L&C Cat 4 tactics and teamwork talk and practice at the Velodrome 3/23

Now that the Kissena racing season has started with a bang at Grant’s Tomb we can start to think about tactics for the L&C cup series.

Having the date of the first L&C cup race pushed back to April 5^th gives us the opportunity to meet, plan strategies and work on skills.

Given that we have a new mix of racers with varied teamwork skills, a large Kissena presence in the Cat 4 fields, as well as many goals (placing, jerseys, series points) it makes sense for us to meet to discuss roles and strategy and practice leadouts.

JP has agreed to let us piggyback on his “The Kissena Early Season Day at the Velodrome” on Sunday, March 23rd, at 9am after the Spring Series race in CP.

In addition to whatever JP has planned, my initial sense is for us to address the following (suggestions welcome):

1.     Identify team and individual goals
2.     Identify strategies towards attaining these goals
3.     Review how to apply these strategies during an L&C race
4.     Review how to communicate effectively during the race
5.     Practice lead outs
6.     Review blocking and other team strategies.

Until then, we can share our goals and ideas for the series

FYI - Reposted from the Kissena Velodrome Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/350464568560/


KISSENA TRACK CLEANING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.

We will be getting together over several weekends to clean and later work on patching some cracks in the surface.  SAFETY is our Major concern so we need your help NOW and $$$ once we settle on a method to collect and thus for expenses (details to follow on that).  This Saturday 10am - 12:30pm Andrew LaCorte and Mark Wagner will be at the track to evaluate and inspect.  WE NEED a few Bodies to sweep, tather debris and bag all.  If You can come just reply and bring Heavy Work Gloves, Rakes & Push Sweep brooms if you have.  OWN a Leaf blower?  Great we could use that also.  VOLUNTEERS PLEASE SIGN ON.

twoyacks said:

http://cnnchile.com/noticia/2014/03/13/ciclista-nacional-sufrio-brutal-caida-en-plena-competencia-

WHAT THE HELL?!?

BUMP!

I'm driving from Park Slope and have room for two more bikes. I'm taking my track bike also so probably not heading back until a bit later.

I will be driving from the CP race and can take two other bikes if you won't be following Marc or Dale or whomever is riding from the Park. 

uhm...Patrick, I wouldn't mind a ride to the velodrome...

How many folks are planning on riding from CP? Because if it's just me...and Patrick has room in his car...well, me following scribbled out directions avoiding getting doored in Queens just seems silly.

I was thinking to ride over after the CP race, although getting a ride would work, too

Tim and all CP/Velodrome day doublers, let's all come prepared to ride to the velodrome (extra food/clothes/directions etc) and if there's room in Patrick's ride, double bonus.

But also...food. In the past, I've raced CP and then gone over the bridge for extra miles and usually 1/2 way to Piermont, if I didn't eat, I bonk terribly. Same when I ride home from PP races. So you know bring food. I'm planning on making a PB&J sandwich. Although one of the coffee carts by my hospital can whip up a egg sandwich and sells $1 donuts that aren't terrible. Not sure if he works on Sundays though...

Folks coming from CP (or elsewhere) - I am going to be at the Queens side of the Queensboro\59th St bridge at 8:10am . 

Hey Everyone,

Sarah has come down with a bad flu tonight. She's sleeping and maybe she'll feel better tomorrow, but I may not be able to be at the Velodrome for drills tomorrow because I'll have to stay home taking care of Peter while she recovers some more. I'm confident that Patrick and Dale can pick up the slack though.

Not looking good in the Bertucco-Smith household today. I'm catching whatever Peter and Sarah have now. Ugh. Fortunately, I know Patrick Grehan is going to be there and Dale. And I think track super stud Kieran and Andy will be too. You guys will be in good hands.

Thanks to Patrick and Dale for the instructions and practice. Very helpful to work on this stuff in a controlled environment.

Nice day out there yesterday (even though my legs have nearly zero pop at the moment).

Yup, thanks to Dale and Patrick for their tips and insights, always good to have a refresher course.

half of the Cat 4 crew will skip the first L&C race anyway for Battenkill. I'm sure people will naturally coalesce at some point for practice eventually.

 @Phillip If you guys are at all serious about going after yellow I'd recommend you plan.

Consider that in the first race(s) you're setting a tone. Stomp all over the competition, psyche them out and make them feel like going after yellow is a bridge too far. Practice delivering Brendan to the sprint, and you'll be able to do that with less likelihood of a crash (think blown riders going backwards through the field on a bloody hill!).

Lastly, at Floyd last year I missed the last two races, lost the jersey by three points and got bumped off the leaders podium. Consistency matters.

Sorry I missed Sunday.  A perfect storm of family and work meant no long Kissena rides for me.

Bump.

Now it's time to get my Cervelo on the road.

Bump.

I'm assuming we should talk to Alan to make sure we're not overlapping with one of his scheduled events?

David Yang said:

I'm assuming we should talk to Alan to make sure we're not overlapping with one of his scheduled events?

of course.

I'm assuming that if you came, you'd bring treats. 

Hah, did I make promises on behalf of my better half?  

What about next Sunday, March 20th, 10am, or whatever time correlates with leaving the Brooklyn Bridge at 8am?  

We'll have the Saturday B'Brook race for those who want the speed of racing.  I know this conflicts with the traditional Sunday Ride, but I figure we won't do this often, and we won't be able to--the track gets more use starting in April.  And we'll have more races to choose from and the season will be in fuller swing.

We'll work on sprinting and leadoffs and a few other things.  I figure it will take 2-3 hours.  And for those who want to learn track racing, there will be a track racing clinic at the same spot in the afternoon.

Pretty confident I'm in.

Jeff and I are out of town .  I REALLY want to do this, can we do a different time?

JP I like the track because it's like 5 minutes from my house, but how about also holding these drills at Rockleigh?  Might be a good way to entice people who want to get in their Sunday miles but still want to get in on the clinic action.

BTW for people who have never ventured into Eastern Queens on a bicycle, if I'm available that day, I'm happy to guide a group from either Flushing main street (if you take the 7 Train out), or west of Citifield from northern Queens.