Feb. 15, 2010
ZENN RACING TEAM TRIES TO BREAK THE FIELD AT DINUBA CRITERIUM
Dinuba, CA - With sunny skies and perfect temperature, the conditions for the 2010 Dinuba Criterium were ideal for racing, unlike the previous year when torrential rain pounded the event. This year Zenn Racing Team was represented by Chris Ott and Scott Fonseca, who just came from a 2nd place finish at Pine Flat Road Race the previous day. Spectators enjoyed sunny skies as the Masters 35+ 1,2,3 race lined up.
The team plan for Zenn was to cover all the major moves by the other large teams represented, which included: Team Safeway, Sierra, Giant Berry, and Vapor. Zenn had mixed expectations, knowing that both Chris and Scott had tired legs from the previous day's 3 hour, hard road race efforts. While much of the field of riders in the Dinuba Criterium were fresh from no racing the previous day. Regardless, both Zenn riders were determined to make this a hard race and break the field. Scott started off the barrage of attacks with a solid move that included Safeway strongman Jonathan Eropkin. This move was forcing the pack behind to put in a big effort, causing alarm bells to ring for the teams not represented in the move. During the chaos, two of the chaser's in the pack crashed hard into the curb. One of which was Safeway rider Jeff Poulsen, who appeared to suffer fairly significant injuries. The pack eventually reeled in Scott Fonseca and then it was Chris Ott's turn to counter attack. Both Scott and Chris knew the pack was working extremely hard to cover the moves and it seemed to be on the edge of breaking apart.
With 8 laps to go, Chris Ott countered one of Scott's moves and was able to get a 15-second gap with two other riders. This looked to be a decisive move for the race, and a real bid for the podium. One of the riders in the break was not able to contribute with the fast pace being set, so it was up to Chris and the rider from Reno Wheelman to force the issue. However, at just under 3 laps to go, the break was pulled in by a consolidated effort from Team Sierra. This set Scott up to launch a final assault with 2 laps to go. The annihilated lead pack, now split down to a front group of no more than 15 riders, was motivated with a blistering last lap which saw Scott's attempt come to an end.
Chris sprinted for the podium, but it was clear that his injuries sustained in the prior weekend's crash, combined with the previous day's efforts, meant he was only able to manage an 11th place at the line.
All said, a good day for Zenn Racing Team for attacking the race and breaking the field. Several teams commented on the strength and aggressiveness of Zenn Racing Team. Unfortunately the result didn't tell the whole story, but Zenn came away from the weekend with a 2nd place podium finish at Pine Flat Road Race the previous day, along with a strong showing in the Dinuba Criterium, making the weekend a fun and successful couple of days racing early in the 2010 season!
