Another great weekend of racing from club riders have seen the Medway Velos team show some great form.
Fresh from breaking the club record in the 50mile time trial, Louise Mason, did not stop there and went double the distance to complete the Kent CA 100 mile in 5:04:13 this speedy performance led to Louise claiming 2nd lady past the finish line. Rob Sapp also continued to build on his good form and returned an excellent 4:44:08.
The weather was not on the side of the time trialling duo and the pair had to battle strong winds, rain and even a hailstorm during the ride. This makes the great times returned even more impressive.
The course ridden began in Kingsnorth and took the riders to Brenzett, Rye, Brooklands, Lydd back to Brenzett and finishing in Kingsnorth.
The big question remains, will these riders go for it and take part in the KCA 12 hour on Sunday, 4 September? If they do they will make the BAR long course list and who knows, perhaps a podium place?
Velos remember the 12 hour is a club championship, so get your entries in the post.
And Robs Sapps Report is here:
A fortnight on and Lou and I had turned out for the club 100 mile time trial. We met in the car park prior to the event and had a good old moan about the 4am wake up and how confusing the course was (10 round abouts in first 10 miles). However, the skies were brightening into what looked like a pleasant day.
We were off within 5 mins of each other so rode to the start, nice thing about a 100 is you don’t need a warm up. 6.18 and I was off. Round the second round about and into the head wind, we had been here before in the 50! Mentally picturing the course with a wind arrow over it I figure at least this time we should have a reasonable % of tail wind as well.
The first 50 were pretty uneventful, although after I discovered that Lou had a mix up on one of the earlier round abouts that would lead her to riding 103 miles. Legs were feeling good and food still going down. At 70 miles all seemed to go downhill. I could start to feel a bit of cramp in my right thigh, gave that a rub then the head wind got gustier, causing a bit of a tricky cross wind at times on the deep sections. Then it started to rain, spots at first then 5 mins of heavy rain. Rain stopped whilst I was stopped at a level crossing!
I got to the last 12 miles and things seemed to perk up. Lou’s husband gave me a big shout from the side of the road, I think I manages a raised eyebrow in response and a strong tail wind. Feeling good again I really pushed to beat my target of sub 4.45 which I was just still on target for.
Across the line and collapse. The biggest problem with this course is that after 100 miles in the saddle there is a 6 mile ride back to the HQ!!! Thankfully, the next man over the line from Sevenoaks Tri motivated me back onto the bike and I made it back..
Lou’s response to her first 100. “ That was the hardest thing I have ever done, never again!” (until next year Lou)
Personal Best for us both, and another second place overall for Lou
Rob Sapp 4.44:08
Louise Mason 5.04:13