Did a cheeky KISS race this evening on that same 4xhilly reverse. I’m definitely out of my comfort zone up that bad boy 😆
107 starters in B! I managed to hold with the front group until the climb and then some solo guys got away. Still, I eventually crested the rise in the lead chase group.
I happened to review a race of mine on the same course on Strava earlier (couldn’t remember my time up that hill) and it was 4.16 on lap one and a few seconds slower each time.
So I knew we were motoring on lap 1 with a 3.58!
I had ‘mined’ myself an Aero during warmup with a view to trying Blader’s tactic but I was in trouble on lap one and used it to close a gap to make sure I held the lead group.
I had a good run of PU’s too with two feathers and a draft boost thus giving me one every lap.
Anyway, we held together and gradually caught everyone off the front.
Innovation had a HUGE team who seemed to be bossing things.
Each lap the lead group got whittled down until about 25 remained.
With Innovation looking so strong, I attacked out of the Esses and got a gap down towards the sprint but it was soon closed.
Over the bridge before the final climb and BOOM! Innovation attacked way before the KOM start line. I tried to cling but was spat out by the steepest part.
I spent the rest of the way up tickling my muscles with lactic burn. Pushing then easing then pushing again.
With the KOM banner in sight, I launched an attack and had 60m or so lead on our chase group into the downhill.
Hitting the bottom, the gap was shrinking fast so I just sat at 4-450w and braced myself. 0.7 miles to go or rather just under a lap of Hillingdon 😀
Bob Mcglue was gaining fast so I had to start ramping up. Sadly he had an aero and overtook right on the line!! Gutted!!!!!
Well pleased with 15/107 starters though 🙂