Feb. 27, 2010
SNELLING ROAD RACE: A BATTLE IN THE RAIN AND MUD, WITH WATER CROSSINGS
M35+1/2/3,~59miles
Zenn Racing Team: Chris Ott, Scott Fonseca
Snelling, CA - For decades the Snelling Road Race has been a classic race on the Northern California racing calendar. For more than 24 of those years, it has been the same 11.7mile loop, consisting of 5 laps for a total of 58.5 miles, utilizing the rolling hills of Central Valley country roads. However, the big story today was the near hurricane level storm that had swept through the previous day, with remnant winds and rain still beating down at the race start. The storms had soaked the already drenched grounds of the Central Valley, causing deep flooding and debris spread throughout the course. These obstacles, along with the rain and fierce wind would make their presence felt, and have a dramatic impact in blowing the race apart very early into the competition.
For many of the top riders in Northern California, Snelling Road Race marks the first race, and the beginning of the racing season. This year was no exception as the Masters race had a full field of 100 top riders entered, with more than 13 names on a wait list to get in. All of the top masters teams were present and accounted for, including: Specialized, Morgan Stanley, Safeway, Lombardi Sports, Taleo, and many more. Chris Ott and Scott Fonseca lined up as the Zenn Racing Team contingent. Although both Zenn riders were fighting through illness during the week, the Zenn Team was committed to have a presence at this early season classic race. As the race rolled out for the first of it's 5 laps under raining skies and heavy winds, there was tension already mounting among the large field as race officials warned of 9" deep water crossings and debris on the course. These narrow farm roads often produce big splits in the field as the front riders are eager to get through the dangerous terrain and reduce the size of the group. Both Zenn riders sensed this danger and moved strategically to the front in the opening couple miles. As the race started in earnest, the hammer quickly went down on the first tailwind section. The pace heated up to more than 35mph, and was relentless. Any weakness was surely to be exposed as already gaps were beginning to open and riders were being left behind in groups. When the field reached the first major water crossing, with standing water of 9" for a section of road, surprisingly caution was thrown out and the efforts increased! As bikes flew through water that submerged hubs, cranks, and feet, the front of the group pushed the pace to the limit. By the time the peleton had exited the water crossing, it immediately turned to a crosswind section where it was single-file and riders scrambling to get shelter from the wind in the gutters. Chris being very attentive of this situation, had positioned himself near the front and did not miss any of the crucial splits. Scott too, had positioned himself correctly, but the affects of him being sick were proving too costly. Scott chose the better part of valor, resigned from the race to rest and be able to fight another day.
Several attacks happened, which seemed to be a Team Specialized vs. Morgan Stanley battle, each chasing down the others' moves. As Chris was now the sole representative for Zenn, he adopted a race strategy to expend as little energy as possible and only key off the moves made by the two big teams. He was present in every significant move and was successful at ensuring his constant position in the front groups as splits occurred. As the race unfolded, lap after lap, the group was reduced in numbers. Riders were dropping out due to the infernal pace of the race, flat tires, and general attrition. On the last lap, Chris was mid pack, replenishing with food, when suddenly a key attack happened which included: Team Specialized's danger man Bill Innes, along with Morgan Stanley State Road Race Champion Chris Phipps, and his new teammate for 2010, Chris Baker. All told, there were 7 riders in this lead group. Alarm bells were now ringing for Chris. After a hard day of brilliant race tactics and successfully marking of all the right moves, he had just missed what would be the most decisive move of the day. With the major teams represented in the lead group, Chris frantically pushed the pace, launching several hard efforts in attempt to get others to work. It became a frustrating scenario, as the other riders either had teammates in the front group or were not able to contribute to the pace. Things were just about to get more frustrating for Chris as he fell victim to a flat tire with about 5 miles to the finish. Chris was fortunate to have Scott Fonseca, now retired to the follow car, able to quickly respond and provide a rear wheel change. It was now required to put in a huge effort and burn all remaining matches (energy) to chase back on. With the finish line within 2 miles, Chris rejoined the reduced pack of 25 riders. Without Scott's help for the entire wheel change "procedure" this would not have been possible. The front 7 were well clear to fight out the race victory with Bill Innes taking a well deserved win. Chris managed the chaotic sprint to the line for formality, ending up 16th place.
The race had taken its toll on many riders this day, with close to 3 hours in sloppy, wet conditions at full effort. The Zenn Racing Team was not able to repeat the success of Tom Skiles and Scott Fonseca's consecutive weekly podium finishes, but the Zenn Team was represented and in the mix at this classic race.
