Ludgershall Crit rd7

Just before the series ends I was persuaded to have a go at the Ludgershall race series. I've not got the best track record when it comes to crits although the end game racing in a  road race is far too appealing and this is a necessary evil. 

The course is a purpose built military test track and is essentially an oval with a small chicane leading into the final corner. I was pre-warned of the course conditions with its leaf litter and ruts. When you're imagining the worst its a pleasant surprise to find out it's no worse than some of your local roads.

After signing on it was a bit of a rush (late getting up as usual) to get the bikes ready and have a quick warm up around the track. From the start line there is a small incline which means a small descent on the other side but riding around it appears as if it is unrelenting flat. A couple of laps and its time to grid.

Winchester Crit - 16th June

By a stroke of luck I found out that a couple of crits were being held at Winchester Park and Ride over the weekend. More importantly they were Cat4 only which meant I could have a bit of practice riding in a group in a slightly more forgiving atmosphere.

I rocked up to a pretty empty looking car park and went to sign on to find out that only four other people had signed up. I was hoping for a full field so I could compare this ride against my last hideous attempt. After a bit of a warm up 9 of us were lining up on the start line. The whistle sounded and we were off at some ridiculous pace that I was hoping would only last for a couple of laps before easing back. Trying to learn from last time I stuck to the back of the group trying to take advantage of their slipstream whilst also watching their lines to further my experience. 

Within a couple of laps the group was spread out and three individual groups were forming. Three guys went off the front with a strong pace while I was trying to stick to the back wheel of the guy in 8th. It didn't take too long until I was spat out of the back but I was adamant not to lose site of the guy in 8th place. I pushed the best I could and after a while I was becoming more confident on the bike. A sharp hairpin on the final straight was a difficult corner to get to grips with but before the end of the race I was trusting the tyres more and more meaning I was hitting it quicker which was a good thing as my legs were killing on all the other sections! 

Eventually the checkered flag was in sight and I finished in 9th which meant last place again but at least this time I didn't feel well and truly embarrassed.   With a bit of luck I may have accrued a point which will mean another 9 races with 9 people or less and I can finally do a proper road race which will suit me better. 

Dipping my toes in - Portsmouth Easter Circuits

Given the weather over the past few months I've been riding the road bike a lot, who knew that when I bought the retro Giant Peloton I'd enjoy it so much. It's been my primary source of training,although not ideal,  for the upcoming mtb races. A friend bought a road bike a few months back and did really well at the Mountbatten Circuits. A closed circuit event - what's not to like?