Green Mountain Stage Race Stage 1

By Martin • September 4th, 2009

welcometovermont We all drove anywhere from eight to 12 hours to get here, and on our first day in scenic Vermont we spent about 15 minutes on our bikes.

Stage 1 of the Green Mountain Stage Race was a 5.7-mile uphill time trial, with the majority of the climbing taking place in the first two miles and a last steep kicker in the last few hundred yards. No TT bikes were allowed, nor were aero bars, but plenty of guys had disc wheels and TT helmets. The Cat 3 MABRA racers here in Vermont — Tim B. and myself for The Bike Rack, Drew Armstrong for NCVC, Rob Sheffield for Squadra Coppi and Brian Sacawa for Kelly Benefit Strategies — set off starting at 9:45 a.m. Our own Tim R., riding against the Cat 2s, went off at 1:30 p.m.

Before I get to results, this has to be said — this race is pro. Not only are some pros racing, but the organization and execution is impressive. At the staging for the TT, CycleOps had enough trainers set up for 10-15 guys to get in a last-minute warm-up before they set off. SRAM is providing support for almost every race, and from what I hear, the Burlington Crit has an audience. No, not just girlfriends and family — but cycling enthusiasts that come out to watch. Hot.

Anyhow, results. I don’t have exact times, but the winner of the Cat 3 TT came in under 15 minutes and crushed the second-placing rider by something like 30 seconds. MABRA represented well. Drew took 17th, Rob 22nd, Tim 24th and Brian 28th. They’re all about a minute-and-a-half off the lead. Tim R. posted a very impressive 14th in the Cat 2 TT.

All told, we spent more time wrenching on our bikes, warming up, cooling down and resting than we did actually riding. But that’s OK, since tomorrow and Sunday take us over 140 miles of hilly — nay, mountainous — terrain. I drove the closing mountain section of Sunday’s road race this afternoon, and it’s like Brickyard Road, though about six miles longer. And at the end of a 75-mile stage. Ouch. There’s actually a mountain-top finish, though. Rad.

I know there are other MABRA guys and gals here, but I haven’t been able to keep tabs on them yet. Results should be posted here as they come in, though the TT times aren’t yet up. I’m sure Chuck Hutch and some of the Battley boys will represent the region well in the Pro/1 race. If I get any word from them, I’ll post it.

For now, that’s it from Vermont. Over and out.

Postscript: Oh yeah, I placed 68th in the TT. I don’t like TTs. Or mountains. I’m a crit guy. A Hains Point rider. I didn’t have disc wheels. I didn’t sleep well. It’s cold here. I’m working for Tim, and didn’t want to make him feel bad. Given all those things lined up against me, I still beat like 40 guys. Do I get a jersey for that?