First Road Race of The 2023 Season – BMRC Percy Stallard Series at Welland
Sometimes the hardest part of racing is entering the event and getting in but having achieved this I forgot about the effort required in preparing cycle kit and bike equipment.
Then there is the transport issue (sadly I was the only Wheeler going to the event) but on the other hand the excitement of meeting and competing against new and old rivals.
Left home at 7.30am for the steady drive West, double and treble checking equipment (compatible bike shoes, helmet and license etc)
Arrived signed on and chatted to competitors wishing them all a Happy New Year and also trying to get a picture of how well they thought they were going – None of them admitted they were flying 🙂
Decisions on how much to wear as cool and likely to get wet. Competitors briefing and a short warm up.
Ready behind the Lead Car for the F Category Race (65-69 age group) I guessed there was about 30 of us and I checked I could see the numbers of competitors I wanted to keep an eye on that I had written on my wrist.
We were off and after a short session behind the Lead Car across the heath we got to the Start/Finish line 3 Laps and a total of 49 miles to go. There was no hanging around and people were keen to make early moves – ones, twos and threes – I was keener than perhaps I should have been and chased the moves down or tried to get in them. One too many times I chased and went into the RED – looking at Strava figures after race it could have been something to do with putting out 504W in a segment and then 488W in another both on first lap (I think that is quite high to my normal).
I managed to find a wheel and we got back to the bunch. Time to take it a little steadier so I sat on the main TT specialist who had been doing most of the damage and took the risk that he would get me round the second lap and most of the third before I would have to make new choices. That worked and I recovered a little – with half a lap to go I started looking for the Sprinters in the group whilst keeping an eye on a couple well known for their 2km from home efforts.
Turned for home it was going to be a bunch sprint – passed the 1km marker and chose someone who has been doing a lot of track sessions – sadly not the wheel to be on as the TT specialist Lit Up with the eventual Winner on his wheel. Managed to pull out and passed riders into 5th – 4th – 3rd and the line came. I managed a Second Place in a small but select group of riders. Happy 🙂
Back to HQ to congratulate those who had done well and general Banter with All
The Abberleys 3 Day Event next weekend.
Do Give Racing A Go
Author: Mac
Date: 23 April 2023
