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Classics

First classic of the season last weekend with Milan San Remo, so it was fitting that last Saturdays Road Race at Barcombe involved rain, hills and filth. I turned up typically close to the race start time and asked if their was a spare place going, hoping the thought of 60 miles in the wet would deter some racers. My luck was in and I'd just pinned my number on when we rolled out. It's quite strange going to a race, getting your kit and bike ready, but not actually knowing that your going to get a ride.

So my mind wasn't in full race mode, if ever indeed it is, but I heard from other riders about this course at last weekend's road race. Tough, hilly, a 2/3 cat race and only an hour earlier I was deciding what daytime TV I should what before Milan San Remo came on. That's before I took the last minute plunge, grabbed my kit and headed out. So my previous too road races I professed about 'race craft' and not holding back. This time was I definitely on the defensive and seemed happy to ignore my own "wisdom". I was a bit nervous about firstly the hilly course I hadn't ridden and secondly about having to go out and play with some 2nd cat riders. I'm not sure my legs could handle it.

The course was awesome and as it happened went straight past a close friends house so I started to recognize many parts. Lots of lumps, a few sharp corners, some balls out downhills and some typical Sussex bergs. My aim was low. Too low I think. I just didn't want to get dropped, so I foolishly never pushed myself up near the front. Now the first thing you ever learn in road racing is NOT to sit near the back. You're forever playing catch-up, sprinting out or corners to try and grab that last wheel, always at the mercy of someone else's pace. So the going was hard yet the pace was slower than last weekends 3rd cat race.

The rain added some seasonal glamour to the proceedings alongside plenty of road grime and roadkill. Their was one excellent section where the whole bunch flew down the hill in a big long paceline, stretching out around 2 or three corners ahead. I could see this great spectacle because, as I've mentioned before, I was sat at the back. Naughty boy. Then the hills hit which is the bit I loved, albeit still breathing out of my arse.

Come the closing part of the race, I saw the key move go and new that I should have been in it. Once they'd disappeared up the road the pace eased and I knew that was it. Game over. Still we had the last few climbs left and the excellent hill top finish. It felt like the whole race was up the road whereas one of us could still grab a top 10 spot. This needless to say, I didn't realise. All I knew was that I wanted to give it full beans on the last hill, for no other reason than it's fun. Once again I was at the back when everyone went for it. I made my move but as boxed in so actually had to brake mid climb! Not sure that has ever happened to me before, but then a gap opened and I gave it, as a downhilling MTB friend calls it, "the berries". 

Finally after 60 miles I felt I was racing properly and being pro-active, as I climbed past rider after rider. If anything the finish line came too soon. 17th place was my reward, so a good better than last week but I know now it could have been so much more. So you know I say how I've learnt the 'race craft'? I have. And this fool I ignored it.

Still, was a great course, good competition and the organisers, marshalls and volunteers made the whole race one I'm already looking forward to doing again.

Posted by Morvélo