Avondale Criterium Race Report (Greg)

by Greg Chmelik

This was my second-ever criterium event. I entered two races. I am still on the learning curve of cornering while surrounded by other racers jostling for position. I gave up a lot of positions through the corners every lap of the first race but was able to cover a strong attack that came blasting out of mid-pack. That was one of my jobs from Coach Buzz for that race so it felt great to get it done. In the second race, I did better with the cornering and felt better at the end. On the final lap I got caught behind a split on the back stretch but beat all of the second group. This landed me in 8th overall for that race. Definitely making forward progress.

Greg working on cornering during the 4/5's

​I was so happy to have my family and teammates there for the event. It felt great to have some fellowship and celebrate our experience as a group. At the end of the day, Gary and I were able to assist the event's medical personnel in the care of a rider who had fallen in the final race. His external injuries were bad but not life-threatening. However, you never know what is going on internally until the patient gets to the hospital for scans. Internal injuries can cause a fast deterioration so it was good to have many skilled hands at the ready. It was great that IC3 was able to be there for that rider. Prayers for a speedy recovery.