Palace 13.05.08: School Report!

School: Crystal Palace, Criterium for Hard Knocks
HeadTeachers: Warrick Spence & Eric Rowsell
Pupil: Toks Adesanya (Ade Merckx)
Date Of Race: 13/05/08
Racing Category 3rd Cat
Subjects: preparation, bike handling, race reading, race fitness, sprinting power and winning mentality

Preparation
Not Great: The decision to put "Boost" in his drinks bottle never having tasted it before, stop off for some reason at Evans Cycles and having to find a cash machine near Palace inevitably meant he arrived with only ten minutes spare. He chose not ride the circuit before hand and get a good starting position which was a smart move.
Grade C

Bike Handling
This is usually one of Ade's strong points when its not wet. However he became a little twicthy on occasions even on the hairpin bend which is unusual.
Grade B-

Race Reading
Poor. His decision to stay mid pack for mostof the race wasn't the best idea. In fact ultimately this plan failed since he tended to yo-yo throughout the bunch. This was also coupled with lapses of concentration probably due to excess amounts of traffic on the circuit - 130ish riders. So, staring at the tattoo on the big Guy (pun intended) from Dulwich Paragon leg; thinking "wouldn't it be much nicer if I could ride next to Kieran (ACC)" without actually doing anything about it; wondering whether George (Addiscombe) will still take up 400watt threshold challenge, and also concern for the whereabouts of Paul Richards (Mosquito Bikes) on the circuit further clouded his mental sharpness.
Grade C

Race Fitness
Pretty Good. Seem to be able to match jumps and close gaps without excessive effort. However riding numerous laps near the back would have ultimately diminished his improving threshold power. Not seeing the front of the bunch for a non sprinter on his favourite circuit was an outrageous crime!
Grade B

Sprinting Power: Not Applicable :-(

Bunch Riding Skills
Average. Ade can ride in the bunch well but more often than not fails to hold his position. As already mentioned this seems to be a particular concern in large fields where there are lots of pace changes. You should've seen him at Eastway in Bank holiday crits. No wonder he never placed there :-(
Grade C

Winning Mentality
Average. This mental aspect has yet to emerge this season in Ade's racing. He needs to show more hunger and desire in races and be prepared to spend more time in the pain zone.
Grade C+


Students Comments
I was in the pain zone; my calf was hurting quite a bit near the end of the race. Joanna Rowsell (British World Team Pursuit Champ) was really nice and friendly. Don't drink Boost in races it tastes rubbish. How often did the bell ring I found that a bit confusing? Its nice to wear a new Addiscombe jersey, thanks Elliott. I'll get better - hopefully :-)