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
Friday, 27 June 2008
Palace (24.06.8): Same old..same old
I'm slightly baffled as to how it is I'm finding it so difficult to place at Palace considering I'm fitter than two years ago. Oh well last week Warrick Spence told me he had one of his best seasons in terms of results when he wasn't very fit...
Right then the race - the following ACC boys answered the calling in the 3/4's: Hal, Kieran, Johnathan, Mark, Daniel and yours truly. Supporting roles were by Chrissy (I' think Senior ACC lady ) and Stephanie. In the E12's was Sylv. I tried to get away a number of times early doors with a Corridori guy and a Dulwich guy but nothing ever lasted. Less peeps racing in the 3/4s this week and no neutralised bit with E12's made things a lot smoother!...Kieran had a dig for a lap with a few chaps but again they never had more than a handful of secs...A great solo effort by a fella in black with 5/6 laps to go nearly came off but we got him back so it came down to the inevitable bunch sprint. A school boy error by yours truly not being near the front on the bell lap meant I struggled which wasn't helped by cramp in both calves and touching wheels on the climb . Oh well c'est la vie...
Right then the race - the following ACC boys answered the calling in the 3/4's: Hal, Kieran, Johnathan, Mark, Daniel and yours truly. Supporting roles were by Chrissy (I' think Senior ACC lady ) and Stephanie. In the E12's was Sylv. I tried to get away a number of times early doors with a Corridori guy and a Dulwich guy but nothing ever lasted. Less peeps racing in the 3/4s this week and no neutralised bit with E12's made things a lot smoother!...Kieran had a dig for a lap with a few chaps but again they never had more than a handful of secs...A great solo effort by a fella in black with 5/6 laps to go nearly came off but we got him back so it came down to the inevitable bunch sprint. A school boy error by yours truly not being near the front on the bell lap meant I struggled which wasn't helped by cramp in both calves and touching wheels on the climb . Oh well c'est la vie...
Monday, 23 June 2008
Pearson Cycles Jaunts 5 Day -Stage 3
More from ACC's main man
ok so this is the stage with the finish up leith hill, and it was the one I was really hoping to do well in.
I had made some extra preparations to stop me getting cramps, taking more food with me, drinking tonic water, and having one of my bottles filled with some tonic water also.So the race got under way and I felt OK, fairly well recovered- but I could feel something was not quite right with my body as a whole.
On the first lap the first bit of excitement got under way. We were going past a couple of horses when they went BONKERS! they reared up and started galloping into the peleton, splitting the back 1/3 off, which unfortunately I was in!
Understandably the peleton sped away, seeming as they had 2 great horses galloping after them right behind. Eventually after about half a mile they turned off, and now the chase was underway to get back on. Me and a guy from the Army cycling union did most of the work and we got back on after a couple of miles.
I rested up for a bit and stayed well hidden.On the next lap the next bit of action for me happened. as we were going up a slight hill i hit a bump as I was changing down into the small ring and my chain came off, and stuck between the chain ring and the frame....i whacked my arm up and watched the riders gushing passed from behind. once it was clear I jumped off and put the chain on as fast as i could, not loosing too much time. Luckily I managed to get it down as the last car in the convoy went passed. i sprinted after it and stayed behind for a few seconds to catch my breath and regain my composure...
OK stu, you have to get back on!....I pulled out from behind the car and hopped it over to the next one. unfortunately for me there must have been some attacks happening or something, as the pace was pretty hot from the pack. I had about 6 or 7 cars to get by. I started hopping from one car to the next, having to sprint pretty hard to get round them each time. eventually i reached the 2nd to last car and then readied myself for the last big push for the back of the group about 40-50m in front, i shot round and cruised nicely past the commissaire who kindly indicated (i think) that he would turn a blind eye to my drafting with a wave and a smile
So i was pretty tired from that and took shelter mid pack, where my mind turned to this funny feeling i mentioned earlier. i realised i was feeling a bit sick. I tried to convince myself it was from my effort to get back on the bunch, but over the next couple of laps it got worse and worse, until just before 2 laps to go i pulled over and threw up at the side of the road.
I was was (am) gutted, as this was the stage a REALLY was looking forward to. I was in no mood to hang about so grabbed my dad and drove off home where I was sick a couple more times, and now I have diarrhea. I think I know the cause- this morning i accidentally ate an out of date microwave meal, at the time i thought it would be fine...but the urge to run to the loo as im typing now, is letting me know how wrong i was!
for me, i think the tour is over
stuStu Merckx Man
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Pearson Cycles Jaunts 5 Day -Stage 2
2nd stage report from Stu Chamberlayne...
it was rather long and lumpy stage, at 63 miles and with 2 sharp climbs, and and long drag up the main A road through bletchingly. the finish was up a sharp climb that goes up to bletchingly...(the one where i always drop paul after the chaingang)
i was feeling fairly ok, and settled mid pack to see what was what. the first lap was pretty slow, and i had to restrain myself from making any futile attacks, which i would have done had it not been a 5 day race.
pretty soon however, the top guns started to fire up and the race got going... much better
i was fairly comfortable, settling in the front third of the pack. there were attacks occurring all the time, but nothing was getting away, so i decided to save my powder and not go with any, as i knew that there was a 90% chance it would come to nothing.
for me personally there was not that much action, i felt reasonably comfortable, and almost never in the red, accept having to bridge a spilt in the group a couple of times going up the long draggy bit, which is where the strong guys chose to attack each lap!
with 2 laps to go i could feel i was getting a bit more tired, and was having to get out the saddle on the climbs, but nothing to worry about- i downed the rest of my energy bars and took a big swig from my bottle. after about 10 minutes i could feel the benefits, and started my plan for the finish, which i thought might suit me somewhat.
however, with 1 lap to go, and with no drink left i started to notice the creeping of cramps
a few months back this would have been the end of my race, but ive learnt techniques on 'managing' it. firstly, dont get out the saddle, secondly spin the gears, especially up hill, and finally- if you need to respond quickely to a change in pace dont! gently increase the speed, and if it means loosing a few places so be it.
with my guru like knowledge acquired from un paralleled experience of cramps in a hard races i managed to hold off a full , crippling cramp of my legs, instead only getting the preliminary twangs and bubble sensations in my legs.
i knew my chance of a good finish was out the question, so i knew i just had to make sure i didnt loose too much time.
as we hit the finising hill i was mid pack, where i wanted to be to get as much shelter as i could . i got out the saddle round one of the steeper sections, but promptly whacked my a*rse back down as i felt my leg nearly go. so as can be seen in the results i finished with the main bunch, not coneeding any time to my nearest GC competitors.
so after 2 hour 40 minutes it was over, pleased to hold off the cramp but disappointed also, as i felt it was a perfect finish for me (a lap early! )
todays write up to follow later.....
stu
1 Richard Hoult London Dynamo 2 42 2:36:51 @ 0:00:00
2 Roger Smith VC Etoile 3 57 2:37:41 @ 0:00:50
3 Lee Tunnicliffe DHCyclesport.co.uk 2 16 2:37:51 @ 0:01:00
4 Richard Mason London Dynamo 2 43 2:37:54 @ 0:01:03
5 Daniel Felstead Dulwich Paragon CC 3 19 2:37:54 @ 0:01:03
6 Stephen Dring Team Echelon 2 52 2:37:56 @ 0:01:05
7 Jaco Ehlers Wildside RT 2 62 2:37:56 @ 0:01:05
8 David Kennett Norwood Paragon CC 2V 46 2:38:05 @ 0:01:14
9 Mark Jones GS Stella 3V 27 2:38:11 @ 0:01:20
10 Steve Home Twickenham CC 2 55 2:38:43 @ 0:01:52
11 Steven Saunders Kingston Wheelers 2 38 2:38:46 @ 0:01:55
12 Joshua Cunningham Bayeux Landscapes 3J 9 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
13 Adam Cotterell TriSportNews.com 2 53 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
14 Mark Sussex Wildside RT 2 63 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
15 Geoffrey Lulham Evans Cycles RT 3 23 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
16 Tom Spreckley In Gear Development Squad 3 36 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
17 Guy Powdrill London Dynamo 2 40 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
18 Allan Ridler Army CU 2 3 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
19 Andrew Davies Fit-For 2 24 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
20 Cameron Carthen In Gear Development Squad 3J 31 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
21 Ben Wilson Private Member 2 49 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
22 Daniel Clark Brighton Mitre 2 11 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
23 Philip Watkins Old Portlians CC 2V 47 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
24 John Heaton-Armstrong Fit-For 2 25 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
25 Simon Bird Dulwich Paragon CC 3 22 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
26 Mike Cripps Army CU 3 6 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
27 Robert Bordi Beyond Mountain Bikes 3J 10 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
28 Mark Gibbs VC Meudon 3V 61 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
29 Stuart Chamberlayne Addiscombe CC 2J 1 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
30 Jason Green London Dynamo 3 41 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
31 David Wilson Charlotteville CC 3 13 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
32 John Saddler TriSportNews.com 2 54 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
33 Jason Salter Bayeux Landscapes 3V 8 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
34 Oscar Challis Dulwich Paragon CC 3 21 2:39:07 @ 0:02:16
35 Dan Guest Army CU 3 4 2:39:07 @ 0:02:16
36 Kevin Knox Dulwich Paragon CC 2 20 2:39:10 @ 0:02:19
37 Duncan Hards VC Meudon 2 60 2:39:13 @ 0:02:22
38 Justin Callaway DHCyclesport.co.uk 3 15 2:39:13 @ 0:02:22
39 Craig Northam Dulwich Paragon CC 2 18 2:39:13 @ 0:02:22
40 Niall Digby Sigma Sport RT 2 51 2:39:20 @ 0:02:29
it was rather long and lumpy stage, at 63 miles and with 2 sharp climbs, and and long drag up the main A road through bletchingly. the finish was up a sharp climb that goes up to bletchingly...(the one where i always drop paul after the chaingang)
i was feeling fairly ok, and settled mid pack to see what was what. the first lap was pretty slow, and i had to restrain myself from making any futile attacks, which i would have done had it not been a 5 day race.
pretty soon however, the top guns started to fire up and the race got going... much better
i was fairly comfortable, settling in the front third of the pack. there were attacks occurring all the time, but nothing was getting away, so i decided to save my powder and not go with any, as i knew that there was a 90% chance it would come to nothing.
for me personally there was not that much action, i felt reasonably comfortable, and almost never in the red, accept having to bridge a spilt in the group a couple of times going up the long draggy bit, which is where the strong guys chose to attack each lap!
with 2 laps to go i could feel i was getting a bit more tired, and was having to get out the saddle on the climbs, but nothing to worry about- i downed the rest of my energy bars and took a big swig from my bottle. after about 10 minutes i could feel the benefits, and started my plan for the finish, which i thought might suit me somewhat.
however, with 1 lap to go, and with no drink left i started to notice the creeping of cramps
a few months back this would have been the end of my race, but ive learnt techniques on 'managing' it. firstly, dont get out the saddle, secondly spin the gears, especially up hill, and finally- if you need to respond quickely to a change in pace dont! gently increase the speed, and if it means loosing a few places so be it.
with my guru like knowledge acquired from un paralleled experience of cramps in a hard races i managed to hold off a full , crippling cramp of my legs, instead only getting the preliminary twangs and bubble sensations in my legs.
i knew my chance of a good finish was out the question, so i knew i just had to make sure i didnt loose too much time.
as we hit the finising hill i was mid pack, where i wanted to be to get as much shelter as i could . i got out the saddle round one of the steeper sections, but promptly whacked my a*rse back down as i felt my leg nearly go. so as can be seen in the results i finished with the main bunch, not coneeding any time to my nearest GC competitors.
so after 2 hour 40 minutes it was over, pleased to hold off the cramp but disappointed also, as i felt it was a perfect finish for me (a lap early! )
todays write up to follow later.....
stu
1 Richard Hoult London Dynamo 2 42 2:36:51 @ 0:00:00
2 Roger Smith VC Etoile 3 57 2:37:41 @ 0:00:50
3 Lee Tunnicliffe DHCyclesport.co.uk 2 16 2:37:51 @ 0:01:00
4 Richard Mason London Dynamo 2 43 2:37:54 @ 0:01:03
5 Daniel Felstead Dulwich Paragon CC 3 19 2:37:54 @ 0:01:03
6 Stephen Dring Team Echelon 2 52 2:37:56 @ 0:01:05
7 Jaco Ehlers Wildside RT 2 62 2:37:56 @ 0:01:05
8 David Kennett Norwood Paragon CC 2V 46 2:38:05 @ 0:01:14
9 Mark Jones GS Stella 3V 27 2:38:11 @ 0:01:20
10 Steve Home Twickenham CC 2 55 2:38:43 @ 0:01:52
11 Steven Saunders Kingston Wheelers 2 38 2:38:46 @ 0:01:55
12 Joshua Cunningham Bayeux Landscapes 3J 9 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
13 Adam Cotterell TriSportNews.com 2 53 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
14 Mark Sussex Wildside RT 2 63 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
15 Geoffrey Lulham Evans Cycles RT 3 23 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
16 Tom Spreckley In Gear Development Squad 3 36 2:38:51 @ 0:02:00
17 Guy Powdrill London Dynamo 2 40 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
18 Allan Ridler Army CU 2 3 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
19 Andrew Davies Fit-For 2 24 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
20 Cameron Carthen In Gear Development Squad 3J 31 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
21 Ben Wilson Private Member 2 49 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
22 Daniel Clark Brighton Mitre 2 11 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
23 Philip Watkins Old Portlians CC 2V 47 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
24 John Heaton-Armstrong Fit-For 2 25 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
25 Simon Bird Dulwich Paragon CC 3 22 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
26 Mike Cripps Army CU 3 6 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
27 Robert Bordi Beyond Mountain Bikes 3J 10 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
28 Mark Gibbs VC Meudon 3V 61 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
29 Stuart Chamberlayne Addiscombe CC 2J 1 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
30 Jason Green London Dynamo 3 41 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
31 David Wilson Charlotteville CC 3 13 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
32 John Saddler TriSportNews.com 2 54 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
33 Jason Salter Bayeux Landscapes 3V 8 2:38:56 @ 0:02:05
34 Oscar Challis Dulwich Paragon CC 3 21 2:39:07 @ 0:02:16
35 Dan Guest Army CU 3 4 2:39:07 @ 0:02:16
36 Kevin Knox Dulwich Paragon CC 2 20 2:39:10 @ 0:02:19
37 Duncan Hards VC Meudon 2 60 2:39:13 @ 0:02:22
38 Justin Callaway DHCyclesport.co.uk 3 15 2:39:13 @ 0:02:22
39 Craig Northam Dulwich Paragon CC 2 18 2:39:13 @ 0:02:22
40 Niall Digby Sigma Sport RT 2 51 2:39:20 @ 0:02:29
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Pearson Cycles Jaunts 5 Day -Stage 1
In only his second season of racing Addiscombe CC Junior rider, Stu "Merckx Man" Chanberlayne reports on his first five day stage race - Pearson Cycles Jaunts 5 Day
...so i got a lift with Dave Kennett down to the prologue and he gave me some useful information about the time trial - it was pretty lumpy, with a long down hill section near the start, and then up hill most of the way to the finish.
I was the first to set off; i felt well rested, but a little sluggish for the first couple of minutes.The hardest part of the time trial was the down hill sections, as I was spinning out at about 36-7 mph, when I new if I had adult gears I could be pedaling to about 45 or so. so for much of the down hill sections i was just in the tuck position, and acutely aware i was loosing time.
However, at least it meant i was fresh for the hills, and there were a fair few, and some pretty long ones. i gave these my absolute all, and looking at my HRM i was having to hold myself back sometimes as i was at around 97-98%.
in the end, as the results show i finished in 19.35, which i was satisfied with, and perched just outside the top 20.
cheers
stu
Pos. Name Club Cat Race # Time
1 Guy Powdrill London Dynamo 2 40 0:18:08
2 Craig Northam Dulwich Paragon CC 2 18 0:18:21
3 Jaco Ehlers Wildside RT 2 62 0:18:37
4 Kevin Knox Dulwich Paragon CC 2 20 0:18:41
5 Lee Tunnicliffe DHCyclesport.co.uk 2 16 0:18:45
6 Adam Page Kingston Wheelers 2 37 0:18:47
7 Niall Digby Sigma Sport RT 2 51 0:18:48
8 David Kennett Norwood Paragon CC 2V 46 0:18:52
8 Steven Saunders Kingston Wheelers 2 38 0:18:52
10 Richard Hoult London Dynamo 2 42 0:18:55
11 Ben Wilson Private Member 2 49 0:18:56
12 Allan Ridler Army CU 2 3 0:18:59
13 Oscar Challis Dulwich Paragon CC 3 21 0:19:13
14 Dan Guest Army CU 3 4 0:19:14
15 Daniel Felstead Dulwich Paragon CC 3 19 0:19:15
16 Richard Mason London Dynamo 2 43 0:19:19
17 Joshua Cunningham Bayeux Landscapes 3J 9 0:19:20
18 Adam Cotterell TriSportNews.com 2 53 0:19:22
19 Stephen Dring Team Echelon 2 52 0:19:23
20 Mark Matthews awcycles.co.uk 2 7 0:19:28
21 Duncan Hards VC Meudon 2 60 0:19:30
22 John Saddler TriSportNews.com 2 54 0:19:32
23 Stuart Chamberlayne Addiscombe CC 2J 1 0:19:35
24 Mark Jones GS Stella 3V 27 0:19:41
25 John Heaton-Armstrong Fit-For 2 25 0:19:43
27 Jason Green London Dynamo 3 41 0:19:44
28 Roger Smith VC Etoile 3 57 0:19:44
28 Mike Cripps Army CU 3 6 0:19:45
29 Steve Home Twickenham CC 2 55 0:19:46
30 Jake Butler In Gear Development Squad 2J 32 0:19:48
58 Mark Gibbs VC Meudon 3V 61 0:21:47
59 Geoffrey Lulham Evans Cycles RT 3 23 0:22:38
60 Scott Taylor In Gear Development Squad 2J 35 0:23:00
...so i got a lift with Dave Kennett down to the prologue and he gave me some useful information about the time trial - it was pretty lumpy, with a long down hill section near the start, and then up hill most of the way to the finish.
I was the first to set off; i felt well rested, but a little sluggish for the first couple of minutes.The hardest part of the time trial was the down hill sections, as I was spinning out at about 36-7 mph, when I new if I had adult gears I could be pedaling to about 45 or so. so for much of the down hill sections i was just in the tuck position, and acutely aware i was loosing time.
However, at least it meant i was fresh for the hills, and there were a fair few, and some pretty long ones. i gave these my absolute all, and looking at my HRM i was having to hold myself back sometimes as i was at around 97-98%.
in the end, as the results show i finished in 19.35, which i was satisfied with, and perched just outside the top 20.
cheers
stu
Pos. Name Club Cat Race # Time
1 Guy Powdrill London Dynamo 2 40 0:18:08
2 Craig Northam Dulwich Paragon CC 2 18 0:18:21
3 Jaco Ehlers Wildside RT 2 62 0:18:37
4 Kevin Knox Dulwich Paragon CC 2 20 0:18:41
5 Lee Tunnicliffe DHCyclesport.co.uk 2 16 0:18:45
6 Adam Page Kingston Wheelers 2 37 0:18:47
7 Niall Digby Sigma Sport RT 2 51 0:18:48
8 David Kennett Norwood Paragon CC 2V 46 0:18:52
8 Steven Saunders Kingston Wheelers 2 38 0:18:52
10 Richard Hoult London Dynamo 2 42 0:18:55
11 Ben Wilson Private Member 2 49 0:18:56
12 Allan Ridler Army CU 2 3 0:18:59
13 Oscar Challis Dulwich Paragon CC 3 21 0:19:13
14 Dan Guest Army CU 3 4 0:19:14
15 Daniel Felstead Dulwich Paragon CC 3 19 0:19:15
16 Richard Mason London Dynamo 2 43 0:19:19
17 Joshua Cunningham Bayeux Landscapes 3J 9 0:19:20
18 Adam Cotterell TriSportNews.com 2 53 0:19:22
19 Stephen Dring Team Echelon 2 52 0:19:23
20 Mark Matthews awcycles.co.uk 2 7 0:19:28
21 Duncan Hards VC Meudon 2 60 0:19:30
22 John Saddler TriSportNews.com 2 54 0:19:32
23 Stuart Chamberlayne Addiscombe CC 2J 1 0:19:35
24 Mark Jones GS Stella 3V 27 0:19:41
25 John Heaton-Armstrong Fit-For 2 25 0:19:43
27 Jason Green London Dynamo 3 41 0:19:44
28 Roger Smith VC Etoile 3 57 0:19:44
28 Mike Cripps Army CU 3 6 0:19:45
29 Steve Home Twickenham CC 2 55 0:19:46
30 Jake Butler In Gear Development Squad 2J 32 0:19:48
58 Mark Gibbs VC Meudon 3V 61 0:21:47
59 Geoffrey Lulham Evans Cycles RT 3 23 0:22:38
60 Scott Taylor In Gear Development Squad 2J 35 0:23:00
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Hillingdon: Back wiv da oldies
After Tuesday's excitement at Palace, this Wednesday's LVRC crit race at Hillingdon surprisingly felt much harder than usual. Des Gayler (Kenton RC) got things going right from the gun by stringing things out immediately. In a crazy case of 'anything you can do...' I blasted past him up the drag. 30mph? yeah baby! and a massive gap on the field. Doh! er now what? With the headwind on the back straight this kind of intensity was not going to be sustainable. I soft pedalled for a while and a lap later had sixty old blokes for company.
Shit let me tell ya peeps were jumping away all over the circuit so it was quite difficult to know which breaks to go with. After a few tentative attempts I finally got away.
"Come on we need to go faster, they're gaining on us" words of Mick Hill (Team Quest). And with that he put in a little dig that sent three of us sprawling after his back wheel. We'd been away for around eight laps and had been working fairly efficiently. However the pace got a bit too hot for one guy so we were down to four and the breakaway was looking less sustainable... Almost a year to the day I was dropped from a similar group and on that occasion Colin Roshier asked me to sit on the back and not to contest the sprint. Well a year on I'm a bit stronger and if I say so myself definitely a help and not a hindrance... suddenly David Walls appeared on my back wheel; David took a turn on the front of the break and the speed up the drag dropped from 27mph to 24mph. Not good! this all round bunch entertainer was gonna need a telescope just to see our race numbers if he fancied taking another turn. One lap later Mick bailed to save energy for another attempt and the bunch did what bunches do - gobbled us up
After that no other significant breaks was formed - indeed from then on it was just a case of 'burning the matches' with lots of desperate attempts to sod off up the road. I don't remember ever working so hard to try to get away. And good or bad there would be a price to pay for my efforts. So with around 15 laps to go, having just been reeled in for what felt like the 10th time I was sat near the back recovering. Now during the race the headwind would occasionally let rip and slow things down to club run pace. It happened a couple of times but on the third occasion I was not prepared. So damn, in one almost surreal moment half the bunch had magically transported themselves 50 metres in front of the rest of us. WTF! Aarrgghhh...how did that happen?
Phil Sheehan (Finchely RT) had told me to watch out for splits in heavy wind at Hillingdon. Shit too late!?... Along with another guy I started to grind out the watts just to get across the gap but all I could see each lap was the front group disappearing around the corner and me and this other fella stuck in the proverbial no mans land. Out of the corner of my eye I could see this elderly Sikh gentleman watching from the grassy bank with slight amusement as this skinny black guy in a yellow top tried ride to his bike fast. Was he laughing at me? Did he think I was a looser? Maybe I'm not sure
Finally I... how do you say it "I put it all out there and made contact" Jesus that was hard. Two laps later I'd partially recovered and was relieved to see the lap board say six. With 4 laps to go I was suddenly overwhelmed with a "fcuk this for a bag of soldiers" moment and swung off the front and got ready to quit. As the tail end of the bunch squeezed past me I stopped gave myself a mental slap and some how jumped back on. On the penultimate lap I was 3rd wheel from the front. Someone had jumped clear but my tank was empty so I couldn't respond. On the final time up the drag the sit in sprinter types blasted clear and I ended up just outside the top ten. That was the hardest 1hr and fifteen minutes on the bike this year. Jesus!
Shit let me tell ya peeps were jumping away all over the circuit so it was quite difficult to know which breaks to go with. After a few tentative attempts I finally got away.
"Come on we need to go faster, they're gaining on us" words of Mick Hill (Team Quest). And with that he put in a little dig that sent three of us sprawling after his back wheel. We'd been away for around eight laps and had been working fairly efficiently. However the pace got a bit too hot for one guy so we were down to four and the breakaway was looking less sustainable... Almost a year to the day I was dropped from a similar group and on that occasion Colin Roshier asked me to sit on the back and not to contest the sprint. Well a year on I'm a bit stronger and if I say so myself definitely a help and not a hindrance... suddenly David Walls appeared on my back wheel; David took a turn on the front of the break and the speed up the drag dropped from 27mph to 24mph. Not good! this all round bunch entertainer was gonna need a telescope just to see our race numbers if he fancied taking another turn. One lap later Mick bailed to save energy for another attempt and the bunch did what bunches do - gobbled us up
After that no other significant breaks was formed - indeed from then on it was just a case of 'burning the matches' with lots of desperate attempts to sod off up the road. I don't remember ever working so hard to try to get away. And good or bad there would be a price to pay for my efforts. So with around 15 laps to go, having just been reeled in for what felt like the 10th time I was sat near the back recovering. Now during the race the headwind would occasionally let rip and slow things down to club run pace. It happened a couple of times but on the third occasion I was not prepared. So damn, in one almost surreal moment half the bunch had magically transported themselves 50 metres in front of the rest of us. WTF! Aarrgghhh...how did that happen?
Phil Sheehan (Finchely RT) had told me to watch out for splits in heavy wind at Hillingdon. Shit too late!?... Along with another guy I started to grind out the watts just to get across the gap but all I could see each lap was the front group disappearing around the corner and me and this other fella stuck in the proverbial no mans land. Out of the corner of my eye I could see this elderly Sikh gentleman watching from the grassy bank with slight amusement as this skinny black guy in a yellow top tried ride to his bike fast. Was he laughing at me? Did he think I was a looser? Maybe I'm not sure
Finally I... how do you say it "I put it all out there and made contact" Jesus that was hard. Two laps later I'd partially recovered and was relieved to see the lap board say six. With 4 laps to go I was suddenly overwhelmed with a "fcuk this for a bag of soldiers" moment and swung off the front and got ready to quit. As the tail end of the bunch squeezed past me I stopped gave myself a mental slap and some how jumped back on. On the penultimate lap I was 3rd wheel from the front. Someone had jumped clear but my tank was empty so I couldn't respond. On the final time up the drag the sit in sprinter types blasted clear and I ended up just outside the top ten. That was the hardest 1hr and fifteen minutes on the bike this year. Jesus!
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