Sponsored Rider Stephen races Cycling Victoria Time Trial at Phillip Island

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Last weekend was the Cycling Victoria Time trial event held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. This was my first time on the island, a little contrast to Shannon who once flew around this circuit as a professional super bike racer. The sun was out and the tarmac was dry, what more could a couple of pumped up cyclists want. My motivation was high but my form entering the event was an uncertainty as Id just spent two weeks off the bike over in France watching Le Tour. Shannon had been working hard and was more hopeful of a fast time. Taking up more than our fair share of parking space we set up the race machines to showcase the Specialized bikes that Paul has painstakingly been maintaining for us. Shannon gave me the run down on how to ride the circuit…. It was pretty simple…. If you brake Ill kill you!!! So basically ride hard and make it hurt was the plan. Well hurt it did!! Coming into the back straight on the first lap I was still averaging over 400 Watts but the power was dropping quickly. By the time I crossed the line it was below 300 Watts… Not what I was hoping and a reminder that an even pacing strategy is always the fastest!! I averaged just on 40km/h and knew it wouldn’t rank well. Shannon was a good 30seconds faster and just off the podium.

Caulfield Carnegie CC held a criterium style road race the same afternoon on the circuit. Seems as we were already there we thought we might back the mornings race up with another hit out. Shannon did an awesome job in A grade against the the likes of the VIS squad and ended up pulling the chase group around trying to reel in a early break containing Jason Spencer and the eventual winner from the VIS.

I faced 17 laps in B grade. The pace was tame early on so I charged off with a few other boys hoping to get a decent gap in a break away that could hold off the chasing group. All was looking good until about 5 laps to go when the morning’s race took its toll and a little jet lag kicked in and I had the sudden want to pull over and have a rest. The chase group caught up pretty close to the final lap and the rest is an unknown because I was nowhere near the front to tell you who actually won.  It was an awesome weekend of racing and it was good to be on the bike again.  Next week we are racing the Melbourne to Ballarat Handicap.. Fingers crossed for a good mark!!