Jan. 30, 2010
ZENN RACING TEAM AGGRESSIVE AT FOLSOM CRITERIUM
Folsom, CA - The Zenn Racing Team lined up at the Folsom Criterium with 5 of it's riders: Rob Cady, Scott Fonseca, Rich Mader, Chris Ott, and Tom Skiles. There was finally a break in the rainy weather, and the Sun actually came out for more than 60 riders who started the Masters 35+ 1,2,3 race.
The Zenn Team's plan for this race was simple, have a Zenn rider present in every breakaway move, and attack the race aggressively to make those moves. From the whistle, the pace was fast. As predicted, Tom Skiles would make an aggressive move and launch off the front, several riders followed. The strong field was determined to not let this go. Several teams, including: Safeway, Rocknasium, and Morgan Stanley put in significant effort to chase. As soon as the move was caught, Scott Fonseca immediately countered with another strong attack. This pattern continued with the peleton constantly chasing down each move, each one being counter attacked with a Zenn rider.
At more than half way into the race, Chris Ott joined an attack with Chad Gerlach, which then say several other riders bridge up to make a large break of 9. This looked to be the most promising move of the day with several strong riders and teams represented. Unfortunately there was not good cooperation in the group, with several riders not willing, or not able to put in work. Another break formed out of the chasing peleton that had another 7 riders. Scott Fonseca strategically positioned himself in this move without contributing to it's pace, as Chris Ott was in the front move. This second break would eventually bridge up to the leading group of 9 making at total of around 16-18 riders off the front. As the two groups merged, the pack was hyper motivated to bring this back. Up in the front, with such a large group, there was no organization and many of the riders present were sitting on as passenger. Having received the free ride up to the move, Scott Fonseca attacked, drawing a few riders with him. Unfortunately by that time, the pack had reeled in the large breakaway and Scott's group shortly after. In the process a Morgan Stanley rider, crossed wheels with another rider, producing the race's only crash.
For the remainder of the race, the Zenn Team had riders Tom Skiles, Rich Mader, Rob Cady, and of course Scott Fonseca and Chris Ott constantly attacking. But to no avail, the race would come down to a field sprint. Tom Skiles took the initiative to provide a lead-out with Chris Ott on his wheel, followed by Scott Fonseca. Tom moved his way through the group with surgeon-like precision. On the last turn several riders came together, closing the door on Ott and Fonseca, causing them to lose position and the chance of victory. Ultimately Chris Ott was only able to manage an 11th place at the line.
However, the Zenn Team performed together extremely well and was the most aggressive team, and were the most aggressive riders of the day. The Zenn Team and Scott Fonseca were awarded the "Gladiator, most aggressive rider" from the race promoter.
After the race Chris Ott said "We worked well as a team today, and made the race really hard through our constant attacking. We wanted to be present in every break, and we were. Unfortunately none of them stuck today."
Rich Mader also commented on the race: "I think the Zenn Team made the race today. Although we didn't come away with the victory today, the Zenn Team proved to the fans, and everyone that it had the horsepower."
When asked about the race, Scott Fonseca replied "The goal was to have a rider on the podium, we didn't do that today, which is disappointing, but we were clearly the most aggressive Team, and were the ones making the race hard."
Tom Skiles commented, "That was fun today! We rode well as a team and it's only going to get better. This was the first race of this season where all of us raced together."
Rob Cady said, "I was hoping to be in the mix for the sprint, but it was pretty crazy on that last lap. My fitness is much better than last year at this time, so I'm looking forward to upcoming races."
The Zenn Team also competed in the Pro race, which seemed to have a more reasonable, steady pace and came down to another big field sprint. Throughout the race the Zenn Team had several riders present at the front. The announcer continued to mention the Zenn Racing Team, including Rich Mader for 4 laps in a row!
Although Zenn didn't get a victory on this day, it was a clear indication there will be some good results by the Zenn Racing Team this season!
