Bike Racing in Brooklyn: Lucarelli & Castaldi Race 3
It has been a weird race season. It was a late start with much uncertainty, and it's hard to prepare for something you don't even know is going to happen. Some of us were optimistic and some weren't. Some of us, like me, just hoped. Thankfully, bike racing is back and currently in full swing. So far we're not having a great season but that's OK. After a year and a half (or more) of not racing road, the feelings are starting to come back and we're remembering the most important part: racing is mad fun.
All photos by Russell Karn
Cullen, Johnny and I lined up for Saturday's race chasing a result in the 3/4 field. We had a small crew so we decided that we'd leave the rest of the teams to do the work catching any breakaways and shutting down moves, especially since a few teams are currently holding jerseys in the series. We were to save it for the end and hope it came down to a field sprint. Cullen and Johnny generously offered to get me into position before the hill and I'd be in charge of the rest.
We knew it was going to be a fun one because we had so many friends from other teams racing alongside us. There was a lot of in-race banter in the first few laps. Shout out to our pals from KruisCX and King Kog for keeping the humor up (and for backing it up with some results at the end).
123 field coming through
On lap 3 or 4, some guy froze on his bike and decided to veer right and take out the entire right side of the field behind him. The video is very bizarre, and it's unclear what happened to him or why he did that. It was a very stupid and unnecessary crash that could have been avoided, and it unfortunately took out Cullen and some of our friends from the race. Thankfully, Cullen came out fine aside from 2 broken spokes in his rear wheel. Unfortunately, a friend from KruisCX was badly hurt and has some bone healing to do. Liam, we hope you have a speedy recovery and we look forward to seeing you out on the road again.
SPOKED, Cullen lost 2 spokes after being caught behind a crash
Johnny and I stayed upright and avoided another crash with a few laps to go. For me, crash panic continues until I can confirm that Emma is also safe. She was fine both times. Racing with your significant other in the field can be very scary like that.
Rolling up after the race finish
Johnny did some masterful navigating to make sure we were in position on the last lap. When the road went upwards on the hill, I had to make some corrections to avoid getting lost in the swarm, and had to come around people that were dying at the top of the hill. I slotted myself into the business end of the race but it was Enzo who took the day. He flew past me around my right side before the sprint with the yellow jersey behind him. There was nothing I could do but sprint within the group in my little box. In the end, I grabbed 6th in that sprint.
I'm happy with a top 10, it's better than my 9th place last week. The chase continues for a result. As Russell Karn says, "we trying to step on some stairs."
Cullen, we hope your Moots a speedy recovery too. Check out that CX carry form!
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I race road for To Be Determined and work in technology in NYC.
