topflightpro

USAC posted details for the 2017 Masters Nationals. USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships - USA Cycling

I used to live down there, so I know the area well.

The crit course is in downtown Augusta. It is wide and flat. I think it's going to be a really nice course. If you are an architecture fan, IM Pei designed the Chamber of Commerce building in the middle of Broad Street as well as the depressed parking lots, blue triangle top of one of the Lamar building, and the James Brown Arena.

The road course is rolling, but I don't think there's anything too big or steep. The course is a loop on Fort Gordon, so there won't be much traffic. Still, you'll need to go through an Army base checkpoint to get on base, which used to require drivers license and a quick car inspection.

I used to play golf on base there.

Anyway, after the disaster last year - I crashed out of the crit - I wasn't planning to go back this year since it was no longer just an hour away. But given the courses, and the number of friends I still have down there, if I can get my fitness up, I may go back.

One other thing, if you will be flying there, fly into Atlanta or Charlotte. It's a two to two and a half hour drive from Atlanta, about two and a half hours from Charlotte. Flying in to Augusta is usually a disaster.

Nate552

Any thoughts on the TT course?

topflightpro

I don't know that area as well. I didn't go up there much.

I would guess it will be pretty smooth pavement along tree-lined and lightly developed roads.

It also will be very hot and very humid. I heard some complained about how hot and humid it was in Winston-Salem last year, but really, it was pretty mild for around here. Augusta, though, is like Florida or Houston in terms of heat and humidity. And big afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon.

Nate552

I am concerned about the heat for the TT. The TT in Winston-Salem was hot and humid, but I didn't feel that it affected me too much (the TX State TT is often in June), the hills however....

Ygduf

tt is short.

mattm

I'll be there!! 35-39

Doing the rr for fun mostly, but the crit.. the crit looks good. A million times better than last year's "course".

Especially this chicane after turn 1, if I'm reading the course map & street view correctly: https://goo.gl/maps/dC9sq3UfdiR2

wphamilton

FWIW summers in GA are generally mild compared to Texas, even North Texas.

Are you doing the time trial? The event pages shows two time trial distances, and 2016 shows three but only results for one - what's up with that? Is there one "real" time trial and the others for ... what?

topflightpro

Hmm, I read the crit course going the other way, with the chicane after turn 3. Regardless, that street view is what I remember the road looking like.

mattm

Ah good point, I realize now the map doesn't say which direction.. either way, it will be interesting!



Having done a few national championship races now, I'm seeing a pattern; they pick some technical courses for crits - which makes sense for a nationals event. I like it.

topflightpro

A friend posted a video of the Masters Nat's RR on Facebook. Pretty sure I saw MattM roll by in the field on Lap 1.

rubiksoval

A guy I sometimes ride and race against got third in the 35+ TT. He's so fast. Ex-runner with tons of power and 155 lbs. Great combo. Oh, and he's a doctor with two small kids. Trains at 5 am. Just goes out and gets it done!

Teammate got 9th in the TT. Guess they're racing the rr now. Can't wait to hear how that goes!

hack

Local guy that routinely destroys us on a particular stretch of our Saturday ride won the 45+TT. He was reigning national and world champ. He, too, is insanely fast.

hack

https://livelynxresults.com

rubiksoval

Third in 35+! I know he's disappointed with that, but still a solid result.

Two Nashville area guys in the top 7. That's nice.

mattm

Yup I was there, suffering. Course is a little hilly for my taste..

Break got away pretty early, but I was in no position to do much about it.

Attacked from about 3k out, hoping to make guys chase so my teammate could capitalize on it. I felt surprisingly good while off the front, but blew up hard with about 800m to go on the uphill.

Looking forward to the crit Sunday, even tho Bahati is pre-reg'd..

topflightpro

Good luck Matt.

I heard from several people that it was incredibly hot. I saw one person describe it as a desert.

globecanvas

Finally some northeast representation in the RRs today! 1 and 2 in the 45+ are both guys I race against.

Grumpy McTrumpy

4th place is also a well-known Northeastern hammer. He was third in the TT.

globecanvas

Oh yeah! I haven't actually seen him in a race in years, I forgot about him.

Grumpy McTrumpy

He actually won the Nats TT a few years ago when it was in Bend I think.

Ygduf

My friend and frequent carpool buddy won the 40-44 crit. My teammate and frequent raceride buddy won the 55-59 crit. Another teammate won the BAR in the 55s.

I'm just not old enough.

old dudes do it