OGP Race Report from Nick F (2021)

OGP race report: I started (but did not finish) this morning's 4/5 race. Last prior race was 2012 training crit in deep East Bay which put me in the ICU for three days, so just starting was a minor victory. My current ftp is about 215. I weigh 181. Max power during my 3.5 laps today was 804 watts. though avg was 154. max speed 30.8mph. max heart rate 168. these values are all well within my range but I. Just. Could. Not. Keep. Up. With. These. Guys. Bike handling felt very solid and corners were fine. No pack nervousness. After I dropped the announcer guy (Greg?) told me he though I was under-geared. I run a Di2 12-32 10spd on the back. Fitness can always improve, and I have done very little true power training this year (I essentially have about 2k base miles since March and a little Zwift sweet-spot action). How important is it to have dedicated criterium wheels with more specific gearing? I still had a great time! Cheers, and good luck everyone else.

Race Report from Nick F.