Surrey League / Goodwood 4th Cats / 13 March

[Mark F]

Having taken the plunge at Longcross a few weeks ago I was in two minds about whether I wished to go to make the trip down to Goodwood - but it was the only Surrey League 4th Cat event for a while so I hmm'd and haa'd. As it turned out, I had to make a trip to Portsmouth over the weekend on a family matter so decided to travel down via Goodwood.

The conditions were reminiscent of Longcross, wet, drizzly, a bit windy, chilly - not exactly welcoming. No chicane due to the slippery track. But it was a good turnout with 58 eager 4th Cats on the line including two Agreeables - Martin and me. We departed without any enthusiasm - averaging may be 20 mph for the first couple of laps. Not sure what Commissaire PVT thought of it all as he trailed round after us; he'd taken his Mini as a precaution given the weather.

In line with Longcross there was a bit of an incident at the beginning of the second lap - although I'd started near the front I'd drifted back and was well behind. Having almost stopped as a result it didn't take long to get back on given the easy pace.

The laps ticked down and I felt I ought to be closer to the front. Taking a different line up one of the little rises at Goodwood I found myself on the front and took my turn and then drifted back a bit. There were one or two attacks with one guy thundering past me whose wheel I caught - with the wind behind we were flying along until we hit the headwind down the finishing straight at which stage he eased up, I eased up and the bunch were back in next to no time.

Into the final lap and I knew I needed to do things differently from last time. Having decided to sit close to the front and wait for others to make the move - especially with the headwind - that's what I did. It all seems a bit of a blur but someone came past, I jumped on their wheel and when they weakened I went from there. Not perfect but better than last time - formal result awaited but I reckon 4th!

A quick look at the Garmin says average heart rate 133 bpm, lower than Longcross and much lower than a Saturday morning B Group, an average of nearly 24 mph - which given the slow start was a bit of a surprise to me - and a max heart rate of 175 which is also a surprise as its my highest this year or last year (presumably in the race to the line but at the moment I cannot check this as I cannot download from my Garmin).

Not sure where Martin finished but he was in the fight for the line and looking strong, notwithstanding he's not been on the bike much recently.

Must start looking for the next race ...

Mark

[Antloony]

Good stuff Mark. Sounds like a better race tactic wise. 4th's a good result and a few more points towards 3rd cat stardom. Well done fella.

[Keith]

Well done Mark. I look forward to seeing the photos & Martin's result.

[Mark F]

Results now out and 4th confirmed

[url]http://www.surreyleague.co.uk/results/results2011/mar2011/mar13-4.htm[/url]

M

[Sylv]

Well done Mark!

[Martin O]

Well done Mark, 4th place was very good and it was really good to see a fellow agreeable there.

It wasn’t the best of weather and it was a bit slippery. I can still picture the rider sliding along the track on his arse in front of me, glad that I managed to avoid him, his bike and his water bottle. I enjoyed the event much more than I imagined I would. Given I’m not particularly fit at the moment I wasn’t even sure that I would get around, but I exceeded my expectations and came in 19th out of 59, which I’m really pleased with given it was my first ever race. Can’t wait to do the next one, shame that there are so few 4th cat races at the mo. I think that I learned a lot from the race and could have done a fair bit better if I’d been nearer the front approaching the home straight, still there’s always next time!

[Marcus]

Congratulations on a good result Mark and Martin.
Martin congratulations on breaking your racing duck. Can imagine what you will do once you are fitter.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

Nice one, Mark - 4th place - brilliant stuff...and Martin, well done, mate - now start training! it helps!