The final lap of the San Pablo race was a masterclass in tactical cycling and raw endurance, culminating in a thrilling victory. The breakaway, which had been softening the pace, saw a surge of energy as Roman launched an attack, quickly bridging the gap to Reese. For five grueling minutes, they pushed the pace until the peloton, myself included, caught up. By this point, the effort was taking its toll, and I found myself shivering at the back, battling to maintain contact.
As we descended towards Alhambra, the relentless attacks from the group swallowed up Roman and Reese, whose earlier breakaway efforts had significantly shaped the race dynamics, playing directly into the hands of riders like myself who were conserving energy in the peloton. Their early pace-setting was a crucial, albeit unsung, element of the race.
With only half a lap remaining, Robbie made a daring attempt to escape, and Cameron Bronstein, demonstrating sharp race awareness, immediately latched onto his wheel. Bronstein then seized the initiative, launching a solo attack as Robbie was reabsorbed by the chasing pack. Despite a herculean effort, the constant pressure from the peloton eventually brought Cambo back into the fold.
The race reached fever pitch as Chris HD attacked over the crest of Mama Bear, creating a significant 25-meter gap. Only a select few possessed the legs to follow as we plunged down Mama Bear and geared up for the uphill power climb that followed. Colin Daw then launched a counter-attack over HD, with Jason Saltzman reacting instantly to stay with him as we descended towards Papa Bear.
The pace remained high, devoid of any respite or tactical surges, as the group collectively prepared for the final climb. Zeke initiated a brutal attack, decimating the field and leaving only a handful of contenders as we ascended halfway up Papa Bear. At the halfway mark, Colin took to the front, but Chris HD, showcasing incredible stamina, unleashed another attack, driving hard towards the finish line.
Jason Saltzman, displaying excellent race reading, anticipated the move and followed immediately, and I responded in kind, digging deep to stay in contention. Saltzman positioned himself behind HD, and then, with 75 meters to go, I spotted Ryan Sherlock surging up on the left side. Summoning every last ounce of energy, I pushed past Saltzman, then Sherlock, and finally HD, increasing my cadence, feeling the surge of acceleration propel me towards the finish. I dared not look back until I crossed the line. The elation was overwhelming as I realized I had achieved a significant milestone – my first P 1/2 race victory. This win, achieved on a challenging circuit near Berkeley, is a testament to strategy, endurance, and seizing the opportune moment. For local cyclists in the Berkeley area looking to hone their skills and find the right gear, resources like Mike’s Bikes Berkeley are invaluable for supporting the local cycling community and providing expert advice and equipment.
