Phil “The Phunk” Bracken took charge of Whole Wheel Velo Club’s improving Cat 5 squad for the Giro di Coppi and rode aggressively to a top-5 finish, continuing his streak of consistently high finishes.  Supported by fellow Whole Wheelers Jeff “Tree Hugger’” Lange and Noor Qadri, Phunk agreed with his squad that opening phase of the race was reasonably paced and easily handled.  As the miles added up, however, the reality of breakaways played a part in his decision making.  Though he dropped his chain and had to burn a few matches to regain contact with the shrinking peloton, he realized that a sprint finish was becoming increasingly inevitable.  He got himself in position and tried to be as patient as possible with his sprint, holding off until around the 150 meter mark.  Unfortunately, as he said, “even that was too early with the uphill finish, and I blew about 25m out.”  In the end, he was pipped out of the podium spots at the line and was happy to take fifth overall.  It was one further indicator that his fitness is broad, his experience is growing, and his tactical acumen is quickly developing.  The Phunk will, undoubtedly, be ready to compete at the next level the minute his upgrade is approved.

Other categories at the Giro saw Peter “Water Boy” Warner and Gus “That’s Not My Bottle” Grissom working together in the Cat 4.  Though they were supported in the early portions of the race by Chris “USDA Approved” Gould, Dan “Big Wheel” Dineen and Mike “My Tummy Hurts” Flanagan, the pace and hills had whittled the peloton down considerably by the final lap.  As a lone rider broke away from the pack, Warner turned himself into the sacrificial lamb for the rest of the pack and, while trying to give Grissom a long leadout, led the group on a successful chase.  His efforts, however, were for naught as Grissom could not follow up on his blistering pace and the pair were swarmed by the sprinters who, in the end, enjoyed the fruits of Warner’s labor.

Though this weekend was not filled with Whole Wheel podium results, it was filled with good times, safe racing, and great camaraderie among the Whole Wheel crews.  The team collectively wishes to thank Squadra Coppi for hosting such a great event and securing such perfect racing weather.