Coliseum Crit - Success !
I slept incredibly well last night.....
Sunday was a long day for myself and many others who were part of the criterium crew. I woke up early and jumped straight out of bed eager to get the event up and running. Sure, I was a bit disappointed to see the rain clouds above Nashville in the morning hours, but whenever we hold a race at The Coliseum I drive away amazed at how successful it is each time.
First off, thank you to everyone who paid money and put on a race number. I know the weather wasn't ideal for you, but I can't begin to fully explain how appreciative I am of your support. By my count we had 123 participants, which considering the wet conditions is to be expected. Certainly we had hoped and planned for many more, ideally around 200, but nobody is ever guaranteed sunny weather are they? Next year.....
What made it even more rewarding was the response from people who had never raced at The Coliseum before. Nothing makes our day more than for an out-of-state racer to rave about the course or event. Everyone couldn't believe how awesome the course was even in the soaking rain. Out of eight races we had only ONE crash I think, just one! Even that guy went into the grass and trees of turn two and didn't suffer any bad cuts from what I understand.
As I was setting up the course I had to make an executive decision and change the layout. We usually don't have that long straight from turn four to turn five. However, there was a vehicle too close to the course that we needed to avoid as well as some mud debris that we couldn't figure out how/why it was there. The two extra turns that were deleted make for a more technical course, but the long straight at the midway point was better under the circumstances. I had been asked many times before if I'd ever consider changing the course layout, so hopefully it was to everyone's liking.
My biggest thanks goes to the event's co-sponsor Cumberland Transit Cycling. Without their help and participation it would have absolutely been a lesser quality event, so please support their business and give them a thanking handshake. Cumberland Transit was able to get Vanderbilt Sports Medicine on board to provide a professional staff on site to handle our medical needs. It's always reassuring to have specialized hands available. Next time you're looking for a facility to handle your sports injury then consider the team at Vanderbilt Sports Medicine.
Thank you to OS Performance Nutrition who has always been a big supporter of NashvilleCyclist.com. Once again they came through to provide the winners with a box of OS. I use the OS nutritional products myself and I can tell you the system works! Mix a pouch of OS into your bottle and leave all your food at home because OS is all you need. If you want to know how to purchase OS then shoot me an email.
More thanks go to a few other personal friends who made a huge impact on the day's success. Several riders on the Cumberland University Cycling Team played a big role, especially with their cartoon versions of where to pin your numbers! My registration director is the best in town and manages the paperwork like a pro. The ship would sink without her there to check licenses and get everyone registered properly.
The officials did a wonderful job of scoring everyone and getting everybody placed without confusion. Plus, they had results posted within 5 to 10 minutes of the finish of each race. Most times the results were available before you could finish a cool down lap! Then there are a few others who helped with course sweeping and other random responsibilities that help the day go smoothly.
Last, but not least, thank you to my Dad. I am sure many of you probably met him as he walked around watching. He enjoys helping out, meeting people and watching races. Without his support and presence I am not the same.
I will have a few pictures posted as well as the results online as quickly as possible. Please be patient and stay tuned to NashvilleCyclist.com for all the details.
Sunday was a long day for myself and many others who were part of the criterium crew. I woke up early and jumped straight out of bed eager to get the event up and running. Sure, I was a bit disappointed to see the rain clouds above Nashville in the morning hours, but whenever we hold a race at The Coliseum I drive away amazed at how successful it is each time.
First off, thank you to everyone who paid money and put on a race number. I know the weather wasn't ideal for you, but I can't begin to fully explain how appreciative I am of your support. By my count we had 123 participants, which considering the wet conditions is to be expected. Certainly we had hoped and planned for many more, ideally around 200, but nobody is ever guaranteed sunny weather are they? Next year.....
What made it even more rewarding was the response from people who had never raced at The Coliseum before. Nothing makes our day more than for an out-of-state racer to rave about the course or event. Everyone couldn't believe how awesome the course was even in the soaking rain. Out of eight races we had only ONE crash I think, just one! Even that guy went into the grass and trees of turn two and didn't suffer any bad cuts from what I understand.
As I was setting up the course I had to make an executive decision and change the layout. We usually don't have that long straight from turn four to turn five. However, there was a vehicle too close to the course that we needed to avoid as well as some mud debris that we couldn't figure out how/why it was there. The two extra turns that were deleted make for a more technical course, but the long straight at the midway point was better under the circumstances. I had been asked many times before if I'd ever consider changing the course layout, so hopefully it was to everyone's liking.
My biggest thanks goes to the event's co-sponsor Cumberland Transit Cycling. Without their help and participation it would have absolutely been a lesser quality event, so please support their business and give them a thanking handshake. Cumberland Transit was able to get Vanderbilt Sports Medicine on board to provide a professional staff on site to handle our medical needs. It's always reassuring to have specialized hands available. Next time you're looking for a facility to handle your sports injury then consider the team at Vanderbilt Sports Medicine.
Thank you to OS Performance Nutrition who has always been a big supporter of NashvilleCyclist.com. Once again they came through to provide the winners with a box of OS. I use the OS nutritional products myself and I can tell you the system works! Mix a pouch of OS into your bottle and leave all your food at home because OS is all you need. If you want to know how to purchase OS then shoot me an email.
More thanks go to a few other personal friends who made a huge impact on the day's success. Several riders on the Cumberland University Cycling Team played a big role, especially with their cartoon versions of where to pin your numbers! My registration director is the best in town and manages the paperwork like a pro. The ship would sink without her there to check licenses and get everyone registered properly.
The officials did a wonderful job of scoring everyone and getting everybody placed without confusion. Plus, they had results posted within 5 to 10 minutes of the finish of each race. Most times the results were available before you could finish a cool down lap! Then there are a few others who helped with course sweeping and other random responsibilities that help the day go smoothly.
Last, but not least, thank you to my Dad. I am sure many of you probably met him as he walked around watching. He enjoys helping out, meeting people and watching races. Without his support and presence I am not the same.
I will have a few pictures posted as well as the results online as quickly as possible. Please be patient and stay tuned to NashvilleCyclist.com for all the details.
posted by NashvilleCyclist.com at 5/22/2006 09:00:00 AM
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