Reading CC Club Championships TT, 11 Jun 2023

A semi-impromptu 10 mile TT, as I already had plans for the day I didn't think I would be able to make it but when I was told it started at 8am, I was easily swayed. I didn't want to have any pressure going into this, because it was such a late sign-up, so I decided not to tell anyone (even Tim) and keep my training as it was with no rest - which meant that I stuck with my Box Hill reps the day before as I was in Surrey and thought why not!

TT day and I was driving to the start of course, the wind turbine I pass on route was dead still - perfect, no wind for today's race! Having only ridden 2 TTs before, my times weren't super quick so I was second lady (and person) off at 08:02. I had a time goal for the year, but as this ride was a no pressure one, my goal was to enjoy it, push if I could, but don't be upset if the legs didn't show up (as I had had VO2max sets on Friday followed by the Box Hill repeats on Saturday). The first 1/2 mile of the course had a slight incline and my speed was quite low, so I thought 'oh well, it's not to be today'. But then there was a slight roll down before the flat of the course began and my speed began to pick up - I went through the first 3 or 4 miles and the average speed was slowly creeping up. With about 1/2 mile before the turn around I could see the first starter in front of me, I kept pushing and was able to overtake her just before the half-way mark. 

At the turn I could see the next person coming up to the turn and knew they were catching me so I did my best to hold on, but also kept it steady and watched my HR - it was holding nicely. Miles 5-9 were very flat, no tail wind, no head wind, just lovely pedaling. Then the little downhill from the start of the course was appearing, but this time as a marginal incline - I pushed on, legs not so happy by this point. I then rolled into the last 0.5 mile, knowing I was going to meet my time goal and so decided to push as much as I could - and I crossed the finish. 28:17!! When my goal had just been sub-30; so I was super chuffed to do that with heavy legs and on a road bike!

Now to see how much faster we can go on my new TT bike!

Lottie Lindsley