by
AndyM
Fri May 17, 2013 9:26 pm
This was the second race of the week, and second race of the season for me. Have to say I quite enjoyed it, although it was very frustrating - I lost count of the number of times I tried to get off the front. Twice I got a gap, but both times were by myself and there was no way I was staying away. There were two areas of the circuit last night that I had in my head as the best places to go.
The first was over the railway bridge with a tailwind and into the left-hand t-junction, sprint out with a crosswind. This was where I got my biggest gap as the guy behind just lost my wheel in the sprint and crosswind, but no-one came with and I'm no Cancellara.
The second area I was trying was, as Darren mentioned, the second crosswind section - left turn at the crossroads after the S-bend. This was better for the crosswind as the breeze was coming from the East, so I sprinted out of the corner and then stuck it in the gutter, but again after opening up a small gap no-one came with, I was closed down and then when I swung over nobody would keep the pace high.
Nevermind, was all good fun trying, and enjoyed working with Richard for a bit to try and drive the pace, even if no-one else wanted to play too.
Last year it took a few races before I actually started to enjoy my racing, and I was racing much more conservatively - sitting in the bunch and waiting for the inevitable. I've found that these past two races I've enjoyed it so much more now that I'm fitter and more confident, so I'm not nervous to just give it a go.
Big thanks to Gavin and team for a well organised race. Whoever is responsible for booking the coffee and cake van, that was a stroke of genius - a big slice of cake was just perfect before the ride back home afterwards. Also, good riding all - especially Richard, Tim and Anthony who were all very visible at the front throughout.
Looking forward to Brandsby.