master PSIMET wheel builder Leah Sanda. By the time we arrived in Bloomington, streets were nearly dry, the sun trying its best to peer out from behind the veil of imperious grey.

The race got off to a fast start, with several successive laps of attacks, multiple riders keen to split the field. Many times the field splintered and regrouped, the pace ebbing and flowing every few laps, riders at the front weary of putting forth an effort that might come to bear later given many strong legs in the bunch; trailing riders doggedly determined to remain in contention.

Streaking by, too fast for focus, no doubt chasing an attacking Skylar Schneider (TIBCO) or Daphne Karagianis (Chicago Cuttin Crew), Anina Blankenship (Balanced Bike) and Sierra Seibenlist (Scarlet Fire) in pursuit.

As the race wore on, my legs beginning to fatigue from thus far unsuccessful efforts to ride by myself, I became suddenly aware of cheers from a throng of spectators (I never did figure out who they were!) at the barriers in the middle part of the course urging me to attack, to light up the race – possibly spurred by my performance in Edwardsville last weekend? The realization of the personal attention brought a huge smile to my face. I even spent several laps rubber necking, inspecting the crowd in attempt to attach identities to the ardent cheers.

Me smiling in response to cheers from fans while Daphne Karagianis (Chicago Cuttin Crew) drives the pace at the front. Photo by Cycles In Life 

The key move of the race came with about five laps remaining. Following a flurry of attacks on successive laps, a prime was announced. I was too gassed to attack on the hill – and apparently so was everyone else, the pace slowing to a crawl on the back side of the course. Stuck at the front with no one willing to come around, I slowly ramped it up and then jumped at the top of the course, carrying speed through the tight turns. Clearing turn seven, I heard the horrible cacophony of carbon meeting concrete behind me. I have a horrible habit, when hearing this sound, of pausing mid pedal stroke. I snuck a quick peak under my arm to see Skylar Schneider (TIBCO) sprawled on the ground, fortunately (I later learned) uninjured and thankfully the only rider down.

Attacking, Skylar Schneider (TIBCO) hot on my wheels. Photo by Cycles In Life

 Coasting momentarily, I debated the morality of carrying on with my attack. Eventually I decided racing is racing, and put my head back to the task. Driving hard for the remaining laps, I increased the distance over my pursuers, who were now working together and chasing in earnest. My late race effort was enough to give me a comfortable margin in the final lap for what was an exciting and hard-fought win.

Finishing solo - I was a bit confused, unsure if it was the last lap!

Thank you to all the amazing organizers, volunteers, and sponsors that made the Bloomington criterium possible, and the fans and fellow racers who made it awesome; to Matthew and Ashley Jarrett for so many excellent photographs of the event; and to Leah Sanda for sharing the drive. Big shout out to the Illinois women who got registered early to show support for the race and ensure equal payout for the men’s and women’s races. This race has a seriously impressive payout! Combined with an exciting course and passionate fans, this is one not to miss in 2015!

Race podium: Anina Blankenship (Balanced Bike), Daphne Karagianis (Chicago Cuttin Crew) and niece, me, Sierra Siebenlist (Scarlet Fire), Ellen Ryan (xXx)

Finally, I want to put in a plug for the gifted race announcers in the Chicago area: Todd Busteed, Greg Bliss, Kenny Labbé; further south, Aero Froese. Each having a huge knowledge-base of racing, and familiarity with the names of many of the local riders, these guys really know how to engage the crowd and can, simply by virtue of their talents, impart upon a small local race a distinctly professional feel. For cycling events, announcers make a big difference to the spectators and racers alike, often making the difference between awesome and amazing.No race is complete without a strong voice behind the mic.