Just an observation on the wheel sucking debate. I rode BL and for the first time ever I finished within 20 seconds of the group winner, in my case it was wheel suck or die and I just managed to push up the hill fast enough to stay in the group for 3xth. In a race, the peleton dictates the pace and individual teams and riders dictate what action to take and when. Surely being at the front and driving the pace in our local races is then not an obligation (although very much appreciated!)? There is nothing stopping the front guys from slowing down the pace of the race to drop in on someones wheel and then take the sprint victory for the group if that is what they are after? Don't get me wrong here, I really appreciate the pace held by the lead guys on Sunday and would be stoked if you did it again but if position across the line is important then just change tactics at the end and make sure the wheel suckers don't have an easy opportunity to sprint past. Dude, if you managed to put 3 minutes into a group breaking away 12km from the end then kudo's to you! To me, cycling is about enjoyment and no matter what anyone says, humans like to compete - whether in elites or in ZL! Racing is fun at any level as long as those being raced against are of a similar ability.
