Hectic race schedule puts the pressure on
by Pip Read - Australian and world champion cyclist
Sometimes, just sometimes I have to wonder at the wisdom of my decisions! Last year, in the process of renewing my racing licence, I decided to upgrade to an Elite Licence. This seemed like a good idea at the time. I have since completed three open/elite events, Australian Criterium Championships in Ballarat, Australian time trial championships, again in Ballarat, and have just returned from Shepparton and the Oceania time trial championships. What a schedule. And I have also just celebrated my 56th birthday! What is the old saying about becoming wiser with age!
So here I
am at the sign on in Dookie, which is just up the road a bit from
Shepparton, all decked out in my time trial kit; time trial bike, funny
helmet, no pockets in the back of my SheSpoke skin-suit, and trying to
look as casual as possible. Not easy when the starting official has just
made me move my saddle backwards, as it was deemed to be too far forward
by 20 mm! At least he did say he liked my bike. Being held in the
starting position and watching the official count down on his fingers
(love counting on my fingers as well). I guess I didn't hear what the
course commentator was saying as I headed down the start ramp, just as
well.
Beautiful weather, no wind and gorgeous sunshine, but to say the course was lumpy would be an understatement. I had ridden it the day prior to have a look and on the way home my Garmin registered a 10%, a 7% and 5% climb! On the first hill out of Dookie I had a motorbike photographer ride along side of me. How cool is that? Just like the pros.
On my way along the course and I felt quite good. I was not passed by another competitor (which is always a good sign) and I finished 23rd in the field, which was reasonable. I did really enjoy the race and it was great catching up with people that you don't see that often. Now it's off to check out the race calendar for my next open race.
I raced the SKCC Criterium Championships this weekend, which will be followed by the Victorian Masters Criterium Championships April 10 and on the same day we have the NAB Showman's Criterium. As this is later in the day I will more than likely do both. It looks like a busy few weeks coming up. Then I will be contesting the South Pacific Veteran Cycling Championships over Easter in Maryborough, Victoria.
If you want to keep up to date with what I am doing then follow along on Twitter @readp
After those few weeks I think I may have a few weeks rest then start looking at my winter schedule.
Talk soon
Pip