CC Sudbury 'Mad March Hilly' 22 mile TT, 5 Mar 2023

After joining Tim @Catenary Coaching I have spent most of winter trying to get fit enough for racing.

Last Sunday I attempted my first ever 10+ plus TT, as part of improving my performance. The TT was a hilly route starting and finishing in Lavenham (approximately 21.9 miles). As I’m a TT novice I decided to get up early and ride over to the event, as part of a good warm up, although at 7am and 1 degrees, I never actually felt warm.

Upon arrival I quickly got my number pinned on and went straight to the start line. Before I knew it I was off aiming to hold 250-270w for the duration as part of attempting to pace the effort. After 2 miles I was feeling good and along a nice flowing section I had caught my minute man. I continued to push but measure my effort. Soon the course elevation started to rise and I was now understanding why Sudbury named the course “Mad March Hilly” as I must of been mad to do this in 1 degrees on a road bike after a 20 mile ride over!

Simon (right) also was part of Sudbury CC’s win in the team category

Nevertheless, focusing on maintaining my power I proceeded to overtake a few more riders before hitting Semer Hill, which at the time felt like a mountain. Once over the top it was a case of hanging on and trying and increase the power until the end. I completed the course in 56:15 and finished 2nd in the road bike category.

A positive start to the season with the aim of pushing the numbers above the 300w mark, ready for events as the season proper gets underway.

Simon Potter