I cannot explain just how much preparation goes into this
event and this blog will try and condense a years work into a few bullet
points, future blogs will address individual areas in more detail:-
This all started September 2012 when I researched previous
events, my current times (although I hadn’t raced a 100 mile or 12hr at this
stage) and set targets. Top 10 was my goal but top 5 would be outstanding J
Distance
|
Target time top 10
|
Target time top 5
|
Time achieved
|
50 mile
|
1.44 - 1.45
|
1.40 - 1.42
|
1:43:17
|
100 mile
|
3.55 – 4.00
|
3.40 – 3.45
|
3:33:32
|
Target distance top 10
|
Target distance top 5
|
Distance achieved
|
|
12 hour
|
280 miles
|
290 – 300 miles
|
288.02
|
Average
speed over 3 distances
|
27.049 mph
|
||
2nd
|
|||
Obviously I am over the moon with my current placing
(although it should be stressed that the season is not over and others could
improve their times and leapfrog me).
Races
In total I attempted 8 counting events and problems ranged
from painful hips, a mullered back and lost entry forms to a puncture at a
crucial moment, but there were amazing moments as well, the 3:33 hundred and
finishing the 12hr were the highlights but the whole process threw up lots of
unexpected highs and lows. The counting
events were as follows:
50 mile – Shaftsbury CC
– E2/50c – 1:43:17 – 8th
Super fast course (at times it felt like you were riding on
a motorway), breezy day but dry and last 5 km were murder as I was flagging and
it was a block headwind. Only good enough for 8th although I knew my
weakness would be the shorter events as I can’t produce the top end power like
some, but I beat my previous PB by 2 mins 45 secs.
100 mile – EDCA – B100/4
– 3:33:32 – 1st
Quick course between Thetford and Norfolk (would be super
fast if it wasn’t for a really badly surfaced section). Everything went like
clockwork. Nutrition and hydration was spot on, Vic was great with the fuel
drops and I paced it perfectly. Conditions
were very good, not perfect, but not far off.
At the time of writing this is the still the fastest 100 time recorded
in the UK this season.
12hr – WCTTCA – D12/1
– 288.02 miles – 1st
Had radically changed my position from the previous 12hr
attempt. Hypothesized that due to slower speeds, weight was more important than
aerodynamics, so went with the lightest possible TT setup and raised the tri
bars which allowed my back to straighten and put less pressure on my lower vertebrae.
Again, clockwork day, no mechanicals, fuel drops were brilliant (almost 15
litres of energy drink consumed) and felt strong all day (average power was
similar after 11.5 hrs as it was after 3!) I won by 7 miles and this was a much
slower course than the Breckland 12hr, so doubly pleased. Only lasting injury……..my
big toe still looks like I’ve hit it with a mallet and the nail will soon be no
more. Focus on the positives, no nail, that’s
at least a 4 gram weight saving J
Honourable mention
goes to the Breckland CC 12hr (B12/2). Completed 158 miles in 6.5 hours and my
back gave up. Later found I’d displaced a joint at the base of my spine leading
to two weeks of manipulation to prepare for 2nd attempt on the 12hr.
So what were the main things I focussed on to achieve this? Primarily
an obsessive attention to detail and a lot of hard work. The whole British Cycling marginal gains
philosophy does work and if you spend enough time and energy striving for perfection,
speeds will increase.
So what were the main
factors addressed:
- Weight (bike and body)
- Nutrition on and off the bike
- Lifestyle
- Hygiene (with reduced weight comes increased risk of
infection)
- Recovery (nutrition and rest)
- Aerodynamics (or more specifically rider and bike drag
reduction)
- Core stability
- Flexibility
- Power (although this was not nearly as important as people
might think)
- Research fast courses
- Organisation (a huge time consuming element to the
process)
- Background reading (general research)
- Race support
- Financial requirements (equipment purchases, travel, accommodation,
physio etc)
I could not have come any way close the achieving my goals
if it hadn’t been for the support I received from others, and I would like to
take this opportunity to thank:
Vic – I cannot
begin to explain the sacrifices you have made on a daily basis. You have lived this with me for the last
twelve months, selflessly given up SO much of your time and energy to help with
my hare brained goals, thank you so much, it is most definitely payback time!
My parents – Who have
often been there to listen to me drivelling on about how aero is this? if I
lose another kilo? and were there supporting and feeding me during my first
failed attempt at the 12 hour.
Robin Burrow – For
all the conversation during our, sometimes long, training rides. Thankyou also
for the loan of your ‘pride and joy’ wheels on two occasions and for giving up
your weekend to support my first 12 hr bid.
Pete Taylor – You’re
a cheeky git! but your humour, moral support and experience in the TT field
were invaluable.
Chris Hudson – For
all your wheel teching and the loan of your disc.
Lesley Barker – For
giving up your weekend to stand by a busy A road handing out fruit loaf and
consoling your daughter after my fatigued and slightly aggressive ‘EVVVEERRY
TIME’ comment.
Judy Gaunt – For your
hospitality, accommodation and of course the post race roast chicken.
The future?
I have no plans to compete in the BBAR next year. Dual carriageway riding has it’s rewards
(mainly speed and generally good road surfaces) but it’s not for the feint
hearted and in order to do a good job of the competition your commitment has to
be total, and I don’t want to put Vic through that again in the immediate
future. Also we’re off to the alps for the
winter so training would’nt be as complete as this year.
Definitely not ruled out other cycling based endurance
events for the future though, watch this space……………
Right I’m off for a
nice pootle down the shops on the heaviest and most comfortable bike I own J
