WELSH NATIONAL 25 CHAMPS - Usk - Monmouth - 15th August 2021

 9th Overall; 5th Vet; 1st Age (Welsh Gold) 🙄

Facebook post!

Not one of the best known rivers, but the Usk, a renowned salmon river, has its estuary at Newport (into the Severn) flows through Abergavenny, the Brecon Beacons, including Brecon and has its source near Llandovery in the Black Mountains….and of course meandering through my base for the weekend, yet another idyllic setting in the small town of Usk itself….known as the “Town of Flowers”, winning the ‘Wales in Bloom’ title multiple times, also renowned for the historic arch stone bridge and castle (but I won’t mention the prison!)…..anyhow, a lovely place…add it to your staycation list 😊

And as it happens, the start of the Welsh National 25m TT Champs….with a flying 12 mile tailwind down to Monmouth but the inevitable ‘wall of wind’ on return….hitting halfway at well over 31mph average (50 kph) - optimistic for a for ‘sub 50 min’ finish (30mph), but on return agonisingly watched that average speed slowly but surely dissipate 😩hitting the chequered flag at 29.8 mph avg….equating to 50m 41secs - not bad, but I drove home a tad miffed with misen’ - anyhow 9th overall, target was top 10…I can’t complain, much….and some age related award, but of course, I don’t do those 😉

Must mention though Tom Ward again, the 27 year old won in a new course record of sub 46 mins, be interesting what he could do on one of the super fast courses….in fact a few of us reflected on how standards inevitably have rocketed in the last 10 years with the sudden popularity of cycling, but also it is noticeable how Covid bizarrely has taken it to another level, where group participation sports have been generally restricted, TT became the only competitive option, suddenly we have new ‘names’ smashing out super performances, often young guys who would normally road race, but also current pros stretching their legs but also including participants from other sports, such as triathlon.

All healthy and rosy for the sport of course, but not healthy for my (now official) national ranking, hitting the dizzy heights of an A7 (A to E, 1 to 20) in 2019, but now an A14 but racing no slower, clearly illustrating that increased strength in depth at the sharp end…💪

OTLEY 25 - 1st August 2021 - Boroughbridge

 2nd Overall; 2nd Vet; 1st on Standard

So, the second race on the old A1 at Boroughbridge in two days, and according to Spindata I was clear favourite, and accordingly scratch man again....was not concerned that I had raced the '10' the day before, as I had followed by standard recovery protocol (good warm down spin and immediate carb and protein drink (4:1) and good meal later)...so no excuses there, and felt OK in the race...although the double return uphill this time was also including a rather fresh headwind, but finishing again a disappointing 2nd place 😫, but by 2 mins which was rather a surprise...no disrespect to the guy that won, but we have raced a number of times in recent years....just assume he had a great day 🤔

Furthermore it was "Yorkshire Day Weekend" 🙄😜😳😂 - so attempted to write a YD theme FB report, not sure it worked, although I did get some positive private comments - here goes ==>

😜Back in the not too distant murky past, a “weekender” meant something completely different, 🍺 these days, and how I wish I could reverse the eras, it means something a lot healthier! 🚴 A double race weekend, initially not intended, I couldn’t make my mind up between the Yorkshire Cycling Fed ‘10’ miler on Saturday, and the Otley ‘25’ on Sunday…both on the rather challenging old A1 at Boroughbridge, in deepest North Yorkshire…. and as it was Yorkshire Day weekend 🙄😂😜 🙄 I decided I was unofficially representing Lancashire to spoil the White Rose day….anything for motivation - and I’ll go to both battles!🤘

Ok maybe not an outright victory, but I think Henry Tudor would have been “well chuffed” in his Bolton accent, and thought reyt if they struggle against that old git, I’ll send in some youngsters, and that’s what he probably did at Bosworth (although I’m not sure TT events were around then, but it wouldn’t surprise me 😊).

So, those confidence gaining moral victories that would have pleased old Henry, were a 2nd place on Saturday in the ‘10’, by ONE SECOND, one bloody second 🥵….and wait for it, 2nd place also on Sunday….a rather ‘gritty’ course, with a rather ‘dour’ 😊 and ‘tough’ uphill return leg, and on Sunday with an added ‘northerly’ fresh wind (the only direction that was permitted on Yorkshire Day, of course 😉).

Bit mixed in the evening at 2 x 2nd places 🤔….as I caught up on the Olympics, marvelling at the BMX freestylers, the skill and speed of the women’s rugby sevens, the captivating men’s high jump (and that beautiful entente cordial), the sorrow of poor Dina 😢 and that amazing final women’s triple jump 😳….but made slightly better by a rather magnanimous social media posting from JB who won the race on Saturday which included comments about me having 29 years on him, and he hopes that he can just ride a bike at my age, never mind competing week in week out….etc etc 😊👨

But then I thought, yep, I really did get my “weekender eras” the wrong way round! But hey ho….it’s still good fun 🤩 😎

YORKSHIRE CYCLING FED 10 - 31st July 2021 - Boroughbridge

 2nd Overall (by one second!!); 1st Vet; 1st on Standard

Double weekend on my Boroughbridge debut (on the old A1), and scratch in both, so hopeful for first Open win of the season....downhill generally to the turn, and a rolling uphill on the way back...a definite semi Spoco. Gave it my all, although power wise rather down, but often on such rolling courses (with no power at times on the quicker downhill sections the averages are below the normal expectation).

Discovered to finish second by one (bloody) second 😩...and that would be due to my two attempts to clip in at the start! Very frustrating - although I knew with JR we always have a close race especially on a '10'. Anyhow, nice words from John on my Strava wall, although I still felt rather frustrated.....and this was just the start of the weekend! 

Thanks to Sean Sanders for the photo 👍

WELSH NATIONAL '30' TT - 25th July 2021 - Abergavenny - Monmouth

 4th Overall; 1st on Standard

National Age Record

Welsh National Standard Gold

One of my favourite locations for racing, if not THE best - stayed on a remote converted farm, heck knows where, down an impossibly narrow overgrown single track lane far tooo long! Anyhow the race....didn't feel too good warming up, but from experience I ignore (my 48 min 25mTT day was a bad warm up!)....focussed on consistency and smoothness and generally it went well, although hard over the last loop to Abergavenny and back to the finish at Raglan....cracking time by the winner Tom Ward, on a course that is probably at least 2 mins slower than certain faster ones in the UK. Comfortably broke the National Age Record, but suggest that is quite vulnerable. Quite humid, poured with sweat, but when stopped. 😅

ROSSINGTON 10 - 17th July 2021 - Hatfield Woodhouse

 4th Overall; 2nd Vet; 1st on Standard

On a ridiculously hot day 🥵🔥(over 31C in the shade) - started first due to a very late entry...did the old trick of pouring iced water over my head and suit pre race...it may have helped! Really suffered on the return though 🤪, even 4 miles out, I felt I could've finished at any moment, but yet again, retained my effort and speed...in fact, my return time was amazingly identical to my outward five miles (although that did include a very short delay due to a tractor 😡). Anyhow, everyone else suffered too...and pleased to learn that I finished a very good 4th overall, and again breaking 21 mins (by one second, but it counts!) 😜

BURTON & DISTRICT CA '50' - Etwall (A50 😳 ) - 10th July 2021

 8th Overall; 5th Vet; 1st on Standard

National Age Record 1-42-56

Was really hesitant about firstly entering this race and then deciding on the day on whether to race or not, reason being that the race is held on the A50 DC on a Saturday afternoon....must be one of the busiest DCs for racing, and must be very close to the limit for what is acceptable. I drove the course beforehand, which didn't make the decision any easier, but after conversation at the HQ, and seeing others arrive (even with trikes 😳) I decided to race.

As it turned out, once I got going I did not really think about it, and it seemed OK, except one close pass (possibly done on purpose). Anyhow, after the uneven riding last week, I mantra'd "smooth" to myself, no rushing to get up to speed, or speed panics....watched the power, but started off at a high average (near 320W) but felt easy! Slight tailwind on the outward (of the two laps) but that is the slower section too...hit the turn at 29.1mph, but picked up to 29.4 after one lap (i.e. sub 1-42)....hoped to repeat on the 2nd lap, hit the turn again at 29.1mph, but just could not raise it this time on the return, sitting on 29.1mph all the way...got some quad cramp at about 10 miles out, which cannot have helped, but my power did drop to low 300s - so perhaps I did start too high? Anyhow, finished on a sub 1-43, with a new National Age Record and 8th overall - decent ride. 😝

Couple days after the race got contacted to inform me that I had been included in the "Legends of the RTTC" group - see below 😜🤷‍♂️😜

LEA VALLEY CC '10' - 3rd July 2021 - E2/10 - Newmarket

 14th overall; 10th Vet; 5th on Standard!

National Age Record

Ok, so all seems to be on the up, good timing for a crack at a super fast 10 miler? Little unfortunate in that there was a moderate headwind on the way out, so mentally treated it as a 5 miler to the turn, then hope I could retain the power and come back quicker with the tailwind? Sort of worked, but sure I was far too hyped up to prove to myself I could go fast, and raced it far too aggressively, chasing that speed, instead of letting the speed come to me! Hit the turn at 29.4 mph and 370W average power (but 375 NP) - returned on 355W (357W NP) and 31.9 mph - to finish on 19-36, but three miles out I was in a mess 🥵, unusually...still took the National Age Record, but believe I was a good 15-20 seconds down...on the downside too, I 'lost' three of my younger age records too...I need to return to redress that! 😜

Leicestershire RC 50 - 26th June 2021 - nr Newark

 5th Overall; 4th Vet & 1st Standard

Optimistic after the mid week Club race at Ranskill, but this was a true test....with some of the guys who have beaten me or been closer than normal recently on the startsheet....downside was there was a rather healthy NE wind, meaning a tough return headwind for 13 miles, so a fast time was unlikely. Bit annoying too, my power meter failed before the race, so rode it rather "blind" I guess (I blame cheap batteries from IKEA)....anyhow finished in a very similar time as my other two races on there this last few weeks, but a better ride because of that wind? Well, I think so, as a few riders behind me that I was hoping for, but pal Ian G took a good minute out of me...although Ian is quality, and can turn out a cracking ride on his day...so inconclusive, but I'm sure in the correct direction! 😎 

HARWORTH 10 CLUB NIGHT - 22nd June 2021 - Ranskill

 1st Overall

Race bike all in one piece now, so new tub on my front trim wheel, and also asked "Kip" to check all the bearings and drive mechanisms...no excuses now...so what better than an informal mid week club night, and especially where I train anyway. Due to traffic lights the course was shortened to 8.8M, smashed it from the start, and returned some great numbers (369W) with what seemed like a decent winning time of 18-35...hard to quantify, but pal who beat me in the earlier F11/10 race was approx 30 seconds behind me in 2nd - just an indication, but seemed positive. Really need some quality open races to assess.

Ah, forgot! The longest Strava segment for the shortened course is below, so again, only an indication but looks good! 😜

NATIONAL VTTA 50M TT (and F11/10) - 12th & 13th June 2021 - Cambourne Cambs

VTTA 50: 10th overall; 2nd on Standard

 F11/10: 51st overall ; 21st vet and 2nd on Standard (disaster!) 😫

National VTTA Silver Medal 🥈

One learns that TT can be all about fine margins. My previously reported punctured front tub could not be replaced in time, so I was forced to borrow a wheel....or pull out of the weekend races. Arguably the highest profile races of my season so far, I borrowed a wheel...best I got (and I am grateful) was an early version of clincher HED3, that had literally been sat in an attic for over 10 years....I replaced the tyre with a 25mm Vitoria Corsa, but on a 19mm rim....little did I know this is a big aero no no....creates a "bulb" like affect, and is worse on the front tyre, apparently...after the weekend this came from multiple sources...🤷‍♂️

So, estimated I was at least 30 secs down on the 10, and at least 3 mins on the 50.....recording a 20-04 & 1-46-28 - using Professor Hindsight, these estimates were pretty good if not quite conservative.

On the positive side, I did record a 50 mile power average PB of 305W, and knocked out a 356W on the 10m, so fitness not an issue...my thoughts at this time were, if I was a footy team, that was not winning but training really well, that very soon, some other team is going to get a battering! Read on, to see if that materialised? 😜

Still managed the silver in the National VTTA as of course it is based on Standard, and beaten well anyway by the inspirational Andrew Grant...no complaints there, but would have been nice to have at least put a challenge in! 

Performance of the day though was by my pal Angela Carpenter who recorded 1-46-34, the sixth fastest ever time by a female athlete, and at the age of 52, and arguably not on the fastest course...quite stunning...and to prove it was no fluke, Angela recorded a 1-47 on a very windy Breckland 50 just 2 weeks later....super inspirational performances! 👏💪

Angela Carpenter - on the way to her scintillating 1-46!

MELTON OLYMPIC CC 25 - 5th June 2021 - Nr Newark

 10th overall; 7th Vet; 2nd on Standard!

A return to the A25/34 course, so a good compare with the first race this season, although I lost my power on warm up, my HR was ok, and its now my fifth race, my speed is not getting the times I expect, feeling that approx a minute slower than expected. Finished with 51-51 (almost same as last time). 👎

However, midweek discovered a flat front tub....and as I was rushing home to watch some footy (the Euros), I only rode about 1/2 mile from the finish line to my car, so possibly / probably had a slow puncture in the latter stages of the race, although I'll never know. 🤷‍♂️

NORTHAMPTON '25' - 29th May 2021 - Near Sandy Beds

 8th Overall; 3rd Vet; 1st Standard

Bit of a trek to what was actually Bedfordshire, irrespective of the name of the race (was part of a Northampton based series). so, my fourth race, so in theory should be flying by now...little difficult to assess as this was 2 plus laps of a rural twisty course, but power fine, and with a single comparison with a 

racer that beat me by over a minute at Newark, but only seconds in front here, it was at least an indication of progress. Raced it rather madly though, decided to go off hard and trust my no fear pain attitude to hold on, sort of worked, but last few miles were tough, and also the bumpiest. Anyhow, finished 8th, 3rd vet and first on standard...not a fan of these course types, although there is a push for more of them, your standard 'tester' I do not think is really interested? 🤔🙄

Oh, I tried to erase from my mind, pro rider, and arguably the top tester in the UK at the moment, Jon Archibald started off scratch and 5 mins behind me, he caught me at about 23 miles....😳

LINCOLN WHEELERS 10 - Saturday 22nd May 2021

11th Overall ; 2nd Vet; 1st on Standard

In my pursuit of getting those first few races under my belt, when for some reason I know I won't perform at full gas, and will forget about them by mid season....but needs to be done. Great setting on the escarpment that runs N-S not that far from Lincoln, great views on the westerly facing flatlands! 

Anyhow, coolish day, and started raining just as I set off, briefly...weird one, just could not get the power up for the first 5 miles (345W) but on the return, whacked it up to 358W...mmm very strange, hoped for a sub 21 mins in this semi SPOCO rolling course but finished with 21-17, in 11th spot overall, 2nd vet but first easily on standard.

Interesting observation recently has been the number of very young talented riders - I mean very young, assume due to COVIS and currently little road racing, their teams are sending them to TT events...this was won by a 16 year old in a course record, but with hardly anyone above 25 in the first 8 or so. Good for the future! 💪🚴‍♂️

 

SHEFFIELD PHOENIX CLUB NIGHT - Cuckney 10 - 18th May 2021

 1st Overall

Informal, really friendly and relaxed classic mid week club night at Cuckney...not really important on who wins, my main target was getting another race under my belt, but of course, smashing it out too to test my state in a 10 miler (often the worst, such is the intensity). 

I've never really raced well on this semi sporting course, I'm possibly slightly too heavy for it....anyhow, did a commendable 21-09 (about the same as my best) with a rather deceptive head wind on the return...but surprisingly broke my 20 min power average best for a 10m TT (362w with 366 NP)..I'm getting stronger! Also, even mid season I've suffered badly on this course, but managed the pain really well....strong and consistent...perhaps there is even another gear? Won the race by some margin....but great indicator again...for future races. 🤷‍♂️💪

From FB:

NOTTS & E MIDLANDS 50M - 15th May 2021 - Newark

 13th OVERALL 1st on STANDARD

After "retiring" again post 2020, I line up again, although in fairness this was the closest I've got to packing it in. On Christmas Day, living in Mallorca,  there was barely a 1% chance of racing (if the situation remained the same) - alas it did not 💔, but even in January there was only a 50/50 chance...in the interim before New Year, I badly struggled up Sa Calobra with barely a 290w average 20 mins with a HR of 196....some reflection of fitness, but there were some other more influential mitigation reasons 🍺🍷🚬 - it was a wake up call....

In the New Year I started introducing "appropriate" sessions occasionally, such as Fartlek (a running methodology really, but adapted on the bike, by basically hitting any and every incline HARD, and low Z2 in between for approx 2 hours non stop - really tough but masochistically enjoyable), solid upper tempo rides (2-3 hours), longer low Z2 rides (3-5) and in poor weather, tempo => sweet spot => threshold pyramid sessions on my turbo (1 hour!). - trying to create that balance through the zones and getting away from cafe rides - introducing "variation"! How many cafe tootles can one person do? 😂- as well as continuing decent social (cafe 😝) rides. 

In late March I contacted my man Richard to discuss a possible race season but more importantly what state was I in, was it worth it?: his response was promising, I was pretty strong but lacking balance, but with 8 weeks work it should not be problem. After 4 weeks we had an appraisal - Richard jokingly suggested I needed drug testing (it's not the first time that has been suggested btw... a compliment of course, and in cycling  a badge of honour (well, that's actually getting "juiced up, and then write a book"!)😜💪...back to clean me, I'd created a new 20 min average wattage best, and indicators such as "drift" on longer rides were really encouraging....but of course it all "means nothing unless there's a number on yer back!" 😉

So...the first race....back to where I won the National Vets 25 last race....better conditions on this day, with some great times but for me, 80 seconds down on where I was in October (51-47 vs 50-20), with a number of guys beating me this time, and others too close just behind...but no worries! My power (342w) was slightly better than last October, and HR solid too....just hoping (as per every year) it takes approx 4 races for the stars to align...especially the positioning and all those aero implications with getting back on the bike. So, not overly concerned - I would be if it were the 6th race. As a bonus absolutely smashed the Standard competition by over a minute...possible to return here in early June, be good to compare, but unlikely to have such good weather conditions (relatively, it was bloody freezing though!).

Three broke 48 mins - Adam Duggleby and two youngsters, and pal Darren Yarwood had an amazing 49-38...so it was a fairly quick day...come on Ainsworth, speed up!! 😜