QRTS racing always makes for a tough weekend out and this was no exception. Three stages across two days on some difficult courses.
Stage 1 - 8km Individual Time Trial (Hill Climb) - Montville
A hill climb is always going to be a challenge for me. I'm running pretty lean these days, but my height of 193cm still brings with it plenty of weight (84kg). Having said that, I am really happy with how this went. I managed a time of 18 min 51 sec, in 52nd place of the 92 starters. I even caught two riders who started in front of me!
Stage 2 - 1 Hour + 3 Lap Criterium - Maroochydore
This was a typical QRTS criterium with an average speed of 47 km/h. I managed to find a pretty good spot in the bunch; out of trouble near the back but always with good company. A lot of riders were popped and I was pleased that I managed to stay with the main bunch. The only issue was a crash with two laps to go. I didn't come down, but was caught up behind it. This cost me 19 seconds, putting me in 46th for the stage. Still a pleasing finish for a crazy fast criterium.
Stage 3 - 120 km Road Race - North Arm
This stage was on a tough 10km circuit. The first four laps was on a slightly easier version of the circuit but the last eight included a nasty, steep pinch of about 400m or so that was guaranteed to test out the bunch. The pace was up and down as breaks sorted themselves out, but the pace up that pinch was never off. I felt pretty good (as I always seem to on day two of these things). There were riders getting shelled left right and centre, but I managed to stay in contact right up until the very last time up the pinch, with less that two kilometres to go. This put me in 44th for the stage, with nearly half the field abandoning:
(Credit: Josh Curry for the photo)
So overall for the weekend, I ended up 37th out of the 92 starters, which I am pretty happy about. Definitely a great weekend of racing and should hopefully give me some form for upcoming events. The team had a solid weekend as well with some good rides and a fair bit of grit shown on tough courses. I would also like to thank Colliers racing team and all sponsors for their ongoing support in allowing me and others the opportunity to race in QRTS this year.
