Kent CA 50 mile TT

[Jon H]

After a mid season break of two weeks sun and sea in Cyprus, it was back onto my Spoco SE campaign this Sunday. After three weekends without racing I was feeling refreshed, keen and raring to go, but unsure of how my fitness would have gone downhill.

Hadn't ridden this 50 course before, but when I got there I remembered I'd ridden a 25 on the same roads a couple of years ago. The course was all on the A20 between Leeds castle and Ashford, and there's hardly a flat bit anywhere; no major hills but the constant ups and downs make it a pretty hard TT course.

Only 45 riders on the startsheet, and 15 DNS, so thing's were looking good for a decent placing and a shedload of points for the Spoco competition.

Started OK and caught my minute man within three miles, which I expected based on the seedings (me being on a 5 number and him being on a 4). Ten miles in and my legs started complaining big style, telling me they weren't used to this bike riding stuff and liked it much better on the sun lounger. Had to slow down a bit and just rode round to make sure I finished without blowing completely. Caught a few more people and only got caught by the guy on the 0 seeding behind me.

The winner was the only one under 2 hours but only by 3 seconds, so it obviously wasn't just me who found it hard. I finished in 2:14 something, which is my slowest 50 for ages (possibly a personal worst), but I think was good enough for about 8th place.

Still need to ride the final 50 in the series to qualify for the Spoco competition, so it's the Eagle 50 in mid September for me, hopefully I will be back in racing mode by then.

[Snoop Doug]

Nice little write up Jon - having done the 100 just after a 3 week break I kind of know how you feel. That said - I'd be chuffed if your PW was my PB!

Snoop