9/16 - Portsmouth Crit,  NH
Considered the last race of the season by many, it seemed the entire town came out to watch the Portsmouth Crit today.  Since Ryan lives in Portsmouth, our plan was to get him up the road and save Alain for the field sprint.  We all rode at the front during the first half of the race and Ryan got away with a strong break group.  A few laps later, Brad gave Alain a great lead-out for a $50 cash preme while Chris made sure that nobody countered afterwards.  Ryan’s group stayed away and he finished 6th amongst some great company; Alain took 5th in the field sprint.  Chris got pinched on the final lap and hugged some hay bails but he’s OK.  The guy likes to mix it up  out there... what else can you expect from an all-star hockey player?
Ryan, 6th
Alain, 13th
Brad, 25th

9/14 - York Beach Crit, ME
This is a very popular race in New England because of the scenic shoreline course and generous $2,500 prize-list..., which means all the fast guys show up.  The team rode very strong and we had guys in breaks all day.  Once again, Ryan was in a promising break but it was too early in the race so they were reeled in by the field.  Alain bridged up to Mark McCormack late in the race and the gap was large enough to inspire some strong counter-attacks but everything came together with 4 laps to go and a field sprint was imminent.  Ryan, Brad and Chris got caught up in some defensive riding during the last lap but Alain was near the front and hung on for 10th place. Afterwards we gabbed some food and drink at a local restaurant along the water thanks to a $50 gift certificate preme that we won during the race.
Alain, 10th
Brad, 33rd
Chris, 34th
Ryan, 58th

9/9 - Haverhill Crit,  ME
Despite a very sore back from yesterday’s race, Chris recovered enough to have a strong race in Haverhill today.  Nothing stops this guy!
Chris, 9th (30+)

9/8 - Topsfield,  MA
Brad, Alain and Chris went to Topsfield today; Brad won this race last year so the other teams closely watched us.  Ryan got into a promising breakaway that fizzled midway through the race.  Shortly after, with three strong riders up the road, Brad attacked and almost reached them.  Possibly aware of Brad’s history in the race, pro riders Tim Johnson and Anthony Colby immediately went after him.  Alain and Ryan latched on along with a few other riders but Johnson attacked hard as Brad was caught; only Colby and Alain could match the pace.  The trio caught the three leaders and stayed away for over 20 miles until ex-pro Mark McCormack helped reel them in.  The fast pace and grueling heat split the field into several groups and many riders abandoned; Alain finished in the chase group but didn’t have much left for the sprint and had to settle for 17th.
Alain, 17th