Thoughts on Emma Langly “win” at Nats?

[Tz779]

I just watched the women’s road race on replay. Personally, I would be embarrassed to “win” the way Emma did.
-Robin

[prototoast]

Can you elaborate? I don't have a Flobikes subscription so I couldn't watch, and none of the recaps of the event I've read highlight anything unusual. What specifically happened that you did not like?

[tomato coupe]

Did she go full Cinzano on her competition?

[Tz779]

Emma wheel sucked off Lauren DeCrescenzo for the last two laps (14 miles) which included a steep climb. The break started with Emma, Lauren and Skyler Schneider (Legion) with six laps remaining. Skylar got dropped with two laps to go.
https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/us...women/results/

you can watch it here. may want to scroll ahead to the last 30 miles or so…
https://tiz-cycling.io/video/nationa...l-race-ladies/

[Tz779]

Originally Posted by tomato coupe

Did she go full Cinzano on her competition?

haha, in a sense, yes.

[AngryScientist]

Langley showed a bit of fatigue on the last few kilometres of the ride, but it was a decoy as she sprang out of the saddle to launch her final attack on the technical corners that were used in the criterium on Friday night. De Crescezno, who finished eighth in the road race last year after launching a long solo attack, did not seem to expect the final surge from Langley and settled for second.

Racing is as much about strategy as power. That's racing!

[tomato coupe]

Originally Posted by Tz779

Emma wheel sucked off Lauren DeCrescenzo for the last two laps (14 miles) which included a steep climb. The break started with Emma, Lauren and Skyler Schneider (Legion) with six laps remaining. Skylar got dropped with two laps to go.

I see … she employed racing tactics. How embarrassing for her.

[Tz779]

Originally Posted by tomato coupe

I see … she employed racing tactics. How embarrassing for her.

well, that’s my opinion. i would have taken my turn the best i could until the last mile.

[tomato coupe]

Originally Posted by Tz779

well, that’s my opinion. i would have taken my turn the best i could until the last mile.

The goal is to win the race. Her tactics allowed her to win the race. End of story.

[peanutgallery]

If you're dumb enough to pull...I'm smart enough to win

Winner isn't always the strongest. Hard legs and a soft mind will do you in every time. Strategery

[AngryScientist]

yea, it sounds like she did some course recon before the race and developed a strategy and then executed the strategy. it's hard to argue with that.

[rice rocket]

Originally Posted by Tz779

well, that’s my opinion. i would have taken my turn the best i could until the last mile.

The "blame" really falls to DeCrescenzo; if she thought Langley was actually suffering and not taking turns because of it, she should've tried to drop her instead of dragging her to the finish.

IMO

[eippo1]

Used to employ these tactics all the time back when I raced crits. We'd discuss it before the race to see how everyone was feeling and come up with a strategy out of that.

If someone was feeling particularly strong with being able to do lots of surges etc. without being tired after warmups and the brakeaways were all reeled back in, might fade off the front with a teammate a bit a few laps from the end. Then come back up around the other side sheltered, but often already counted out by the others up front.

Also refused to pull plenty of times in the break when I had teammates behind even when the break stuck. Then you just take advantage of all that "rest" and go for it once you know that you won't be reeled in.

[72gmc]

I used to get mad about this too. I’ve come around and now appreciate it as strategy. A racer in Lauren’s position (or Fabian C’s position at a past MSR) has to find a way to not pull the faster sprinter to the line.

[ripvanrando]

Emma struggled to stay with DeCrescenzo for the last 14 miles.

Emma sprints for the win.

Terrible.