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The John Lieswyn Diary
A pro racer who now mostly concentrates on the US domestic scene, John Lieswyn is one of Cyclingnews' most popular and sometimes controversial diarists. He has been racing since 1985 and a Cyclingnews diarist since 1999. John likes both criteriums and longer road races, and seems to particularly like it when the going is hard. He has raced in the Regio Tour, Peace Race, Tour of Poland, Vuelta a Guatemala, Tooheys GP and Commonwealth Bank Classic with success, as well as winning astages in the Sun Tour, Killington and Superweek. In 2002, he is riding for 7Up/NutraFig.
Making the break
NRC Fitchburg Longsjo Classic, Fitchburg, MA, June 27-30, 2002
Stage 4 - June 30: Liberty Fitness Downtown Criterium, 80km
We only missed one dangerous break today. Kevin did an awesome turn with me hanging on and I couldn't make it across, but it came back anyway. Field sprint. Ivan (Saturn) won, Charles second. I needed four seconds, two to pass Baldwin and two to pass Leaper and move up onto the podium. Needed to hang on to Charles' wheel and sprint for the top three time bonus. Instead I let Horner in between Charles and me with two turns to go. Horner opened a gap and that was that. I'll be kicking myself for about… okay, I'm over it. Settle for fifth overall - this time. The upside? I managed to pull a reasonable result and got healthy at the same time. I made my flight home. Drove like a bat outta hell, hit lots of Big Dig Boston traffic, but made it… thanks Steph, for putting up with my driving.
Saw Phil Z (Mercury) before the start. Friendly banter back and forth about his awesome time trialling form and the much longer distance of TT nationals in Nashville. My prediction: if I don't win the jersey, he will. I feel like I owe the team a big one, and winning TT Nats would fit the bill.