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The Race of Truth? |
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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Michael Green
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Friday, 09 May 2008 |
Willow Time Trial
 | | The Steed |
A great way to determine early season form, and to see how this year compares to the last, is to participate in a Time Trial…….the race of truth! No resting on the down hills; no drafting behind the big guy; just you, the bike, and the course.
In Michigan, the Willow Time Trial is a great start to any season. Participants travel from Ohio and Ontario to post their April times. For me this is my second year at Willow, a six lap, 13.2 mile affair, relatively flat, but horribly swirly. Willow Metropark lies in a slight valley and the course is surrounded by trees, meaning that the Westerly winds hit the course, whip around, and appear to be ALWAYS in your face. This was also my first race in BIKEMAN gear, so I was excited to wear my skinsuit and “lay one down.”
As I have no “mass start” USA Cycling road races under my belt, I race as Cat 5, which surprisingly is the most competitive class. Cat 5 TT’s are made up of, not only Cat 5 racers, but other local triathletes who are testing their aerodynamics, speed and, like me, early season form. Thus, the field is large and the competition is fast – not necessarily a group of “sandbaggers.” My allotted start time was 9:31.30, and just like in the tour, the starter thrust his hand in my face, counting down the last 5 seconds. My plan was to start conservatively, but, just like any race, I got carried away trying to catch the guy 30 seconds ahead of me. By the time I had hit the back straight I was cruising at 27mph, feeling good, heart pumping hard in my chest and “zipping” along. As expected, I could feel that the wind was definitely “whipping” around me, with the occasional gust nailing me like a punch from the side. In the far corner, I hit the head wind, speed dropped to 23mph and cadence plummeted – it sucked…..only five more times. But how come I never have a tail wind? That’s Willow for ya!
When pacing for a TT, I’ve heard many theories. Some will have their race carefully planned and will NEVER stray from the prescribed wattage. Others, will go out fast and fade. Me, I race at the point where my runny nose no longer bothers me, and the distance I obtain when I spit to the side is as far as my cheek. This is typically beyond Paul Sherwin’s “on the rivet”, this is “balls to the wall” pain, plus one.
My time placed me fifth, and for comparison would have placed me competitively in similar position in the Cat 4 and 3 categories. More importantly, my time was over two minutes better than last year – which equates to almost a mile faster – I’m feeling good, fast and ready for 2008.
Michael
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Team Rider Profiles
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Zach Magoon, Portland, ME
Expert MTB, Cyclocross
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