Racing at 1877 Preston Park Velodrome in Brighton

Last Sunday I had the pleasure to race in the oldest cycle track in world, the Preston Park Velodrome was dug out by hand by the British Army in 1877.The length of the velodrome is only 580 metres, the thought of racing around it for 40 plus minutes gave me a feeling of boredom. Therefore I have decided to enter first race of the "Apres The Hot Recovery Drink Wacky Races Series".

One of the false flats.

Surprisingly, my boredom kicked in really quickly,I recall checking my computer at only 13 minutes into the race.Through my mind a lot thoughts were flying, from my father passing away to the way of pulling out to this boredness.

Following my father advise during my life, I did not want to give up so I have turned up the engines and start riveting.

Another great view from above.

The field of 32 was a good quality of riding,there were few slow ones,but that is part of the game.I was quite impressed to see few guys with turbo trainers before the race to warm up then I did not see them at all during the race.Usually those are the ones who push.But obviously not in this case.

Racers getting ready to go on track.

The speed and pace was high for a cat 4 race,but I was comfortable so I stayed always at the front and made it up if I lost a position due to wrong position or coming out from the front pack.Few guys that we lapped, suddenly were with us again racing for a postion.

That was a bit of shock for few of us that overlapped them twice, but interesting on sportsmanship conduct principles.

Well done to the Blazing Saddles Team to work as a real team and to get all the 3 steps in the podium.

It was a good result and also good to gain the first 2 point after 4 races for this season with a finish in 8th position.

Those photos were taken in the warm up lap.

Someone shouted at me to keep hands in the handlebar,I nearly choked.

Until next time enjoy riding.Keep getting SaddleDrunk.

Ciao.

SD.

Imperial Winter Series Race 8 4th Cat

After the amazing first race last week, I have decided to attend another race at the Imperial Winter Series at Hillingdon Circuit this Saturday even after a night shift at work.

The weather was astonishing again, the sun was out and a 20km/h southerly wind was blowing creating the perfect ambient for cycling. Again it was a sold out event like the organiser website says until the end of the series, this meant that the field was packed with 60 riders playing a rugby match on 2 wheels.Unfortunately today SaddleDrunk official photographer was not  able to attend due to the fact of learning new skills as you can see above, so there are not many picture to see.To check some photos you can click here and you will be redirected to the official photographer website.

The line up for the 4th Cat was full of riders hungry for the win and mainly for some points to move up of category.The field was full of local teams again London Dynamo,Kingston Wheelers,Twickenham CC,Thames Velo,Amersham CC,Hounslow&District Wheelers and many more including the lovely Wyndy Milla with their amazing pink cycling kit.

Phone covers available to order.

Richard, from Imperial Cycle, briefed us regarding the rules before the start gun.

The race started, this time it was a different start compared to the previous weekend.This time there were few solo sprints from different riders to test the fields but again was nothing to worry the big peloton.

The team were playing different tactics,moving rider everywhere.The smell of rubber burning was still with us,more than last week due to the increase of speed being higher.

I did start the race mid of the pack,but found myself at the back due to front derailleur not adjusting properly and getting the chain off.I managed to fix it while riding,than I followed the advise from Richard at the beginning of the group,telling me to stay with the group.

Therefore, I stayed with the group and 5 laps to go I start making the move to go at the front. Due to slow riders,people not keeping the line and again the beginning of the ruck for victory I managed to stay with the sprinting large group in the last 500 metres making me finish 26th.The winner was Robin Mould from Velosport Racing Team which now he will be promoted to CAT 3.Good luck to him.

Phone covers available to order.

I enjoyed a lot,the rush was just amazing.The pace,the speed were astonishing.I definite looking forward for the next one.You can view the profile of the race here.

Thank you Imperial Racing Team for organising this amazing event.

stefano@saddledrunk.com