Wenatchee Valley Omnium

Last weekend the Grants travelled to Wenatchee, WA. for the Wenatchee Valley Omnium race. The weather was looking like it was going to hold up. Not surprising, since Wenatchee is known to have 300 days of sunshine. Unfortunately, on race morning the clouds broke apart, pouring down rain like never before (the flash floods caused evacuations). The TT was the first stage, with Mark and James racing first. At 8:00 Saturday morning, The two boys were off racing on the 5 mile long course (the shortened TT course). In the Youth C category, James had an average time trial, putting him in 5th place out of 12. Mark, in the Youth D category, had an exceptionally fast time trial, putting him in first in his field of 6 riders. Steve, in the Masters D category, had an average time on the full TT course, putting him in the middle of the pack. Andrew raced in the cat. 4 men, and his time trial, also on the full TT course, put him in the middle of the pack.

Later that day, the rain finally decided to hold up. In the Twilight Memorial Park criterium, Steve lasted two laps before being pulled (most Masters men on steroids!!). Andrew hung on for several laps before having breathing difficulties. In the Youth C/D category, James took a 6th place in the sprint after being in the chase group the whole race. Mark, who couldn't quite hold on to the older kids, took a 1st place finish in the Youth D category.

The next morning, after a refreshing sleep, the Grants woke up to hear that horrible rain pouring down again! Early in the morning, James and Mark were off again in the Youth C/D Road Race. As soon as the neutral roll-out ended, the leaders started pushing the pace. Soon, the fast pace broke the group apart, resulting in a four-man breakaway. James was in the breakaway with the top three riders in the youth C category. After chasing down numerous solo efforts, James won the race in the long uphill sprint. Mark was in a chase group with a few other Youth C riders, and beat them all to take a 5th place overall finish, and a 1st place finish in the Youth D category. Soon after, Steve left the cover of the tent and made his way to the start line. The course consisted of the full TT course, (out and back), then up an 11 kilometer climb with an average 15% grade. Then, after the climb, there was a treacherous 8km descent complete with road barriers and cliffs. Steve flatted part way up the climb while crossing a washout area. Andrew raced on the same course, and was dropped by the lead group with 1km of climbing left, and could not keep going after the cold and wet descent (you needed a freakin' snorkel just to breath!!). Probably the most challenging stage race we've ever done! Fifteen mile climb today up to Mount Rainier! Awesome descending!! Having a great time training in a new country! That's all for now, pics will be added later.