Milton Keynes - 8th

Turned out a bit different his week, bunch not as big or did not seem to be at first and then everyone lined up. Few less than last week due to the weather nt looking all that great earlier in the day, although the forecast was for it to clear and driving through a couple of showers I had my doubts.
Blue sky start, sun blinding on one corner (must get my glasses sorted out) to the dergee that I could not really see the road very well. Not a good situation when your surrounded by bikes at speed, leaning into a corner.

The bunch pretty much stayed together for the whole race with a few smal breaks off the front, although almost non of them seemed to have the momentum to hold. One did seem to have the momentum, although the riders did not give it the commitment as a group and it faded after a couple of laps. Perhaps I should try another tactic in the next race by trying to form a break or getting a group to work together.

Did a few laps on the front as I thought I'd put a bit of pressure on up the hill and see if I could thin the group out a bit, although there were still the odd one or two riders, who would attack on the down hill section and then get cought within a lap.

No real attempt to do a solo as I thought the group may have formed a split in the bunch later on, which would have provided me with the points that I needed, however it did not materialise as too many people were following wheels (me included).

Comming round to the last laps the pace picked up a bit for 5 to go, then a bit more for 4 to go and then dropped a little for the 3 to go before someone put the pressure on the hill going into the last lap. Trying to hold a position not too close to the front (around 10-11th) but probably a bit too far back in retrospect was better this time as the pace was higher and the line a bit more drawn out. Starting the hill section I put the power down and ducked for cover wherever possible, while moving up. Approaching the line I managed to pass another rider to put me into 8th place, 1 point less than I needed !!! DOH !!! Should have 9 points now :-)

Race duration : 1:08:18
Distance : 43.84km (312m climb)
Power : 318W avg (389W norm)
Heart Rate : 154bpm avg (183 max - need more sleep !)
Speed : 38.5kph
5s (1134) 10s (1080) 30s (854) 1m (564) 5m (408/449) 20m (355/409) 60m (322/385)
IF : 1.11 ? / VI 1.22
TSS : 140 (1304k)