K2 2007

Wow what a fantastic day.

KOM and 4th overall.

On the Drops - hanging on for dear life!

Won five of the 7 climbs, including Kopu Hikuai, Pumkin, Mydermanns, Whangapoua, and Manaia. I missed out on Kuaotunu because of a break away (which we nearly caught) and Kerata the last one where I was fourth.

I knew there was not going to be much of a chance winning or bettering the 3rd from last year so early on decided to go for the KOM. I decided this close to the top of the first climb so it was quite a spontaineous decision. It was always going to be a risk though, because when you are riding for over 180Km you never know what is around the corner!

The plan was to just sit in for the climbs and then attack towards the top and hope no one else was willing to go as hard. But if you attack hard for a short period it should - in theory anyway be OK.

This worked for Kopu Hikuai. I saw the 500m to go sign and went for it - no one went with me to start with. A couple tried to bridge and had to put in more effort to stay away.

For Pumpkin James B (I think) went nuts and I was quite worried to start with. He eased off before the top and again I sprinted over the top taking it out (although the officials didn't think so). [We lost James B later on this leg due to a driver trying to pass at the wrong time and the bunch closed up and some braked too hard. He broke his arm.]

Before the next climb there was a break away of 4, including Chris G. I decided to let them go. It was worrying times as three of them got the points on Kuaotunu...

We got them all back together before the next climb although there were a few young fellas that I felt I had to chase down... did not want them having any lead. Darren S lead us up Mydermanns and I sat on him and took the climb with about 200m to go. Not too bad.

Next the BIGGIE of the day. Whangapoua. Again, I just sat in not doing anything stupid. Waiting. Just after seeing the Scenic Lookout sign I went for it and got a good break quickly. Then cruised over the top with the biggest points of the day in the bag! Nice.

All back together and sat in again. there may have been the odd silly move that I needed to make sure did not work... but it all settled down again before Manaia. One guy took off early so I had to chase. There were a few complaints in the group but it settled down. Just like last time I sat in second wheel and took the climb with 300m to go. All Good.

A few of us kept it going - including Matt L and Matt H - and we held a small gap going into the last hill. Kerata. This time I set the pace. Pretty firm too. Only three stayed right with me. This climb is certainly longer than you expect and when leading with a headwind it certainly bit. I started to fade with about 500m to go. The three with me went for the points and I missed out (Matt H, Matt L, and Duncan M got the points).... however, there was havoc being reeked behind me by none other than the infamous Darren S. He just rode across so furiously that no one could go with him (I did here that Scott P tried). Darren caught me just after the first part of the descent - I had plans to sit in the bunch for the ride along the coast to the finish my job done - but Darren was calling me to get on! We went over the short second peak and down to the coast catching two others for a 4 person group including Duncan M and Matt L. Darren then shouts "This is the WINNING break lets go!" I was thinking OH NO! I need a rest! Matt H was still up the road so we started the chase...

To be fair I did sit in for a while, but after the help and not attacking me on the climbs from Darren S, I wanted to help him get to the line... so off we went! Nearly got dropped a couple of times but Darren made everyone wait - but we did loose Matt L. Lapping it out 'till the end was very hard and not for the faint hearted! The photo above is of me hanging on for dear life! With a few hundred meters to go I took the lead and led them out for the sprint. I was fourth over the line and Darren S took the win! Great Effort all 'round (with Matt H 2nd and Duncan M 3rd).

Back next year to defend my KOM Title :)

Nationals Road Champs

114Km race over 4.5 laps.

Nothing much to say about the first small lap. Just sat in. Second lap still hanging around the back of the bunch. Chris G did put in a bit of a effort up the climb and I followed him... Did not come to anything though. There was a break away including Manu early on that no one payed too much attention to...

The third lap and I tried to do a bit of work but nobody else really interested so sat back. It was funny how often I ended up on the front though doing nothing... Up the climb Scott A put in a bit of an effort this time and I passed him towards the end of the climb but still nothing came of it... everyone back together just after the top.

On the forth lap there was a bit of interest in closing down the break away. We did it quite easily in the end once I started the effort and close it down in about 5km. Up the climb it was my turn to but the gas on. Got a small gap and pushed it over the top although all back together a bit further along. Was taking some bigger turns on the front when I got attacked by Paul B. Not much fun. Quite a few attacks went in at this point. Up to the finish Scott A put down the hammer and things got really unpleasant. Thankfully all OK by end of lap.

Last lap there were plenty of attacks over first 10km. I think Scott A, Chris G - which I tried to go with - someone from Morrinsville, and Counties-Manukau... it all settled down for a bit. Then someone from Counties attacked, I was close to the front but there were two Counties guys too and they just let him go. No one else was interested either. I tried lapping it out a couple of times and getting people interested in the chase but to no avail... We turned the corner and with about 15Km to go headed up a gradual climb. I came through for my turn but instead of pulling over to the right just stayed to the left. No one jumped on my wheel and I just quietly rode off the front... Very strange after a couple of minutes I looked back and still no one. I just slightly increased the effort and slowly got further ahead. Then I put in a bigger effort to catch the guy in front. Caught him just before left turn and down to start of main climb. Nailed the next climb nearly dropping the Counties guy, and we carried on not daring to look back... The pace really went on and I was struggling to hold it. Deon N (as it turned out to be) was in good shape on the flat and was able to take a couple of bigger turns to help me get back. I took some turns and we stayed away! Amazing! The last 2Km was the start of gentle climb up to finish. I took the lead and tried to drop Deon N, it nearly worked but I just did not have enough... Deon N got the sprint... Oh well, but really pleased we managed to stay away. :) GREAT RACE one of the best.

Nationals TT Champs

Not a bad effort! I thought, based on the weeks leading up to the race it was going to be a bit of a waste... Did a time trial test a few weeks before and could only average 280W for 40 minutes. Terrible.

The day was quite windy and the course undulating. I was very happy to average over 41 Km/h for the 25Km and placed 3rd.

Picture post race and slightly dehydrated!