Dad, can I please race the Cat 5's too?

The 3 man breakaway in the Cat 5 race

The wind was almost negligible compared to Saturday at the Excel Cycles Crit. We arrived 20min before the start of the Cat 5 race, and I decided last minute to let Jordan race it. The juniors race was right after the Cat 5's, and I wanted him to focus on that race, but he really loves to double up.

Only 8 racers took the start of the Cat 5's. Jordan strung it out from the start, and ended up dragging 1 rider away from the splintered group after a couple laps. One more bridged up, and the 3 of them rode away from everyone else. They ended up lapping everyone, except a couple riders that just beat them to the bell before the 3finished. Jordan finished 3rd. Carla was even there to witness his impressive ride. We were 2 proud parents.

Immediately following the Cat 5's was the Juniors race. All juniors age 10-18 were combined, so I knew it was going to be a tough race for Jordan. There were 14 racers total, including Cat 2 Junior phenom Tony Olson was racing, so I knew it was going to be fast.

They mostly stayed together for the first half of the race, and Jordan looked like he was riding well, and holding a good position. Then with a few laps to go, Tony launched his attack. Barrett and Meyer were able to respond, and Jordan tried, but didn't quite make it. He ended up on the front, pulling what was left of the older juniors around for the last few laps. He dropped all but a couple of the juniors by the last lap, and sprinted in for 5th, with Cody Scott just nipping him at the line.

Carla and I were thrilled to see him ride so well, and have a great time too. He spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with the MNJRC juniors. What a great bunch of kids.

Jordan leading the chase after Olson, Barrett, and Meyer

What remains a couple laps later, just before the bell.