Bec CC 10 - Prologue du Prologue

[Andrew G]

Second week running setting the alarm at 4:30am, this time for the Bec CC 10 on the G10/57. This course uses part of the same roads as the Addiscombe 25 from earlier this year.

Got there in plenty of time so managed to do a proper warm up. This is something I'm getting better at, as last year I was crap at this and just rode around slowly for 5 minutes before riding to the start, consequently I was just getting warmed up by the turn.

5 Agreeables out today, also Dave Palmer from TSN, and Keith Coffey of Bec rode 1st man to get back and continue with his usual slick running of an event.

I was riding with a "9" number, basically one of the bottom seeds, and was happy and amazed to catch my minute man after 2 miles. I was then passed by the blike (oops typo, but also a concatenation of "bloke on a bike" ) behind me at 2.1 miles but he was a top seeded rider so hardly a surprise.

Although not pan flat the drops and drags on this course are very small and the surface is nice and smooth, so I was trying to keep the speed as high as possible and stay on top of a big(ish) gear.

Nearing the turn I saw Mike coming the other way and he didn't look quite a silky smooth as normal, then the next two riders behind him looked to be struggling a bit. This came as a bit of a shock as I hadn't noticed that I was being shoved along by a tail wind.

Round the turn and I found the head wind. Not that strong, but nagging. Miles 5 - 6 were a bit of a struggle as I got used to the wind but tried to keep the speed up above 20mph all the time.

My legs started grumbling a bit further down the road but checking my computer saw I was at 8 miles so dug in and ignored them, knowing the end was in sight.

A right turn takes you down a bit of a drop (nasty drag the other way in the first mile or so) so I chucked it in top gear and concentrated on pedaling circles. Had to knock it down a gear when it flattened out to the finish, but pulled the computer out just after and it said that it looked like another PB.

Back to HQ and hurrah, another PB and under 26 minutes for the first time.

I've done my PB so it's up to Bradley and Dave to do their bit now.

Results:

Robert R-E 23:03 (oooo so close).
Tamar 24:34
Mike 25:16
Andrew G 25:56 (PB )
John Lovell 28:24 (seemed a bit disapointed, but if I can do a 28 when I'm 70 I'll be delighted, top man).

Dave Palmer (TSN) 23:33

[Ian A4size]

Well done fella, also use of a top word- not many cycling forums are quite

as erudite as ours

[Mike I]

Well done on yet another pb, thanks for putting my name and 'silky smooth' in the same sentence, and top marks for French grammar!

I had a very pleasant ride back in the early(ish) morning sunshine, met Kieran doing some secret training on Box Hill and am now about to go up to Big Town to collect some free cheese!

[John the old'un]

Good write up Andrew, and congratulations on your pb.
Did feel a bit disappointed as I was going well on the way out but struggled on the way back. Still, it was only 26 seconds slower than my best time on that course, so maybe on a faster morning, and with more training, who knows.
Most impressed with Mike's ride back. Reminds me of the old days when we rode out and back to all the events, even taking our racing wheels on what we called sprint carriers fixed to the front wheel spindle and strapped to the bars.
Must have been crazy.

[John the old'un]

Piccies should appear here in the next few days.
Cheers
John



http://www.mikeanton.com/cycling.html

[tel]

Well done on your pb Andrew, and to everybody who rode.

If you are getting into this tt lark, you might want to perservere with the tribars. When you get used to them you`ll certainly go quicker.

Good luck

Terry

[Tamar]

Congrats to Andrew for his PB....but I have to say in my books the best ride was Jo Rowsell. She destroyed the women's field (and most of the blokes) to set her own PB of 22.06! And she's only 18. Very, very impressive. Unfortunately I heard she was in a nasty crash on Sunday in women's race (that Maria was in) and stretchered off to hospital so hope she is OK in time for European Track Champs which I'm told she's been training for. She should stick to testing. RR is just too scary!

[Andrew G]

It must be all that interval work she's been doing at Palace staying up the front with the Addiscombe fast boys.

Tamar, who won and what was their time? I'm guessing Keith or or one of the Plowman Craven guys, I left before the end but need the details for another 10 entry. Thanks.

[richv]

Gordon Macauley 19.47 (I think)

[John the old'un]

Who won and what was their time? I'm guessing Keith or or one of the Plowman Craven guys, I left before the end but need the details for another 10 entry. Thanks.[/quote]

The result board said Gordon McCauley in 19.43.

[Andrew G]

Ta, can't imagine it matters that much. Surely it's my PB that matters not how much I was thrashed by on that occaision.

[Tamar]

Definitely your pb that matters Andrew. Really pleased you cracked the 26 min barrier. Always makes the pb that bit sweeter to get under the next minute barrier.

[Steve B]

Well done Andrew, on your pb, great time

Tamar, good to see you're consistently knocking in some fast times.

As I was leaving the car park at the Palace on tuesday, I think I saw Jo Rowsell on a bike, in a tracksuit. She definately didn't race but I'm sure she was there.

Steve

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

[quote]Dave Palmer (TSN) 23:33