Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Thinking Out Loud: Is it sandbagging?

Last year I raced Cat1 in my age group. I chose to race my age group instead of Cat1 SS open because the big guns, and most regular attendees from 2008 were going to challenge the Open/Pro class so I figured I wouldn't have anyone to race against (although racing Rob and James would have left me chasing for third).
In 2009 the participation in the Cat1 SS was better than I expected, some races were still pretty thin, but others there was a nice little field. But I had started in my age group so I was going to finish in it.
Fast forward to 2010 do I continue racing my age group, or do I race SS?
I was competitive last year, but on some of the flatter courses, and ironically the ski resort courses, I felt at a disadvantage to the geared riders I was competing with. I always just looked at it as "it is what it is", but never the less getting passed on a fireroad leading to the finish is still frustrating.
Another factor is I'm riding for someone, so I feel a responsibility to get results. Sure, there is a certain satisfaction doing the best you can do, against the toughest competition, but if your best is more likely to give you a higher placing in one class isn't that better for your sponsor?
Let's be clear about this, Singular has helped me out, but it's not like a full ride. I consider it more like getting a partial scholarship to play on the college squash team; "Sure we want you on the team kid, but it's Squash, what do you expect?". Still I feel responsible to represent the best I can.
That's not to say that the Cat1 SS open isn't tough competition; cross referencing the results, I would have done well, but there would still be a fight for the podium. Even so, the CAt 40-49 was generally faster.
One advantage of racing my age is I'm racing against other geezers (some very fast geezers) and not some young hot shot.
So, Cat1 40-49 or Cat1 SS Open?

4 comments:

Mark said...

Go for the gold, CAT1 SS! I have decided to build trails rather than race. I might do the Darkhorse but that might be it, too many responsibilities as the CT NEMBA Prez. One thing is for certain, I love it rigid and single!

Rigidnsingle said...

I'd stay with the age group. Racing against the gearies week after week has given me an edge. Just gear it up a little. 1 tooth bigger than you would think for any given course should be enough to keep with them on the flats...

Or you could come race with us...

Todd H. said...

Just get gears... problem solved!
See how easy it is...

Alex said...

Since you are riding a Single Speed, your sponsor might like to see how it measures up against other Single Speeds. Just a thought.