Kettering CC Hilly TT, 1 Mar 2020

My first race of the season and luckily after the last few weekends some weather that was at least good enough to hold the event. It was very chilly and windy though, but at least the sun came out. I decided to keep knee warmers on, and hoped I wouldn’t be too cold in my skin suit with a base layer underneath. I also elected to use my 404 front/808 rear wheel combo, with the shallower front (and the bigger cassette on the back) being useful compared with my usual TT wheels.

With a very fast rider starting behind me, I set out on the first section of the triangular course with a cross/tail wind and mainly uphill to the first turn. I had hoped to keep ahead until the first turn but unfortunately got caught just before that. The first left turn took us straight into a headwind, with more uphill making this the hardest part of the course. I was starting to struggle now and wasn’t able to maintain the power target I had in mind, just trying to hold on until the next left turn and the relief of the tailwind section home.

Unfortunately the next turn didn’t bring the expected relief, just more crosswind, and another battle to hold onto the bike, my shoulders and neck aching like mad. Finally the last turn and a short section back up to the finish. I was quite disappointed with my performance but as it wasn’t a key event and I didn’t taper at all (even going for a run the day before), I shouldn't expect too much at the moment.

Tim Phillips

Photo: Katie Chandler