Webcor/AV Race Report: Merco Crit, Pro 1/2

Along with the Merco Road Race on Sunday, a big contingent of the Webcor/Alto Velo Elite Team went out for the Merco Grand Prix criterium on Saturday. This is another well known, former NRC race that still attracts top domestic pros. This edition was no exception, which made for a fast, nervous race. Mayhem on the last couple of laps kept us out of the top-10 but we were active for the entire race and put in a good effort as a team. Below is Fabrice's report.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Merco Crit, Pro 1/2
2/28/2009
Team mates: James Badia, Brian (BP) Buchholz, Billy Crane, Chris Crawford, Justin Farga, Neil Harrington, Bo Hebenstreit, Rob MacNeill, Rand Miller, Ryan Parnes, Ryan Prsha, Jeff Williams and Keith Williams.
Results: Fabrice--13th, James--21st of 120

The course is a totally flat, 0.8 mile lap criterium, we had 50 laps/40 miles. Bissell, BMC, Colavita, Rock Racing, and Successful Living were there. Additionally, the usual local teams plus two or three big SoCal amateur teams showed up. Most of our Webcor/AV team were present and ready to fight.

First of all we were lucky because our sponsor and part time director sportif, Keith Williams, was present during the race and let us use his tent in order to warm up and to plan the team strategy; which was to race on the front of the field, cover the attacks, and if there was a sprint, put James in good positions to obtain a good result.

After a kick start done by Andy/Jesse from team Lombardy, we tried to stay on the front with Justin, Jeff, James or Rand. After 10 laps a big move of about 10 guys with BP succeeded to create a gap of about 5 seconds, but the Rock Racing team closed the gap. I tried a counter
attack but I was just followed by James Mattis from CalGiant and the professional teams caught us after 5 laps on the front. Nearly at mid-race, just on the front of the peloton there was a big crash which involved a Webcor/AV rider, Justin. Justin was taken to the hospital with a likely broken hand from hitting the metal barriers.

With 5 laps to go, I tried another attack. After one lap alone I was joined by 4 other guys, but that was not enough because we were caught at 3 laps to the end. So, I decided to keep a good position in order to help James for the final sprint. But the 2 last laps were very fast and furious. Three crashes, including one on the last lap chicane, cut the field in many pieces and I had the best placement to do the final sprint but my legs were tired and I was not able to enter in the top
10. I finished with a 13 place. Bahati and Williams went 1-2 for Rock Racing in the sprint.

Despite the number of professionals and strong teams, the Webcor/AV team was present on the front during the entire race with a very aggressive feeling, which gives us lot of confidence for good results during the new season!!

Here the report from Cyclingnews:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/road.php?id=road/2009/mar09/merco09/merco092

Thanks for reading.
Fabrice