March 1st, Fowlmead

[Guy Phillips]

I fancied a return to my fave circuit, Fowlmead aka Betteshanger, cos I wanted to enter a race where I had the scope to attack and break for the training benefit. There was a better specced race at Chertsey, but that would be a fast procession, and what I really wanted to try were some bollocks out efforts with the wind in my face.

Around 30 riders started and soon a break went off with 3 Glendene Jr Devt Squad riders and one from new team, Toachim House. An organised chase could have got them back, but there was no such thing gonna happen. It was break after break from the bunch which, Kev tells me, is likely to slow and hamstring the chase. I had a few goes off the front of the group and one break, with 2 others, stayed away for a lap or two. Eventually by the last quarter there were 2 small chasing groups and the larger peleton. I was in the last group. When it came for the sprint for the minor placings I felt strong but hadn't got a good position. The new finish line comes up so quickly that you really have to be at or close to the front to be in contention. Riding 10 or 12 places back is no good for this finish. Cos as it goes thru the snake the bunch narrows and, no matter how strong you are, there's no space unless you can see it in front of you. I made up about 5 places in the sprint but only finished 11th. 11th! I'd rather have been last. Especially as the guy in 10th crossed the line about 2" ahead of me. I must admit I wasn't really happy with that. I'm always amazed by the lack of ambition from yer average 3rd cat. Seem quite happy to enter a race and not try to win it, and don't contribute a thing on the way...

Kev was in one of the small groups (of 2) and came 5th in the 1/2, and Nigel got a point for 9th in the 3/4. Considering I'm still in training mode my aims for this race were met - I had some attacks etc. Later, at the racers' meeting, Kev gave me some constructive criticism of my jump. He said my acceleration wasn't fast enough, that I attack from too close too the front. Phil added that I may jump in too high a gear. I think my weight doesn't help my acceleration. Well, the next training block is all about the sprint effort and that will stay for the season, so I hope I've done sufficient base to build that explosive effort as the season goes on. And I'm really gonna watch my diet - I think I can lose 5 kilos.

But it was a really good day and felt great to race again. But... feckin' 11th...!!