Bezdek on Battenkill

By Daniel McMahon

You got 6th last year in the Cat. 2 race. What makes you want to come back again this year as a pro for the UCI race on the 18th?

Battenkill is too epic to miss, and I enjoy racing in dirt and bad weather.  This year will be longer and harder, but I’m coming into the season 15 pounds lighter and with significantly more miles in my legs.  It’ll be interesting to see how it compares to 2009. Battenkill also will be my first visit to the Northeast since last fall, and I’m looking forward to racing with a lot of the same people.

Will Mountain Khakis be sending a full squad?

Yes.  Each team participating in the UCI race has to start at least six riders.  We’re splitting our forces between Battenkill and the Sunny King NRC Criterium in Alabama.  I’m opting to race Battenkill since I’ll get my fill of criteriums a few days later at Speedweek.

Technically speaking, what if anything are you doing differently for this race?

I haven’t heard the final word on equipment yet, but I expect we’ll use beefier tires at lower pressure on low-profile, lighter rims.

Will you be doing any special eating or drinking for this race?

Five or six hours is a long time to go on just gels, so I’ll eat more real food than usual and make a point of being proactive and consistent throughout the day.  And perhaps I’ll reward myself afterward with a waffle and a glass of Belgian beer.

What will be your goals and tactical approach to racing Battenkill?

Tactics are the same for every race: Strike a balance between attacking and controlling the front of the race versus conserving energy to be able to respond at critical moments later.  Battenkill’s tough, selective course favors a conservative strategy, since it’s often a race off the back that boils down to a mere contest of strength and positioning. Rather than gambling on an early breakaway, I’m more likely to focus more on making the selections through each of the difficult sections so that I can ride aggressively later.

Last year I felt great and soloed off the front in one of the dirt sections midway through the race. The field caught me a few miles later as we approached the big rollers on Meeting House Road, where the pack blew apart.  I was recovering on the back, missed the decisive split, and had no choice but to bridge up to the leaders on my own.  Those two completely unnecessary solo efforts surely compromised my riding at the end of the race when it counted most.

Is Battenkill America’s greatest one-day race?

It’s tough to say, but Battenkill certainly ranks near the top.  It’s the type of event you’d want to be part of even if you don’t race.  It’s springtime, and the scenery and terrain are incredible. The mass participation says it all.  It’s the first big event of the season for most of us, so people psych themselves up all winter long and come to the race with a lot of excitement and anticipation.

What advice would you give to Battenkill virgins?

Study the course profile before the race.  Last year I was in the lead group with a few miles to go, looking forward to a fast finish and optimistic about my odds in a bunch sprint.  I was caught completely off guard by a significant dirt climb about five miles from the finish, and it was curtains for me.

How much of a role does luck play in this race?

When it comes to keeping air in your tires, it’s a role of the dice.  But you can mitigate some of that by choosing the right equipment.  Tactically, however, I’d say it’s more a contest of strength and less a matter of gambling compared to other races.

When you hear “Battenkill,” what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Covered bridges, cow pastures, and dirt roads.  Can’t wait!