Tactical Stupidity - Issue #1 
by Will McLaughlin
[See also 2004 club race #8]

Longtime visitors to this fine website are probably wondering why I've taken so long to post some original work. Well, if it makes you feel any better so have I. All I can say is that after several failed attempts at relationships with members of the opposite sex, good medication, alcohol, therapy, overwork, and equal parts self deprecation and self-pity I think I have achieved a level of consciousness where I can simultaneously write about bike racing and whine about bike racing without taking myself or the subject too seriously. Whatever that means.

What does the title mean? The only things I enjoy more than riding with my fellow wheelmen are (1) sex (2) eating and (3) whining about my fellow wheelmen. And since this is a bicycling website, Items (1) and (2) are just a teensy bit off-topic. That leaves item (3) and what better way to whine 
about my fellow wheelmen than complain about the Thursday Night World Championships.

In no way am I suggesting that some of you aren't riding your hearts out on Thursday or that you have an agenda different from crossing the finish line first. You know who you are, and I know who some of you are. But I think someone has to stand up and point out what makes these races more like fast club rides with a finish line...Then sit down quickly and hide. Who better than someone who's made about every tactical, strategic, training, and nutritional blunder known to man (and other sentient beings)...At least twice. I consider myself past master of tactical stupidity and I think it's well past time to spread my gospel. So we begin....

SITUATION #1 - "Small Field With One Rider Much Stronger Than Everyone Else" QUICK ANSWER: Gang up on him and make him waste energy.
EXPLANATION: Yesterday at the close of the first lap Steve Clark, out of sheer ennui for all I know, pulled off a nice attack after the author spent a little time above his comfort zone setting a tempo up a roller. By the time Dr. Clark reached the S/F area he had about 200m on the field.

This is the perfect opportunity!!! The strongest guy in the race has taken a solo flyer with 40km to go!!!

Initially things went well as several people (including yours truly) set a tempo to keep Clark in sight, but not bring him back. It worked a treat until either (1) Clark knew the gig was up, or (2) The field got impatient. Think about it: Even if Clark decided to take his effort down a couple notches he'd still be out front...Taking the wind...Alone...AND WASTING ENERGY!

I don't hate to say it, but bringing him back after only a few miles only managed to warm him up. He needed to be given a little more leeway and left alone for at least another lap. That way (1) Clark would be more than a little tired and bored (2) everyone in the field would be fresh enough to spend the last lap attacking his ass. Unfortunately he was brought back, allowed to recover, and was allowed to ride away (not even a proper counterattack!!) on the final lap...To victory. While the field was too busy looking at one another and not busy enough ganging up on him.

BTW-This "riding away to victory" is another blunder I'll deal with at another time.

Until then, don't race like I do.

William McLaughlin

DISCLAIMER
The opinions stated in this article are those of William McLaughlin. They are sound, well reasoned, and insightful. Needless to say they are not necessarily those of the Maumee Valley Wheelmen or Freewheel.com. Anyone who thinks otherwise is itching for a fight.