Toolish wrote:Ok, my second race coming up this weekend.
Graded scratch road race...how does that work and what are the tactics I should look for?
Here is something I wrote for newbies at my club some time ago.
Scratch race basics
A scratch race or massed start race is one where all the riders start together. Unlike the handicap there are no head starts given. You will be graded, A, B, C or D and your task is to beat all the riders in your particular race back to the finish. There are no rules- everyone starts together, first home wins. Simple. Well maybe not.
The scratch race is a race of tactics. Often strong riders are beaten by weaker but smarter riders. Don’t buy the common excuse given by riders who never win, “I just wanted to have a hard ride, I wasn’t trying to win”. Baloney. Everyone wants to win, but some guys don’t believe they can win, so they race dumb.
1. Check the conditions. Consider the race distance- is attacking 2km into a 60km race a winning move? What about wind direction? In a headwind, the bunch will be the place to be. On the other hand, a small group can travel as quickly as a bunch with a tailwind. And a solo rider can descend a tricky descent faster than a group. Importantly, know where the finish line is. Is it a headwind or tailwind finish? Which side of the road has the best shelter? Store the info in your head before the race begins.
2. Have a race plan. Races rarely go to plan but it’s a good idea to have one anyway. If Plan A fails you can resort to Plan B (or C). Importantly, remember there is only so much petrol in the tank. You cannot make every attack, chase every break, do all the work- and win. You must carefully consider when and how to use your energy. No one is Superman. Of course it’s in your interest to work with breakaway teammates. But do not feel obligated to do things that are not in your plan. Do not let other riders use you for their gain. Don’t be influenced by bossy or abusive riders. Don’t be a hero by single handedly doing all the work at the front. Stick to your plan unless a golden opportunity presents itself. Try to ride near the front of the bunch if possible so you can see what is happening.
In every race there are lots and lots of attacks, most fail. There is usually one decisive move however that is the winning move. You want to initiate it or be in it when it happens. Look for it, be aware, when it happens go for it 100%. This is your best and probably only chance. It will possibly be late in the race and may involve the stronger riders. Avoid wasting energy making futile attacks.
3. Ride to your strengths. If you are a sprinter you will be hoping for a bunch finish and an easy ride. Try and keep the bunch together, nullify breakaways but try not to use too much energy doing it. Time-trial gurus will be looking for an opportunity to break away from the pack for a glorious solo victory. Probably the best scenario is a small breakaway where you can plot your finish against 1 or 2 riders rather than 20. If you are a good climber, decide which hill you might attack on.
4. Know your opposition. If you know the other riders and their strengths, use that knowledge to your advantage. Do you really want to be in a breakaway with that top sprinter? Maybe you might mark that strong rider and try to follow him, or counter-attack him when he’s just made a big effort. Be aware of who is around you. If the bunch splits in two up a hill, you could be dropped if its you and 3 weak riders chasing the four guns up the road. Take note of who seems to be in form and who is struggling. Don’t follow the wheel of a tired rider, if he tails you off the back you might be history.
5. Take the mental edge. Don’t be psyched out by other riders. Everyone can be beaten. If it’s a quality field, think how much more you’ll savor the win. Ride positively, ride smart, be prepared to take a risk. “To win without risk is to triumph without honor”. To win you must do something. No victory is achieved easily or painlessly. So have a go, if you fail, at least you dared to try.
The scratch race is a myriad of possibilities. You can do as much or as little work as you like. There are no rules and few etiquettes to worry about. It is loved by thinking riders who can make all the right decisions at the right times during the race. A scratch race victory is sweet, but you must use your brain as well as your legs if you wish to experience it.
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at 33 not that i am saying he is to old, but he is to old 
