The CRCA Lucarelli & Castaldi Open race was a blast. Our Star Track teammates Avery, Daniel, Logan, and Yosef joined Max and me. Avery, Daniel, Logan, and Max did the 5-lap (about 50km) Cat 4/5 race and Yosef and I took on the 7-lap (about 70km) Cat 3/4.
This was my first Cat 3/4 and my average speed of 41.3 km/h was higher than in all my previous Central Park races with similar distance. The high average speed made the parts before, on, and after Harlem Hill even more challenging. Before Harlem Hill is a narrow, technical downturn where the field stretches out; when in the back of the field one has to sprint extra hard to catch up. Harlem Hill itself is challenging because everyone goes really hard on the 22 meter climb over the 500 meter distance. While on the climb the field tends to bunch up, it strings out again on the subsequent descent and those in the back need to go hard again to catch up. So, when in the back, it’s all out before the hill, on the hill, and after the hill. For a few laps I was dying not to get dropped and Max unfortunately did with only 1.5 laps to go. All of this taught us one thing: try to stay towards the front so one doesn’t get strung out and has to play catchup. Plus, staying in the front is much safer as it avoids getting caught in a crash.
Despite our struggles, Max and I got results we are happy with. I came in 20th out of 50 in the Cat 3/4 and Max finished 28th out of 37 in the Cat 4/5 (but I believe Max actually placed higher).
Another thing I want to work on is my sprint. I came in 7 sec behind the leader and being able to shave off a few seconds would have helped me place much higher.
Overall, this race was fun, hard, and provided a good learnings experience. Thanks to CRCA for organizing another awesome central park race. So lucky to race in what is likely the most popular park in the entire world!
