Hainault hilly & Maldon hilly

[Jon H]

First two time trials of the year done, both Spoco courses in Essex.

First up, the Hainault RC hilly 28.74 miles on the E14/28 course, 2nd March.
Quite possibly one of windiest days I've ever raced on. In some places it was more a case of trying to maintain some forward momentum and avoid being blown off the road rather than trying to go fast. Spent large parts of the course on the drops rather than the tri bars. Despite that, I went half a minute quicker than last year, 1:26:22.

Second up, the Maldon & District CC hilly 18.4 on the E20/9 course, 15th March.
Wet roads from overnight rain, and a chilly 6degC. Two laps of a 9(ish) mile course starting and finishing almost right by the HQ; a very conveniently arranged course. Caught my minute-woman at the top of the main climb on the circuit at 7 miles. Then she came past me on the next downhill section where I was taking it a bit cautiously as I didn't know the roads particularly well. Went past her again at the start of lap 2 and didn't see her again. Second lap I was a minute faster than the first as I now knew the course. Finished a minute and a half faster than last year, in 54:34.

Quite pleased with that as a start to the racing season. Heading in the right direction.

[Dominic]

Sounds good Jon, might have to try these next year as early season openers!