Welcome to Chicago – PRO Crit Racing at the 2023 Intelligentsia Cup – Day 1 West Dundee | NorCal Cycling
Video Welcome to Chicago – PRO Crit Racing at the 2023 Intelligentsia Cup – Day 1 West Dundee with NorCal Cycling
Video Welcome to Chicago – PRO Crit Racing at the 2023 Intelligentsia Cup – Day 1 West Dundee with NorCal Cycling YouTube Channel.
Welcome to Chicago – PRO Crit Racing at the 2023 Intelligentsia Cup – Day 1 West Dundee
**NorCal Cycling: Breaking Down the Intelligencia Cup 2023**
The Intelligencia Cup 2023 has once again brought together some of the best crit racers in the country, and NorCal Cycling had the privilege of taking part in this high-level racing event. In this article, we will break down the key moments of the race, analyzing what was done well and what could have been improved. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned rider, these insights will provide valuable tips to enhance your crit racing skills.
**The Power Numbers**
One of the first things NorCal Cycling dives into is the power numbers produced during the race. With an average power of 235 Watts and a normalized power of 323, it is evident that raw power alone is not enough to compete at a national level. While these power numbers are impressive, NorCal Cycling emphasizes that crit racing is not solely about smashing the pedals. Instead, it’s about how you handle your bike, pack dynamics, cornering, and protecting your speed. These factors are what truly make a difference in a race.
**Choosing Strategic Moments to Move Up**
NorCal Cycling points out that when it comes to moving up in the pack, certain moments are more strategic than others. For example, during the ascent of Leg Breaker Hill, it’s not the ideal place to try and gain positions. The energy required to move up on a steep incline like Leg Breaker Hill often outweighs the benefits. Instead, NorCal Cycling found that strategically passing riders over the top of the hill with just over 300 watts was a more efficient way to gain positions with minimal energy expenditure.
**The Importance of Positioning and Pack Dynamics**
The article delves into the significance of improving one’s position within the pack. It emphasizes that on technical courses such as the one in the Intelligencia Cup, resting opportunities are limited, and crashes can create splits in the field. Not being caught behind these splits is crucial to staying in the race. Furthermore, NorCal Cycling explains how corner number three posed challenges, with a high crown in the road causing pedal strikes and desperate maneuvers. Avoiding crashes and being positioned well in the pack is not just about safety but also about energy efficiency and race strategy.
**Struggles with Aggressiveness and Competition**
The race’s competitive nature is highlighted, with teams like Legion, Blazers, Aviators, and Project Echelon, as well as international pro teams, participating. NorCal Cycling admits to struggling with aggression and fighting for positions in this highly contested field. It becomes clear that in this level of racing, being aggressive and assertive in positioning is essential from start to finish, and this is an area that NorCal Cycling recognizes as needing improvement in future races.
**Strategic Tail Gunning**
In the second half of the race, NorCal Cycling employed a more strategic approach by tail gunning, particularly after the dynamics of the race had mellowed out within a core group of riders. By allowing small gaps to open and then closing them on descents, NorCal Cycling was able to conserve energy and recover, ultimately benefitting from this tactic in the latter stages of the race.
**The Humbling Reality of National Level Racing**
The article concludes with NorCal Cycling humbly expressing the reality of competing at the national level. Despite the struggles and challenges faced during the race, there is a commitment to improvement and a promise to share the full, unedited races for viewers to follow along and learn.
In summary, NorCal Cycling’s insightful breakdown of the Intelligencia Cup 2023 offers valuable lessons for riders at all levels. Whether it’s about power management, strategic positioning, or race dynamics, there are practical tips and experiences shared that can benefit any crit racer looking to elevate their performance. Stay tuned for more race insights and analysis, as the journey to improve and compete at a higher level continues.
The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel NorCal Cycling and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.
