A 2up TT where a vet is paced by a younger rider to get the fastest time possible for the vet. The pacer is the slave, no time for them, just do as your told and get the Gentleman round asap.
I was looking for a Gentleman this year as my Dad has hung up his racing shoes, and doesn't like the course which is Sporting 15.4 miles and somewhat draggy with a bit of a lump to get up at about 7 miles.
Such is the Worldwide knowledge of my pacing
that the call came from New Zealand no less. Nigel Ashby, an ex-pat living in NZ, contacted the club via email (can't get access to the forum, don't know if it's a registration from a foreign ISP thing) and his contact details were passed on to me. He is over visiting family at the moment, fancied a race, and after exchanged emails we sorted it all out.I had Monday off work so we could meet up for a ride and I could show him the course. We had a test run around it to suss a few things out. Results being, I'd ride my road bike, we'd start a bit steadier than on the test run and take the hill a bit easier too. This would avoid Nigel blowing too hard too early on and make sure the power was there for the rest of the circuit and take advantage of the flatter / rolling sections after.
On to the day itself and we arrived this morning in plenty of time, and cheered Terry (being paced by Rob R-E) over the finish line during our warm up as they'd had a much earlier start.
Up to the start, via a shipped chain just to get Nigel's heart rate up
, and we were off. Rode the first five miles, out to the Holmwood 10 turn, steady but at 26 minute 10 pace before turning off for the run up to Rusper via the hill. We span it up here today and Nigel was all the better for it on the run back to Newdigate, I was really having to keep my head down and power along more or less flat out with Nigel glued to my wheel.Left at Newdigate and past Henfold Lakes and we were shifting along well, I had my head down turning a big gear with Nigel still glued to my wheel. This was great fun hurtling through the lanes with a quick shout to Jim who was out and cheering on from the sidelines with some friends.
Towards the end and there are a couple of nasty little drags that test the legs, I had to ease back a touch on these but this was only 2 miles from the finish and Nigel was still going well and only slipping a touch on these. Left and on to the final drag up to the line by the National Trust car park on Inholms Lane. At the 200 metre board the vet is allowed out to sprint for the line so I gave Nigel a shout and kept shouting him on as he buried himself for the line.
All in it was excellent fun, Nigel rode a great race particularly as he normally only does flat 10s at home, I had to ride hard all along the back section, and it was good to extend the Addiscombe arm across the World for the day.
Back at HQ and tea and cakes and the results board.
Results:
Nigel Ashby - Manukau City Vets CC,NZ - 44.23
Pacer Andrew Green - Addiscombe
Terry Hill - Addiscombe - 41.21
Pacer Robert Royle-Evatt - Addiscombe
Winner on standard was no surprise being John Woodburn (paced by C Day) with 37.43 and an 11+ minute plus time.
Winner on scratch was equally no surprise being D Pollard (paced by Michael Hutchinson) with 33.25, just 13 seconds off the course record set by Prebble and Instone last year and 2nd on standard too.
Like I said earlier a very good day, if a bit chilly.