I was also gambling with this new 'Bestbikesplit.com' power profiling tool to help pace etc.
I had a pretty good idea of what I could achieve as I had done plenty of testing indoors up until now. Reaching the end of the 'specialty' phase in Trainerroad is all about testing your training is complete ready for the big day so knew I could handle it (290W). The only thing was holding the TT position for the whole hour. They also say you can achieve higher FTP outside. I was feeling optimistic.
So the power profile was all set-up and all I had to do was press start. I was cutting it a bit fine to get to the start... just arrived as my minute man went off. So quickly got into position and the count down started. I always start the Garmin on the 5 second warning. That way, when I cross the line, I know how much longer is on the clock. 5 seconds came and pressed start only to find out that my Garmin decided to crash and turn itself off. Bollocks! It's not like you can ask the starters to hold you there whilst you sort it out...
So there I was beginning my first race, with no power feedback trying to get the bloody thing re-set and navigate a course I was barely familiar with. After about 5 miles of switching it on/off it finally came to life and acquired all the necessary GPS signals. Only to find I was hovering at about 350W. I quickly cut that back and settled in.
Mile after mile went by... I was recognising certain sections and ticking them off as I went by. I even managed to catch a couple of riders (not something I'm used too). The middle 3rd had a consistent head wind that was sapping away at the average speed but I tried to forget about it. Instead just concentrating on keeping that power above 290W.
Before I knew it I was at the last roundabout and knew it was the home run... I was above my expected power so knew it was a case of holding on to the line...
This is where your body begins to let go... no amount of interval training can prepare you for. Your weaker muscle groups die first, others begin to compensate, you loose form and your body begins to cramp up. Normally its my calf's... but today it was my hips. It was reasonably easy to ignore as the pain in my legs was noticeably worse as a result of the relentless wattage they were outputting.
Crossing the line and having no idea of my time (due to the mishap at the beginning) I felt well chuffed... my average power was 296W and NP was 306!
Official Time: 1:01:19
Position: 21st out of 73
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