Surprise result from the back of the pack

My aim for Sundays race was simply to complete the distance and enjoy myself. I intentionally started slowly, from right at the back of the pack. When I checked over my shoulder there was nobody behind me, while in front a long snake of riders wound their way up the first climb. It was brilliant to see so many out on a sunny September morning. It was by far the biggest field I have ridden in for several years, since before the Covid pandemic.

I rode at a nice comfortable pace taking care not to push too hard and taking every opportunity to freewheel, consciously saving my legs for later. This was going to be my longest ride in over a year. Being this far back in the group my speed was moderated by those around me, the only frustration being that I also couldn't enjoy the fun technical sections at full speed either.

Despite my steady approach I began to pick off riders one by one and on my 2nd lap the commentary announced I was in 8th. I was surprised and also really excited! I haven't had a top 10 result since 2019.

A few laps later I heard them mention my name again and now I had climbed to 5th! Brilliant I had time in the bag, so felt confident enough to stop and spend a minute or two in the pit area tightening my loose saddle. While I was there I also enjoyed a 2 course lunch of a Jam Sandwich and Banana!

Now over half distance I began to feel confident I was going to stay the course and finish the 6 hours. I was still not pushing hard on the pedals, but my lap times remained consistent despite tiring legs. I crossed the line with three 5 mile laps remaining and was now up to 4th. 

Even despite this news I was more concerned about blowing out and being caught from behind, than chasing the podium. I continued to hold back and save myself for the final hour of racing. It wasn't until I caught sight of the 3rd placed rider ahead that I even considered the podium was achievable.

I moved into 3rd shortly before we started the final lap, so I had a decision to make. I was out of supplies. There was nothing left in my bottle and my jersey pockets were empty. I'd been munching fig rolls and Cliff Bars almost continuously since the race had started. I didn't want to 'bonk' and cramp up on the last lap, but stopping to refuel would mean relinquishing 3rd position.

I decided to stop. I gulped down an energy gel and put a new bottle in my cage. Now, after five and a half hours I finally stopped holding back and let myself go, attacking the course with everything I had. It was my 10th lap, so I knew the best lines to take through all the corners and the challenging rooty sections. I swept back into 3rd place and charged on to complete my fastest lap of the day. 

I passed a number of riders as I hammered round the course. Most I was lapping (some for the 2nd time), but as it turned out I also moved myself up into 2nd place by the time I crossed the finishing line.

It was such a great feeling to charge to the line in a podium position! I've got pretty down about my cycling recently, so this was just what I needed to rebuild my self belief. I had in reality given up the idea of ever challenging for wins and podiums again. I'd become an also ran, propping up the midfield. This result means so much to me, as it proves that on my day I can still be competitive.