Tuesday Night Track Racing

Javier reports from the track in SoCal

Race: TNR
Field: 7 teams of 2 riders each
Events: 2 Madisons. First was 60 laps, second was 50 laps with sprints
every 10 in both races
Teammates: Brett (1st race) and in 2nd race we both had to change
partners. I rode with a former body builder with the nickname “The
Hulk”.
Placing: 5th in both events

First Madison was insane. The teams were a bit stacked and they
included the pairing of Sean Watkins and Mike McMan, who won Masters
Nat’s in the Madison last year. Shaun Wallace paired with Erick
Hollenbeck and the rest of the teams were somewhat even. I was having
a hard time getting my legs going and was suffering a bit in the
sprints. Brett right before the start took a spill, or more of a
tumble I should say. He got a nice gash on his forehead, but was okay
to race. About 20 laps into the race we missed a crucial split and
spent the next 25 laps chasing back on. With about 15 to go we decided
to get lapped and context some points that way as we were spending too
much energy and not closing more than 1/3 of a lap. We got some points
and managed to finish 5th.

Second madison was a bit less crazy but more aggresive when it came to
handling. My partner attacked on lap 3 and I quickly told him not to
do that again. He didn’t listen and attacked later on. We missed the
timing on our exchanges and I ended up having to sprint in them,
which was not a good idea as I didn’t have the snap. We did earn a few
points here and there, however the other teams were consistently
winning sprints.

Not sure why my form is so lacking after having some good recent
weeks. Could be a combination of having had a week off, stress of
being at work and recently getting diagnosed with acid reflux, which
seems to only come out during intense physical activity. I see lots
of Pepcid AC in my near future.

I believe Brett and his teammate won the 2nd Madison. He got to ride
with one of the National Champions.