25 Mile TT PB! How Come?

Quite how I bagged a 25 Mile TT Pb on 6 July is a mystery to me. But then, the numbers on the turbo were telling me that I was in ok shape on the bike. Even so, I did not expect a PB. My previous best was 55:49, set on the fast E2 course in Cambridgeshire in 2009. I had given up hope of ever beating that time. So a time of 55:26 was very pleasing. The course on the A50 from Belper to Uttoxeter and back seems to be fast. But it was a hot day, which suited me but not others. It was the first time that I had ridden this course and, to be honest, I did not ride it that well. It is not flat and I ended up pushing the hills and gasping for recovery on the flat and declines - not an efficient way to ride. I also came to a stand-still at the turn and, on reflection, I reckon I could have been challenging for a 54+ time if I had ridden differently.

The pic above is my getting out the saddle after the roundabout that takes you up the slip road to the A50. It's about a mile after the start and the picture reminds me that red lining it so soon is not a good idea! A good 25 mile TT is all about pacing! Next Sunday I am attempting the Buxton Sprint Triathlon. This will be my first Tri since Aug 2011! Sadly, I am still suffering with sciatica issues. I will get round but it will not be pretty or fast! Race report to follow!