1st Race at Stourport yesterday

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 16 Jul 2012 20:41

Really enjoyed my first race yesterday, big thanks to all the marshalls/organisers and beacon supporters.

Can anyone tell me though did I finish 14th or 28th or somewhere in between?! Was so busy trying to hang on to front group that I lost track of how many people were behind me although I do know there were at least 2! Think I only got lapped by 2 people but not 100% sure!?

Found the pace OK for first 20minutes but once we'd been going 20-30mins I started tiring and so once I was at the back it was only a matter of time until the cord snapped.

Was quite pleased with my sprint at finish to (I think) just beat a concorde rcc rider on the line, even if this may have only been for 28th place?!

The main thing I need to work on is going fast round a right hand bend, think I lost about 15metres twice a lap on the two tight corners!

Post by **CakeStop** » 16 Jul 2012 20:54

Well done whatever position you finished in Tim. The Commissionaire commented the pace was higher than a recent elite / cat1 race there.

I had a few goes at the tightest bend before the races, took me 5 attempts before I did it without braking and that was using the full width of the track on entry and exit. I was expecting some argy bargy there in the race but was impressed at how everybody kept their line all the way round.

Are you having another go next week?

PatBoySlim · Post by **PatBoySlim** » 16 Jul 2012 20:56

Tim, What number were you ?

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 17 Jul 2012 08:37

Thanks, yes was reassuring to hear it was a fast pace.

I was Number 5

Had hoped to be there again next week but its looking like I may be in Brighton with work.

Definately hope to be a regular next year, seeing these new cat 3s is a good motivator

PatBoySlim · Post by **PatBoySlim** » 17 Jul 2012 16:22

Tim, an indication of the speeds, CAT4's normally lap around 2.10, Elites around 2.06 and sunday we clocked the leaders towards the end at 1.56, the fastest lap we've seen down there !

gmac · Post by **gmac** » 17 Jul 2012 17:32

Tim you should try racing Stourport on Tuesdays theres normaly a few Beacon members racing.
Greg Dighton and I will be there next week.
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events ... mit=Search
Also give Mallory a go.

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events ... mit=Search

Gary

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 17 Jul 2012 22:09

I actually didn't feel the pace was that quick, as I was expecting to struggle to keep up from the go, I just felt that I tired badly after 30mins due to lack of training. Im mainly just doing a 30minute commute so was expecting that. So it gives me bit of confidence that if I can put more longer rides in over winter and then race regularly I might be able to get up to speed.

Looking doubtful to make any more races due to working away, wife/kids commitments and then away on holiday. But if circumstances change and I can escape I will be there next Tuesday.

Can really see how you have to be racing regularly to get up to pace. My HR averaged at 167 for the race, I find its almost impossible to work at that intensity out on your own for any duration.

Are there any races at Tudor Grange? saw a report for a cat 4 one last year but have only seen junior races promoted this year. Just I work 2minutes away from there

jonnyri · Post by **jonnyri** » 18 Jul 2012 08:15

PatBoySlim wrote:Tim, an indication of the speeds, CAT4's normally lap around 2.10, Elites around 2.06 and sunday we clocked the leaders towards the end at 1.56, the fastest lap we've seen down there !

Can't wait to get to elite level then if that's normal lap times.

PatBoySlim · Post by **PatBoySlim** » 19 Jul 2012 13:00

I was assistant Commisaire at Stuorport Tuesday night, First race had an Elite rider from Node 4-Giordana who lapped all the Cat 1/2 riders.

The Cat 3/4 race had 40 entrants, but NO Beacon riders.