Charge Pond Week 2 - from Mark Gunsalus

Charge Pond 'A' Race - Saturday, March 22, 2008
Last weeks Charge Pond 'A' race was cancelled due to weather. The weather this week was dry, sunny and a little brisk with temps in the 30's. Mark, Frankie and I were on the line for "Team FUJI Fueled by Clif Bar". The race started right off with action and the field was super fast filled with fit racers. During the early laps I bridged to a Corner Cycle attack and managed to make a break of five. The break was tough for a while as the split was a little ragged. Although we kept good speed, I knew we were burning some matches early. We had at least one causality and shortly thereafter Mark and Frankie joined the break with a few other riders. It was great to have some team mates join in and the additional recovery was nice. The break was now eight strong and much more efficient and getting faster. Our whole team was now in the split. We were making great time and with only a few laps to go spotted the main field. The eight of us were quickly back in the group. With two laps to go things ramped up. Jonny Bold went off the front and with "one to go" he was caught by the field. On the back side of the course, during the bell lap, I went to the front and did some hard tempo to give Frankie and Mark a good run for the sprint. Frankie gave the lead-out and Mark took the win for Team FUJI. It was a great first day of racing with the new team. The FUJI SL-1 is a dream ride! The year is off to a great start. Can't wait until the next one.