Milland Hill Circuit

[-Adam-]

Alright guys,

So im doing this three day as im sure most of you'll be aware of. Thing is im beginning to brick it. The reason being day one is...

Milland hill circuit.

Now for those of you that are unfamiliar, the circuit is basically 6miles of false flat, now by that i mean you must be going down hill, but you just dont notice it. Then the final mile, is up hill, no biggie you might think, but the last 250m or so are 25%. This is no joke, i rode it on tuesday and it was hard just to ride up it slowly, so i dread to think what the race will be like.

A look at the results from last year reveals that the whole race (ie all three days, as it counts as a stage race) was won and lost on this hill. Time gaps a plenty.

So apart from being at the front and giving it absolutely everything (hard when you know you've gotta get up and do it all again the next day, and the day after that!) Does anyone have any advice for this!!!???

Cheers,

adam

[Stu Merckx Man]

remember that everyone else has got to do it, so they will be suffering too!

[DavidKennett]

Try and get near the front at the bottom of the climb before the road becomes too narrow. Also, stay in the middle of the road as you go under the bridge, the road surface either side isn't that great and maybe slippery, not good for grip, and keep going once over the top, too m any ease up allowing gaps to appear.

If a break goes, imagine the bunch will slow down and survive for the following days.

Believe in yourself,

Good luck

[Marek]

Do try and be closish to the front, make sure you have selected a comfortable gear before hitting the steepest bit and be wary that people in front may suddenly come to a complete standstill.

If this happens and you get caught out then take your shoes off and run up the hill with your bike and then jump back on, it will be quicker than trying to walk up in your cleats and probably quicker than most of the people riding.

If your feeling strong maybe attack before the hill, a lot of people will be bricking it about the hill so you have a good chance to get a gap as the peleton is likely to slow, of course you then need to try and maintain your pace going over the hill which is where I tend to fail, but worth a go in my opinion. If you can get over the hill with a bit of a gap and then hammer the downhill then you have a good chance of getting out of sight which is what you want in a road race. Out of sight out of mind as they say. Also remember the 3 minute pain barrier rule, if you hammer it for 3 minutes those first 3 minutes will really hurt, but then your body gets used to it and you will feel a bit better, well allegedly anyway so worth a bash at attacking.

Make sure you take some gels and stuff with you, this will help you for recovery into the next day. Halfway through the race have a gel and then one lap before the end another. Do this every day, drink loads on the bike, make sure you are finishing the race with two empty bottles.

Otherwise, just enjoy the experience and give it some.

Cheers

Marek.....

[Sylv]

Good luck Adam!

[Matthew Ives]

yeah, good luck Adam and remember to keep us updated each night on the forum
.....if you've got any energy left that is.

[-Adam-]

I will, i may have a secret weapon for day two and three...

Thanks for the advice guys, i feel good. Its just i am starting to get nervous about the three day factor... Milland hill on its own and id be relishing it, but its the thought of getting up the next day, and the day after, to do it all again.

But im gonna give it all i got i can tell you!

[-Adam-]

while im here, whats dunsfold like as a circuit? (aerodrome) i can imagine it should be a fairly straightforward procession to a sprint finish, epsecially as the forcast is for very little wind. which makes a breakaway too easy to chase right?

Also, on monday, the SL site says its on the Lyne circuit which i rode on monday, which is fine. Then it also says it finishes on the staple hill circuit...

theres no details of staple hill on there site, any ideas?

[Ian A4size]

oh no.. not staple hill.. 3km @ 33% then it gets steeper at the hairpin and really kicks up

[DavidKennett]

Dunsfold is complete flat, where Top Gear do their testing.

Maybe a good chance for a small break to go and stay away, not always a bunch finish as not all the riders are willing to put the effort in to pull them back.

Make sure you're well hydrated BEFORE ALL 3 stages, may see you tomorrow.