Thankfully the Cycling Pursuits Cup started off well, was in with A4s, and as a newbie I got let off half a minute ahead with the over 40’s. The sun came out in Broadford, Co Limerick just in time for the start. My first objective was complete in a matter of minutes – that was to feel fine after first few miles. In fact because I had warmed up well, I was feelin’ great. By the time the rest of the A4s caught up to us, that feeling of being almost carried along with maybe 80 other guys was immense and memorable. So many times I asked myself during the race why I was not doing this the last 15 years, anyway, pointless having regrets now. Having previously raced with Bray Wheelers and Sorrento CC, today I was sporting the Team Siopa Rothar Jersey.
Im in there somewhere
We got to the climb on lap one and I was in first 15 of bunch which was a good idea as it was a narrow road. Was still at front half way up climb but the climb was in three stages and I had put too much into first two parts and was going backwards a bit on last bit. Should have done that recon! Not to worry, would know better next lap. So a breakaway of about 20 escaped. I remembered that sinking feeling as a 17 year old, watching the wheels ahead get further away while I was there on my own. I didn’t account or the fact that there were maybe 50 or 60 behind me, trying to suck my wheel, so about 4 or 5 of us got a big chase on and rotated for some good work. I went from a fleeting moment of a sinking feeling, to wake up and get back in the ball game. We reeled them back in and all was together again before the climb on lap 2. Adrenalin was coursing thru the veins now. All my training meant not only was I in this race, I was standing up and being counted in my own modest way. Did well on second climb, slightly adrift but knowing the descent well this time helped me and some others regroup with any would be escapees this time. Going up the climb each time was made a little easier by shouts of encouragement from Mike and Jamie from the Siopa Rothar brigade. No doubt Gary who was up with the A2s appreciated this too.
Had family support on the lap aswell, Cathy and Ella were roaring for me on the flat section, driving me on!
Thats me on the wheel of the lead chaser
I didn’t know it but coming onto climb 3 we were all together, either that or a small few had disappeared off the front…we could see them anyway and they were just ahead before the climb, chased as much as I could at front without sacrificing my race on the climb…this worked well as the climb felt ok. I was maybe 50 yards behind what I percieved as the lead climbers up last bit and was catching them over the brow, had measured my effort well this time but was on my own for the start of the descent. Then, while making progress, I overcooked a sharp right hander, ended up almost at a standstill in 53/14 or 15, just avoiding worst of the ditch. That was my chance to get back on to the front guys gone up in smoke. Anyway, was still in the race, one of the guys I worked hard with all day, from Kanturk Wheeleres offered me his wheel, as he caught me up, we worked our way up through and past a few stragglers off the front, but by now the front was in two groups, first of 9 and then of 8. It finished that way with me and two others coming in after the 8. I misjudged the end, thought finish line was at start line so the two guys with me had their dice by time I was out of saddle, but I reckon I was 20th.
Dash to the line for lead group
My never ending post mortem the day after revolved around my over eagerness on that right-hander, and maybe if I had forced myself a bit more on the last climb. If so, I would have finished with the second group, and possibly top ten or 12 only… I didn’t and if my uncle had something else he would be my aunt I know, but to know I was that close to the heel of the hunt was great for me. Need to focus my training a bit more now. A few notable differences from Tri: would be nicer to know for sure where I finished. It was hard to know the race situation as there were different colour numbers everywhere…one day licenses included. It felt like racing 18 years ago with no showers, no splits but tea and sambos were great, as was the camaraderie among fellow eager racers. I think that was the best bit, helping to organise a chase that brought us back into the race, so satisfying. So have now come 22nd in a duathlon, and 20th in a bike race. Two dumbass errors have cost me a few places in each race now. Am working on that, as well as more measured training. Got to cut out more chocolate, biscuits etc, and behave everyday knowing it’s the difference between top 10 (hopefully) and top 20 or so. Next stop Clonmel duathlon then Rás Luimní the week after that. Can’t wait!
End of a good days work
Thanks for reading the thoughts and experiences of a humble A4 bike racer, who had the time of his life at this race! Will report again post Clonmel Duathlon.
David Bourke 