Oh my gosh! I could go on about this race forever. Don't worry I won't. Eight navigations of a 7 mile rolling loop with a two mile very significant draggy hill were on the menu. The race was hard, scary, fun, and very painful in parts. You generally don't have to respond to so many attacks in 3rd cat races Ouch!; I never knew horizontal rain could sting your face so much Ouch!..i wanted John Heaton-Armstrong to die - not literally of course cause he's a nice chap. But he kept attacking and stringing us out and Damn it hurt...Adam's Cotterell (TSN) spins a low gear beautifully up hills I had no idea - he's obviously been hanging out with that smooth as butter Dave Kennett (Dulwich Paragon) fella for too long... I don't think there have been many race we're I've known so many racers - Phil Sheehan (Fincheley RT), Phil Peters (I- team), Phil Murrell (Finsbury Park), Adam, Marek (big thanks mate, Dewrmot, James, John ok thats enough. But seriously it was like being on a club run - all be at a very fast very very painful one.
Result
Number Time gap
1st 53 Jaco Ehlers Wildside RT 2hrs 49min 18s
2nd 27 Jamie Howard EWCC 46 sec
3rd 55 Ben Wilson Private Member 50 sec
4th 59 John Heaton-Armstrong Fit-For ST
5th 41 Richard Mason London Dynamo 3min 8 sec
6th 50 Adam Cotterell Tri Sport News 3min 15 sec
7th 46 Simon Lawn Sigma Sport
8th 61 David Seager San Fairy Ann CC
9th 51 Roger Smith VC Etoile 3min 30
10th 33 Will Hedden Glade CC
11th 60 Mark Sussex Wildside RT
12th 69 Bartlomies Bielecki Private member
13th 67 Nigel Ling Citihub
14th 58 Toks Adesanya Addiscoombe CC 3min 34
15th 72 Andrew Eagles Dulwich Paragon 3min 44
16th 35 Mark Jones GS Stella
17th 38 Philip Peters I Team CC
18th 48 Simon Fox Team MK 3min 55
19th 64 James Gibson Peak Fuel 4 min 13
20th 68 Daniel Felstead Dulwich Paragon
21st 2 Tom Spreckley Ingear Dev Squad 10min 36
22nd 19 Robert Bordi Beyond MTB 16min 55
23rd 63 Ian Franlin Ciclos Uno 20min 44
24th 57 Philip Moore Private Member 21min 10
K.O.M Jaco Ehlers
1st Junior Philip Peters
1st 3rd Cat Toks Adesanya
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Hog Hill (31.08.08): Team Economic Energy 3/4's
Blimey! if you believed some of the stuff doing the rounds on the various forums you'd think the climb on Hog Hill was the lengh and height of Alpe D'uez. Anyway whatever! I'd decided to take my 71 kilo grammed self back for some more pain this afternoon. Once again I was riding on my lonesome. The field was down to just 40 odd riders this week and the weather was the lovely summery kind that we've been craving since June.
On lap one there was a large explosion right in front of me that scared half of the bunch to death. It was my front tyre - a complete blow out. The inner tube had been ripped to shreds. I hobbled back to the start line taking short cuts across the freshly laid soil surrounding the track. Good old Tim Harris (remember him, should be back next year ) offered me his front wheel and a lap later I was back in the bunch.
We were only ten minutes in and there were a group of four about 30 metres in front of the bunch. I cranked up the watts into the head wind section and a less than a minute later I was at the front urging them all to put some work in. Two laps later we had a tentative 25 second gap and with fifteen minutes to go we had a minute. A top five place was definitely assured; the issue was how to make sure I got the lowest number.
With three laps to go I put in a testing dig and my breakaway buddies worked hard to chase me down. With two laps to go I jumped again and the out come was the same. On the bell lap I hit em again and led out on the climb. Almost did it but not quite. I was pipped into second by Tim's mate
On lap one there was a large explosion right in front of me that scared half of the bunch to death. It was my front tyre - a complete blow out. The inner tube had been ripped to shreds. I hobbled back to the start line taking short cuts across the freshly laid soil surrounding the track. Good old Tim Harris (remember him, should be back next year ) offered me his front wheel and a lap later I was back in the bunch.
We were only ten minutes in and there were a group of four about 30 metres in front of the bunch. I cranked up the watts into the head wind section and a less than a minute later I was at the front urging them all to put some work in. Two laps later we had a tentative 25 second gap and with fifteen minutes to go we had a minute. A top five place was definitely assured; the issue was how to make sure I got the lowest number.
With three laps to go I put in a testing dig and my breakaway buddies worked hard to chase me down. With two laps to go I jumped again and the out come was the same. On the bell lap I hit em again and led out on the climb. Almost did it but not quite. I was pipped into second by Tim's mate
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Hog Hill: Welcome to the Terrordrome
John Londoncyclesport - "IF YOU CAN RACE AT PALACE YOU CAN RACE ANYWHERE"
"Right, I'm gonna get my brother on to you". Do you remember that cowardly cry from your school days. It was usually from that annoying scumbag kid who'd lost out in a playground scrap for the nth time. Well Eastway may well be long gone but its bigger badder and tougher younger brother (Eastway 2, AKA Hog Hill)has finally shown up. You'll need to feel more than lucky to take on this bad boy. Yep some of 'us' are finally gonna have to do some proper training...
The layout is similar to Eastway. The judges and race announcer shed is now a proper building. Interestingly enough like the old Eastway it faces a main large building (which houses excellent facilities - bike storage, showers, club rooms, etc). The similarities don't stop there! - taking the anticlockwise loop you roll down a short ramp, then there's a wide left hand bend (replacing that hairpin bend of course); the road then drops down slightly before rising up again. After that things change markedly - a supper whizzy descent gives way to a series of bends, twists, turns and a proper hairpin before you eventually complete the 2k loop heading back up towards the HQ & start/finish line via a brutally harsh 12-14% climb.
Being a lover of all things new and shiny I signed on with 75 others for bank holiday Monday's Southend Wheeler's 3/4 race. The pace was fine (for me at least!)and most people coped with the circuit without problems. In fact it was quite easy to pedal around even the tightest hairpin bend and this was helped by the super smooth surface. The club with the largest number of riders was Team Economic Energy and in the early laps one of their strong riders David was putting in lots of work.
The organisers spiced up the race with £5 and £10 preems which only a handful of people really challenged for. The climb could be managed in 53/23 but quite a few spun up in the small ring. With around 13 laps of the 25 to go Nigel Ling (Citihub) and another rider pulled out a 10 second gap. I was still mid bunch and bided my time just to see what would happen.
Oh I should point out that the climb ensured riders were being summarily dismissed from the bunch on a lap by lap basis. This course takes no prisoners. Oh dear, you should've seen the the E12 field explode all over the circuit - it was UGLY!
Now which training sessions guarantee you'll be able to join any 3rd cat breakaway? Mmm! Before Nigel Ling (CityHub)and his partner in crime managed to eek out some more seconds it was time for me to start riding at my 2 x 20 threshold pace. Having put in a subtle dig just before the climb I surged ahead of the bunch; a big maximum effort was needed and I hit the climb in 53/21. Oxygen depletion over and maximum heart rate achieved (phew!) I managed to get across to them on the descent. sh1t! was it something I said? Ling's breakaway buddy suddenly went backwards. After a huge turn on the front from my good self our gap time went up slightly and a lap later an Economic Energy rider impressively made his way across came on board. Would three be the magic number?
No guessing which lady was the most animated supporter now that one of her riders was in the decisive break. Leslie Everest the life blood of Team Economic Energy was particularly vocal from the sidelines. The laps soon began to fall and with a 25 second gap with three laps to go we were gonna make it.
Once again the breakaway conundrum presented itself. Do I (A) light things up pursuit style on the last lap? (B) attack a few times and try to drop em or (C)chance it in the sprint. Unlike Goodwood I went for the sprint up the hill. My jump wasn't great and it wasn't helped by wrong gear selection. Nigel Ling (Cityhub) took the initiative, closely followed by the The Economic Energy rider. Only a bike length between us. A great race and a fantastic circuit, well done to the Eastway Supporters Group and all others involved that have made Hog Hill happen
3/4 cats 75 riders
1 Nigel Ling Cityhub
2 Javier Garcia T.E.E
3 Toks Adesanya Addiscombe cc
4 Jo Skelton Brixton cycles
5 Kier Apperley CC Hackney
6 Mark Howard Shaftesbury cc
7 Mark Holt Cambridge Uni
8 Damion Foy Eagle cc
9 Daniel Scott Shaftesbury cc
10 Ralph Keeler Cambridge cc
"Right, I'm gonna get my brother on to you". Do you remember that cowardly cry from your school days. It was usually from that annoying scumbag kid who'd lost out in a playground scrap for the nth time. Well Eastway may well be long gone but its bigger badder and tougher younger brother (Eastway 2, AKA Hog Hill)has finally shown up. You'll need to feel more than lucky to take on this bad boy. Yep some of 'us' are finally gonna have to do some proper training...
The layout is similar to Eastway. The judges and race announcer shed is now a proper building. Interestingly enough like the old Eastway it faces a main large building (which houses excellent facilities - bike storage, showers, club rooms, etc). The similarities don't stop there! - taking the anticlockwise loop you roll down a short ramp, then there's a wide left hand bend (replacing that hairpin bend of course); the road then drops down slightly before rising up again. After that things change markedly - a supper whizzy descent gives way to a series of bends, twists, turns and a proper hairpin before you eventually complete the 2k loop heading back up towards the HQ & start/finish line via a brutally harsh 12-14% climb.
Being a lover of all things new and shiny I signed on with 75 others for bank holiday Monday's Southend Wheeler's 3/4 race. The pace was fine (for me at least!)and most people coped with the circuit without problems. In fact it was quite easy to pedal around even the tightest hairpin bend and this was helped by the super smooth surface. The club with the largest number of riders was Team Economic Energy and in the early laps one of their strong riders David was putting in lots of work.
The organisers spiced up the race with £5 and £10 preems which only a handful of people really challenged for. The climb could be managed in 53/23 but quite a few spun up in the small ring. With around 13 laps of the 25 to go Nigel Ling (Citihub) and another rider pulled out a 10 second gap. I was still mid bunch and bided my time just to see what would happen.
Oh I should point out that the climb ensured riders were being summarily dismissed from the bunch on a lap by lap basis. This course takes no prisoners. Oh dear, you should've seen the the E12 field explode all over the circuit - it was UGLY!
Now which training sessions guarantee you'll be able to join any 3rd cat breakaway? Mmm! Before Nigel Ling (CityHub)and his partner in crime managed to eek out some more seconds it was time for me to start riding at my 2 x 20 threshold pace. Having put in a subtle dig just before the climb I surged ahead of the bunch; a big maximum effort was needed and I hit the climb in 53/21. Oxygen depletion over and maximum heart rate achieved (phew!) I managed to get across to them on the descent. sh1t! was it something I said? Ling's breakaway buddy suddenly went backwards. After a huge turn on the front from my good self our gap time went up slightly and a lap later an Economic Energy rider impressively made his way across came on board. Would three be the magic number?
No guessing which lady was the most animated supporter now that one of her riders was in the decisive break. Leslie Everest the life blood of Team Economic Energy was particularly vocal from the sidelines. The laps soon began to fall and with a 25 second gap with three laps to go we were gonna make it.
Once again the breakaway conundrum presented itself. Do I (A) light things up pursuit style on the last lap? (B) attack a few times and try to drop em or (C)chance it in the sprint. Unlike Goodwood I went for the sprint up the hill. My jump wasn't great and it wasn't helped by wrong gear selection. Nigel Ling (Cityhub) took the initiative, closely followed by the The Economic Energy rider. Only a bike length between us. A great race and a fantastic circuit, well done to the Eastway Supporters Group and all others involved that have made Hog Hill happen
3/4 cats 75 riders
1 Nigel Ling Cityhub
2 Javier Garcia T.E.E
3 Toks Adesanya Addiscombe cc
4 Jo Skelton Brixton cycles
5 Kier Apperley CC Hackney
6 Mark Howard Shaftesbury cc
7 Mark Holt Cambridge Uni
8 Damion Foy Eagle cc
9 Daniel Scott Shaftesbury cc
10 Ralph Keeler Cambridge cc
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Goodwood 3rd Cats (17.08.08)
At various points throughout the day youth, women, 4ths, 3rds, E12's and the Revolutions 5 day racers all got to sample Goodwood Aerodrome's windy 2.4 mile circuit. After a tortuous two hour drive from North London via the M25 I just managed to get to the circuit in time for the start of the 3rd cat race (20 laps - 48miles). Once Keith Butler got us going I was determined not to revert to type by attacking needlessly from the off. In fact the need to warm up meant any jumping around would be put on the back burner for a while. Fortunately the pace was comfortable from the start so it was easy to just chill at the back of the bunch . Hanging at the back is not something I'd generally recommend, but Goodwood circuit allows you to do that in the 3rd cat races.
At the front of the fifty or so riders the big fella from Der Ver, a Bayeaux Landscape rider and a couple of others occassionally tried their luck. The combination of headwind and a bunch with fresh legs meant nothing was gonna go and things pretty much stayed together for the first hour. By now I'd positioned myself a little closer to the front. When a couple of Velocity riders pulled away from the pack on the draggy bit it looked kinda promising so I jumped across. This brief bit of excitement was soon over and a lap later I found myself on the front. Mmm!! Peeps were lined up behind me but no one seriously fancied having a go. I swung off and allowed others to do some wind-catching. As the promoting club the Velocity duo were determined to show their colours and soon they were off again. Another game of follow the leader ensued and I shouted to them that "we've got a gap". Never one's to miss a breakaway opportunity an Agiskoviner rider soon joined us and our cycling quartet began to work together.
Despite working well the four of us didn't quite have it against the wind. To survive we were gonna need some help. Two and half laps later five more riders bridged across. Just to make sure they weren't gonna sit on I shouted "two lines; thru and off boys" and surprise suprise they complied. A few strong pulls here and there between myself and the Akiskoviner rider shook of any light weights and with five laps to go we were now a strong bunch of six. Sadly we had to say goodnight to the Velocity boys.
Myself and a Twickenham CC rider continued to cajole the group during the well executed through and off. Soon we were close to 45 secs on the bunch. With 3 laps to go the Pearsons rider announced "yes we're gonna make it'. So there we were - one Addiscombe, one Norwood Paragon, a Pearson, an I-Team, a Twickenham and one other rider. So far nobody had missed a turn apart from the Norwood Paragon guy. With two laps to go I needed to make a decision. These guys all had calves double the size of mine (not hard). Could I take the risk of a sprint finish? On the windy drags I'd occasionally pulled thru a little on the hard side just to see who had a real snap about them. Both the Pearson and the Agiskoviner guys looked strong. On the bell lap my mind was made up!... The Agiskoviner guy pulled thru and switched to the right; I was on the Pearson riders wheel as it was his turn to switch over. At this point we'd hit the windy draggy bit and I began sprinting - Hard! Yes people, it was time to go for a long one. Thirty seconds later I finally plonked my butt on the seat and began my Bradley Wiggins pursuit impression. The Pearsons rider was coming up fast. Perhaps he was 25 metres away. I clicked down to 53-14 and stomped harder. Again I looked under my arm to see if he was getting closer to me. Shhit! it was hard to tell.
My solo bid for freedom felt unbelievably hard. I could feel the "burn" as blood lactate swamped my thighs. What about the gap to the Pearsons Guy? I wanted to look back again but dared not. I tried to remove negative images from my mind (Hillingdon - twice reeled in on the final bend, Ockley last Sunday - our break was caught with less than 100 yards to go). At last the slight down hill section of the course, 53-13 was engaged... one man against five; my back couldn't get any flatter and I couldn't push any harder - things were very uncomfortable indeed. Finally I reached the chicane - 150 metres approximately from the line. I could see the small crowd to the right and the chequered flag. Forty metres to go and I was finally brave enough to look back.... Nobody There! In fact there was no one even close. Did I zip up my Addiscombe top completely and milk the moment? Of course I bloody did!! I Applauded the people back that were cheering me on (special mention to ACC's Chloe); then pointed to the name on the shirt and held up one finger as I crossed the line. Shhit I won and I won solo too. Goodwood was good for me!
Surrey League Revolutions 5 Day Stage 3 Support Races (Velocity Bikes CC)
Road & Track - 3
Place Rider Club Age Cat Disc Cat Rank Pts Series Pts
1 Toks Adesanya Addiscombe CC Over 23 3rd 10 0
2 Michael Ladbrook Pearson Cycles Over 23 3rd 8 0
2 Gareth Dickinson www.agiskoviner.com Under 23 3rd 8 0
4 Paul James Norwood Paragon CC Over 23 3rd 6 0
5 Joshua Worrall Twickenham CC Over 23 3rd 5 0
6 Howard Radcliffe I-Team Cyclist's Club Over 23 3rd 4 0
7 James Cotty GA Cycles Over 23 3rd 3 0
8 Tom Spreckley In Gear Cycling Development Squad Under 23 3rd 2 0
9 Mark Walter Over 23 3rd 1 0
10 Paul Aldridge Kenilworth Wheelers CC Over 23 3rd 1 0
11 David Hooper DH Cyclesport.co.uk Over 23 3rd 0 0
At the front of the fifty or so riders the big fella from Der Ver, a Bayeaux Landscape rider and a couple of others occassionally tried their luck. The combination of headwind and a bunch with fresh legs meant nothing was gonna go and things pretty much stayed together for the first hour. By now I'd positioned myself a little closer to the front. When a couple of Velocity riders pulled away from the pack on the draggy bit it looked kinda promising so I jumped across. This brief bit of excitement was soon over and a lap later I found myself on the front. Mmm!! Peeps were lined up behind me but no one seriously fancied having a go. I swung off and allowed others to do some wind-catching. As the promoting club the Velocity duo were determined to show their colours and soon they were off again. Another game of follow the leader ensued and I shouted to them that "we've got a gap". Never one's to miss a breakaway opportunity an Agiskoviner rider soon joined us and our cycling quartet began to work together.
Despite working well the four of us didn't quite have it against the wind. To survive we were gonna need some help. Two and half laps later five more riders bridged across. Just to make sure they weren't gonna sit on I shouted "two lines; thru and off boys" and surprise suprise they complied. A few strong pulls here and there between myself and the Akiskoviner rider shook of any light weights and with five laps to go we were now a strong bunch of six. Sadly we had to say goodnight to the Velocity boys.
Myself and a Twickenham CC rider continued to cajole the group during the well executed through and off. Soon we were close to 45 secs on the bunch. With 3 laps to go the Pearsons rider announced "yes we're gonna make it'. So there we were - one Addiscombe, one Norwood Paragon, a Pearson, an I-Team, a Twickenham and one other rider. So far nobody had missed a turn apart from the Norwood Paragon guy. With two laps to go I needed to make a decision. These guys all had calves double the size of mine (not hard). Could I take the risk of a sprint finish? On the windy drags I'd occasionally pulled thru a little on the hard side just to see who had a real snap about them. Both the Pearson and the Agiskoviner guys looked strong. On the bell lap my mind was made up!... The Agiskoviner guy pulled thru and switched to the right; I was on the Pearson riders wheel as it was his turn to switch over. At this point we'd hit the windy draggy bit and I began sprinting - Hard! Yes people, it was time to go for a long one. Thirty seconds later I finally plonked my butt on the seat and began my Bradley Wiggins pursuit impression. The Pearsons rider was coming up fast. Perhaps he was 25 metres away. I clicked down to 53-14 and stomped harder. Again I looked under my arm to see if he was getting closer to me. Shhit! it was hard to tell.
My solo bid for freedom felt unbelievably hard. I could feel the "burn" as blood lactate swamped my thighs. What about the gap to the Pearsons Guy? I wanted to look back again but dared not. I tried to remove negative images from my mind (Hillingdon - twice reeled in on the final bend, Ockley last Sunday - our break was caught with less than 100 yards to go). At last the slight down hill section of the course, 53-13 was engaged... one man against five; my back couldn't get any flatter and I couldn't push any harder - things were very uncomfortable indeed. Finally I reached the chicane - 150 metres approximately from the line. I could see the small crowd to the right and the chequered flag. Forty metres to go and I was finally brave enough to look back.... Nobody There! In fact there was no one even close. Did I zip up my Addiscombe top completely and milk the moment? Of course I bloody did!! I Applauded the people back that were cheering me on (special mention to ACC's Chloe); then pointed to the name on the shirt and held up one finger as I crossed the line. Shhit I won and I won solo too. Goodwood was good for me!
Surrey League Revolutions 5 Day Stage 3 Support Races (Velocity Bikes CC)
Road & Track - 3
Place Rider Club Age Cat Disc Cat Rank Pts Series Pts
1 Toks Adesanya Addiscombe CC Over 23 3rd 10 0
2 Michael Ladbrook Pearson Cycles Over 23 3rd 8 0
2 Gareth Dickinson www.agiskoviner.com Under 23 3rd 8 0
4 Paul James Norwood Paragon CC Over 23 3rd 6 0
5 Joshua Worrall Twickenham CC Over 23 3rd 5 0
6 Howard Radcliffe I-Team Cyclist's Club Over 23 3rd 4 0
7 James Cotty GA Cycles Over 23 3rd 3 0
8 Tom Spreckley In Gear Cycling Development Squad Under 23 3rd 2 0
9 Mark Walter Over 23 3rd 1 0
10 Paul Aldridge Kenilworth Wheelers CC Over 23 3rd 1 0
11 David Hooper DH Cyclesport.co.uk Over 23 3rd 0 0
Monday, 11 August 2008
more racing..and more of the same
Hey whats up guys its been a while? Racing wise there's nothing to report really. I've generally been happy with my performances but still haven't had any results worth blogging about. In 3rd cat only races, 2,3,4's or vet races I've been part of a some good breakaways that have always been reeled in; in fact it was the last 50 metres in last Sunday's (10.08.08) Surrey League 3rd cat race at Ockley. Oh well if at first you don't ...
Finally it was fantastic to see Nicole Cooke's Olympic RR win on Sunday. Like most people I thought she'd lost her chance on that final treacherous wet bend. It was slightly reminiscent of her caginess I witnessed first hand in one particularly wet stage of the Ras De Cymru stage race; Nicole was obviously just teasing us - adding some extra drama to a great race ;-)
Finally it was fantastic to see Nicole Cooke's Olympic RR win on Sunday. Like most people I thought she'd lost her chance on that final treacherous wet bend. It was slightly reminiscent of her caginess I witnessed first hand in one particularly wet stage of the Ras De Cymru stage race; Nicole was obviously just teasing us - adding some extra drama to a great race ;-)
Monday, 21 July 2008
Hillingdon (19.07.08) 3/4s:...damn so close!
If you're getting a little tired of my attempts at over analysis and embellishment in races - apologies - so am I. But seriously dudes - but for around 300 metres you would have had an epic tale of how I attacked Hinault style with every breath in my body and stayed away for the last 7/8 laps before the Terminator (that's what it said on his jersey ;-0) bridged across with 3 to go. Whatever!..we got swallowed up on the penultimate bend. Till next time happy riding! :-(
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Bike Hut Ras De Cymru Stage Race
Background Info
Ok so back in Feb/March this year Paul Richards (Mosquito Bikes) asked if I fancied doing a five day, 6 stage Road Race in Wales. I must have said yes at some point but to be honest I can’t remember. So Team Han was formed. Adr Rocco (Rapha Condor), Phil Murrell (Finsbury Park), Paul Richards (Mosquito Bikes) and of course me, Toks Adesanya, (Addiscombe CC). So that was it. A four man team of fair- middling 3rd cat racers in a 2, 3, 4, Women and Juniors stage race. None of us were pulling up any trees race result wise so it was gonna be interesting but hopefully not embarrassing.
Phil kindly sorted out the administration side of things so on Tuesday 1st of July we all travelled down to Newport University, the race base, in South Wales. In much the same way riding the Etape gives you the chance to play pro at the TDF for the day this stage race would do the same sort of thing but over five days. Simple really, starting on Wednesday - Go Race, Go eat, Go sleep and repeat till Sunday. We all had our own accommodation - rooms in Newport University – and would travel out to the various race HQ’s everyday and then return back to our University digs after the race. The meals and accommodation were also part of the deal - £ 200 for each man or woman. A bit like on you're first day at College or Uni we were given a briefing in one of the sports halls, we handed in our licences, received our race numbers and our goody bags.
Stage 1 (Prologue: Llangybi-Llanhennock)
Description: a 4.3 mile rolling course ending at the top of nasty 8-10% kilometre climb.
So Team Han: Paul.R (Mosquito Bikes), Phil. M (Finsbury Park), (Adri (Rapha Condor, and me - Toks. A. (Addiscombe.CC) got going at around 3.45pm and like most TT’s we were separated by one minute intervals.
I wasn't particularly psyched about this short TT effort (11-14mins with ya tongue hanging out) but nevertheless was full of nervous energy. I kept telling myself not to go too hard at the beginning so of course that’s exactly what I did. It wasn't helped by the fact you rolled down a short descent then came up a short draggy bit which immediately had the heart panicking to match the oxygen requirement from my legs.
With a minute gone I quickly realised I'd pushed things too hard and but trying to control the effort was proving to be futile. Yes despite a fairly aerodynamic position on my road bike I was puffing and panting like a 50 a day smoker. 2 mile in I had other worries. The dark clouds that had loomed all afternoon couldn’t contain themselves any longer and in full on power-shower mode came down the rain. Oh and just to spice thing up a bit more, lots of painful hailstones. I couldn't see at one point so panicked a bit; a slight loss of balance due to the swirling wind and the fact my wrists were on the bar tops and I was nearly a goner.
I reached the turn off for climb suffering slightly and quickly found on the climb my rhythm wasn't what it should be. The night before during a recon myself and Adri had attacked the climb and felt pretty good ‘big ringing it’ to the top. During the actual event things weren't the same. Regardless I arrived at the finishing point in a disappointing 13.04. Not having all the TT kit made things a little harder, sure; but coming 57th out of 66 riders certainly wasn't good for my morale. Phil came in 20 secs ahead of me, Adri a few secs behind and Paul about a minute behind me.
Stage 2 AM (Abergavenny-Raglan-Usk…Abergavenny)
Description: 53miles; Bitch Hilly
We rolled out from Abergavenny Tennis club for a short Neutralised section and Stuart Stanton the race commentator was in full passionate vocal action - name checking all the racing pros - local girl Nicole Cooke, Emma Pooley, Jo Rowsell etc. On route we rode past lots of school kids who had lined up near their school to cheer on Nicole.
The pace in the bunch was as you'd expect in your average 2/3 cat race fairly steady’s but pretty lively up drags and in response to attacks. Just as we hit the most significant climb of the day I saw Emma Pooley (Team GB) pull over with a puncture. The climb was a real stinker, I was mid bunch when riders started to loose wheels, gaps formed and those with the better power to weight ratios took full advantage. The climb wasn't too dissimilar to Toys hill out the Kent. The road surface was a little rougher however but in length and steepness they were almost identical.
So what do long climbs create? Tension? yeah of course, suffering no doubt. But most importantly - a split. There were around twenty guys in the front group and it contained the GC contenders, Cwmcarn Paragon boys, most of the Bike Hut girls and Team GB. The last man at the back of the front group was Dave Andrews (London Dynamo) I was sat just behind Dave when there was a slight surge in pace.
At this point the sensible thing would've been to jump out the saddle and hammer it across the gap. Oh no sir. I had one of my infamous knuckle head moments - trying to close the gap by spinning a low gear. Doh! Oh dear bad move. The gap grew to 40 metres and I was now in the land of no men. Jo Rowsell who had been alongside me for a good chunk of the climb was now no where to be seen. It was time to get my act together so I chased for around a mile and a half by myself; once the bunch had crested the hill I rejoined on the descent. A few miles later Rowsell and some other also crossed the gap.
The damage had already been done for at least half the field and no amount of bunch magnetism would be bringing them back. After the long descent the course had numerous wet twists and turns. Now I'd rather eat two jars of marmite (I absolutely hate the stuff) than descend in the wet. I don't know how Nicole Cooke feels about that brown salty gooey mess some people love on sandwiches but like me she was being overly cautious and also started slipping back through the field.
Once at the bottom of the slippery climb (Phew!) typically I was last bloody wheel. There was no chance for bunch safety because things became seriously stretched out and your safety line was the wheel right in front. Slowly but surely though I began to haul my skinny arse back up front. Shit!!Once again things headed skyward and in my out of the saddle dance I could almost lick the words Cateye off my cycle computer. I was chilling 2/3rds back close to Jo Rowsell again. I made some remark about Palace and she proffered a polite smile. No question about it this course had more lumps in it than a bowl of milk deprived porridge.
One more kick up shook off the hangers on and Jo Rowsell went AWOL with around five others. Things eventually flattened out and I asked if there were any escapees upfront. Nicole Cooke’s calmly told me that three were away with around a minute and a half on the bunch.
As we headed back to Abergavenny on the A472 a truce appeared to be called and we seemed to riding at club run pace into a head wind for around 5-6 miles. Nevertheless two guys gave it large and slipped off the front and one other also tried to get across. I too was tempted but sadly hesitated. Out of nowhere the 1k to go sign appeared and we all put the hammer down for the bunch sprint
Stage Winner: Joe Hemmant (London Dynamo)
Stage 3: PM (Abergavenny/Raglan)
Team Time Trial;
Description: gentle rolling 15 miles
Unlike the morning (stage 2), the TTT stage held in the afternoon morning was lovely and sunny. Each team went away at 3 minute intervals. Only Phil had the full TT regalia, Paul had Tri bars so myself and Adri would be spending the best part of 35 mins on the drops. We lost Paul within the first few miles and managed to take fairly regular turns right up to the roundabout which was the half way point.
However it was quickly apparent that Phil on TT bike etc was much stronger than Adri and I so being a genuine tester on the return leg he took longer pulls. I continued to take pulls but not for as long and Adri took even fewer turns at the front. The rules stipulated that the clock would be stopped after the 3rd man so it was important to stick together. Interestingly most four man teams finished with only 3 guys. We knew we weren't gonna set the world alight and we didn’t. 18th out of the twenty teams.
Stage 4 (Usk/Raglan/Charthouse)
Flat (apparently) 60mile
After two days of racing I felt pretty good despite fairly poor sleep. The stage had a very long 7 mile neutralised section which in terms of a warm up was just what was needed. It was a pretty testing course and flat it certainly was not. There were three loop of the 16 mile course to be negotiated each featuring a draggy 2 mile climb.
The first time up the climb some nutter upfront really forced the pace and that blew away a few backmarkers. Adri had a major mechanical where his wheel was rubbing along the inside of the frame and had to eventually get neutralised help. In the bunch there wasn't too much action although some peeps eventually got away. On the last lap I was up near the front watching in awe as Emma Pooley pulled the bunch. I attacked twice: once came to nothing but the second time I bridged across to Jonathan Ellis (Team Certini/Felt Racing) who had been dangling at the head of the bunch. We started working but only had around 20 secs for maybe 3/4miles before we were sucked back in. I think four managed to stay away and I finished in the main group behind the leaders.
Stage 5 (Storey Arms/Brecon/Fedynnog)
Description: Rolling with a Bitch Climb
I’m sure like me, if you'd planned a training ride with the weather like it was on this stage you'd definitely have cancelled it and got out the turbo. Despite it being the first week of July the day was cold, windy and very very wet. The race started at the top of a 2 mile slope and was essentially rolling but for the beastly 1k Defynnog climb. So for the first fifteen minutes the pace was effortless we cruised around the course. Shit! event the rain had stopped, things were warming up and the sun was out. Nicole Cook soon had her hand up and was talking to her director Sportiv - Julian Winn. She then slipped to the back of the bunch offloaded her gillet and was back up front. Each day she was giving a valuable lesson on how to remain in the top 15 of the bunch without ever putting her nose in to the wind. Classy Stuff!
Lots of concentration was required on this stage especially as two guys went down right in front of me. Yikes! The first time we rode up the Defynnog climb it was like trying to walk in a muddy field whilst wearing flip flops. 18% feels like 18% whether you’re a racer or club rider. 39/23 was engaged and most of us were twisting ourselves inside out just to get up the climb. The gurning, grunting and gulping was not pretty.
Weighing in at around the 90kg mark I don't know how Damian "The Fridge" Sharp (PSUK Cycling) managed to get himself at the climb, and in a good position each time. Like I said most of us were struggling. There was however one person who made it look like the proverbial walk in the park.
Yes indeed Ladies and Gents can I introduce you to the climbing phenomenon that is Emma Pooley (Team GB). Oh my goodness! Now don't get me wrong Nicole Cooke, Tim Wallis (Red Kite Cycles) etc and a few other climbed really well but they make the Defynnog look as hard as it actually was. Emma Pooley floated up the climb. Its all clear to me now R Kelly was obviously talking about Pooley when he wrote his RB hit believing he could fly a few years ago
The descent off the climb was extremely fast and the roads were twisty; having a clear view ahead was paramount. A poor line into any blind bend and your race would end at Gwent Hospital. Back on the flat we hit a fast road and we were strung out at 40mph. I can remember at one point the GB girls (Jessica Allen and Emma Pooley) cruising past me on either side like it was a Saturday club run.
Quite a few peeps had tried to get away but I think the break slipped away on the second time at the climb. On the 3rd time up the climb Emma Pooley comfortably pulling the bunch along as we approached the climb; Damian 'the Fridge' was on her wheel (it looked almost cartoonesque but I guess you had to be there!). To take advantage of slipping I got on the front and led our penultimate visit to the 1k torture chamber they call Defynnog
On the final lap Gordon Kenneway (London Dynamo) fancied his chances and jumped a way for a mile or two. He was always in sight and was soon brought back. The Fridge jumped clear at the base of the climb and was given a big cheer. Another hellish brutal final effort up the climb and the pain was over. I think the bunch sprint up the climb was won my Nicole Cooke. I rode back the 8 miles to the HQ and arrived looking like a drowned rat (oh yeah the sun wasn’t out for long). Race commentator Stuart Stanton bought me a hot cup of tea. “Welcome to Wales and some proper racing”, he teased.
Stage 6 (Abergavenny/Three Cocks/Llangynidr)
Description:
56 miles rolling with 4 mile mountain top finish climb
Another long neutralised section through the town of Abergavenny - everybody was in good spirits I guess knowing the pain would finally be over. Phaarrr..kin...hell!! When the flag dropped those Cwmcarn Paragon boys attacked immediately. Now I don't like sprinting at the best of times. At the beginning of the race in particular. It must have been 30 secs at least in the red zone before things relented... There were lots of narrow lanes for people to sneak off the front so we spent lots of time chasing down the attacks. As the GC stood, all the leader Tim Carter (Team GB) needed to do was not to concede 1.40mins and he had it in the bag. 2nd on the GC Tim Wallis (Red Kite Cycles) had other ideas naturally and throw in those crazy Cwmcarn Paragon with internal scores to settle amongst themselves this was gonna be a rough ride.
At one point a large group of 10 got away but with the bunch speed very high we soon had them in sight... What with mechanicals etc, my team mate Adri had had a tough few days racing and was determined to finish well. On one of the fast A roads I could see Adri struggling to hold a wheel so I pushed him forward. His recovery wasn't complete before there was another attack so I gave him and even lengthier push to stay with the bunch. Sergeant Jim Northway (PSUK GB Cycling) who'd been giving me a lift to some of the stages was now in a police chase of different kind. A chase to stay in touch with the bunch. He’d been riding well really but attacks are attempts to getaway. And sadly eventually we got away from him.
Kurt Green (Velo Club Montipilier) was one of the bunch entertainers; on some stages and he would often start singing when we were approaching a big climb. Today however he seemed to have ants in his pants, constantly shifting and turning around adjusting his gillet, shorts etc. Sat on his wheel I was getting a bit nervous and really I didn’t fancy a tarmac sandwich at 35mph… More rolling hills; more attacks snuffed out and eventually we got to the toughest and final climb of the whole race. Naturally there were a few surges as people scrambled to attach themselves on to good wheels.
THE FIRST ONE TO THE TOP IS A POOLEY!... I'd decided to just spin in 23/39 and whatever happened happened. On the lower slopes I was soon alongside the London Dynamo clan. Quickly G. Kenneway and M. Bridge pulled away and so did my team mate Phil Murrell (Finsbury Park) later forming a group of 8 riders.
I caught up with Dave Andrews who had initially surged past everyone and then I rode past Joe Hemmant. A hundred metres later Joe returned and give me a friendly nudge as I weaved across his path. I couldn't help laughing but Joe wasn't amused. I caught up again as he pulled away and then had a 30 metre lead on him by the two mile mark.
He then came back and rode past and this time I had no reply so resigned myself to some time alone in the pain zone. Those of you that have or will be doing the Tour of the Black Mountains will experience this climb in the next few weeks. Good Luck!
With 200metres to go up pops fellow Crystal Palace racer Jo Rowsell. She's pursuit team world champ, less than half my age and oozes class. I once won at Palace a couple of years ago so we're clearly a good match. Jo pulled away spinning a low gear. Call it male pride but I was determined to beat her to the finish. No chance Dave Povall (Cwmcarn Paragon) who'd been bobbing and weaving like a tipsy boxer just in front of me challenged Jo to a sprint finish. Jo duly obliged and kicked Dave's proverbial and beat me to the line by 12 secs. So that was it the race was officially over. I'd finish 36th on the G C
Stage Winner: Emma “I believe I can Fly” Pooley
Later on after the award ceremony I saw Nicole Cooke and she smiled at me. I wanted to say good luck in Beijing but it came out as a head nod and a big smile back. A great event, met lots of great people. Chapeau to Simon Bray and his team, the marshals, helpers, Police, Outriders etc. It was a fantastic event which was flawlessly well orgamnised. Well done to all the racers. Maybe I’ll see you all again sometime
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/roa/EventReports2008/20080706_RasdeCymru.asp
Ok so back in Feb/March this year Paul Richards (Mosquito Bikes) asked if I fancied doing a five day, 6 stage Road Race in Wales. I must have said yes at some point but to be honest I can’t remember. So Team Han was formed. Adr Rocco (Rapha Condor), Phil Murrell (Finsbury Park), Paul Richards (Mosquito Bikes) and of course me, Toks Adesanya, (Addiscombe CC). So that was it. A four man team of fair- middling 3rd cat racers in a 2, 3, 4, Women and Juniors stage race. None of us were pulling up any trees race result wise so it was gonna be interesting but hopefully not embarrassing.
Phil kindly sorted out the administration side of things so on Tuesday 1st of July we all travelled down to Newport University, the race base, in South Wales. In much the same way riding the Etape gives you the chance to play pro at the TDF for the day this stage race would do the same sort of thing but over five days. Simple really, starting on Wednesday - Go Race, Go eat, Go sleep and repeat till Sunday. We all had our own accommodation - rooms in Newport University – and would travel out to the various race HQ’s everyday and then return back to our University digs after the race. The meals and accommodation were also part of the deal - £ 200 for each man or woman. A bit like on you're first day at College or Uni we were given a briefing in one of the sports halls, we handed in our licences, received our race numbers and our goody bags.
Stage 1 (Prologue: Llangybi-Llanhennock)
Description: a 4.3 mile rolling course ending at the top of nasty 8-10% kilometre climb.
So Team Han: Paul.R (Mosquito Bikes), Phil. M (Finsbury Park), (Adri (Rapha Condor, and me - Toks. A. (Addiscombe.CC) got going at around 3.45pm and like most TT’s we were separated by one minute intervals.
I wasn't particularly psyched about this short TT effort (11-14mins with ya tongue hanging out) but nevertheless was full of nervous energy. I kept telling myself not to go too hard at the beginning so of course that’s exactly what I did. It wasn't helped by the fact you rolled down a short descent then came up a short draggy bit which immediately had the heart panicking to match the oxygen requirement from my legs.
With a minute gone I quickly realised I'd pushed things too hard and but trying to control the effort was proving to be futile. Yes despite a fairly aerodynamic position on my road bike I was puffing and panting like a 50 a day smoker. 2 mile in I had other worries. The dark clouds that had loomed all afternoon couldn’t contain themselves any longer and in full on power-shower mode came down the rain. Oh and just to spice thing up a bit more, lots of painful hailstones. I couldn't see at one point so panicked a bit; a slight loss of balance due to the swirling wind and the fact my wrists were on the bar tops and I was nearly a goner.
I reached the turn off for climb suffering slightly and quickly found on the climb my rhythm wasn't what it should be. The night before during a recon myself and Adri had attacked the climb and felt pretty good ‘big ringing it’ to the top. During the actual event things weren't the same. Regardless I arrived at the finishing point in a disappointing 13.04. Not having all the TT kit made things a little harder, sure; but coming 57th out of 66 riders certainly wasn't good for my morale. Phil came in 20 secs ahead of me, Adri a few secs behind and Paul about a minute behind me.
Stage 2 AM (Abergavenny-Raglan-Usk…Abergavenny)
Description: 53miles; Bitch Hilly
We rolled out from Abergavenny Tennis club for a short Neutralised section and Stuart Stanton the race commentator was in full passionate vocal action - name checking all the racing pros - local girl Nicole Cooke, Emma Pooley, Jo Rowsell etc. On route we rode past lots of school kids who had lined up near their school to cheer on Nicole.
The pace in the bunch was as you'd expect in your average 2/3 cat race fairly steady’s but pretty lively up drags and in response to attacks. Just as we hit the most significant climb of the day I saw Emma Pooley (Team GB) pull over with a puncture. The climb was a real stinker, I was mid bunch when riders started to loose wheels, gaps formed and those with the better power to weight ratios took full advantage. The climb wasn't too dissimilar to Toys hill out the Kent. The road surface was a little rougher however but in length and steepness they were almost identical.
So what do long climbs create? Tension? yeah of course, suffering no doubt. But most importantly - a split. There were around twenty guys in the front group and it contained the GC contenders, Cwmcarn Paragon boys, most of the Bike Hut girls and Team GB. The last man at the back of the front group was Dave Andrews (London Dynamo) I was sat just behind Dave when there was a slight surge in pace.
At this point the sensible thing would've been to jump out the saddle and hammer it across the gap. Oh no sir. I had one of my infamous knuckle head moments - trying to close the gap by spinning a low gear. Doh! Oh dear bad move. The gap grew to 40 metres and I was now in the land of no men. Jo Rowsell who had been alongside me for a good chunk of the climb was now no where to be seen. It was time to get my act together so I chased for around a mile and a half by myself; once the bunch had crested the hill I rejoined on the descent. A few miles later Rowsell and some other also crossed the gap.
The damage had already been done for at least half the field and no amount of bunch magnetism would be bringing them back. After the long descent the course had numerous wet twists and turns. Now I'd rather eat two jars of marmite (I absolutely hate the stuff) than descend in the wet. I don't know how Nicole Cooke feels about that brown salty gooey mess some people love on sandwiches but like me she was being overly cautious and also started slipping back through the field.
Once at the bottom of the slippery climb (Phew!) typically I was last bloody wheel. There was no chance for bunch safety because things became seriously stretched out and your safety line was the wheel right in front. Slowly but surely though I began to haul my skinny arse back up front. Shit!!Once again things headed skyward and in my out of the saddle dance I could almost lick the words Cateye off my cycle computer. I was chilling 2/3rds back close to Jo Rowsell again. I made some remark about Palace and she proffered a polite smile. No question about it this course had more lumps in it than a bowl of milk deprived porridge.
One more kick up shook off the hangers on and Jo Rowsell went AWOL with around five others. Things eventually flattened out and I asked if there were any escapees upfront. Nicole Cooke’s calmly told me that three were away with around a minute and a half on the bunch.
As we headed back to Abergavenny on the A472 a truce appeared to be called and we seemed to riding at club run pace into a head wind for around 5-6 miles. Nevertheless two guys gave it large and slipped off the front and one other also tried to get across. I too was tempted but sadly hesitated. Out of nowhere the 1k to go sign appeared and we all put the hammer down for the bunch sprint
Stage Winner: Joe Hemmant (London Dynamo)
Stage 3: PM (Abergavenny/Raglan)
Team Time Trial;
Description: gentle rolling 15 miles
Unlike the morning (stage 2), the TTT stage held in the afternoon morning was lovely and sunny. Each team went away at 3 minute intervals. Only Phil had the full TT regalia, Paul had Tri bars so myself and Adri would be spending the best part of 35 mins on the drops. We lost Paul within the first few miles and managed to take fairly regular turns right up to the roundabout which was the half way point.
However it was quickly apparent that Phil on TT bike etc was much stronger than Adri and I so being a genuine tester on the return leg he took longer pulls. I continued to take pulls but not for as long and Adri took even fewer turns at the front. The rules stipulated that the clock would be stopped after the 3rd man so it was important to stick together. Interestingly most four man teams finished with only 3 guys. We knew we weren't gonna set the world alight and we didn’t. 18th out of the twenty teams.
Stage 4 (Usk/Raglan/Charthouse)
Flat (apparently) 60mile
After two days of racing I felt pretty good despite fairly poor sleep. The stage had a very long 7 mile neutralised section which in terms of a warm up was just what was needed. It was a pretty testing course and flat it certainly was not. There were three loop of the 16 mile course to be negotiated each featuring a draggy 2 mile climb.
The first time up the climb some nutter upfront really forced the pace and that blew away a few backmarkers. Adri had a major mechanical where his wheel was rubbing along the inside of the frame and had to eventually get neutralised help. In the bunch there wasn't too much action although some peeps eventually got away. On the last lap I was up near the front watching in awe as Emma Pooley pulled the bunch. I attacked twice: once came to nothing but the second time I bridged across to Jonathan Ellis (Team Certini/Felt Racing) who had been dangling at the head of the bunch. We started working but only had around 20 secs for maybe 3/4miles before we were sucked back in. I think four managed to stay away and I finished in the main group behind the leaders.
Stage 5 (Storey Arms/Brecon/Fedynnog)
Description: Rolling with a Bitch Climb
I’m sure like me, if you'd planned a training ride with the weather like it was on this stage you'd definitely have cancelled it and got out the turbo. Despite it being the first week of July the day was cold, windy and very very wet. The race started at the top of a 2 mile slope and was essentially rolling but for the beastly 1k Defynnog climb. So for the first fifteen minutes the pace was effortless we cruised around the course. Shit! event the rain had stopped, things were warming up and the sun was out. Nicole Cook soon had her hand up and was talking to her director Sportiv - Julian Winn. She then slipped to the back of the bunch offloaded her gillet and was back up front. Each day she was giving a valuable lesson on how to remain in the top 15 of the bunch without ever putting her nose in to the wind. Classy Stuff!
Lots of concentration was required on this stage especially as two guys went down right in front of me. Yikes! The first time we rode up the Defynnog climb it was like trying to walk in a muddy field whilst wearing flip flops. 18% feels like 18% whether you’re a racer or club rider. 39/23 was engaged and most of us were twisting ourselves inside out just to get up the climb. The gurning, grunting and gulping was not pretty.
Weighing in at around the 90kg mark I don't know how Damian "The Fridge" Sharp (PSUK Cycling) managed to get himself at the climb, and in a good position each time. Like I said most of us were struggling. There was however one person who made it look like the proverbial walk in the park.
Yes indeed Ladies and Gents can I introduce you to the climbing phenomenon that is Emma Pooley (Team GB). Oh my goodness! Now don't get me wrong Nicole Cooke, Tim Wallis (Red Kite Cycles) etc and a few other climbed really well but they make the Defynnog look as hard as it actually was. Emma Pooley floated up the climb. Its all clear to me now R Kelly was obviously talking about Pooley when he wrote his RB hit believing he could fly a few years ago
The descent off the climb was extremely fast and the roads were twisty; having a clear view ahead was paramount. A poor line into any blind bend and your race would end at Gwent Hospital. Back on the flat we hit a fast road and we were strung out at 40mph. I can remember at one point the GB girls (Jessica Allen and Emma Pooley) cruising past me on either side like it was a Saturday club run.
Quite a few peeps had tried to get away but I think the break slipped away on the second time at the climb. On the 3rd time up the climb Emma Pooley comfortably pulling the bunch along as we approached the climb; Damian 'the Fridge' was on her wheel (it looked almost cartoonesque but I guess you had to be there!). To take advantage of slipping I got on the front and led our penultimate visit to the 1k torture chamber they call Defynnog
On the final lap Gordon Kenneway (London Dynamo) fancied his chances and jumped a way for a mile or two. He was always in sight and was soon brought back. The Fridge jumped clear at the base of the climb and was given a big cheer. Another hellish brutal final effort up the climb and the pain was over. I think the bunch sprint up the climb was won my Nicole Cooke. I rode back the 8 miles to the HQ and arrived looking like a drowned rat (oh yeah the sun wasn’t out for long). Race commentator Stuart Stanton bought me a hot cup of tea. “Welcome to Wales and some proper racing”, he teased.
Stage 6 (Abergavenny/Three Cocks/Llangynidr)
Description:
56 miles rolling with 4 mile mountain top finish climb
Another long neutralised section through the town of Abergavenny - everybody was in good spirits I guess knowing the pain would finally be over. Phaarrr..kin...hell!! When the flag dropped those Cwmcarn Paragon boys attacked immediately. Now I don't like sprinting at the best of times. At the beginning of the race in particular. It must have been 30 secs at least in the red zone before things relented... There were lots of narrow lanes for people to sneak off the front so we spent lots of time chasing down the attacks. As the GC stood, all the leader Tim Carter (Team GB) needed to do was not to concede 1.40mins and he had it in the bag. 2nd on the GC Tim Wallis (Red Kite Cycles) had other ideas naturally and throw in those crazy Cwmcarn Paragon with internal scores to settle amongst themselves this was gonna be a rough ride.
At one point a large group of 10 got away but with the bunch speed very high we soon had them in sight... What with mechanicals etc, my team mate Adri had had a tough few days racing and was determined to finish well. On one of the fast A roads I could see Adri struggling to hold a wheel so I pushed him forward. His recovery wasn't complete before there was another attack so I gave him and even lengthier push to stay with the bunch. Sergeant Jim Northway (PSUK GB Cycling) who'd been giving me a lift to some of the stages was now in a police chase of different kind. A chase to stay in touch with the bunch. He’d been riding well really but attacks are attempts to getaway. And sadly eventually we got away from him.
Kurt Green (Velo Club Montipilier) was one of the bunch entertainers; on some stages and he would often start singing when we were approaching a big climb. Today however he seemed to have ants in his pants, constantly shifting and turning around adjusting his gillet, shorts etc. Sat on his wheel I was getting a bit nervous and really I didn’t fancy a tarmac sandwich at 35mph… More rolling hills; more attacks snuffed out and eventually we got to the toughest and final climb of the whole race. Naturally there were a few surges as people scrambled to attach themselves on to good wheels.
THE FIRST ONE TO THE TOP IS A POOLEY!... I'd decided to just spin in 23/39 and whatever happened happened. On the lower slopes I was soon alongside the London Dynamo clan. Quickly G. Kenneway and M. Bridge pulled away and so did my team mate Phil Murrell (Finsbury Park) later forming a group of 8 riders.
I caught up with Dave Andrews who had initially surged past everyone and then I rode past Joe Hemmant. A hundred metres later Joe returned and give me a friendly nudge as I weaved across his path. I couldn't help laughing but Joe wasn't amused. I caught up again as he pulled away and then had a 30 metre lead on him by the two mile mark.
He then came back and rode past and this time I had no reply so resigned myself to some time alone in the pain zone. Those of you that have or will be doing the Tour of the Black Mountains will experience this climb in the next few weeks. Good Luck!
With 200metres to go up pops fellow Crystal Palace racer Jo Rowsell. She's pursuit team world champ, less than half my age and oozes class. I once won at Palace a couple of years ago so we're clearly a good match. Jo pulled away spinning a low gear. Call it male pride but I was determined to beat her to the finish. No chance Dave Povall (Cwmcarn Paragon) who'd been bobbing and weaving like a tipsy boxer just in front of me challenged Jo to a sprint finish. Jo duly obliged and kicked Dave's proverbial and beat me to the line by 12 secs. So that was it the race was officially over. I'd finish 36th on the G C
Stage Winner: Emma “I believe I can Fly” Pooley
Later on after the award ceremony I saw Nicole Cooke and she smiled at me. I wanted to say good luck in Beijing but it came out as a head nod and a big smile back. A great event, met lots of great people. Chapeau to Simon Bray and his team, the marshals, helpers, Police, Outriders etc. It was a fantastic event which was flawlessly well orgamnised. Well done to all the racers. Maybe I’ll see you all again sometime
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/roa/EventReports2008/20080706_RasdeCymru.asp
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
