UCI World Cycling Tour
WOW, what an experience the last few days have been! I’m totally shattered and nearly every muscle in my body is aching, yet I’ve never felt so alive. From my perspective I’d have to say the inaugural UCI World Cycling Tour has been a fabulous success. Perth really turned it on. Not only was the weather fantastic, but the atmosphere on the day was electric. The crowds at the top of Malcolm St were something else. Seeing so many people cheering everyone on was one of the best experiences. They were cheering everyone on; even the likes of me who got dropped on the 3rd lap and had a struggle-face-from-hell for the next 5 trips up Malcolm St. It was a tough day on the bike, but one I’d gladly repeat. Bring on next year!
So did I win or place well? Nope, I finished #105 of 150. Or 19th in my category of 27. So not an exceptional result, but considering where I was a little over 3 years ago, I personally think this was incredible. For those not keeping up, a little over 3 years ago riding just 5km was a challenge. I was also considerably heavier than I am today. So, in that light I’m very proud of my result. Next year though I’m hoping to be much more competitive. I just need to do more work on my hill climbing. That’s where I lost it yesterday; everywhere else I was comfortably able to keep the pace. It was just when the course climbed that I struggled. Oh well, something to aim for…
Master’s Criterium Racing
Well it has bee quite sometime since I’ve posted here. I’d like to say I’ve been busy, but honestly I think it’s more that I’ve been a little lazy. So I’m going to try and make an effort to post a little more often. It’s apparently good for the soul to write a journal (in this case a blog), so that’s what I’ll do.
This weekend I raced my first Criterium in over 15 years. I must admit I was a little worried so I made sure I was racing in ‘B’ grade; everyone was telling me that I should be in ‘A’ grade. I’m glad I stuck to my guns and stayed in ‘B’…boy was it tough! Not only was the pace fairly high, but the conditions we’re great for such intensive racing. High temps and a strong easterly wind made for a hard race. Not only that, but every lap the lads decided to push hard heading up the slight rise past the start/finish line. Now this rise couldn’t be considered a hill, but by the 10th time up this rise it was starting to hurt…LOTS!
So what’s the difference between a standard road race and a Criterium? Primarily the distance of both the race and the course. Most Criterium course’s are short, less than 2km, in length. Some are even shorter. So the riders have to ride many laps of the same circuit. This is great for spectators and challenging for the riders as there is no such thing as a home course advantage (by the 10th lap everyone knows the course well). The other aspect of Criteriums is cornering; if you can’t take corners at high-speed, then you’ll never do well in Criteriums.
Basically, Criteriums are suited for sprinters. I like to think that sprinting is one of my strengths. So I was feeling confident.
Racing with the Masters
Last weekend was the first chance to get back to the style of racing I remembered from my younger years. Oh boy it was fun. I’m so glad I was able to race. It reminded me why I get out there and ride; why it is I love this sport so much. It reminded me of when I was but a teenager…
Back in the early 1990’s I first pulled on some cycling nicks and began cycle racing. I was only in my teens and didn’t really appreciate what Cycling was all about. I enjoyed simply riding my bike. I didn’t have a drivers license at that stage, so riding my bike gave me a sense of freedom. I also raced most weekends with the Midland Cycle Club. It was a time in my life when I truly felt alive. Problem was at that time in my life I was lazy and didn’t appreciate the subtleties of the sport nor did have have the same passion I do today. Oh well better late than never right?
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