And because his final sprint was just down right awesome to witness, and the team work that led up to that final sprint so stellar…

Here is one more race report on the Colavita Grand Prix from none other than Masters 35+ 1/2/3 race winner Mike Charleton.

PS: His podium pic was the best out of the entire weekend.

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Colavita Grand Prix – Masters 35+ 1/2/3
Result: 1st Place
Teammates: Eric Cinnamon, Matt Abbott, Javier Sanchez, Jeff Braunstein, Jonathan Lee

In my bunch of years racing, I don’t think I have ever been more focused, committed and optimistic to winning a bike race than last Sunday. I rarely go into a race to “finish” or survive. I often have a goal of placing or even podium or medal. But the goal this day was to show what a determined team of strong riders could accomplish. The commitment that my teammates made toward a win at Colavita Crit in Novato was so strong that I really wanted to make this one happen.

Communication was strong before the gun went off. We had made plans the week before the race with Jonathan Lee getting things organized. There was chatting before the race during warm up and final planning as the previous race finished and as we all took our lap before lining up. Each rider with their assignment we hit the start line.

As I typically do in this type of race, I got a good start and stayed right at the front for the 1st couple laps until everyone settled into a rhythm. Then as I drifted back, I watched our boys get down to business. Pace keeping, launching with attacks, towing breaks back. Always near the front ready to react. Time and time again, Red Peloton out of the saddle to ensure no other teams got the advantage. We wanted to capitalize on the team lead out and final sprint. I can’t tell you how amazing it was to see my Red Peloton teammates getting it done. While I was being as safe, efficient and conservative as possible, through every turn I could see my guys digging at the front to ensure we had our shot at the finish. I knew these guys were giving it everything as the competition tested their will. As our riders would drift back to recover after an effort, I could see how hard everyone was pedaling. This gave me a greater and greater sense of urgency to absolutely crush the sprint when it was my turn to light the fuse.

¾’s way through, Jonathan could see that things were getting a bit chaotic, so he encouraged me to watch for a serious break. I saw 2 strong riders organizing. I reacted quickly when they launched and didn’t have to put my nose in the wind to stay on. We quickly established a small gap that I thought might stay. We all made short pulls for a bit, but the field was too motivated and they brought us back. I was confident at that point with the number of laps remaining, that we were looking at a field sprint.

This is when things always get exciting. Couple laps to go, Javi was doing a great job keeping my leadout man Jonathan and I protected and toward the front. I ditch the bottle in case it’s a close finish. One to go, Jonathan calls to move up and Javi get’s us a bit closer to the front. Less than one to go and we are flying. Everyone is trying to get position. 2 or three times there are juggling of positions and each time I fight to keep my wheel and let JLee know that I’m with him. With 1 K to go, Jonathan takes the accelerator and just punches it right through the floorboard. I get as small and as close as possible and hang on for dear life. Visualizing what is about to happen at the last turn, I called on that inner primordial fight or flight response that allows the spontaneous coordinated firing of all leg muscles as if to preserve one’s life or the life of one’s family or mankind itself for God’s sake. This is it! This is for everything! Now or die! JLee beautifully pulled right before the final turn which allowed me to go aggressively into the turn. With finish line acquired in the distance, it’s go time. Everything into the pedals! 100%! Nothing is held back. Half way there and I hear my typical self talk to get me a little extra kick the rest of the way, “As if it’s World Championships!” A throw of the bike at the line and I glance to the right and see the 2nd place finisher closer than I would have like to have seen him, but he didn’t have enough.

This finish was so close that everything could have been a factor. What if I had to use a bit more during the race because a break needed to be covered? Didn’t need to, my guys got that covered. What if my leadout wheel had to work his way up from mid pack in the final laps? Didn’t need to, had it covered. What if Jonathan didn’t take it all the way to the turn? No way. As we planned, delivery right to the launch pad.

I look forward to contributing to the success of my teammates at any opportunity and know we can earn more great finishes.

So big congratulations to all my teammates that won on Sunday in the Master’s 1/2/3 field. When asked how you did on Sunday, I would hope your response would be, “Couldn’t have gone better, we won!”