Its the Final TT Countdown
So tonight it was the final TT in the series at Minet Park & at one stage it looked as if you would need a wetsuit! Fortunately by mid afternoon the weather had cleared, and save a bit of wind, we were rewarded with a glorious evening.
As the time had been brought forward to make the most of the daylight, it was admittedly a struggle for some to make it straight from work, but everyone who was able to wrangle those few extra minutes to leave early were rewarded with a very competitive field (and some superb refreshments, provided by the Catering Ninjas!)
The set up & timing teams were on site to make sure all was tickety-boo, and the marshals & volunteers were briefed & ready to go by 6pm!
Its at this point of the season that we really must recognise the vast amounts of effort that Mark, Dan, John (x2), Brian, Budi & the rest of the advance party make in order to ensure that we have a timed & fully staffed event! Apols for missing a name check, but there are so many people in this fantastic club that give up their time to make sure we stay on top in terms of events offered, that it would take me all night to list everyone, and this wine won't drink itself!
On to the start, and while some were still collecting chips & pinning numbers on, the first set of riders were already battling the swirling winds & scaling the Col du Sainsbury’s, taking advantage of the tailwinds & cursing the headwinds. The Minet Mistral strikes again…
Lap after lap, the cadence is measured, the Garmin/Wahoo’s are constantly viewed & the lactic builds until you have completed your 10 ¾ laps – freewheel around the corner, complete a cool down lap if you can, and then ensconce yourself in the club house with a cup of tea & a delicious snack and await the final riders time to see how you fared.
Did you PB? How did it feel? Did you change anything on your bike for this TT?
Whatever the outcome, you did more than 95% of the population by making the start line, so give yourselves a pat on the back.
This being the final TT of the season, a lot was riding (I know, so shoot me) on the result in terms of series winner. I won’t spoil it as it will be revealed at the end of season Awards Night extravaganza (you are coming, right?)
And so as the sun set over the industrial heart of West London (ahem, poetic license), riders & volunteers lingered to chat with their club mates – almost as if they didn’t want the TT season to end!
But end it must – however there is still a chance to hoover up some Super League points in our final event of the season on 12th October, the Duathlon! Arm warmers not essential but advised! Click here to enter
With the Super League being so competitive this year, positions 2 – 6 are still up for grabs so every team member counts, whether (like me) you are unlikely to bother the podium or if you still have boxes to tick for this season – your best performance could be around the corner!
So get entering, volunteering, cheer-leading or just spectating – lets wrap this season up with grandeur it deserves!