My first ride in A-grade, with the sole objective to last as long as I could with the bunch. With no racing at Sandown tue night, A-grade numbers swelled to 35, which is alot for a midweek crit at Kew. 31 riders in B-grade meant the circuit would be a bit crowded, so any rider that was more than 1/2 a lap down would be pulled out.
45min +3 laps
Started at the back as I always do, (yeah I know not a good place to be, but it's a bad habit I've developed) and just tried to get a handle of the pace. The hammer was put down on lap 2, I was wondering what I'd got myself into.
With 22min gone the bunch slowed coming around the sweeper, a perfect chance to see what life was like at the front. Two guys jump away, and foolishly I decide to bridge the gap, this lasted for 3 laps, with HR not dropping below 185. From here it was a case of hanging on, and hoping I was still there at the end.
Passing B-grade for the second time got a bit tricky, as the leading girls refused to back off, I reckon it took almost 3 laps to complete the pass.
With 3 laps to go I tried to move up, but I was really starting to struggle, made up a bit of ground with 2 to go, but gave it up on the bell lap.
The encouragement I was getting around the circuit really helped, and made me even more determined to hang on. Really proud of my effort, and even though I found it bloody hard, I still enjoyed myself.
The Average speed was 40.6, quickest B-grade race I'd done was 37.8!
Legs are feeling the pinch today...well actually they're f#%#@#...but it was well worth it 🙂