RLSCC/Rugby Velo Club TT, 14 July 2020

On Tuesday some form of racing returned (wahoo) - with my local club RLSCC hosting the first 10mile TT of the year. I was ultra nervous as it was my first race back post elbow injury and I had no idea how I was going to do mentally as on recent outdoor rides I have been petrified at any moment that felt unsafe - speed, gravel, turns... So it could have gone one way or the other! I knew physically I was in good shape, so I just had to control my brain!

The route this week was my least favourite as it is essentially a hill climb, turnaround at a roundabout, and then smash back down the hill to where we started. I remember setting off and initially feeling awesome, a combination of race adrenaline (which I have missed a lot!) and a tailwind, I felt like I was flying. I was still so nervous though, my heart felt like it was going to come through my chest! Coming back down the hill was the part I was most fearful of before the race, due to the speeds you can reach there, but race adrenaline must have completely taken over and my elbow or fear didn't once enter my mind and I managed to finish with a 1 minute course PB which I was super chuffed with! Catenary training sessions definitely paying off!

It was also great to catch up with fellow Team Catenary athlete Francis, who absolutely smashed it and took the ladies win with a new course PB too! Looking forward to next week where we start at the top of the hill and never have to go back up it! Speedy! Hopefully if I can get my nerves under control a little bit more, I can be even quicker next time!

Helene Wright