Posted by Dan on 24. August 2010 08:03
Local race number 2 for the weekend was the second PLT time trial. In true TT fashion, I'd be doing this one alone as my teammates are very intimidated by time trials or ashamed of their bodies in skinsuits. Who knows. Fortunately, I had Frank Deal (Atlantic Velo) and Joe Altomare (Hilton Cycling) to help make sure my number was straight and that I didn't forget my water bottle.
With nothing to gain by winning BAR or omnium points, I entered the 30+ category, even though the 35+ might have been more appropriate. I figured this category aligned with the BAR category and would consequently be more populated. Only four people signed up for this one; the rest flocking to the 35+. What I later learned was that for points distribution, they're combined so aside from increasing my chances of taking home a medal, it didn't really matter which one I signed up for.
Setting up the bike, I found that the all important front skewer I needed to hold my front wheel on was sitting at home, firmly lodged in a training wheel I was sure I wouldn't need. To my rescue came Fat Frog's rider Andy DeMarchena and the skewer from his own training wheel. Many thanks to Andy for his generosity despite me inadvertently shutting down his break the day before.
After a decent warm-up, I lined up behind Frank Deal and thought about how this go down. My last ride was 0:50:27 by far the best time I've ever done on this course. That time put me in the top 3 of the 1/2/3/4 field, so I thought I'd do alright. Because this was a state championship, there were a lot of "new" faces which meant, like every other race I've done since getting back from France, I had no clue.
I finished in 0:51:12. Not terrible, but 45 seconds off my previous time. I haven't figured out what to blame yet, but will post it as soon as I do. I took home the silver medal for the 30+ category and finished with the 5th best time in the 30+/35+ combined fields.
I find myself extremely motivated to begin my off season plan with the hope which is a great sign considering this season that started on February 14th is finally winding down. There's a small group of time trialists whose times are always a minute or two better than my own. Try as I might, I just can't catch them. Hopefully, a few months of dedicated threshold training will help bridge that gap and maybe, just maybe, break that 50 minute barrier.