Sport section.qxp_Layout 1 17/06/2021 15:47 Page 73
SPORT
Time trial around the lake
THE countdown is underway… “30 seconds” and in the tranquillity of the moment I take a few deep breaths. With ten seconds to go I CYCLING focus on the road with EDMUND LODITE ahead and prepare myself mentally for the start. All other noise is blocked until I hear “5,4,3,2,1, go” and then I set off with as much energy as I can on the time trial around Chew Valley Lake. These weekly time trials, organised by Bristol South Cycling Club, during the summer months, are a popular test for riders. The format is simple – the fastest time wins. With riders starting in one-minute intervals, it is also the perfect competitive race to comply with social distancing! The first few minutes are hard. Trying to build up pace as quickly as possible is pushing my heart rate and breathing to the maximum and there is a moment when I wonder if I can maintain it for the next eight miles. This is where psychology plays just as an important role as physiology. Olympian Chris Boardman once described the art of time trialling as: "You have three questions going through your mind: How far to go? How hard am I trying? Is the pace sustainable for that distance? If the answer is ‘yes’, that means you’re not trying hard enough. If it’s ‘no’, it’s too late to do anything about it. You’re looking for the answer ‘maybe’.” Time trials are also a battle against air resistance – with the rider’s body accountable for most of the drag produced. So, for the time trial I’ve
attached aero-bars to my handlebars, bringing my arms and elbows in and dropping my body shape. Of all the things you can do, this is the most effective and cheapest investment to improve aero-efficiency on a bike. Reaching the small hill climb out of Chew Stoke the inevitable happens – a younger rider who set off one minute after me, passes by. To be honest, I was slightly surprised it took that long compared to previous times and looking at my Garmin I can see I’m ahead of my usual time at this point by 15 seconds. In my race against myself things are going well so far. Cycling time trials events in the UK carry a weight of history and tradition. The format began as a response to a ban on bunched racing on the open road, put in place by the National Cyclists' Union in 1890. It's believed the first time trial was held in October 1895. Secret events were held on courses known only by a code – the code system is still in use today – and riders would set off at minute intervals, from dawn, wearing black from head to toe. To the observer, it would seem as though they were out cycling as normal rather than racing. The rider with the
fastest time over the course would be declared the winner. Racing on towards West Harptree I keep my body low to overcome the wind blowing across the lake, and another rider passes but I’m still ahead on my own personal timings. From here on its time to give absolutely everything on the fast section towards Bishop Sutton. The straight sections minimise body movement and help me maintain a high pace. Approaching the finish, I push and push harder. Although I have a race number on my back, I shout it out to the timekeeper as I cross the line – a tradition dating back to those early secret events. For members of Bristol South Cycling Club, points are awarded for finishing positions after allowing for a time handicap (based on previous performance). At the end of the season the best six scores for each rider determine who is the Classic league winner. This means that everyone has the chance to be named champion. But to be honest, most riders are doing it as a race against themselves and for personal progression. And next week? I’ll be back – it’s daunting at the start but exhilarating at the end.
JULY CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Life expectancy 8. Inferno 9. Arrears 11. Hoe 12. Slot machine 14. Non-metal 15. Vestal 17. Exacts 19. Morrison 22. Democratise 23. Ass 24. Paulton 26. Redhill 27. Hypochondriacs. DOWN: 1. Leigh on Mendip 2. Fifteen 3. Eurosceptic 4. Proposal 5. Clammy 6. Air 7. Chariot 10. Smelling salts 13. Cheer leader 16. Positron 18. Armoury 20. Stamina 21. Paunch 25. Too MENDIP TIMES • JULY 2021 • PAGE 73
