To begin, I am extremely fortunate and thankful to have spent the past weekend in Northern California, with Yuri and Vanessa Hauswald. However, I did not fully realize the extent of sweet activities that would be rapidly occurring.
The
Bantam Classic is a local race to
Petaluma, Calif. that is in its third year.
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Bantam Classic branded shirts were in high demand. |
Leading up to the event, it was intriguing to notice the vast amount of preparation that a race promoter is responsible for accomplishing.
On Friday, March 6, Yuri was consistently checking off the final necessities. I was fortunate enough to drive the full course with Yuri, for a few course markings, to give me a complete understanding of race affairs.
In addition to pre-riding a majority of the course on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6, I was dialed for a Bantam Classic.
On the evening of Friday, March 6, Yuri, Vanessa, and I managed to knock out final administrative tasks.
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Primed Marin and Specialized bicycles. |
On the morning of Saturday, March 7, I was eager to take part in the third annual Bantam Classic.
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Yuri and I wore GU branded "toques" on a chilly morning. |
Along with a collection of upbeat Northern California cyclists, numerous high profile professional cyclists attended the event.
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The masses were assembling early. |
As the full collection of Bantam Classic attendees neutrally rode to the official start location, I was certainly starstruck.
I rolled out behind
Geoff Kabush. Kabush is a multi-time Canadian national champion, in both the mountain and cyclocross disciplines. He has also won the U.S. National cross-country and short track cross-country series multiple times, while being a three-time Olympian.
I spoke with
Katerina Nash. Nash is a four-time Olympian and winner of both cross-country and cyclocross World Cup events, along with being a Czechoslovakian National Champion.
Levi Leipheimer was on my wheel. Leipheimer is a former professional road cyclist, who has won U.S. National Championship events, claimed Olympic medals, won a variety of stage races, and placed top-five in both the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana.
Alison Tetrick and
Barry Wicks were also in attendance.
After accepting the impressive company that surrounded me, it was time to mentally prepare for a challenging event.
The Bantam Classic is modeled after a Belgian classic, with
punchy climbing, sharp descents, and the worst roads that Sonoma County has to offer.
After the first two climbs, a select group of about 20 cyclists had formed, with some riders dwindling off the front. At times, the group was strung out, with one or two riders escaping. I was reminded of my Belgian racing experience this past summer.
By now, I was very comfortable and settling in well. Both
GU Electrolyte Brew drink mix and
GU Energy Gels kept me well nourished and free of issues, throughout the morning.
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GU Energy Labs generously provided race nutrition. |
With a majority of the course accomplished, I was preparing to enter my fox hole and bear down, as Yuri and I discussed on the road.
Levi Leipheimer was solo and he would eventually win. A limited group was second on the road. I was placed in a third group, with approximately fifteen riders.
The finish took place on one final kicker, which numerous riders mistimed. Fortunately, Yuri and I possessed inside knowledge and we went late, to finish in the front of our group. I finished ninth and Yuri took 10th, for a rad day on the road!
After processing the conflicting measures of sheer enjoyment and fatigue, I rolled back to
Lagunitas Brewing Company, for the after-party.
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Lagunitas Brewing Company was a popping location. |
The post-race celebration was a time of reflection, good eats, and good people. No alcohol for me! I was excited to speak with Katerina Nash, Geoff Kabush, and Alison Tetrick, for extended periods of time, along with
Brian Vaughan, who is the Co-Founder/CEO of
GU Energy Labs.
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Katerina Nash could not be more friendly. |
With a full day of bicycles in the books, Yuri, Vanessa, and I cruised home, before enjoying an outstanding evening of pizza and rest. Booyah!
Overall, Northern California does racing right and I had an absolutely amazing weekend!