By Eugene Boronow

@##=#<1,L>@##=# From the start list (so far), it seems that this spring’s race will be a top-amateur event with only a few random pros mixed in. But the pro teams haven’t signed up in numbers. In this case, the race may be similar to last week’s Jiminy Peak, where everyone chased after everything. But if that happens, the early chasers will pay dearly later on (cue evil laugh). The distance and terrain doesn’t leave much room for errors, and if the would-be chasers are wise to this, the race could develop alternatively: early groups escaping and slower field-speeds. We’ll see how it develops.

Premier Tech and Garneau-Optik (both from Canada) have the numbers and the strength to be in the early moves and also factor later in the race. They’ll probably have control of the race. (The benefit to having a big team is that half of the guys can create and/or cover early action, while the other half can save it for later; either way, they’re covered.) But the teams with smaller numbers need to be more selective about energy use. Scott Zwizanski (Kodak-Sierra Nevada) is probably the strongest rider registered, but he’s riding solo and may get caught-out by the numbers game. Don’t rule him out though—he’s good. Axis has a few good guys and usually race intelligently (I’ve seen John Loehner out on double-secret training. Watch out for him). LSV/Kelly has their man, Matt Cooke . Matt won the Tour of Ohio last year and finished 9th in this year’s Tour of Shenandoah. Our Mengoni team has a couple of guys who are on fine form (Alberto and Gavi). We should be in the final mix, one way or another. Then there are some guys who haven’t registered yet and, if there, should do well: Dan Vaillancourt and Pat Walsh (both CCB—oh, Dan just won the Tour of the Gila in the cat.2 field, and Pat won the criterium there), some Fiordifrutta guys, more of the Kendra-Raleigh team, etc.

For me, this is a tough one to pick. There are few clear favorites, and only a couple of big teams. Harriman is the kind of course that only allows the strongest to finish well, but some strong, un-supported riders may get left out of the final selection due to tactical maneuvering. I have the benefit of being both a participant and a fan. I love this race.