KW Classic

Race Report from Dan Staffo

I decided not to make the trip to Cambridge, NY for the Ballonfest RR and instead went up to Kitchener, ONT for the KW Classic. This is a good safe race with no traffic. I did the Pro 1/2 race figuring the distance of the race and the level of competition would be a good tune up for Housatonic. The race started out kind a mellow with not much happening. After about 5 or 6 laps things started to pick up with a lot of little moves happening and coming back every lap or so. My plan was to get myself in as many of these little moves as possible without killing myself and hopefully one would end up sticking. A group of 3 slipped away with about with about 12 to go and got a sizable lead. I figured there would be guys wanting to bridge across so I stayed towards the front and jumped on anything that pretty much went. With around 9 to go a group of 8 of us slipped away from the pack on the hill. We began pursuit of the leaders. As soon as we had them in sight I looked back and saw what was left of the pack was coming for us rather quickly. With 3 to go I thought for sure we would get caught. By this time I was starting to hurt and was ready for the race to be over.. At this point I think the 8 of us were trying to stay away from the pack rather than catch the leaders. With a lap and half to go my friend and fellow Western New Yorker Mike Mathis (Preferred Care) attacked our group and was on his way to the leaders solo. The last time up the climb was painful and seemed like a mile long. Coming through the S turns leading into the long stretch to the finish line I was in good position but ran out of gas with about 50 meters to the line. Not a very good finish for me being a bit to long for my liking .. Ended up 10th on the day. I was happy with the placing but wish I could sprint a little faster.. Oh Well. It was a good day for Western New York with Todd Scheske(Preferred Care) getting the win and Mike Mathis and Jason Skalski coming in 4th and 12th.