Emile Abraham on the Stillwater Criterium

(by Emile Abraham, Team Type 1)
2004 (Monex Pro Cycling Team): 2nd on Stage 4, Red Wing Road Race

Emile Abraham is one of Team Type 1’s top sprinters. He has competed in the Nature Valley Grand Prix several times, scoring a number of top 10 finishes – including runner-up on the inaugural edition of the 80-mile Red Wing Road race in 2004 (won by Dave McCook). His memories of the race, though, are overshadowed by a single stage: the Stillwater Criterium.

When someone asks me about the Nature Valley Grand Prix, I think of it as one of the great races on the circuit. It’s a hard race, but certainly not one that is out of my reach. The race has traditionally had some really good courses – with one exception. The last stage – the Stillwater Criterium – is just too hard for me.

If you are not familiar with the Stillwater Criterium, it is perennially the final stage of the race. And it is billed as one of the hardest criteriums in the country. For a guy like me, it’s not even a “criterium,” because it is certainly not a traditional four or six-corner race around streets that are as flat as a pancake.

Instead, the Stillwater Criterium features a long climb and an even longer false flat section just before a raging fast descent that dumps into an off-camber final corner. Then the climbing starts all over again. I’ll say this: The climb is steep, to the tune of 20+ percent grade.

So being a “traditional” sprinter, this race is a really hard circuit. I’ll be the first to tell you that it’s just a little bit much for me. Actually, it’s ridiculously hard. I don’t look forward to it, but at the same time, there’s a real sense of accomplishment when it’s over – regardless of whether you win or just finish.

Don’t take this as sour grapes, though. I love the Nature Valley Grand Prix. But when it comes to the last stage – I really don’t like. So if you want to see me smiling – or even winning in my specialty – head on over to the criterium in downtown Minneapolis. It’s got a great course (flat!), huge crowds and a tremendous atmosphere. I hope to see you there this year.