Friday 24h July 2009
RAW - Track racing at Dunc Grey - Divsion 3
I was hanging out on posting this one as I was hoping to link in a video, but I've seen grass grow quicker.
Warmup scratch race
Midfield finish. It was clear that his was not the night that I'd return to form
Win a point race
I knew that I wasn't going to be in on the money, so I discussed race tactics with the other DHBC riders and we decided that we would attack off the line with me doing the pulling, the first lap was neutral and after that it was one point per lap win. The objective was that I was to be rolled on the line, so not to take any point off a potential winner.
We got to the front in the chute and Trudy decided to get to the front of us, I was in 4th wheel behind 2 dhbc riders. We started up and I'd immediately hit the front, my rear wheel was skipping as I accelerated. Trudy bitched as we went past, but that's racing. The execution was perfect I'd pulled 4 dhbc riders off the front and they had 50 meters as they went across the line for the first point on lap 2. I rolled off, went back to look at Trudy and decided she wasn't a threat so rolled back to the bunch to see if I could control the pace but they had none of it so my work was done and I left the circuit. In the meantime the 4 dhbc riders worked together and took almost all of the points until George finally caught them, but by then it was too late DHCB scored 1st, 2nd and 3rd. When leaving the track at the end of the night I was walking behind Trudy and she was still bitching about it.
Race 3
I forget what this race was
Race 4 Combined top div4, bottom div3 scratch race
Really fast pace I struggled to hang on, but always found the energy to get back on when rolled off the back by dropped riders. Race was canceled with one lap to go due to a crash.
Race 4 Combined div3 div2 div1 scratch race
With time running out, they combined all the division, technically I'd just done my combine race, but I got back out, doing race 4 twice. I was still knacked from the other scratch race. The pace was vicious and I lasted only a few laps and dropped out. All of the other div3 riders were gone on the next lap.
Next weeks track racing was a much improved. Stay tuned for the update
Hi Mike,
Its great to see all DHBC riders at RAW on friday nights.
But i do note that your riders discuss "tactics" before a race and in some of your races it is highly evident you are working as a "team" especially when there are 3 or 4 or more of you in the one race.
In track racing its generally against ettiquite to race as a "team". Track racing is an individual sport where riders talents are up against each other in generally short sharp races. Working as a "team" against individuals is just not the done thing. Whilst not illegal or against the rules, its against the spirit of racing. So your comment "its racing" is a bit much. I can understand people bitching about it.
I'm not against an occasional collaboration, and i have been know to lead out a mate in a sprint or drive the pace from the start (at the request of the organiser) and sacrifice myself, but using Tour de France tactics in a 4 km race is a bit over the top.
Sorry just my feelings on the issue.
I'm not against an occasional collaboration, and i have been know to lead out a mate in a sprint or drive the pace from the start (at the request of the organiser) and sacrifice myself, but using Tour de France tactics in a 4 km race is a bit over the top.
I don't ride track so won't know all the ins and outs. But where do you draw the line on collaboration given that you've participated too? What's acceptable collaboration and what's not acceptable? Looking at international pro level point races, it's clear team tactics are regularly in play and used to advantage, are they looked down upon? And what kind of uniquely TdF tactics are useful in a 4km track race? Or are track racing tactics being adapted for TdF? :roll:
I did a quick Google search and found the following intro article on CyclingNews.
http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/results/track/trackoverview00.shtml2000 m Keirin (Men)... Team tactics are important here, as the leadout is often quite long. If one team can get two of their riders in the final, then they are at a distinct advantage.
If team tactic is important and acceptable for 2000m, then wouldn't it be even more important for a 4000m event?
Are there references on the net that talk about the etiquette of this aspect of racing?
Further, I understand that RAW Racing counts club team standing in the competition. So may I assume that team participation and winning strategies are encouraged by the organizer?
Its critical to have the correct resources in the post race debrief - coasters, lolly wrappers and beer
Its critical to have the correct resources in the post race debrief - coasters, lolly wrappers and beer
Which lolly wrapper was you?
Its critical to have the correct resources in the post race debrief - coasters, lolly wrappers and beer
Which lolly wrapper was you?
The red one
Info just in, Beanzy was spotted by numerous neutral parties after Fri's RAW racing in the Handle Bar Tavern, gathering intelligence on DHBC riders' post race debrief whilst hiding behind a beer in various poses.
Info just in, Beanzy was spotted by numerous neutral parties after Fri's RAW racing in the Handle Bar Tavern, gathering intelligence on DHBC riders' post race debrief whilst hiding behind a beer in various poses.
Did you notice that Beanzy's beer is darker.....
