13/06/06
So, Sunday was the Bristol 12hr mtb race; my third go at it, attempting the hat-trick of wins! This year it was a bigger event - so much so
that they ran the team race on the Saturday, then the soloists (both 12 and 6hr racers) on the Sunday. It was also the UK24–12 hour club championships -
so with British Cycling not offering a championship over this distance, in effect the national champs. And unofficially the European 12hr champs too,
so it seemed like I could have a race on my hands.... I rested up nicely last week, the new bike had been riding great and the weather had been
warm and dry and was set to continue that way.
After having to service myself last year, with a box of bottles in the pit area, this year my
mother had kindly agreed to come along and help. We drove down Sunday morning, and got set up ready for the 9am start. It was slighty overcast,
and not as hot as forecast, which was probably a good thing - the maximum of 26 degrees made it just pleasent for riding. With no numbering
system it wasn't possible to know who was doing the 6hr, 12hr, and which age class; no matter, I just figured I needed to be in front.... Which is
where I was from the gun, leading the pack into the singletrack. I lost the lead briefly, but once back in front stayed there. It has always been
a tough course at Ashton Court, and if anything it seemed even rougher and bumpier this year. My first lap was 25:09, which was the quickest of the
day, and although I gradually slowed as the day went on, I kept extending my lead. Unfortunately I never quite managed to lap second overall (Paul Murrin, who won the Masters category),
so could never completely relax, but my final winning margin of 25 minutes was pretty healthy. I would have had time for another lap, having finished
at 11hrs and 24 minutes, but didn't need to, so stopped then. It was really a brutal race; after six hours and 13 laps I had had enough, but had to
force my battered body to keep going round, when all I wanted to do was get off and lie down..... Still, it all becomes worth it in the end, it's
just trying to convince yourself of that in the middle! Ride of the day was Matt Carr, who won the singlespeed class, being the only other rider apart
from myself and Paul to complete 23 laps. All laps must be complete before the 12 hours is up, and he set out for his final one with 29 minutes
remaining. Incredibly, he just made the cut off by 17 seconds to tremendous cheers, with his third fastest lap of the day!
Having now won the Bristol event three times, I think I will be happy not to do it again; great race and cracking course, but it is such a tough
thing to do. And better to quit undefeated!
. .
After having to service myself last year, with a box of bottles in the pit area, this year my
mother had kindly agreed to come along and help. We drove down Sunday morning, and got set up ready for the 9am start. It was slighty overcast,
and not as hot as forecast, which was probably a good thing - the maximum of 26 degrees made it just pleasent for riding. With no numbering
system it wasn't possible to know who was doing the 6hr, 12hr, and which age class; no matter, I just figured I needed to be in front.... Which is
where I was from the gun, leading the pack into the singletrack. I lost the lead briefly, but once back in front stayed there. It has always been
a tough course at Ashton Court, and if anything it seemed even rougher and bumpier this year. My first lap was 25:09, which was the quickest of the
day, and although I gradually slowed as the day went on, I kept extending my lead. Unfortunately I never quite managed to lap second overall (Paul Murrin, who won the Masters category),
so could never completely relax, but my final winning margin of 25 minutes was pretty healthy. I would have had time for another lap, having finished
at 11hrs and 24 minutes, but didn't need to, so stopped then. It was really a brutal race; after six hours and 13 laps I had had enough, but had to
force my battered body to keep going round, when all I wanted to do was get off and lie down..... Still, it all becomes worth it in the end, it's
just trying to convince yourself of that in the middle! Ride of the day was Matt Carr, who won the singlespeed class, being the only other rider apart
from myself and Paul to complete 23 laps. All laps must be complete before the 12 hours is up, and he set out for his final one with 29 minutes
remaining. Incredibly, he just made the cut off by 17 seconds to tremendous cheers, with his third fastest lap of the day!