The GHS natinal championship was this saturday (12th September). It was my first National event and only my second event away from the local course.
The day started with a 111 mile drive to Alcester, in the midlands (thanks mum). then signing on and getting a medal and certificate congratulating me on my ride; yes before the ride.
We then drove around the course seeing the starters riding.
I went to get changed, then rode on the rollers listening to Hendrix through my headphones. Mentally preparing.
There was a great atmosphere at that time seeing everyone sitting in cars, on turbo’s and putting bikes together. All people calm but focused.
As my time got near I took the 4 mile ride to the start and waited for my start.
Quite soon I was off and well above pace, powering up the hills as if they weren’t there. After 3 miles i was probably averaging 26 mph but then it was a matter of holding on. At the 5 miles my time was 12.29 - on track for a personal best. the first climb back i got out of the saddle: bad decision. I struggled on the way back and had lost it on the last 2.5 miles. Unfortunately where the spectators were the and i felt weak for going “only 20″. I had totally blown up.
I finished in 26.28. An ok time but i felt a bit disappointed at the end for not doing amazing. looking at the times most people seemed to struggle in the last bit as the person slower than me and the person faster than me had faster and slower 5 mile times.
I was 15th/30 in the “boys 14″ category and 76th overall…the winner was Ryan Mullen, Rhos on Sea CC, in 21.37.
I feel quite pleased considering at the start everyone around had disc wheels and i had my £500 Giant with a few add (areo bars and new wheels, the origanal ones broke so the shop replaced them). I only started riding in a road bike 6 months ago.
