It was hot…real dang hot in Philadelphia on Sunday. The temp’s were in to the high 30′s and humidity was at a maximum. The day started typical of UCI one day, with constant attacks after the 3 parade laps were over. Loads of attacks, splits, chases and a few solid crashes welcomed Team RACE Pro to the Philadelphia International Classic for the first time.
On the start line, we all had our races planned in the back of our minds, some of us were to carry bottles and push as much wind for Mark Walters (winner of this race in ’02 wearing the Canuck Champ jersey) Ryan Roth and the newest member of TRP Francois Parisien.
The only move of the day that got any time started around kilometer 100, just to give you an idea of how long it took to get the early break out and established. I was at the front when the last 3 riders went clear of the bunch, Brad White from Successful Living, Dan Ramsey of Time Pro, and Olympic TT Champ Tyler Hamilton of Rock Racing. I had 2 riders to the right of me, keeping me from following so waited until I was clear and tried in vein to get across. The pack shut down right away with no reaction, allowing the break to gain time fast. Bauer came over the radio; “Bucker, if you don’t catch’em by the wall, sit up” I was already loosing time to the break, but still gaining time on the pack. I was officially in “no mans land.”
By this time I had about four and a half minutes, and wasn’t too far from the famous Manayunk Wall, lined with thousands of screaming fans, drinking, taking pictures, eating lunch and having a good o’ll time watching our face’s grimace in pain. I made the sweeping right turn on to the cobbles and the fast left on to the wall with enough time to enjoy a nice slow ascent of that great climb, and even get to smirk back at some race fans.
Once back in the pack I took on all kinds of food and water in hopes of being able to help the boys for the next 100k. Ryan reported in feeling good, as did Francois and Mark. Only a few laps later I found myself fighting with all I had to hold the wheels, and eventually it proved to be too much. The heat and hills hammered me and I finished the day watching (in the shade!) from the sidelines.
Shortly after 6 hours in the saddle it was time for the last climb up the “Wall”, Ryan pinned with Francois in tow to make sure Francois was in good position over the climb incase it splits. According to Francois, Ryan did a huge impressive tug rivaling a few Highroad riders doing the same job for Bernard Eisel. Ryan from the wall just rolled it in to the finish with Francois hanging tough for a solid 29th place in Americas toughest race.
Post race we took quick showers, and hit the road, we’re now at the Tour de Beauce in St.Georges Quebec, Canada’s biggest race. We’ll be updating from here, so stay tuned folks. I have to thank Matt Parnell from Peterborough for driving down to Philly and helping the team, he was a BIG help.
Bucker
