Awesome work Faction Racers p/b WCC. We had a plan and followed through, despite a major bump and bruise. The Substance race series came local and debuted at Belwood Lake for 110km gravel rip. We probably had close to 15 club riders out to represent including an A team of Ethan Powel, myself, Jesse Martin, Jeremy (he-man) Hardeman, Alex VanderLinden, Ben Dutton and Vance Lai. Simple plan was if there was a break make sure we are in it with atleast 1 rider, and the others control the chase group or at least provide no help taking pulls. Pretty much figured the break could happen early with the Clark brothers and Yehor in the race. Yehor went right away and didnt take long for Ethan to bridge up to the Bridge Cycles rider. And so I began to work the front of the group or “not work”, but with the Clark brothers still waiting to attack we brought Ethan and Yehor back just after the first river crossing. A few kms later after the 2nd river crossing a group formed with the heavy hitters and they got a gap. A totally closeable gap, but no one wanted to chase. It was kinda funny how easy it was to control the chase group. For then next 20km I either sat on the front and slowed it down or followed anyone trying to pull and shut that down. Out of the chase group of maybe what..25ish riders maybe 3 wanted to try and work. Felt bad for Alex Macdonald he was wanting to close the gap so bad, but no one would help him…Just watch his matches burn. Eventually Myself and Pete told him to read the group and just save it. I admit it was hard to not go after that lead group. I was starting to wonder where my helpers were, Jesse and Jeremy, but Jesse showed up soon and helped control the front. Unfortunately he then told me about Jeremy and the chase he just had to do to get back on. At that point I didnt know how bad it was, but glad to hear nothing broken and team head man Vance was with him. Jesse and I sat on the front down that lane the feed was on and rode at maybe 180watts chatting, it was a joke. So, not much happened for the next 60km, I went to the back to see who all was in this group.. a lot and also a face full of flying gravel. There was definitely a lot of fire power resting at the back of this group. Alex and Ben were here just dodging gravel too. With maybe 30km to go the break was safe so after Pete Glassford pulled for 3km I put in a seated attack up a slight hill just to test the group. Up the road we could see 2 of the breakaway coming back. Tyler Clark and an unknown that was having an almost lucky day. The last 20km came quickly, our group thinned out after the last aid station as a few stopped for water and disrupted the group. Alex got caught out here. Nathan Chown started showing his face and another 50+ rider Adam. Also the 3rd teammate of the Caladon team now that Tyler was back. This youngster put in the final attack on the last hill getting a 20m gap, he was caught just before the rail trail. Pete and Tyler to the front now and pace went up. Heard a crash behind me at the rail trail start. 500m to go after the rail trail was confusing because most of us thought the finish was on the road we started on another 1km away. I was in good position but got jumped by the Nathan and Brady, also Gus Degroot got me close to the line. But hey, still beat Pete, and Ethan was there showing me the #1 sign. Job done and worth it. Shout out to Ben Dutton rounding out the top 10 overall and showing heart in the last 5km when it mattered. Faction 1st place overall, 1st place 35+ and 1st place 60+. Reading other riders strava post im surprised at all the comments about how fast and technical the race was..?
. Next one is the Eager Beaver, now that’s a riders race! Jeremy you be ready lol, we will get you the tires, and maybe a mountain bike to train on!
Awesome report - thanks and congratulations for a great effort @velodan
Thank you for the wonderful summary of the ride from your perspective, made me feel like I was in the pack! I can agree with some of the riders, the first river crossing was pretty technical, haha. Despite going from a peak of 70k/h on the descent to roughly 25k/h when I made-out with the concrete barrier, that protected me from plunging into the Grand River, I can report I have no broken bones, a glued up chin and cheek, a banged up right quad, and a concussion.
All that being said, I loved the atmosphere of the race, everyone was so welcoming and helpful. Special thanks to Vance for stopping his race to help me when I needed it the most. I was so pumped to hear that Ethan was able to get the win and with the team’s great accomplishments. Next race, I promise to be a more contributing factor!
I feel bad for leaving out one important tip in the pre race discussion, stay in the front/stay by me or Ethan. Its not technical in the front, but yeah in the middle or back of the pack that sucks. I could imagine how scary that can be on the descent with a bend. And slow, thus your decision to make up ground on the edge. Near the front you are in control or following a good riders wheel.
If you come out to Eager Beaver its a different race. We will discuss closer to it, there’s not much helping happening…more survival and wtf moments.
