Category: 3
Result: Mid-pack

Last night at the track was the Burbank Memorial Omnium, another of the events promoted by Eric Peterson which included the Don Peterson Madison. I am unsure of the relationship, if any, between Eric and Don.

Eric's races at the track tend to have appearance of incomplete planning, and last night was no exception, with us getting under way late. Still, we were racing, which is what we were there for. After being on holiday, I just wanted to get the legs turning at race speed again.

I was racing in the category 3 omnium. First up for us were heats for the 400m Chariot Race. I got a really bad standing start and that was race over. (We will need to practise standing starts for the track championships...)

Next for me was the consolation point-a-lap for the non-qualifiers. I got some points in this, either 2 or 3, which was probably enough for a placing. I don't know, as the results were not being posted.

Then we had the musical chairs "race", which is exactly as it says, save we are on track bikes. John Simmons has a good technique for winning this event which I will keep to myself for use next year.

Next for us was a points race, 15 laps with 5 sprints - a little on the short side for me, but I still got some points, though I rode badly with my legs not having the snap they had two weeks ago. Last race was a snowball which had most people riding it, probably over 25 riders. I rode better in this event, probably because the pace was quicker and more consistent. No points, but feeling happier.

I skipped the final Madison, not bacause I didn't have had a partner (Pritpal, where were you?), but because the evening was dragging on (the Madison started at 9:50pm!). I wanted to do the Spectrum Ride this morning to test out my new road position before Santa Nella tomorrow.

It was good to be racing again and hopefully the legs will get over their vacation quickly.

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