Last Thursday I was back at the Dunton test track for my second race in the Heron Cyclesport Series. After the first race I came away thinking that I wanted to be a little more adventurous than just running the race mid-pack, and attempting a sprint for a decent place at the end. So, from the start I found myself working at the front for a couple of laps. The wind was blowing along the back straight which made the going quiet hard and energy sapping.
An early group broke away and I attempted to chase along with my training buddy Matt Haig...big mistake, lots of energy wasted,and the breakaway was caught by the main group within a couple of laps anyway.
Then things got really hard for me. I had an attack of cramp in my calf and had to drop to the back of the group and recover while hanging on for dear life. Two laps of pain and I got over it and got back into a reasonable rhythm. I found myself in a reasonable position for one of the prime laps, but got totally blown away in the sprint.
Around 40 minutes into the race the cramp set in again, this time in both legs. I should have pulled out, but again dropped right back and got out of the saddle to try and stretch my legs and shake off the cramp.
With 5 minutes to go I felt quiet good and moved right up to the front of the pack with visions of putting in a good sprint for a decent finish. 3rd off the last bend, I waited for the two guys in front to sprint and then gave it everything. sadly my everything wasn't up to much, I got wacked into by a team mate who is a big powerful guy...not sure who's fault or if that's just racing! but I backed off pretty much spent before the line as virtually the whole field flew past.
A not so good 23rd. Disappointing after a solid finish in 8th for my first race.
So, time to practice sprinting, any maybe next round I'll be a little more humble and aware of what my current abilities are.
It's one hell of an adrenalin rush though!
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