Kings Lynn CC 25mile TT, 2 Apr 2022

The first ‘normal’ (i.e. not hilly) TT of the year meant the disc wheel and deep section front wheel were out for my return to the gently rolling 25 mile TT course near Kings Lynn. This is an event I’ve done a couple of times in the past, with decent results both times.

The weather was mostly sunny and chilly with a fairly strong wind from a direction that looked like it would be an exact crosswind in both directions on the course - not ideal! Setting off and feeling pretty good, the plan was to take it steady for the first mile which was tailwind, and then try and settle into a rhythm that would allow a decent average power in both directions. On the way out the crosswind was really tough, especially on some exposed sections, but I had a feeling it would turn out to be worse on the way back. After the turn it was clear that that was the case, and some sections were really hard with uphill drags combined with headwind meaning trying to keep as aero as possible while pushing as hard as I could. After the roundabout with 5 miles to go I got a twinge of cramp in my calf, followed by a full on spasm which meant I had to back off for a little and spin, hoping I would be able to push again. A couple of tough sections didn’t get the power they needed because of this, but I did manage to pull out a last effort up the final mile of draggy, headwind ‘fun’ before the welcome sight of the car in the lay-by that signified the finish. Or not! - I was fooled by this last time, the finish was the next lay-by and finally I got there!

After rolling back to HQ, catching up with Sophie on the way, I waited for the results and found I was 4th overall, missing the podium by 2 seconds (the cramp cost me that for sure!), with two other riders close behind me. I was chuffed to get 1st vet though and was only 10 seconds off my PB with a 57.14 on a slow day.

Tim Phillips

Ming Lo