It's good to race for the money

For many of us who race on the front range it is a challenge to find big money races, and we often find ourselves racing for $150, 3 places deep, or more or less pride.  I would like to give props to the promoters of the Bannock St. Criterium who pooled together a large cash purse, which brings out the best racers from the region and catalyzes more quality racing.  I hope more promoters learn from Bannock's success, which will only help to improve the quality of races on the front range in the future.  

As for TLE, Paul and I showed up to Bannock ready to throw down.  The field grew exponentially from the previous days race at the Federal Center in Lakeview, and like I previously noted the race was of a much higher caliber and quality.  With only two riders, we started off being very aggressive trying to make the breakaway, because we knew that many of the Pro teams wanted a breakaway to succeed so we could settle into a hard tempo for the remainder of the race.  Unfortunately we did not make the breakaway, so Paul and I remained calm and collected and prepared ourselves for a fast, dicey finish.  In the final laps the race was very stressful and dangerous; just the way Paul and I like it.  Moving up the side in the final lap, Paul did an amazing job working his way to the front with me following behind.  In the final corner as the field swung inside Paul took the outside line and was able to pass several riders for a solid 10th place finish.  I was able to fight out the remaining final meters to finish in 17th, and was very pleased to simply finish in one piece with the injured back holding up and in better health.  

From now, Jarred, Ian, Rolf and myself head off to Elite Road National Championships in Anaheim, CA.  All are riding with good form and we are looking forward to showing the country how strong we are in tough, long road races.  Jarred is already in CA preparing for the TT.  We wish him the best.  

-Phil