Imbedded Cat 4 Racer

By Dean Warren
It is certainly one thing to watch the hard work the Colavita juniors put in to train and race, but by racing alongside the Cat 4 racers I have an even greater appreciation for the efforts of these competitors. The Winter Haven Cycling Classic race weekend showcased the teamwork and skill level the Colavita cyclists have developed. I raced along side Casey, Taylor, Ian, Bradley, Brandon, Christian and Anselm on Saturday in orange grove country on a supposedly 14 mile loop for three laps (turns out the loop was a bit less than 13 miles).
The weather was nearly perfect save for the breeze coming out somewhere from the north. Maybe it was the wind or the fact that the participants were thinking about the 7 mile time trial (which turned out to be more like 8 miles) which kept the overall pace of the race at times a leisurely tempo. Maybe no one wanted to pull into the wind, but that was mostly on the last lap. Space Coast rode at the front for the most of two laps, but slid back on lap three before leading out Daniel Curio in the end to victory.
Did I mention this was a Cat 4/5 race? No explanation needed. Just that fact made for an interesting race. There was a strong Cat 5 wearing the yellow jersey who kept attacking, and then was just pulling us for a while. Space Coast enjoyed the break while he did the work. Taylor gave it a go looking for someone to get in a break early on in the race, but didn’t stay out too long. I chased a small group of three and pretty much pulled them back.
Like savvy racers, the Colavita boys in this race sat back and waited patiently to make their move when it counted. I had Bradley on my wheel a few klicks from the finish and made a deal to lead him out. Of course in the end you have to be in FRONT of someone to actually lead them out, something I haven’t quite been able to do yet. I hugged the yellow line and waited for the 1 K sign when the whole road opened up for the sprint to the finish. Foolish me, for not everyone waited, and moved all over the road before the pre determined open road spot. I saw Taylor fly past me on the left, and picked my way as best as I could to the line. Slow riders littered the road as they blew up left and right. I admire those Colavita racers as they manage many times to either be in the right position ahead of the sprint and not get boxed in, or are able to shoot through narrow openings to make it to the finish ahead of everyone else. The Space Coast lead out got their man to the line first, but Bradley nabbed second just a tire width ahead of Taylor who got third. This was a fine result for Colavita, occupying the second and third steps on the podium.
There isn’t any teamwork in the individual time trial, but I know how hard these guys ride to achieve the fast times they post. They are all machines! Sunday was a whole other story at the Winter Haven downtown crit. Another beautiful blue sky perfect temperature day and a great 8 corner crit course awaited us. The Cat 4/5 race was the last race of the day, so I had the chance to take photos and watch all the other races before ours.
The second race of the morning, the older juniors race was incredible. The Colavita team had a hand in every attack and counter attack and blocking and chasing and finished second, third and fourth in the 17-18s and third and fifth in the 15-16s. I learned later how tough it was out there when the whistle blew to start the Cat 4/5 race. I knew it would be hard and fast from the beginning, but knowing and doing are two different things.
Thanks to the cheering and yells to move up (I’m barley hanging on, how can I move up?!!?), and especially to Diane encouraging me to close the gap when I was almost popped off the back. I somehow managed to stay in the main field. I thought I was in decent shape, but wow, this course which was fun, took everything in me to stay in there. I so much wanted to help with a pull or lead out or something, but only managed to block for a couple moments when Taylor was off the front. I missed helping when Casey was out there, and I know Ian did an incredible amount of work at the front. I knew I had to get up front before the last lap, but couldn’t do it. There was enough of a straight away before turn 6, so I tried to pass riders up the right side, making sure to avoid the protruding median, then watch out for the cyclists swinging wide before the turn. It wasn’t enough and I missed Bradley’s awesome sprint to take third place. These boys and girls who represent Colavita in Florida are amazing. It is hard and intense and they are right up there. Well done all Colavita Juniors. You are all awesome!!!