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San Dimas Stage Race - Crits

2008.03.31

It's all about the cornering in the Crit.

You have to have guts.

And lose the fear.

But it's all business.

And strategy.

Look at the lean he's got going on.

Because you have to take it as fast as you can and make it out the other side.

Sometimes when they came across the line, they were so close you'd find yourself leaning back.

This lap was during the Cat3s and the race leader (in yellow) was cautioning the paceline to slow and keep to the right because there had been a crash on the previous lap (one of the worst sounds you could ever hear). 3 riders were down but all of them got up under their own steam to be attended by the paramedics, thank goodness.

Check out those bikes rocking. They are pushing it to the limit!

Another sprint to the line!

The sprint for the finish.

More from the San Dimas Stage Races.

Sunday was the Crits - the Criteriums which are as they say "six corners of speed"! The cyclists race thru the city streets in a circle at amazing speeds. And the cornering...Oh.My.God. It is so incredible to see and a little heart stopping.

It was a little drizzly that day with dark clouds rolling thru so the light was a challenge for me and the pavement was a challenge for the racers. But I didn't see anyone holding back.

On most laps, there are sprints for "the line" because they offer up prizes like a set of race wheels or helmets or other bike gear. It makes them a lot of fun to watch since you see them going all out during the race and not just at the finish.

15 Comments

Another great set of action shots, such determination on the faces. Nice work!

etodd80 · 2008-04-01: 00:57

Fine photographic reportage Lisa. You are obviously right across your camera's capabilities. Well done!

jagungal · 2008-04-01: 02:55

Another outstanding sports/action set - is this with the new lens you were using on Spike a while back?
And that exploding pink covered tree in the background in the first shot (and quite a few of the others), is just beautiful.
:)

Peche · 2008-04-01: 05:53

great sports reporting, and good photos.

CJLata · 2008-04-01: 08:42

another fabulously fun set! great corner shots - that would make me SO nervous! i guess i don't have what it takes... haha. #1, #2, and #15 are my fave of this set. crazy leaning and i can just imagine them rocking back and forth trying to out do the rest of them. almost makes me tired just looking at their effort :-)

lexlevans · 2008-04-01: 09:54

Thanks! Yes, I used the 18-200. It worked out great, I think.

vollenda · 2008-04-01: 10:04

Hehe... did you join the race.

garysktam · 2008-04-01: 10:57

These are great Lisa! Really crisp action shots. The colours are superb...

Emma · 2008-04-01: 14:23

WOW felt like I was there!! Love the crits!! Dang they can rock!! Some corner at 35 MPH or a littel faster!! WOW hold on and keep the rubber side down!! WOW !! Awesome shots!!

SheriJ · 2008-04-01: 14:43

Outstanding!! I love the look of sheer determination on the face of the rider in #15 (red, black and yellow shirt). Also the detail captured in their leg muscles is amazing! Great series Lisa, thanks for sharing! ; )

pattyb · 2008-04-01: 16:55

A sensational set Lisa - you have captured the drama of the race beautifully, and the ambience of the route. Those purple trees in #1, 7 and 8 look great and glad to see you're enjoying your new lens. Can't see what all the fuss about their legs is about though ;)

kangshung · 2008-04-01: 18:55