Fitchburg-Longsjo - Stage 2

Today's second stage of the Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic, the Fitchburg State College Circuit Race, was held on a 3.1 mile loop that finished on a steep, punchy hill. The Men's 2 field did 20 laps; 62 miles. Riding in the orange Leader's Jersey and only 5 seconds up on 2nd place, my plan was to stay tucked away in the pack today and conserve my energy for what will surely be a tough day tomorrow.

The course was such that I could coast along in the pack for most of the lap, having to only put in an effort on the pitch up to the finish line each lap. I was counting on everything staying together for a pack sprint finish, and if this was the case, only the guys in 2nd and 3rd place would have the chance to take the Leader's Jersey off my back with bonus seconds given at the line. If a break did get away though, I was prepared to watch it go and take my jersey with it.

Although a couple of dangerous breaks did get up the road throughout the race, I excercised a great deal of patience and just hung out in the pack. There were enough teams that wanted a sprint finish that eventually all the breaks got brought back in. The last break was pulled back with only 2 laps to go! Everybody was together at the end just like I was hoping, and I sprinted up the hill for the 20th and last time to finish safely in the pack and more importantly keeping the Leader's Jersey on my back for one more day! -- Al