The inaugural Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Grand Prix of Cycling on 7/22 was a blast. The racing was very, very hard but with an enthusiastic crowd it was easy to stay motivated. Special thanks to the xXx Schloog Squad!
The on-board video camera doesn't quite capture the speed of the race due to the limited field of vision. If you want to see the field in full flight from the sidewalk, check out the videos at d7. Delirium tells us that we averaged 27mph for 1h 27m.
Here is a video of the first 17 minutes of the cat3 race...
About 45 out of 270 corners were negotiated during the capture of this video
Unfortunately the camera did not cooperate when I tried to turn it back on with 10 laps to go. I fiddled with it several times, losing about 10 spots before giving up. It would have been awesome to capture the last two laps.
I met my teammmate Ed (contender for omnium win) near the front of the field with 2 to go to let him know I was there to help. With one to go the field bunched up from barrier to barrier and I lost my position. I was still determined to make the last 1k fast because a long, fast sprint usually favors a stronger rider like Ed. Coming out of turn 4, I drilled it and swept past the field on the right hand side. Entering the BK Stacker, turn 5, I pulled even with another rider at the front. I carried my speed and went through the final turn 6 in the lead. Later I learned that somehow Ed had found my wheel. When I stood up to sprint I lasted about 100m before I faded, but apparently it was enough. I saw Ed blaze by and he went on to win! It was a great win for the team and he regained his position of 1st overall.
I would like to thank all involved with the organization of the race. It is one of my new favorites and I hope it continues for many, many years.
