Race Report - XRC Subic 2008 (Part 2)

The morning after the road race, I woke up and felt like I got hit by a truck. No, I did not have a hangover, but perhaps I would have preferred one compared to the pain I was feeling in my lower back and neck. No excuses tho, I'm was pushing through with the criterium. You see, I am resigned to the fact that we (as athletes) are never really 100%, and so, we must fight through the pain, especially during races.

A short drive, breakfast...and shortly after I found myself warming up around the track. The criterium was held at the Subic International Raceway, a track which hosts the Philippine Touring Car Championship, and some races in Formula 3, Vintage Cars & 'Run What You Brung'.

Right before the start of the Criterium

I was familiar with this course in a different way. The last time I raced here, my baby (a JDM spec EG6 Honda Civic), came home in a trailer after a downshift at the back hairpin caused the valves and pistons into a permanent french kiss. Almost 10 years later, I find myself riding the same course (backwards tho) using my own pedal power. I guess that's what you call getting old.

My 'Little Mouse' on the road to Subic on that fateful day

During my warmup, Joyette gave me some tips. I promised her I'd try to hang on for as long as I could. I knew this was going to be tough.

Joyette sharing some tips with me during our warmup

A criterium or 'crit' is a relatively short bike race, usually held in closed-off city streets. It's fast and technical, and favors powerful cyclists who have good drafting skills, and a sprint finish.

Before I knew it, we were off. Almost instantly, I found myself at the back of the pack. My strategy was to hold on to the peloton, for as long as I could. It was difficult because of the accordion effect. Since the course is very technical and tight, the peloton is forced to thin out at every turn. Riders in front ride at a constant pace, with little or no braking. Riders toward the rear are forced to slow down, then accellerate out of the turn to chase the group. This accordion effect happens on every turn, so you can imagine how many times one would have to accellerate to chase the pack.

The accordion effect in full bloom

Yours truly, and other riders chasing back the peloton after the hairpin

About halfway through, I, along with half the number of participants had already been dropped by the peloton. We formed little groups of 3 or 4, trying to maximize the effects of group riding. The main straightaway was pure hell as a 35kmh headwind sucked the energy out of us riders every single lap. Pedalling all out only amount to a speed of about 25-28kmh.

I did my share of the work. This taken at the main straightaway, where we faced a 35kph headwind

With about 3 laps left in the race, I was forced to retire, as the leaders were about to lap me. I exited the race track, into the pits. Literally, into the pits. I was humbled, but content.

Great shot, Vince :) I look pretty fast :P

I learned alot in this weekend of racing, and gained a few friends along the way. This was the perfect way to cap the 2008 season. 'Til next year...


Pics c/o Vince & Leian