I started my first time trial in about 6 months today. It was raining and pretty windy, and I have to say I was a little tempted to stay at home and watch Team GB win more Gold medals on the track, but I thought it’s about time I started racing (I seem to make a later start every year)
The first 5 miles were pretty hairy, with a fast descent in a strong crosswind. Fortunately, I’d made a the right choice in not using a disc, but, even with ordinary wheels it didn’t feel too secure. When the wind is so strong it is hard to get into any rhythm; my main priority was controlling the bike. On the second hill climbing from Oakley to Muswell, I heard the dreaded ‘hiss’. It was only a small bit of flint, and maybe if I had better tubs, I wouldn’t have punctured. Anyway with only 3-4 miles gone I turned round and rode back to the Headquarters in Piddington on a slowly deflating tyre.
In the minutes leading up to the puncture my mind wasn’t very focused. Bizarrely enough, I was thinking alot about what would happen if I got a puncture half way round the course. I have to say part of me was also quite relieved to be able to give up and get out of the rain!
It’s a shame though because I think I would have had a good chance of winning. Last year, I won the event in a time of 1 hour 15. This year the event was won by Richard Simmonds London Dynamo in 1:19:46. However, conditions were pretty awful this year. It looks like another 5 riders didn’t finish.
The team event was won by Arctic Premier RT in 1.19.
Anyway, I’ve been pretty inspired by watching the track riding so will have to try and get back into good form and enter more races.
Results of Oxonians hilly at Mick Fountain.co.uk
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