Masters 55+ Race Report - Cone Azalia

They ran the 45+ and 55+ groups together at Cone.  CFT's Robin Allen was with a group of ten for the first 2 laps but like all Cone races that got whittled down.  This time thanks not only to flats but one 45+ rider pushing the pace to get back on terms in his race.  Coming into the final paved section leading up to the finish Robin was sitting third wheel. The two ahead were both 45+ including the guy mentioned above, the remaining four were 55+.  That meant with Mike Kryanski and Loren Simons (from our very own TNR) away for the 55+'s Robin was racing for the podium, however with 3 other 55+'s behind could have ended up in 6th.  The two 45+'s were motoring along toward the finish but had another lap to go.  Robin sat in, patience.  Finally a 55+ sprinted from behind Robin on his left side, it was too early...  Robin jumped on his wheel,  waiting to get within a hundred or so meters.  Turns out it was the perfect lead out.  As they approached the finish with about 100 meters Robin heard the familiar sound of a chain stretching coming up on his left side so he jumped to the right, planning and thinking done now, game on.  Within sight of the finish Robin fully unleashed and was able to get to the line first to win the field sprint.  

After the race Robin was quoted as saying - "I was happy to win the sprint, but it was so cool to have the sprint work like a dream. We've done it a hundred times on TNR when it's just for fun and bragging rights, but to do it in a race was great!  I'm glad I could help the Capital Fund Title team with a result. We got mentioned several times Sunday with the performance of our guys."