Darkside- Shropshire Crit 13/03/10.

[danevs]

Took the sunshine bus down to Shrewsbury today for a crack at my first Criterium on the purpose built track at the very impressive sports centre. Format was 1hr plus 5 laps which I'd figured should suit me.

Can't believe how much I enjoyed it, pace was really good and it was great fun going after the breaks and whizzing along in the bunch with 65 other riders. At one point I even managed to launch an attack and go off the front with two riders joining me, we stayed out front for about four laps until the group (inevitably) caught us up but real good fun while it lasted. Ended up crossing the line after 1hr and 7mins in about 15th place, just didn't have the legs to match these guys in the final sprint after already having done 3 sprints a lap for 44 laps.

I was genuinely amazed by the whole experience, seriously good fun racing.

Plenty of leghair/weight related banter all day though and I was definitely the hairiest/fattest rider at the start! ;D

Some pics from the day-

The start line.


Me.




Loz (fellow Rhos rider)


Same again next Sat if anyone wants to come for a bash. ;D

[Oggy]

Did Kev give you a rub down afterwards

[Mark]

Nice one, good day for it, that tarmac looks very abasive to the skin
Good result to for your first event, How did it compare to say a wave round the marin???

[danevs]

A wave around the Marin is just a mental battle with yourself (much like an enduro) and can't really be compared, this was racing in the true sense. I'm properly enthused.

Saw a few peeps from the Llyn cycling club there as well, Sycol is it?

It doesn't look pretty when you go down on the tarmac, that's for sure!!!

No rub downs Ogg (sorry to quash that particular fantasy :, mrs is going to sort that out in a few minutes.

[Russ]

Looks good well done! Did you know they hold road bike races at Oulton Park for something a bit more hilly over a similar time.

[Oggy]

Mar 13, 2010 22:12:14 GMT @danevs said:

No rub downs Ogg (sorry to quash that particular fantasy :, mrs is going to sort that out in a few minutes.

Tenner says she doesnt ;D

[summittoppler]

Nice one Dan, that looks like fun ;D

I suppose the more you race, the more you learn,ie lines, when to attack, who to follow.

Just mind you don't leave the knobbly's in the shed for too long though

[oldgit]

Well done Dan! Rode the Preston circuit with the Vets lot; got shot out the back at 29mph and in oxygen debt finished though.............last!!!!!!

[sar]

Was that the charity one on prestatyn prom last year?

[ady]

Nice one Dan, Can't believe you aint svaved your legs yet, promise not to take the pi$$ if you do! ;D

[danevs]

The Prestatyn Crit is an annual thing run by Rhyl CC I think. I'll be having a bash hopefully.

Registered for my BC licence last night with a view to doing more of this sort of thing, now £80 lighter for a sodding ID card.

No leg shaving Ady, my legs are way too bloody hairy for all of that nonsense.