National Hill Climb 2011

For the sharp eyed amongst you, you will notice that I haven't updated this since the 2009 nationals. This is simply because i've been too busy wearing a stripey jumper since the 2010 nationals (I know this doesn't exactly explain why I haven't posted since 2009, but it's an excuse nonetheless, so i'm sticking with it.)

The 2011 national hill climb was on home turf. Long hill- the, errr, long hill from Whaley Bridge to Buxton in Derbyshire was the setting for an event organised by Buxton CC. A hill which I am fond of, as the longer hills allow me to get into a rhythm and kick some more watts out, however, I feared that due to its 3.2% gradient, it would not be steep enough to shed the heavier, more powerful time triallists.

In terms of preparation, I'd ridden the hill countless times throughout the year, so I wasn't lacking in any knowledge of the course. I had been coming onto good form throughout hillclimb season, but got a cold exactly a week before the nationals. I don't think it effected me much, if at all on the day, but it definitely got in the way of final preparations.

On the day itself there was a headwind. Same for everyone you may say? Not exactly. The wind picked up throughout the day, so the earlier numbers got a reprieve from the blustery conditions. And then one has to consider the maths of the situation. If the relative air speed is greater, then a greater percentage of your power is tackling air resistance, and consequently less power is being used to actually gain elevation, which in turn means that the heavier more powerful riders have an even greater advantage over the lightweight climbers. Not a good start.

Speaking of an unsuccessful start, with the wind flying around, even towards the start of the course, as I passed the first lay by, I misjudged my own form and gearing, and consequently tried to mash a bigger gear than I should have. Whilst this meant I caught my minute man early and did a fast first sector, it had taken the kick out of my legs, which definitely took its toll on the final, windier section.

Although the pacing was far from perfect, I finished without the ability to breathe, think or cycle. I pulled into the next layby and awaited resussitation from Tom Thornley and a drink. I was fairly pleased with my time of 14:40.0, but it was only enough for 46th place.

It's Tuesday now, and I still feel ill and broken. Every hour of pain I sit through is just a reminder that the nationals are over for another year, and I gave it my everything.

That would have been a nice note to close on, but instead, I prefer to give many thanks to all those who helped out on the day to make it the great event it was, you done Buxton proud! :D