What do you get when you combine a new approach to training under The Hurt Box coaches, a fellow team member having a spare track bike, and desire to ride a bike without breaks? An opportunity to race at both the state and track national championships.
While specific track training may have been slightly absent in the lead up to the races (a total of four sessions on the boards), the competition at states chickened out given all my carbon leg action. So it was Peggy against the clock. First up was the 500m time trial. Thankfully I didn’t relive my first state champs gate start debut of a slow motion fall out of the gate, and I got off to a good start. Larry lactate decided to kick in with ½ lap to go and both legs were jellified at the end of the race. Next up was the 3km pursuit, definitely an event more suited given my legs resembling those of chickens as opposed to tree trunks. With a pump-up talk revolving around how the pursuit is one of the most painful events in cycling, it takes a special kind of mental space to put yourself that far into the hurt box so that blood is coming out of your eyes, and that you should only do it a couple of times a year, I was ready and raring to go. The race was a blur of pain, questioning my sanity, and a relief upon hearing the bell on the final lap. Both results from states have been placed in the acceptable basket when it came to times given a lack of racing wheels and my intensive track training lead up. The gold bullion was good encouragement from Cycling Victoria to hopefully see more female Para Cyclists in the future; yep, do have a chain-saw handy… On this note though, kudos to CV and all the support I received from them including help with training, timing and general race support.
Coming out of the start gate
A week later was the Australian National Para Track Champs at DISC in Darebin. With sweltering temps of 40 plus, the tin shed was a glorious melting pot for cyclists. Again, the 500m time trial was first up. However, the carbon was no intimidation with a line up that included the current world record holder/Paralympic champion, and the World Champion/previous world record holder for the 3km pursuit. Nothing like setting the bar on the top rung. Given the inferno inside, and a warm-up that induces a charming pool of sweat for the peg leg, the gate start conditions were not ideal. After a countdown from 10, pushing down on the Brutus left leg side, and then pulling up on the Julius Caesar side with all the force I could muster (ironically Force was cheering in the stands), Julius decided to detach between stump and silicon leg liner given a lack of friction from all the Na+ combined with H20. With my heart in my throat, the next pedal stroke saw complete peg leg unit reattached and the race was underway. My gearing ratio was heavier compared to state champs, and along with race wheels, I was able to improve by one second upon my time from states. A bronze medal was the accompaniment.
The full podium
The same pre-race talk for the 3km pursuit helped to get me in the zone, as well as a double espresso from my local café. The 3km pursuit is all about scheduling, and riding to your schedule. We had decided to take the first lap out in 16.5seconds, then hold 22.0 for the next 11.5 laps. Between you and your coach, you work out hand signals to determine if you are either over, on, or under schedule per lap. It is always bloody brilliant to see you are under schedule, and the race goes according to plan. Again, more blood, sweat, and questioning my sanity occurred. On this occasion, I had the world record holder riding with me on the track. I felt a little like a mouse, with a cat continuously chasing me, and expecting to be clawed in at any second. Tactics won out for Powell, as she knew she only had to beat my time to make the final. As such, no scratches were incurred. Very happy with both how I raced the race, and my time, which was a two second PB. The race was topped off with a second bronze and a few celebratory glasses of red. Perfect.
Until next time,
Ride with purpose, ride with a smile, ride in the moment,
Peggy
congratulations Han, great start to track racing!
Thanks Marayke!!!