Weekend round-up, 3rd/4th
Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2011 5:45 pm
I thought I might as well kick this off before I commence relaxation therapy involving wine and plenty of it. Team Clifton was down at Braithwell for the morning's vet's race (Andy C) and the afternoon Richard Hoyland Memorial BC 3rds/4ths RR (Cam, Tim and me). I'd not raced for a month and not sat on the bike for three weeks up until a couple of days ago, so my expectations were modest. It was doing that particularly wet sort of drizzle as we gathered for the start, but thankfully dried out over the two hours of the race.
It was a real proper "3rds & 4ths" race with every attack being immediately dragged back until two escapees survived for a lap and got joined by a third, fast, lad and started to stretch their lead. It was a pretty fast race - over 25mph average, but drama-free until just over two laps to go when we approached the blind right-hander at the back of the circuit to be greeted by a very animated Pam Clay flapping her arms around. Just behind Pam was a combine harvester, blocking all but about two foot of road width. We all squeezed and slid through but the b*****ds who squeezed through first took the opportunity to absolutely floor it, and it took me - and a fair few others - about a mile of grinding my teeth to hook back onto the bunch.
The three up the road stayed away and the sprint for fourth downwards was a very messy affair - at least two wheels got pedals through them on the fast (35mph+) approach and the fella in front of me ended up on the grass. As a result I rolled in a couple of places behind Cam - somewhere between 15th and 20th. Satisfying though given I was wondering whether I'd even remember which way round the pedals went. Normalized Power just on 250W for 55 miles.
Right... ...cheers!
It was a real proper "3rds & 4ths" race with every attack being immediately dragged back until two escapees survived for a lap and got joined by a third, fast, lad and started to stretch their lead. It was a pretty fast race - over 25mph average, but drama-free until just over two laps to go when we approached the blind right-hander at the back of the circuit to be greeted by a very animated Pam Clay flapping her arms around. Just behind Pam was a combine harvester, blocking all but about two foot of road width. We all squeezed and slid through but the b*****ds who squeezed through first took the opportunity to absolutely floor it, and it took me - and a fair few others - about a mile of grinding my teeth to hook back onto the bunch.
The three up the road stayed away and the sprint for fourth downwards was a very messy affair - at least two wheels got pedals through them on the fast (35mph+) approach and the fella in front of me ended up on the grass. As a result I rolled in a couple of places behind Cam - somewhere between 15th and 20th. Satisfying though given I was wondering whether I'd even remember which way round the pedals went. Normalized Power just on 250W for 55 miles.
Right... ...cheers!
Perfect conditions so some very fast times. Happy with my 57.28. Main reason for putting a post is that I checked the provisional results and there is a photo of Tim on the link below ...you're looking fast Tim.