State Criterium Championship Race Report

by Buzz Wright

Honestly, I don't feel like giving a report for this race. I was pretty disappointed with the results. No. I was extremely disappointed. I love crits. Love them. The speed, the technicality, the tactics, the intensity. I've thoroughly enjoyed every crit I've done and always look forward to the next one. This year, I came so close to getting on the podium so many times. I got 5th at Avondale, 4th at BioPark, 7th at Sun Devil, 4th at VOS, 6th at Tolero, 7th at Avondale, 5th at Avondale, 5th at Hungry Dog, 4th at Hungry Dog, 5th at TBC... and after every single one I would think, "There's another race coming up, I will podium there."

State Crit Champs. On my radar since January. I wanted so badly to finish the season with a podium. I felt good, I felt strong, I was ready. I was so ready. Sitting 4th wheel with 200 meters to go, ramping up my sprint, in the 53/12 ready to burn it into the 11, accelerating into the wheels of the 3rd and 2nd place riders, strong, so strong. Confident. Fast. Sure. I would be on the podium. I have that podium. Today I get it. It's mine...

Another racer crashes right in front of Buzz, 200m from the finish

​A couple decades ago I was the eldest of 5 children, and the only boy. When the news came that my mother was pregnant with the 6th, I immediately started praying for a brother. I wanted a little brother so badly and I just knew -- absolutely knew -- that if there was a God, He would let me have a brother. I prayed, more than I had ever prayed in my life for a boy. When the day came, I went to the hospital to meet the baby, certain -- absolutely certain -- that I finally had a brother. My father met me in the hallway and told me the news. Her name was Christina.

I remember the scene to this day. My dad took me to the hospital cafeteria and bought me a Tab soda. We sat and I cried and he told me that it was alright; that my job was to take care of Tina and keep her safe. To protect her and be a good big brother for her. And that even though things didn't turn out the way I wanted them to, later I would understand and would be glad. But that day I was heartbroken.

For months (years if you ask her), I dressed Tina in boy's clothes and introduced her to everyone as "Chris", my little brother. I included her in everything I did, from riding bikes to rollerblading to playing ice hockey... and that initial disappointment faded very quickly. As I matured I realized that having a brother was no better than having a sister. And that I was fortunate -- extremely fortunate -- to be given the opportunity to be the big brother to so many beautiful, intelligent, caring girls.

One week prior to the State Crit Champs, on Easter Sunday, I got to do something amazing. I got to officiate the wedding for Tina. I'd already performed the wedding ceremonies for two of my other sisters, but I was still very nervous for this one. During the ceremony I talked about the time in the hospital when my dad bought me that Tab soda. I looked at Tina and she laughed. I fought back tears and held my composure the best I could. It was a beautiful day -- the exact opposite of disappointment.

Buzz performing the wedding ceremony for his sister, Tina

​Sometimes, well -- most of the time... things don't go as planned. Sometimes instead of finally getting to step up on a podium you're picking yourself up off the pavement. But disappointment today can turn into overwhelming joy tomorrow. I'll podium State Crit Champs... just stay tuned...