Nationals 2016, Outcomes predictable shark tank grows.

Nationals are an event that crown a National Champion based on a single day’s performance. Road race, time trial and criterium were the three events being contested. It’s no surprise that the best performers on the circuit would be there and ready to strut their stuff.  A preview of the courses revealed a road race that had manageable climbs that would be enough to separate the pack. The time trial course was hilly enough that power management was a must to last the duration and finally the criterium added the element of high speed cornering combined with just enough climbing that fatigue eventually would play a role in everyone’s race.

The week started with the road race, 36 miles and 1600 ft. of climbing.  Throw in 94 degrees and southern humidity and now you have a true make or break challenge. Alicia Dana, Will Groulx , David Randall and Ryan Pinney were all hands down favorites in their classifications. Dane Pilon was naturally the favorite in the anemic H5 classification.  The relatively new H1 classification is seeing their #’s grow every year.  The race began with a rolling start that kept the group together as they approached a high speed left turn that could have spelled disaster. Directly after the turn the race started up the first hill which began the selection process for the first group that eventually dwindled down to five racers. One which was such an outsider the group thought he was Canadian. Adam Finney hung in with the best. Just before the final sprint one of the other contenders suggested to aka. Canadian Adam Finney go ahead and pull into the finish because the race is for the US championship. Adam said “I’m not a Canadian” and the race was on. In the end all the favorites came in as predicted. The H1 classification was won by Mike Savicki.He outlasted his competition in the heat.

The TT course was a beautiful rolling hill venue that tested racers ability against the clock. The key for this race may have been more in what was done during recovery after the road race two days before then actual time trialing on race day. Lagging heart rates, cramping muscles were heard in more than one conversation after the event was completed. The top contenders again ruled the roost. Will Groulx had a stand out performance after his Gold medal wins in Belgium just days earlier. Attention to detail and a professional approach are carrying him through the quagmire of travel and international racing. David Randall is beginning to hit on all cylinders and easily won his division and undoubtedly could be the gatekeeper to the Paralympics.

The criterium was the final event that tested racers resolve with a fast 2^nd right hander that was off camber at the exit. Not to mention major “faux pas” on the account of USA cycling by allowing cars to be parked on the course as well as unprotected obstacles in obvious crash zones.  Serious injury was dodged but crashes were not as the quick right turn caught many by surprise. A tenacious Jerry Young battled Ryan Pinney all week. This was his final chance to wear out the National Champion.  Jerry sealed the deal and earned his National Championship jersey with superb endurance and handling of his Carbonbike.  David Randall powered to the finish and claimed his third jersey and was quickly followed by Jake Freeland and Matt Updike. Will Groulx again distinguished himself in peerless fashion. James Dubose rolled away with his 2^nd jersey. Houston’s Sarah Domson won the Womens H4 classification.