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| Photo: Balint Humvas report Cyclephotos.co.uk |
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| Photo: Balint Humvas report on Cyclephotos.co.uk |
Saturday:
I returned to Antwerp to race Soudal Classics – Scheldecross. The aim was to beat last year's 20th place but mistakes in the cut up deep sand on the opening lap forced me right down the field. The third lap a similar sand related mistake occurred leaving me floundering on the beach. The fourth lap, the jigsaw went together perfectly and I made it to a group and then rode through them to secure 29th and make up 5 places.
I know I would have been much faster and further up the field if in the technical sand I have run the moment my Dugast touched the golden grit but in the practice laps I could ride it, it had just become alot more cut up as the day went on.
Sunday:
I felt tired but excited to race in Ipswich at the Southern and Eastern Championships. The course was open and flat, no climbing and a few technical wooded section, a bit of sand and a run up.
Strangely I wasn't gridded, so lined up a row back from Louise Mahe (Mule Bar Girl). When the gun went I struggled to get past the back markers on the early bends and the time gap to Louise went out to 20 seconds.
I caught up to 2nd place at the end of lap 1, but the twists of the course meant I had to sit on and catch my breath and wait until the start/finish straight to attack and overtake. The 10 second lead Louise had remained and she was motoring away on fine form. Another sand related mistake happened on lap 3 when I wasn't quite clipped in after the run up and then in the wrong gear for the little bump after, it meant I lost another few seconds. In the end she just pulled out a lead that I couldn't shut down and I felt I didn't quite have the power to eek about another 2% after riding a tough race in Antwerp.
Data from the race:
Lap 1 - Lap 2 - Lap 3 - Lap 4 - Lap 5
Louise - 11:07 - 7:21 - 7:25 - 7:25 - 7:33
Claire - 11:24 - 7:22 - 7:33 - 7:35 - 7:31
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| My silver British Cycling medal to add to the other three! |
Took a basic EOS camera to round 4 of the National Cyclocross Trophy in Milton Keynes.
A cold day with splashes of winter sunshine.
These are a few incidental shots.
I finished 11th from the field of 25. Had some annoying pedal issues on lap 1 and 3. After a muddy run up I just couldn't engage the cleat and for nearly a whole lap I balanced the right-hand pedal, occasionally kicking it to clear mud or just in angst that I was engaging.
The first time up the steep weaving switchback I was too nervous to climb out the saddle for fear of slipping off the tiny metal surface. My calf began to twitch with the onset of cramp. A flood of riders came past.
On the second approach past the pits finally, quietly clicked into place.
On the final lap I prayed it wouldn't do it again as I drew closer to 12th place. I was in luck and put my head down dug in as I saw 11th ahead, it came down to the final corner before the start finish, I got to the bend first, held the line and as soon as my tyre touched tarmac began to sprint. Nail the position on the line.
December is packed with important CX races, which will make base building over Christmas alittle easier.
1st Dec - National Trophy, Milton Keynes
7th Dec- Soudal Classic, Scheldercross Anterpen (C1)
8th Dec- Regional Championships
14th Dec - National Trophy Bradford
21st Dec - Bbank Post Trophy, Essen (C1)
"We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery."H. G. Wells
1st Delia Beddis, ViCiOUS Velo
2nd Claire Beaumont ViCiOUS Velo
3rd Anett Deli Cycle Lab
- You can use the microwave to dry basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, chives or parsley.
- Take the leaves off the stalks and discard any damaged leaves.
- Wash and pat dry the leaves with kitchen paper (not recycled kitchen paper as there may be metal traces).
- Place one type of herb on a sheet of kitchen paper on a microwave-safe-plate and cover with another sheet.
- Microwave for 30 seconds, full power.
- Check and repeat again until the herbs are dry - they should crumble easily.
- Small leaves dry quickly, so take care not to burn them.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a year
Attack of the bulbous head.
Pre ride / post ride / race / post race picks for CX season 2013/14
L-R
Fiasco woollen hat (http://www.fiascociclismo.com)
Fiasco neck warmer
Use: Pre race warm up, post race podium time
Mac-in-a-Sac (£8.99) lightweight waterproof trousers. Get them from 'The mountain warehouse' don't get wet legs and a muddy butt in doing warm up laps. A must for CX put dwellers.
Use: Race
Rapha trio: new & improved Rapha rainjacket in purple. Super close fit, super waterproof and looks good. Nice feel.
Rapha long sleeve merino base layer.
Use: Extremely cold training days, post race car journeys
Rapha Souesse jersey in blue - a real beaut of a jersey. Been wearing it on most training rides recently, layer up underneath when it's cooler or go short sleeve base layer underneath if your doing hill reps. The fit is superb and brushed material is both lightweight and insulative.
Use: Training rides
Rapha Winter socks - blue - silky soft snug and toasty
Use: Darkest winter training rides, post race car journeys
Rapha merino glove liners - I rock these under waterproof shells for insulation in the freezing wet and muddiest CX conditions.
The liners are supple, close fitting and cozy without being bulky but if you do need protection in from wind chill creeping into the minus values the liners will serve as a perfect additional layers
Use: Darkest winter training rides, pre race warm up
New Vicious Velo skinsuit - Bio Racers fabric use a pro mesh fabric in this skinsuit and it's is really good. Unlike solid basic Lycra it doesn't stretch and lose its form as easily. The fabric holds its form and shapes around my arms and upper body. Snagging on trees, bits of bike when shouldering is almost impossible to do.
Use: Race, where it counts most!
Rapha mesh merino base layer - when you need a long sleeve but you don't want to wear a full merino thick base layer. Perfect winter training ride layer and race wear in the depths of winter. Low volume so I can fit neatly beneath the close fitting skinsuit.
Use: Race
Rapha Pro Team Jacket - I wear a small. Probably should have got an XS.
It's a slightly thicker rain resistant men's version of the Soupleese. Ideal for pre race course warm and for waiting on the start line. Warm jacket for when your handing back your number post race.
Perfect for intense training ride when the temp plummets below 5 degrees.
Use: Training, pre race
