Turns out I didn’t win then – was close though, only about 5 hours behind…
Great day out but a slash to my tubeless tire which was too big for sealant to deal with at the 6 mile point made me think I was going to be in for a long day of puncture repairing. Took it a bit easier on the rockier descents and got round the rest of the route without incident. Despite being slow I actually felt pretty good overall, set a couple of PRs on the last two big climbs which I’d done when fresh a couple of weeks ago.
I saw loads of skid marks leading into ditches, particularly on the final lake shore section. Really easy to carry speed there then the corner tightens up before you know it.
I wouldn’t have minded if my bike had been nicked last night but I’m already planning ahead for next year. Unless the weather’s grim, in which case I might have a rethink!