Green Days Crit. 2010

Following a fair result (approximately 8th place or mid-pack) in the Rose Festival criterium in State Center, IA the night before, I was determined to do a lot better in this race.  The weather was perfect, mostly sunny, mid 80's, mild wind.  Scheduled for 30 minutes plus 3 laps there were twenty one racers who started the race.  I (Ben Acree) was the only FD Trisporter contesting the race.  I was feeling really quite good.  I started off the first lap at the front, wanted to get things going at a moderate speed, get through the first 180 degree turn ahead of the bunch and safely.  Did not want to burn too much energy.  There were multiple racers launching off the front having a go for a solo effort.  I jumped on most of them.  A racer with a Zoom kit launched off.  I, thinking he was a triathlete with his calf marked either with a tattoo or marking from a recent tri, jumped on his wheel thinking he might be able to time trial well and we might have a chance of staying away.  That did not last long.  There were multiple launches from the Rasmussen team, who had 3-4 riders representing.  The demonstrated nice strategy with their launching riders, then quickly blocking with a second rider.  I realized this tactic from the get go and quick jumped around hoping I would be the only one and we might be able to stay away.  It never really happened.  I stayed at the front, of now the relatively small group now, for most of the race.  I was able to make it through the 180 degree turns quite comfortable and gain a few positions each time.  With 2 laps to go, things slowed a little with every one  waiting for a move.  I went through in 2nd or 3rd position through the second to last 180 degree turn, keeping an eye for any jump.  Pretty sure it was a Rassy rider.  I jumped on, pretty much at full sprint.  Just before the last turn, got up to 2nd position, right behind Tony Muse of Rasmussen's.  At this point, heart is pounding, not only from the effort but from the nerves of the final line coming at you.  As soon as I got around the corner I hit the gas as hard as I could.  The line came quick, but not quick enough.  I could not catch Tony M. and actually did what you are never ever supposed to do and just before the line, looked over my shoulder a little and let up just enough to have another Rasy rider nip me at the line.  Man, I will NEVER do that again. I ended up placing 3rd and taking home a sweet trophy (like this better than cash), $20 gift certificate and month membership to Aspen Fitness Club in Des Moines.  There were plenty of primes offered throughout the race.  I managed to win two of them along the way.  I won a water bottle, t-shirt and a nice pair of sunglasses.
(14.8 miles / 37 minutes / 23.6 avg. speed) -Ben Acree

Ben Acree rounding one of the two 180 degree turns


A repetitive theme of the day, covering the Rasmussen riders


The final sprint



Hanging around.



Sweet wall art for the office