Heffron 21-11-09 Race Report

[HurtsLikeJens]

Dulwich Hill rider Mat Cochinos was exhausted after coming last but one in Saturdays Criterium race at Heffrom Park. Making his racing debut the fiery red head was determined to finish with the pack, or at very least, not last.

As the peleton rolled away Cochinos slipped into 6th wheel, holding his own in the opening exchanges as he felt his legs and the competition out. On lap three at attack on the exit of the first turn raised both the peleton's speed and Cochinos' heart rate, the Bbox Telecom strip being tested early.

A steady if unspectacular pattern then developed, the pace was raised each lap as the pack hurtled over the pimples before slowing along the front straight as they battled against a ferocious headwind. Cochinos remained comfortable towards the front of the peleton, remaining sheltered in anticipation of the final sprint.

Impatience however cost the debutant, hitting the front of the peleton as they headed into the Squircle on the ninth lap. Raising the pace the 26-year-old's legs burned in protest as Cochinos desperately tried to split the pack. It was a move doomed to fail, and by the pimples Cochinos had sat up and allowed himself to be swallowed by the field.

But it would not be an easy ride home, as immediately a counter attack was launched and the field accelerated once more. Cochinos, his legs tired and his heart rate heading skywards, was unable to match the acceleration. Desperate attempts to catch wheels as the pack whirled by were in vein, and as they begun the penultimate lap Cochinos found himself languishing 100m behind the scattered remains of the peleton.

A life line was thrown his way however, as the B Grade race came by as Cochinos rounded the first turn. Standing up on the pedals Cochinos used all his reserves to jump on the back of the pack to claw his way onto the wheel of the D Grade peleton, which had regrouped in the Squircle.

It was not to last, as the pace was again lifted. Cochinos faded, unable to match the intensity of his rivals. Determined however he dug in, refusing to quit, and dug deep into his suitcase of courage. Eyes focussed on a Randwick rider 200m up the track Cochinos changed onto the big chain ring. His cadence dropped from 85 to 60 as his thighs scremed enough. Cochinos though refused to be beaten, he moved his position onto the drops and slid forward on the saddle. Focussed, he rode a 1.5km time trial.

Rounding the final turn Cochinos was almost on the wheel of the rider ahead, who was struggling himself. Briefly Cochinos caught his wheel, sitting to recoup before a final effort to surge by to the line. Sitting up with 100m to go Cochinos crossed the line last but one, exhausted and exhilerated. He hadn't won, but he hadn't come last.

Wheeling his bike off the track he sat, hunched; heart racing, lungs burning as the adrenaline pumpimg through his body began to subside and pain took it's place. He would be back at Heffron, he decided, and would use the lessons of his first event to prepare him for his next.

[HurtsLikeJens]

My data from the race;
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/19292307

[weiyun]

Great entertaining report and a fantastic result first time round.

Your 210 HR was most impressive.

[HurtsLikeJens]

I must confess that I do work as a motor sport journalist and have written the race report in the past

[Strawburger]

I picked up a flat 7 laps in and retired. I stayed and watched the finish. The Nth Sydney Girl ended up winning the race by rather comical circumstances. The guy who came in 2nd (not sure where he was from) lunged at the yellow line when they were side by side, unfortunately for him the yellow line is about 50m from the finish line. He realised too late and rolled through to take 2nd. 3rd and beyond were another 100m or so back. I couldn't tell where the breakaway came from as C grade were in the mix with D's down the final straight.

[Strawburger]

Oh, and the Bra boys provided a rather funny distraction for the time they were there. Did they end up causing any trouble?