thejanullrichdietplan

Ok here goes, i suspect im going to type too much as im still buzzing
 
As it was my first crit i'd read alot beforehand and also asked Paul and Billy for some advice at the track the other night - how important it is to be near the front, always be moving up in the bunch and things like that. So i made to sure to position myself on the first row for the start. So far so good - It was a neutralised lap to see the course then back to line up and start for real. However by the end of the neutralised lap i found myself right on the back! I stayed near there for the first 15 minutes struggling with the pace (i dont think i did a hard enough warm up) but after that started to find my legs so on the hill/ramp on the finish straight i put in a dig to see if i could move up to a better position managed that alright and stayed up for a lap before drifting back again to hide from the wind feeling a bit more confident that i could move up if needed. By this point there were a couple of guys up the road and managing to maintain a good gap (mostly out of sight of the bunch) then another couple of riders tried to bridge - when we eventually caught those two they were a couple of others with them and i thought that was everything back together. However it was 2 lapped riders and the 2 out in front were still there! Was about 5 laps to go by this point and things starting to heat up, final lap i made an effort up the hill to get near the front but i maybe put in too big an effort as i found myself on the front going through the carpark and onto the backstraight as we hit the first speedbump. I wasnt wanting to be there after the turn onto the home straight as there was a headwind on what was also the fastest section of the course (this section would be from about 500 to 100 metres before the finish) so let others come past - slipped back probably a bit much to about 10th, then it was down the sweeping bend onto the straight and right into the headwind. The sprint started as soon as we exited this corner which was good for me as i could pick my way through as others were starting to tie up however there was still one rider in front who managed to get to the roundabout first (this came before by the final corner) so i had to brake a little and couldnt carry momentum, then started again but that was that. Was a strange mixture of being really pleased but also a little disappointed because i didnt feel like i'd been able to give it everything. However in some respects it is just as well i didnt overtake him as i'd have looked a right spanner celebrating 3rd place as if i'd won the race
 
 
I should add if i had known there were 2 riders still ahead i wouldnt have been able to do anything about it, they rode a great race and were by far the strongest on the day.
 
Overall though really enjoyed it - i was worried beforehand partly about what the pace would be like but mostly about what the riding would be like as i'd read so many horror stories of Crits - particularly 4th Cat early season ones! There was some dodgy riding at times (i was almost put into a barrier due to someone diving up the inside of a corner then drifting over and rubbing shoulders) but overall it was pretty good and nowhere near as bad as i was expecting it to be. Good weather and a good course - nice mix of fast and technical - the highlight being a fast downhill corner where you could smell burning rubber with the tyres on the limits of their grip. Could have done without the speedbumps they werent pleasant at all. Also great to see so many out racing from all age groups to the elite riders and a world champ. On another note the Jets look really pro, this was my first time seeing their set up at a road race and i was impressed! Well done to all the riders, coaches and support

Ok here goes, i suspect im going to type too much as im still buzzing
 
As it was my first crit i'd read alot beforehand and also asked Paul and Billy for some advice at the track the other night - how important it is to be near the front, always be moving up in the bunch and things like that. So i made to sure to position myself on the first row for the start. So far so good - It was a neutralised lap to see the course then back to line up and start for real. However by the end of the neutralised lap i found myself right on the back! I stayed near there for the first 15 minutes struggling with the pace (i dont think i did a hard enough warm up) but after that started to find my legs so on the hill/ramp on the finish straight i put in a dig to see if i could move up to a better position managed that alright and stayed up for a lap before drifting back again to hide from the wind feeling a bit more confident that i could move up if needed. By this point there were a couple of guys up the road and managing to maintain a good gap (mostly out of sight of the bunch) then another couple of riders tried to bridge - when we eventually caught those two they were a couple of others with them and i thought that was everything back together. However it was 2 lapped riders and the 2 out in front were still there! Was about 5 laps to go by this point and things starting to heat up, final lap i made an effort up the hill to get near the front but i maybe put in too big an effort as i found myself on the front going through the carpark and onto the backstraight as we hit the first speedbump. I wasnt wanting to be there after the turn onto the home straight as there was a headwind on what was also the fastest section of the course (this section would be from about 500 to 100 metres before the finish) so let others come past - slipped back probably a bit much to about 10th, then it was down the sweeping bend onto the straight and right into the headwind. The sprint started as soon as we exited this corner which was good for me as i could pick my way through as others were starting to tie up however there was still one rider in front who managed to get to the roundabout first (this came before by the final corner) so i had to brake a little and couldnt carry momentum, then started again but that was that. Was a strange mixture of being really pleased but also a little disappointed because i didnt feel like i'd been able to give it everything. However in some respects it is just as well i didnt overtake him as i'd have looked a right spanner celebrating 3rd place as if i'd won the race
 
 
I should add if i had known there were 2 riders still ahead i wouldnt have been able to do anything about it, they rode a great race and were by far the strongest on the day.
 
Overall though really enjoyed it - i was worried beforehand partly about what the pace would be like but mostly about what the riding would be like as i'd read so many horror stories of Crits - particularly 4th Cat early season ones! There was some dodgy riding at times (i was almost put into a barrier due to someone diving up the inside of a corner then drifting over and rubbing shoulders) but overall it was pretty good and nowhere near as bad as i was expecting it to be. Good weather and a good course - nice mix of fast and technical - the highlight being a fast downhill corner where you could smell burning rubber with the tyres on the limits of their grip. Could have done without the speedbumps they werent pleasant at all. Also great to see so many out racing from all age groups to the elite riders and a world champ. On another note the Jets look really pro, this was my first time seeing their set up at a road race and i was impressed! Well done to all the riders, coaches and support

Ok here goes, i suspect im going to type too much as im still buzzing
 
As it was my first crit i'd read alot beforehand and also asked Paul and Billy for some advice at the track the other night - how important it is to be near the front, always be moving up in the bunch and things like that. So i made to sure to position myself on the first row for the start. So far so good - It was a neutralised lap to see the course then back to line up and start for real. However by the end of the neutralised lap i found myself right on the back! I stayed near there for the first 15 minutes struggling with the pace (i dont think i did a hard enough warm up) but after that started to find my legs so on the hill/ramp on the finish straight i put in a dig to see if i could move up to a better position managed that alright and stayed up for a lap before drifting back again to hide from the wind feeling a bit more confident that i could move up if needed. By this point there were a couple of guys up the road and managing to maintain a good gap (mostly out of sight of the bunch) then another couple of riders tried to bridge - when we eventually caught those two they were a couple of others with them and i thought that was everything back together. However it was 2 lapped riders and the 2 out in front were still there! Was about 5 laps to go by this point and things starting to heat up, final lap i made an effort up the hill to get near the front but i maybe put in too big an effort as i found myself on the front going through the carpark and onto the backstraight as we hit the first speedbump. I wasnt wanting to be there after the turn onto the home straight as there was a headwind on what was also the fastest section of the course (this section would be from about 500 to 100 metres before the finish) so let others come past - slipped back probably a bit much to about 10th, then it was down the sweeping bend onto the straight and right into the headwind. The sprint started as soon as we exited this corner which was good for me as i could pick my way through as others were starting to tie up however there was still one rider in front who managed to get to the roundabout first (this came before by the final corner) so i had to brake a little and couldnt carry momentum, then started again but that was that. Was a strange mixture of being really pleased but also a little disappointed because i didnt feel like i'd been able to give it everything. However in some respects it is just as well i didnt overtake him as i'd have looked a right spanner celebrating 3rd place as if i'd won the race
 
 
I should add if i had known there were 2 riders still ahead i wouldnt have been able to do anything about it, they rode a great race and were by far the strongest on the day.
 
Overall though really enjoyed it - i was worried beforehand partly about what the pace would be like but mostly about what the riding would be like as i'd read so many horror stories of Crits - particularly 4th Cat early season ones! There was some dodgy riding at times (i was almost put into a barrier due to someone diving up the inside of a corner then drifting over and rubbing shoulders) but overall it was pretty good and nowhere near as bad as i was expecting it to be. Good weather and a good course - nice mix of fast and technical - the highlight being a fast downhill corner where you could smell burning rubber with the tyres on the limits of their grip. Could have done without the speedbumps they werent pleasant at all. Also great to see so many out racing from all age groups to the elite riders and a world champ. On another note the Jets look really pro, this was my first time seeing their set up at a road race and i was impressed! Well done to all the riders, coaches and support

Tough debut in the Bs
 
First up was a points race, first half of the race wasnt too bad closed down a breakaway then came to the front and stayed there a too long hoping that i might hold on for some points. Wasnt to be, after that the pace picked up and i was just hanging on. Next a 40 lap scratch, fast from the gun and stayed fast most of the race. Was near the back for virtually all of it. Great win for Danny here, ride of the night. Last was a 30 lap scratch and felt ok, poorly positioned though so couldnt contest the sprint. I doubt i'd have done anything in any case but at least i felt like i had something left by the end unlike the previous race where i was having to go in the red repeatedly just to hold wheels and ended up totally spent and just rolling round the final lap in last place.

Tough debut in the Bs
 
First up was a points race, first half of the race wasnt too bad closed down a breakaway then came to the front and stayed there a too long hoping that i might hold on for some points. Wasnt to be, after that the pace picked up and i was just hanging on. Next a 40 lap scratch, fast from the gun and stayed fast most of the race. Was near the back for virtually all of it. Great win for Danny here, ride of the night. Last was a 30 lap scratch and felt ok, poorly positioned though so couldnt contest the sprint. I doubt i'd have done anything in any case but at least i felt like i had something left by the end unlike the previous race where i was having to go in the red repeatedly just to hold wheels and ended up totally spent and just rolling round the final lap in last place.

Seems my entry was successful. Bit of a leap into the unknown but looking forward to it
 
Over 300 entries for this (there were so many 4th Cat entries they are running 2 races) so when you add that to over 100 entries for the South Lanarkshire WOSCA race, the Lang Wang hilly TT, a sold out Evans sportive in the Trossachs and the Sport Relief one in Glasgow all on the same day that is good going for March!

Seems my entry was successful. Bit of a leap into the unknown but looking forward to it
 
Over 300 entries for this (there were so many 4th Cat entries they are running 2 races) so when you add that to over 100 entries for the South Lanarkshire WOSCA race, the Lang Wang hilly TT, a sold out Evans sportive in the Trossachs and the Sport Relief one in Glasgow all on the same day that is good going for March!

Although it was fully booked the numbers were a bit down on last time so the groups were a little smaller (makes for a good change from the 20+ in the track league). We had a warm up, points race, 3 x Italian pursuit and a couple of kierins. Anyway it made for an enjoyable sunday night!

I have a Thule 3 bike rack which i would recommend however it is a discontinued model.
 
Couple of features that ive found handy (not unique to Thule) are the quick release to attach to the towbar (basically this is a lever which can then be locked in place). Saves time and hassle as you dont need any tools to take it on and off. Another useful feature to look for is the ability to tilt the carrier while attached to the towbar (and with bikes on it) to allow access to the boot.

Finally got my order in, had forgotten about the VAT being added so i guess the gilet will have to wait until next time. Unless i change my mind at 11:55 tonight!
 
 
I couldnt resist popping in for some French toast as well, im going to be needing a bigger size if i continue having 2 breakfasts a day!

Finally got my order in, had forgotten about the VAT being added so i guess the gilet will have to wait until next time. Unless i change my mind at 11:55 tonight!
 
 
I couldnt resist popping in for some French toast as well, im going to be needing a bigger size if i continue having 2 breakfasts a day!

Enjoyed that tonight
 
First up was a scratch, was ideally placed about 4th wheel with things strung out a bit with 3 to go then the guy in second attacked with 2 to go i just followed him then went past on the bell. If only all races would fall into my lap like that! Next up another scratch, unlike the first one this time i poorly positioned at about 10th when the sprint started so had to make a big effort and managed to get 2nd, was really pleased with that considering how far i had to go. Last was the points, think i was 3rd or 4th in the first sprint, 1st in the 2nd, didnt contest the third then the final one - well it hurt alot. Couple of riders had attacked after the sprint which i thought was going to stick so i bridged too, then as soon as that happened they eased up and everything came back together only with me on the front with 4 laps to go. Tried to keep a hard pace up so no-one would attack while at the same time trying not to blow up. With 1.5 to go no-one had attacked but i could tell there were a few just waiting behind the idiot on the front leading things out so i put my last bit of energy in to at least make them work for it and surprisingly it was enough to hold them off. Points races are much more fun when things work out
 
Next week will try entering the Bs again see if im accepted this time.

Enjoyed that tonight
 
First up was a scratch, was ideally placed about 4th wheel with things strung out a bit with 3 to go then the guy in second attacked with 2 to go i just followed him then went past on the bell. If only all races would fall into my lap like that! Next up another scratch, unlike the first one this time i poorly positioned at about 10th when the sprint started so had to make a big effort and managed to get 2nd, was really pleased with that considering how far i had to go. Last was the points, think i was 3rd or 4th in the first sprint, 1st in the 2nd, didnt contest the third then the final one - well it hurt alot. Couple of riders had attacked after the sprint which i thought was going to stick so i bridged too, then as soon as that happened they eased up and everything came back together only with me on the front with 4 laps to go. Tried to keep a hard pace up so no-one would attack while at the same time trying not to blow up. With 1.5 to go no-one had attacked but i could tell there were a few just waiting behind the idiot on the front leading things out so i put my last bit of energy in to at least make them work for it and surprisingly it was enough to hold them off. Points races are much more fun when things work out
 
Next week will try entering the Bs again see if im accepted this time.

Enjoyed that tonight
 
First up was a scratch, was ideally placed about 4th wheel with things strung out a bit with 3 to go then the guy in second attacked with 2 to go i just followed him then went past on the bell. If only all races would fall into my lap like that! Next up another scratch, unlike the first one this time i poorly positioned at about 10th when the sprint started so had to make a big effort and managed to get 2nd, was really pleased with that considering how far i had to go. Last was the points, think i was 3rd or 4th in the first sprint, 1st in the 2nd, didnt contest the third then the final one - well it hurt alot. Couple of riders had attacked after the sprint which i thought was going to stick so i bridged too, then as soon as that happened they eased up and everything came back together only with me on the front with 4 laps to go. Tried to keep a hard pace up so no-one would attack while at the same time trying not to blow up. With 1.5 to go no-one had attacked but i could tell there were a few just waiting behind the idiot on the front leading things out so i put my last bit of energy in to at least make them work for it and surprisingly it was enough to hold them off. Points races are much more fun when things work out
 
Next week will try entering the Bs again see if im accepted this time.

Enjoyed that tonight
 
First up was a scratch, was ideally placed about 4th wheel with things strung out a bit with 3 to go then the guy in second attacked with 2 to go i just followed him then went past on the bell. If only all races would fall into my lap like that! Next up another scratch, unlike the first one this time i poorly positioned at about 10th when the sprint started so had to make a big effort and managed to get 2nd, was really pleased with that considering how far i had to go. Last was the points, think i was 3rd or 4th in the first sprint, 1st in the 2nd, didnt contest the third then the final one - well it hurt alot. Couple of riders had attacked after the sprint which i thought was going to stick so i bridged too, then as soon as that happened they eased up and everything came back together only with me on the front with 4 laps to go. Tried to keep a hard pace up so no-one would attack while at the same time trying not to blow up. With 1.5 to go no-one had attacked but i could tell there were a few just waiting behind the idiot on the front leading things out so i put my last bit of energy in to at least make them work for it and surprisingly it was enough to hold them off. Points races are much more fun when things work out
 
Next week will try entering the Bs again see if im accepted this time.

Enjoyed that tonight
 
First up was a scratch, was ideally placed about 4th wheel with things strung out a bit with 3 to go then the guy in second attacked with 2 to go i just followed him then went past on the bell. If only all races would fall into my lap like that! Next up another scratch, unlike the first one this time i poorly positioned at about 10th when the sprint started so had to make a big effort and managed to get 2nd, was really pleased with that considering how far i had to go. Last was the points, think i was 3rd or 4th in the first sprint, 1st in the 2nd, didnt contest the third then the final one - well it hurt alot. Couple of riders had attacked after the sprint which i thought was going to stick so i bridged too, then as soon as that happened they eased up and everything came back together only with me on the front with 4 laps to go. Tried to keep a hard pace up so no-one would attack while at the same time trying not to blow up. With 1.5 to go no-one had attacked but i could tell there were a few just waiting behind the idiot on the front leading things out so i put my last bit of energy in to at least make them work for it and surprisingly it was enough to hold them off. Points races are much more fun when things work out
 
Next week will try entering the Bs again see if im accepted this time.

Got the wosca track session so wont be out

B for me this week - hopefully not a huge mistake!

B for me this week - hopefully not a huge mistake!

Was a good night
 
My first scratch got neutralised then cancelled due to a bad crash. Looked a sore one as the rider was down a fair amount of time and an ambulance had to be called Second scratch was in a breakaway of 4 which got pulled back then the sprint opened up early with a couple riders getting a decent gap - i just sat in someones wheel until he closed the gap a bit then managed to come round him and another and get a 2nd. Then it was the points. Not quite sure where i finished in this i got a 1st and 2 3rds so hoping that was enough for a top 3.
 
Alan and Danny were the riders of the night. Danny in the Bs and managing to get a 2nd (i think) in the points race and Alan getting his first victory in the final scratch race of the night. Special mention to Emma as well, her debut at the track league and looked comfortable despite having done the 2 hour uni track session beforehand.

Enjoyable night - Only missed a week of racing/training but the previous couple before that i felt off the pace so wasnt sure how i'd get on.
 
First up was a scratch, there was a crash with about 2 laps to go and there was a bit of a pause with most thinking the race was going to be neutralised. However there were a couple of riders who continued to race and got a gap and as there were no flags being waved i tried and catch them. Didnt manage this got a 3rd which was then upgraded to a 2nd after a relegation. Next up was points, think i got a 2nd and a 3rd, then just hung on for the rest, once again not good enough! Last race of the night was another scratch - an early attack had someone dangling off the front for a few laps that eventually got closed down then there was another attack and someone else getting quite a big gap with maybe about 7 or 8 to go, this was getting pulled in gradually then with about 4 to i tried bridge which i managed - had about 1 second of recovery on his wheel before i attacked and managed to make it stick. I was sure i could hear someone on my wheel during all of this so was pleasantly surprised when i realised i had a gap.

Enjoyable night - Only missed a week of racing/training but the previous couple before that i felt off the pace so wasnt sure how i'd get on.
 
First up was a scratch, there was a crash with about 2 laps to go and there was a bit of a pause with most thinking the race was going to be neutralised. However there were a couple of riders who continued to race and got a gap and as there were no flags being waved i tried and catch them. Didnt manage this got a 3rd which was then upgraded to a 2nd after a relegation. Next up was points, think i got a 2nd and a 3rd, then just hung on for the rest, once again not good enough! Last race of the night was another scratch - an early attack had someone dangling off the front for a few laps that eventually got closed down then there was another attack and someone else getting quite a big gap with maybe about 7 or 8 to go, this was getting pulled in gradually then with about 4 to i tried bridge which i managed - had about 1 second of recovery on his wheel before i attacked and managed to make it stick. I was sure i could hear someone on my wheel during all of this so was pleasantly surprised when i realised i had a gap.

Enjoyable night - Only missed a week of racing/training but the previous couple before that i felt off the pace so wasnt sure how i'd get on.
 
First up was a scratch, there was a crash with about 2 laps to go and there was a bit of a pause with most thinking the race was going to be neutralised. However there were a couple of riders who continued to race and got a gap and as there were no flags being waved i tried and catch them. Didnt manage this got a 3rd which was then upgraded to a 2nd after a relegation. Next up was points, think i got a 2nd and a 3rd, then just hung on for the rest, once again not good enough! Last race of the night was another scratch - an early attack had someone dangling off the front for a few laps that eventually got closed down then there was another attack and someone else getting quite a big gap with maybe about 7 or 8 to go, this was getting pulled in gradually then with about 4 to i tried bridge which i managed - had about 1 second of recovery on his wheel before i attacked and managed to make it stick. I was sure i could hear someone on my wheel during all of this so was pleasantly surprised when i realised i had a gap.

Tough night in the Cs with the talented young guys moving up from the youth races for the new year. Not only are they fast but their racing skills put many of the adults (including myself) to shame.
 
First up was the points, managed to get the first sprint but didnt capitalise on that and didnt get any more points. 2nd was 30 lap scratch - there was a rider off the front with about 4 laps to go and someone started to wind up the sprint to chase him down, i was sitting nicely on his shoulder thinking i was in a good position but he pulled up and i had to go for a long one while he slotted in behind...d'oh! Managed to catch the rider in front but ended up getting overtaken - I thought i held on for 2nd but i dont see my name in the results so maybe not! Last scratch was 20 laps, when the sprint started i tried to come round but ended up just hanging on. I reckon the the next few weeks / months are going to be pretty hard!

Another enjoyable but tough night. Points race managed to get one of the sprints but nowhere on the others. Usual story of the points race for me! Next was a 30 lap scratch was moderate speed at the start then really fast in the middle but managed to avoid doing anything, found myself nicely placed towards the end when the sprint started and managed to get the win. Second scratch was 20 laps - about half way through a VCGS rider shouted go at me as we had a slight gap off the front so i listened and we went and started to work together - i then came to my senses just before my legs gave up so sat up, and went back in the group then managed to sneak a 3rd.
 
Coming out the building at the end with the wind and rain just reminded me why i like the velodrome on winter nights so much!