Improving fast
Leading up to the Tour de Yorkshire I decided to tackle a warm-up event to see how much I’d improved since our training camp in Caldaro, Italy.
I opted for the 80-mile route at the Sigma Sports Arrow Sportive Lincolnshire, thank you to UK Cycling Events. This would be the furthest I’d ever attempted in one go, with around 2500ft of climbing, although that didn’t faze me after dealing with the mountains in Italy. As I set off I was feeling okay, until a couple of miles in and I went to change gear. Nothing – just a clunk from the SRAM eTap groupset, but no gears at all. The event’s support mechanic arrived and we realised that a bit of plastic had snapped off my rear battery, which had drained. My only option would be to put the working battery on the back and complete the ride on the big cog at the front.
I managed to finish in just over five hours. I still had plenty left in my legs and felt great, giving me more confidence for the following weekend’s Tour de Yorkshire.
The day didn’t start well with editor Rob getting us lost on the way to the start! Once we set off I was pleasantly surprised by the mix of abilities – not everyone was in
typical cyclist shape and hot footing it up every climb!
Les rode with me all the way round, which provided great support, especially as we witnessed a car accident and a fellow rider’s bad crash on a descent.
The last big climb – Black Hill Road – did take it out of me as the pain in my hip flexors got too much and I had to walk up the last half, but this was at around 70 miles. I’d conquered the longest climb (Chevin Bank) so still felt pretty pleased.
I need to work on building strength in my legs and my confidence. With hindsight, if I hadn’t stopped on Black Hill and just got out the saddle I probably would have done it – I need to have more faith in my ability.
I’ll be back next year to do the TDY, not only for the amazing crowds, the pro finish line and the challenging route, but also for that sense of achievement when you sit at the finish with the medal around your neck.
If I hadn’t stopped on Black Hill and just got out the saddle I probably would have done it