The Racing Thread..
Discussion
Had a good day at Cyclopark today and took 3rd in the 4th only. It was a terrifying race frankly with some seriously shonky riding. That coupled with a fairly sedate pace for the first half made if pretty nervous.
I hung off the back for the first half, moved up to 3rd/4th wheel for the start of the penultimate lap, managed to stay 3rd-6th wheel all the way to the final straight and picked the right wheel to follow for the sprint. 1st was a good few bike lengths away but I was inches off 2nd!
Just need to find another 4 points now. :-) Power was unimpressive and my heart rate was higher than a 3/4 I did a month or so ago which was a much harder race. I've been suffering with manflu this week so I think thats still lingering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/400544756
I hung off the back for the first half, moved up to 3rd/4th wheel for the start of the penultimate lap, managed to stay 3rd-6th wheel all the way to the final straight and picked the right wheel to follow for the sprint. 1st was a good few bike lengths away but I was inches off 2nd!
Just need to find another 4 points now. :-) Power was unimpressive and my heart rate was higher than a 3/4 I did a month or so ago which was a much harder race. I've been suffering with manflu this week so I think thats still lingering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/400544756
Ponk said:
Had a good day at Cyclopark today and took 3rd in the 4th only. It was a terrifying race frankly with some seriously shonky riding. That coupled with a fairly sedate pace for the first half made if pretty nervous.
I hung off the back for the first half, moved up to 3rd/4th wheel for the start of the penultimate lap, managed to stay 3rd-6th wheel all the way to the final straight and picked the right wheel to follow for the sprint. 1st was a good few bike lengths away but I was inches off 2nd!
Just need to find another 4 points now. :-) Power was unimpressive and my heart rate was higher than a 3/4 I did a month or so ago which was a much harder race. I've been suffering with manflu this week so I think thats still lingering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/400544756
Well done, heart rate at that level isn't exactly pleasurable ... probably higher than normal after illness as well. 4 points, thats just a top 7 in a 4th only.I hung off the back for the first half, moved up to 3rd/4th wheel for the start of the penultimate lap, managed to stay 3rd-6th wheel all the way to the final straight and picked the right wheel to follow for the sprint. 1st was a good few bike lengths away but I was inches off 2nd!
Just need to find another 4 points now. :-) Power was unimpressive and my heart rate was higher than a 3/4 I did a month or so ago which was a much harder race. I've been suffering with manflu this week so I think thats still lingering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/400544756
JEA1K said:
Ponk said:
Had a good day at Cyclopark today and took 3rd in the 4th only. It was a terrifying race frankly with some seriously shonky riding. That coupled with a fairly sedate pace for the first half made if pretty nervous.
I hung off the back for the first half, moved up to 3rd/4th wheel for the start of the penultimate lap, managed to stay 3rd-6th wheel all the way to the final straight and picked the right wheel to follow for the sprint. 1st was a good few bike lengths away but I was inches off 2nd!
Just need to find another 4 points now. :-) Power was unimpressive and my heart rate was higher than a 3/4 I did a month or so ago which was a much harder race. I've been suffering with manflu this week so I think thats still lingering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/400544756
Well done, heart rate at that level isn't exactly pleasurable ... probably higher than normal after illness as well. 4 points, thats just a top 7 in a 4th only.I hung off the back for the first half, moved up to 3rd/4th wheel for the start of the penultimate lap, managed to stay 3rd-6th wheel all the way to the final straight and picked the right wheel to follow for the sprint. 1st was a good few bike lengths away but I was inches off 2nd!
Just need to find another 4 points now. :-) Power was unimpressive and my heart rate was higher than a 3/4 I did a month or so ago which was a much harder race. I've been suffering with manflu this week so I think thats still lingering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/400544756
Ponk said:
Yeah, I felt terrible throughout and particularly for most of the last two laps. Guess that's what it takes! Got a 3/4 road race next weekend (Maldon CC) on a course that might suit me. Would be good to do well there and go up in a 3/4. :-)
Well if you can feel crap and get a decent result, you must be on form. If its a course that suits you then 7th or better is a mere formality.;)
Ponk said:
Had a good day at Cyclopark today and took 3rd in the 4th only. It was a terrifying race frankly with some seriously shonky riding. That coupled with a fairly sedate pace for the first half made if pretty nervous.
I hung off the back for the first half, moved up to 3rd/4th wheel for the start of the penultimate lap, managed to stay 3rd-6th wheel all the way to the final straight and picked the right wheel to follow for the sprint. 1st was a good few bike lengths away but I was inches off 2nd!
Just need to find another 4 points now. :-) Power was unimpressive and my heart rate was higher than a 3/4 I did a month or so ago which was a much harder race. I've been suffering with manflu this week so I think thats still lingering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/400544756
Great result! means all going well we'll be racing together next year then : no pressure! :-)I hung off the back for the first half, moved up to 3rd/4th wheel for the start of the penultimate lap, managed to stay 3rd-6th wheel all the way to the final straight and picked the right wheel to follow for the sprint. 1st was a good few bike lengths away but I was inches off 2nd!
Just need to find another 4 points now. :-) Power was unimpressive and my heart rate was higher than a 3/4 I did a month or so ago which was a much harder race. I've been suffering with manflu this week so I think thats still lingering.
https://www.strava.com/activities/400544756
JEA1K said:
Ponk said:
Yeah, I felt terrible throughout and particularly for most of the last two laps. Guess that's what it takes! Got a 3/4 road race next weekend (Maldon CC) on a course that might suit me. Would be good to do well there and go up in a 3/4. :-)
Well if you can feel crap and get a decent result, you must be on form. If its a course that suits you then 7th or better is a mere formality.;)
d hill on it. It probably suits everyone else too. 
Fingers crossed Rich! I'd like to do more of the Thursday night 3/4s at cyclopark if I can next year.
Currently riding as a Cat 4 with a late season burst of enthusiasm, strong enough to be active in the bunch but annoyingly lacking in acceleration when it comes to the big final push.
Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
TheFungle said:
Currently riding as a Cat 4 with a late season burst of enthusiasm, strong enough to be active in the bunch but annoyingly lacking in acceleration when it comes to the big final push.
Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
It comes down to picking and choosing your races. I've raced some terrifying 4th cat races and one terrifying 3/4 race. Mostly at one circuit actually (Lee Valley) which I've since decide to avoid. As a general rule I've found the bike handling to be much better in 3/4s and the pace high enough to stop everyone tooling around looking at each other.Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
Choosing a more selective course like Hog Hill (if you're in the South) would also suit you as it is tough enough to weed out the weaker riders and keep the final lap strung out.
I've also found road races to be far more composed than crits even at a 3/4 level which is an alternative.
Agree with you about choosing races. I've raced twice at Lee Valley now, and while I probably will go back at some point I'm in no hurry whatsoever, just doesn't feel safe in the slightest. The first time I ended up bunny hopping people/bikes on the finish line. Was 100% certain I was going down, but somehow didn't.
Hillingdon has never felt too bad to me, and Cyclopark is decent as well, as its slighlty more selective than most circuits I've raced. Still not raced Hog Hill yet.
Hillingdon has never felt too bad to me, and Cyclopark is decent as well, as its slighlty more selective than most circuits I've raced. Still not raced Hog Hill yet.
whatleytom said:
Agree with you about choosing races. I've raced twice at Lee Valley now, and while I probably will go back at some point I'm in no hurry whatsoever, just doesn't feel safe in the slightest. The first time I ended up bunny hopping people/bikes on the finish line. Was 100% certain I was going down, but somehow didn't.
Hillingdon has never felt too bad to me, and Cyclopark is decent as well, as its slighlty more selective than most circuits I've raced. Still not raced Hog Hill yet.
The E12 stuff at Velopark last season where good fun and never had any close/nears misses at all in any of the races. The 2/3's where hit and miss and I got involved in a big crash there in the winter caused by some idiots sprinting for 20th in the 4ths race passing me in a 2 man break!Hillingdon has never felt too bad to me, and Cyclopark is decent as well, as its slighlty more selective than most circuits I've raced. Still not raced Hog Hill yet.
Hog Hill by far the safest with Cyclopark close 2nd, have seen some pretty big/nasty crashes at Hillingdon in all categories so avoid it where possible.
TheFungle said:
Currently riding as a Cat 4 with a late season burst of enthusiasm, strong enough to be active in the bunch but annoyingly lacking in acceleration when it comes to the big final push.
Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
Road racing in 3/4's is much less frantic at the finish as they're longer races and become more strung out. I saw plenty of accidents on the circuit this year ... mainly due to 20 man bunch sprints after 30 or 40 min race. Not so with road racing ... in 3/4 and E/1/2/3/4's I've done ... yes there has been a few accidents but involving a 1 or 2 riders. Of course, there's always an element of danger as its racing but riders with more experience in theory are safer.Was riding an airfield circuit at the weekend when I witnessed the aftermath of a pretty horrific crash, several riders on the deck with air ambulance having to be called, thankfully I believe he is in hospital and on the mend which was very much in doubt at the time.
This has let me questioning whether racing at this level is really worth it, I believe I have the ability to push for Cat 3 but that would be the upper limit of my ability, a Cat 4 race ending in a 20-30 man munch sprint just isn't going to end well and whilst I accept that crashes are part of racing, I'm not sure if relying on others to ride safely (or even myself) is enough for me.
Steve vRS said:
Raced at the Heaton Park CX race today and met Gazza285. He beat me again but it was closer than last time 
Hoping for a pass out to do next weeks race
Steve
Not my usual league, so I ditched my usual colours and raced in PH strip. A good course, with a balanced mix of fast and technical sections, and I didn't get anywhere near lapping Steve this time, I'm hoping he has got quicker, not me slower...Hoping for a pass out to do next weeks race
Steve
Leeds Temple Newsam tomorrow, round four of the Yorkshire Cyclocross League, then back into Lancashire next week, to Rossendale for round five of the North West Cyclocross League, and another chance for Steve to beat me...
I replaced the Gossamer chain set on my Defy road bike after 12 months of the crank working loose with a 105 unit. No problems since.
I have an FSA crank (not sure of the exact spec) on my CX bike and have had to tighten it a few times now. In fact, yesterdays race had a knock from the drive train, I bet the bloody thing is loose again. Must remember to look at it before next weekend!
Steve
I have an FSA crank (not sure of the exact spec) on my CX bike and have had to tighten it a few times now. In fact, yesterdays race had a knock from the drive train, I bet the bloody thing is loose again. Must remember to look at it before next weekend!
Steve
My first ever CX race yesterday! Heres my write up summised from my clubs Facebook page.
My report from todays Eden Veranda cx event will be short. Mainly because I've no idea what happened for 50 mins of 56 riding!
It was my first event so didn't really know what to expect, I started about half way up, and made up a few places on the uphill start, went hard for first lap and had few battles, about 20 mins in I realised I'd gone out too hard and reeled back my effort to recover.
About 5 mins later my front qr worked its way loose so quick stop and on my way again. Gave away a few places and slowly made these up by the end.
Other than that I don't really remember anything else! Really enjoyed it though. Can't wait til the next one now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/406217496
A picture says a thousand words so I'll leave my hr stats to show how hard that was.
My report from todays Eden Veranda cx event will be short. Mainly because I've no idea what happened for 50 mins of 56 riding!
It was my first event so didn't really know what to expect, I started about half way up, and made up a few places on the uphill start, went hard for first lap and had few battles, about 20 mins in I realised I'd gone out too hard and reeled back my effort to recover.
About 5 mins later my front qr worked its way loose so quick stop and on my way again. Gave away a few places and slowly made these up by the end.
Other than that I don't really remember anything else! Really enjoyed it though. Can't wait til the next one now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/406217496
A picture says a thousand words so I'll leave my hr stats to show how hard that was.
Raced the regional B at the Maldon Road Race this weekend to find a familiar face in neutral service for the National B.
https://twitter.com/alexdowsett/status/65074233530...
https://twitter.com/alexdowsett/status/65074233530...
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