I’m a pretty smiley, happy-go-lucky guy, but I was feeling quite nervous come Saturday morning ahead of my first Central Park race in the Mens1/2/3 Field. After experiencing some success in the Cat 3/4’s at Floyd Bennet Field, it was time to really put the training and team tactics to the test. After a week of strategy threads and stirring the hype, I met Ben, Alex, Corey, Vandy, and Matt LT at the line.

Photo credit to Bicycle Racing Pictures

Unfortunately, my race preparation started around 2:30 am to the sound of a DJ wishing “Madison” a happy birthday. Following the announcement my bed frame shook with bass and ~1,000 screaming Williamsburgers rattled my eardrums. I don’t know where the party was coming from, but how could they not know I was racing the 2023 CRCA Dave Jordan Central Park Classic in a couple of hours?

4:30 am came quick and it was time to meet Ben at the Pulaski Bridge. As I cruised down Franklin Street it was quite fun to see the nightlifers trickle out and the sun come up. My nutrition consisted of an Espresso Love Gu, one banana, and half of a water bottle before hitting the start line. We saw some familiar faces at the corral, reviewed scenarios A, B, C, and D, and grouped together our maroon jerseys for a 5:30 am kick-off.

The race started at a much faster pace than I was used to. I like to cut up, see who’s around, try some bits, steal a wheel, you know…have a little fun, but I was not getting an inch from this very serious group. We came up on Harlem Hill with a decent amount of spice, I was feeling good and stayed put towards the back of the pack. I watched as Matt LT and Ben ripped attacks while I kept Alex, Vandy, and Corey close in sight.

I continued to watch the field develop and noticed one less maroon jersey on the front. I rode up to Alex and he informed me that Ben made it in a break with Big Hits and Dave Jordan. 50 minutes went by and still no sight of the breakaway. I watched as Vandy and Matt LT worked the front of the peloton in an effort to slow the pace. I began to think they might stick it as the gap grew to 30 seconds.

Around lap five the 3 man break came back into sight. I watched my BPMs climb as I realized this was coming down to a sprint. Lap 6 Matt LT ripped a fierce attack in an effort to tire more riders (I’m not sure I ever saw this dude leave the front). These guys did an incredible job working the pack as the back crew continued watching, keeping pace, and advancing when necessary.

The race became more intense and tightly packed, with riders using their elbows to hold positions. I held my ground and started learning tips and tricks from these more experienced cyclists. As we approached the final laps, my main goal was to keep communication up and stay connected with the team. There’s something about checking in on a teammate that can unearth an abundance of energy. I let Corey know I was on his wheel, and I did the same with Alex and Ben. Each time I turned my head, someone was in sight to work off of, however, I found myself expending much more energy in this race and began to question if I had the legs for a strong finish. I connected with Ben as we approached the last Harlem Hill climb. I let Ben know I was on and he instructed me to find another wheel as I noticed his cramp kick in. I did as he said and quickly found Alex at the curve.

We were in the top 1/3 of the field and I could see Alex searching for a connection with Matt LT. Like a couple of magnets, the train came together, and Matt LT buried himself along the West side. Big Hits, RNR, and Veselka were up there with us as we made our way around HSA. Alex slotted us in a couple of wheels back as I instructed him to move left or right based on where I was being pushed. It seemed everyone wanted Alex’s wheel!

Landing us in the perfect position at 72nd, it was time for the final dig before Cat’s Paw. The road was clear until a rogue Citi Biker meandered their way into the middle of the raceway. We split the blue bike and reconnected as Alex carried me up the final hill. I noticed his pace slow and quickly jumped on another wheel moving faster beside us. It was still too early to unleash and I let this rider carry me around the final bend. The last 20 seconds moved in slow motion as I implemented everything I knew about sprinting and dug deep to pass two riders ahead of me. The finish line was in sight and I could feel wheels on my back. I lunged my bike forward, almost puked, and watched a few orange gloves go up in the air on my left-hand side. I didn’t know how many there were but I felt swarmed at the end, knowing I landed somewhere in the top 10.

I rode out a couple of recovery miles to Engineer’s Gate, waiting for my teammates to catch up, but couldn't find them. As I made my way back up Cat’s Paw I noticed everyone around the ambulance. Unfortunately, a crash occurred on the final sprint and a couple of TBDers got tangled in the mix. The atmosphere felt somber and I looked at my team letting them know I finished in the top 10 (which wasn’t wrong, I might add) and we exchanged average high-fives. We refreshed our phones while Alex was getting tapped up and I felt a slap on the helmet “Baker got 3rd!!!!”. The vibes immediately improved and all skin scrapes were forgotten.

I am incredibly thankful for my teammates who were willing to sacrifice themselves for a good result. It was a heroic all-around effort, and I couldn't be more grateful to see the bones of a strong squad take shape. While I was the one who got to stand on the podium, it was a result of selfless team collaboration that put us there.

This race marked my first Central Park experience in the Mens Cat 1/2/3, and I could not have asked for a better outing. I've never been part of a group that is willing to give so much to see their teammate up on the steps. Amped for a killer summer ahead with this squad.