Sunny king crit

+SPEEDCLUB MEDIA

The domestic crit scene has been put on notice.  

SpeedClub athlete Michael Garrison narrowly missed the podium following an impressive performance this past weekend in Anniston, Alabama. 

The crit guys had no idea what was coming.  MG shocked the field with his display of physicality, seizing control of the race from the start. A break of 3 established just over halfway through the race, with Michael solo bridging (very comfortably) to the front to make it a quartet. 

The four lacked some cohesion with two Reign Storm riders expected to keep the tempo. Coming off some travel back from Europe, MG said his legs “were lacking some umph” but we sure could not tell from the massive pulls that put his break mates on the tip of their saddle.  With all of us on the edge of our couches, an untimely chain drop in a bumpy turn 4 left him out of the sprint and rolling in for fourth. 

If you watched the live stream, you were sure to notice the relative ease with which MG moved around the course.  We like to imagine the guys in the back, full throttle, red-lining just to hang on and looking up to see MG up the road with both hands off the bars cleaning his glasses. It was a great night for the brand.  

When asked about the night MG says 

“Utterly devastated after tonight. I believe I was the the strongest in the race, but that’s not always who wins. I had to make a few big efforts early and my legs just weren’t the best in the final. I got a bit confused by the lap counter, thinking I wouldn't have time to get away and it threw off my rhythm. I lost my chain in the bumpy turn 4 and couldn’t contest the sprint. Devastated but always grateful for the opportunity to race in front of my friends and family.” 

MGR CORNER

Hey everyone! 

I’m writing to you from the plane now on my way to Monterey for Sea Otter Classic. 

As seen above, I’m deeply disheartened after a mechanical took me out of the final this past weekend at Sunny King. With some travel problems returning from Spain, I had fewer days than desired to recalibrate my schedule and fully rejuvenate. My legs were decent but lacking some vigor. Some confusion with the lap counter threw me off my rhythm and left me deciding to sprint rather than attack early. I lost my chain over a bump out of the final turn and rolled in for fourth. I’m upset but that’s bike racing. 

The outpouring of support from both local and distant communities following the race was truly remarkable. Chad just messaged me that Chisel has watched the race twice now - what an honor! It’s moments like these that remind me of the profound significance of what I’m striving to achieve. Keeping that loss close to my heart as I head to SpeedWeek. 

This Friday marks a pivotal milestone in my early season aspirations: the Fuego XL at Sea Otter Classic. As the inaugural event of the Lifetime Grand Prix series, it attracts a formidable lineup of contenders all vying for top honors. Stepping into my first marathon race on a mountain bike is undeniably daunting, yet I feel impeccably prepared. My history on the off-road stretches to the beginning of my journey in this sport and I am fueled by nothing but eagerness to compete. The pressure I place on myself is considerable and I’m here to show the world I can do everything. 

Saturday I race the circuit race on the road and Sunday we go again for the MTB Cross Country (2 hours rather than Friday’s 4). 

Then I’ll be back for Speed Week crit racing.  When we said we put together the most diverse racing program in pro cycling - we weren’t kidding!

Wish me luck :) 

Happy Riding, 

Michael.