Last night I raced in the TLI Welland Road Race, Event 3 of the Worcestershire Wednesday Road Race Series. This was a handicap race and it was the first time I’d tried one of these, other than on Zwift.
There were over 60 entries which were split into 3 start groups. Under 40, 41-59 and over 60’s. I was in the over 60’s group and we started first. It was a 33 mile 2 lap race and there were 3 minute gaps between each start group.
We lined up behind the pace car and set off. I thought there was a short neutralised period…. But I was wrong and a few riders went shooting off the front. I was immediately behind and had to chase really hard to catch back on. This still left 2 riders off the front but I was now in a group of 8-10 and it turned into a decent chaingang for a while.
As we neared the end of lap 1, the middle group caught us. As in Zwift, you have to prepare for a hard effort as the passing group goes by so you don’t get dropped. I settled into this new group and the higher pace.
With about half a lap to go, the scratch race caught us and again the pace accelerated. I felt okay in this group but not in a position to dictate anything. The pace became more stop start as we got nearer the finish.
In the final mile, the pace picked up and I was in the front group but not at the front. I got a semi sprint going and passed at least one guy in my age group on the line. Results aren’t in yet but I think I was about 26th overall.
Some pics attached
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