National 50 mile TT Champs 2013

This year’s national 50 mile time trial championship was in Wales – between Abergavenny, Raglan and towards Monmouth. To say it was in the heart of Wales, it was surprisingly flat. There can’t be many 50 mile stretches of roads that are so flat in Wales.

I was off number 60 at 9.00am, with the faster men towards the back of the field with Hutchinson number 120 and Matt Bottrill, fresh from his 2nd place in Glasgow, number 110.

After staying overnight in Bristol with some friends, I made my way to Llanarth. I was a little worried when my satnav’s estimated time of arrival was something like 8.55am. But, then I realised in full Yorkshire man mode, I’d set my satnav to avoid tolls. I decided in the circumstances it was justified to pay the £6.50 to cross the Severn Bridge and avoided a 50 mile detour to Gloucester.

For a 50 you don’t really need to worry too much about an extensive warm up. I spent a few minutes on the rollers and then cycled the 5.5 miles to the start. I thought I’d left plenty of time – 30 mins to get to the start – but it proved to be a very slow 5.5 miles. There was a stiff headwind and some confusing signs from a previous road race meaning I was starting to worry at 8.50 if I’d actually make it. But, thankfully the A40 dual carriageway appeared and I made the  start with 5 mins to go. The first 12.5 miles was tremendous fun, flat concrete roads and a 16mph tailwind pushing you all the way to Monmouth. I averaged 32 mph to the first turn, and it was rather tempting just to keep cycling East and enjoy the tailwind all the way back to Oxford.

On turning back into the wind, it was a different kettle of fish, a strong tailwind and the average speed started to plummet. At the 25 mile point, I reckon I’d done a mid 54, which was quite respectable. I had kept a bit in reserve and knew I wasn’t going to blow. The second outward leg was good, but the accumulated fatigue of muscles was starting to increase, and I was still wary of the last leg back. At 38 miles, I had last the turn, and by now, the head wind seemed even stronger. At least you knew you could give it everything for the last 12 miles, but it’s a tough one, the body wants to shut down and not keep pushing. On this long slog back from Raglan, I was overtaken by Justyn Cannon, who started pretty much an hour after me. I was on my tired second lap, he was a bit fresher on his first.

I had to knock off the pace a little to let a gap develop (and avoid drafting) But, it’s always good to have something to aim for – even if they are in the distance. My time was still looking pretty good, and I was hopeful of setting a pb (previously set at 1.49.34 on the H50/1 on a nice float day in 2011) However, I couldn’t quite make it – the last miles were really devouring my average speed. But, I finished in 1.49.43 – 9 seconds off a pb. But I felt, given how windy it was, a sub 1.50 was pretty respectable.

Back at HQ I found I’d finished 9th, which was pretty good. I also bumped into Gerry McGarr who did the 50 on a fixed bike with a gear of 115 (54*13)! I asked him how on earth he managed to get back in the headwind on that gear – he replied a lot of ‘Hail Mary’s!’

The last time I did the National 50 was in 2009. I did little racing that year and finished 85th with a time of 2:04:38. My first 25 in that event was 57.08. But, after 20 miles, I just died on the bike. I don’t know what it was. Probably too little preparation. But, it was a salutatory reminder a 50 isn’t just a matter of doing a fast 25 and trying to hold on. Anyway it was good to be back at a national championship, and I’m optimistic I could improve in future years ( a few hills would be nice though.)

The podium was dominated by the drag2zero riders with Matt Botrill taking 1st place (Hutchinson was dns because he was ill). I knew he was dns when he failed to catch me for 3 minutes on last lap. Hutchinson has won 10 consecutive national 50s, it was another well deserved championship for Bottrill. The women raced on Saturday, with Julia Shaw (www.drag2zero.com) pushing last years champion, Anna Turvey (Tyneside Vagabonds CC) into 2nd.

Well, there are two things you can always guarantee in Wales – a bit of drizzle, and plenty of friendly people.

Results CTT