Lincoln GP

The Lincoln, which is usually my favourite race, turned out to be a nightmare. A race I should not have started.

I had been told weeks before the race that I wasn't going to ride it and although at the time I was gutted - I got over it. By now my head was on a more local race that I wanted to win. I had pre-entered it and recced the course and well up for it.

Anyway, I met my American team mates on the M4 and we drove up to Lincoln to our hotel. It was great to meet Clayton and Alex - super chaps and well up for racing. Just the sort of guys I wanted to mix and train (and race) with. We chatted and laughed as we sped to Lincoln and when we got there we walked the infamous Michaelgate climb. We were all nervously excited about it.

On Sunday morning (morning of the race) the rain was hammering down. We signed on and joined the rest of the riders. I spent 40 mins trying to reset my seat post height and still never got it right. Back at the HQ the team were donning their race radios while I sat and watched. I wondered why I was there? I wasn't sure of my role in this race, but thought that I'd try and do what Duncan said in his brief (Stay near the front of the group before each climb).

From the gun the racing was fast and the rain continued to poured down. When we got to the climbs I tried to stay near the top half but found the going tuff. 8 laps passed and each time I had to dig real deep to stay in touch the main group. Each time just managing to bridge the gap. Neil helped me on the 8th lap so was gratefull to him. He even gave me a track sling to help. Not sure I needed that but a kind gesture all the same. Neil is a good team mate - a good man to have in the team.

On the 9th lap the gap was too far and I lost trouch. I tried for half a lap to get back on but in the back section of the course the speeds were very high so all the effort went to nothing. I thought about pulling out, but seen that I'd come this far I might as well finish the race. I found a trailing group that was prepared to work and we completed the race 15 mins down on the winner. I finished in 56th place in 3hrs 36mins (140 km). Not a good result and a race I'd rather forget.

Some other stats:
Time: 03.36
Dist: 140km
HR: 161/191
Cal: 6068
Ascent: 1063m
Ave Speed: 39km/hr

Roll on Rutland-Melton RR next weekend....