Cobwebs

Traditionally I ride like a bag of spanners at the first TT of the season.  Today's race, the Redhill CC 18TT a hilly course in Dorking, was no exception.  Scrappy, unfocused and a lack of application: a useful jolt to remind me that I need to unpack my race head.

Lessons to be learnt:

• That extra twenty minutes in bed is not worth missing a recce of the course.
• Early season "Hardriders" are called "Hard" for a reason.  Handling skills will be tested.
• Fifteen minutes of spinning on a turbo does not constitute a warm up if there is a 12% hill in the first half-mile.

I might have enjoyed the ride if I'd known the course.  There were moments when I felt that the hard months of training were paying off.  There were also moments when I felt terrified by the wet, twisting descents.  Turbos don't prepare you for this.

The man of the day was Wouter Sybrandy who set a new course record.  I crossed the line first lady.  I'm not pleased with my performance but it has been a worthwhile experience.