The first 10 laps where utterly horrible, me peaking at 100% HR max and above(!) every lap on top of the hill, despite the speed not being super fast. I was a bit worried what might happen if the pace was increased. Soon into the race Simon went off the front with two others and I kept slowing the pace of the chasing group for him.
This worked until one of his compatriotes decided to drop back to the peloton and the second one punctured. So Simon was about to be brought back, when 2 other riders bridged over to him. The 3 got to about 45 sec when my other Dynamo mate Jeremy decided to get to them. Unfortunately he took a passenger. Again I was controlling the speed of the bunch successfully and soon Jeremy and co had 20 secs. Thats when I felt better than at the beginning and infused a bit of action, eventually pulled away with two passengers who did not want to work. A sharp acceleration on the hill distanced them and with 5 laps to go I steadily extended my lead on those two chasers and got closer and closer to Jeremy and co ahead of me. It was pretty tough on my own due to the wind and quick turn of the head at the bell revealed my chasers behind where out of sight, so I took it a bit easier, until on the downhill on the other side of the course i could see that I got very close to Jeremy and co, by the finish line I had gotten as close as approx 10sec to them. Happy with my performance on the last 5 laps, despite the sheit 6th place, but who cares!
Saturday 12 September 2015
Sunday 6 September 2015
London Dynamo Clubchamps, Hillingdon
Yes right, after the Barcombe race I got into the car and straight out to Hillingdon. There was a 2hour window for recovery, not much but hey I didnt go there to win, just to be part of it this year. It always so cool, a race with 50riders in same outfit...
The legs didnt feel too bad, good enough for chasing down Ian's attacks, shouting at the young guys to keep the tempo high and riding off the front twice myself. Infact the E1/2 had a difficult time to bring down their 90sec handicap. At some point though I realised it would be better to make sure a NatB rider wins rather than one of the cat 3/4 riders who hardly ever race. So, about 15 laps before the end I stopped pushing the group and awaited my team to roll up to us. Which they did. Jamie, our youngest NatB team rider took his heart in his legs with 3 laps to go and chased a lone breakaway rider who was hovering 15sec ahead of us. He overrollt him and stuck out at the front for the final lap, while I ensured the rest of the group doesnt chase him down. It was enjoyable racing and I was pleased to see a young talented man taking the win.
The legs didnt feel too bad, good enough for chasing down Ian's attacks, shouting at the young guys to keep the tempo high and riding off the front twice myself. Infact the E1/2 had a difficult time to bring down their 90sec handicap. At some point though I realised it would be better to make sure a NatB rider wins rather than one of the cat 3/4 riders who hardly ever race. So, about 15 laps before the end I stopped pushing the group and awaited my team to roll up to us. Which they did. Jamie, our youngest NatB team rider took his heart in his legs with 3 laps to go and chased a lone breakaway rider who was hovering 15sec ahead of us. He overrollt him and stuck out at the front for the final lap, while I ensured the rest of the group doesnt chase him down. It was enjoyable racing and I was pleased to see a young talented man taking the win.
 |
| solo attack for about 2 laps |
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| but then brought back |
Surrey League Roadrace cat 2/3; Barcombe Circuit, 120km; 11th place.
First time for me on this course, quite demanding undulating and with an uphill sprint, which I usually like. This one had a curve 100m before the finish though and I defnitely dont like that.
It was an active race, many attempted breakaways, all got caught back. I had been away myself, on one occasion bridged over to a 2-up breakaway but was unlucky with the 2 guys. Another time I took off by myself and was joined by 4 riders, it looked ok but also got pulled back, it came down to an uphill bunch sprint. I was in excellent position at the beginning of the sprint (4th wheel) but didnt have the power to maintain it as some others overrolled my on the final 50m and only held on to 11th place. Nevertheless this still brought valuable points and I was pleased with my engagement in forming the race.
It was an active race, many attempted breakaways, all got caught back. I had been away myself, on one occasion bridged over to a 2-up breakaway but was unlucky with the 2 guys. Another time I took off by myself and was joined by 4 riders, it looked ok but also got pulled back, it came down to an uphill bunch sprint. I was in excellent position at the beginning of the sprint (4th wheel) but didnt have the power to maintain it as some others overrolled my on the final 50m and only held on to 11th place. Nevertheless this still brought valuable points and I was pleased with my engagement in forming the race.
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