Race 2 (18/03/12)
I lined up with about 40 other 55+ racers for the start of a 49 mile
road race. I hope all the lessons had been learnt from my first race.
The first 4 miles were neutralised with us following the lead motor
cyclist, only problem I had with this was we were already doing 25 mph.
Other than the fast start everything had gone reasonably well and after
about 8 miles I started to settle down. In fact the whole race was
uneventful for me. I did a long pull on the front up a slow drag, kept
looking over my shoulder but no one would come through the B******. Also
towards the end four of us started to do through and off but this only
lasted two rotates as no one was willing to commit themselves. So I
finished in the Bunch without ever being at maximum, pleased with my
efforts.
I have shown that I can finish a road race and a circuit race with the
Bunch which is good for the confidence, I think the next stage is to be
more aggressive and try and make my race.
Race 3 (25/03/12)
It’s Sunday and freezing at Hog Hill, many riders have longs, overshoes
and gloves so I am freezing in my shorts and mitts. Lessons learnt from 2
weeks ago so as we lined up for the start I wheeled my bike from the
back of the group to the front and started my Garmin. After the first
third of a lap the speed rocketed up and stayed there. I was hold third
wheel so was comfortable with this. As the race progressed I did find
myself at the back a couple of times but made sure I didn’t stay there
too long. At the first prime I went to the front but realised that I
couldn’t match some of the other riders in the sprint. For the rest of
the race I just tried to hold a good position and keep out of trouble.
At the finishing sprint there was a clear difference in ability with the
strongest 6 or 7 pulling away and I was best of the rest.
I was 8th and 4th in category
Race 4 (01/04/12)
It’s Sunday at Hog Hill once again and freezing, I have longs on and
full gloves. Race started OK and after about 20 minutes 2 riders got
away. I made a big effort to get across I got to within about 20 yards
but couldn’t close the last bit; later I was to learn that one of the
riders has been a double World Champion. I wait for the bunch and it
seem like ages before they come up, so had opened a good gap on them.
For the rest of the race did a bit of work on the front but mainly
followed wheels, which seem to upset some riders. Seem to go well in the
sprint at the finish
I was 6th and 3rd in category
That’s my spring campaign over now starting to build for May and June
Phil
No comments:
Post a Comment