There comes a time when one realises that the ability to retain fluids seemingly diminishes with age. Â For me, it came about 35kms into the 151km La Look. Â In my defence, it was unusually cold. Â And I had probably drunk more than needed ahead of the race. Â So after 35kms ripping once around the Magny-Cours race track and then out through the fields of western Burgundy at 40 kms an hour, I spied my chance. Â A few fellows had pulled road-side for a pee. Â So did I, thinking that we were up for an easier pace. Â Big mistake. Â The pace upped. Â I saw the lead bunch crest the first hill in La Machine; the next time was at the ‘pasta party’ in Nevers.
I had not expected to stick with the lead bunch much beyond the exit of the race track. Â It’s been a long Winter here and this was my first event on the back of work- and weather-disrupted training. Â I was planning to take it easy. Â Unfortunately, I spent the next 100 kms working a ‘relais’ (relay – pace line) with a couple of French blokes and a headwind for company. Â The bunch behind us only caught us with ten to go, and that was after the main climbs, including a nasty 14% shocker. Â In the end, I was about twenty minutes behind the bunch with more bladder control than I; twice as much behind the youthful winner. Â I am sure if I had one those Look 695 I had spied at the sponsor’s tent, I could have gone faster…
No photos from the event, but here’s a few snaps from trip above the Arctic Circle in Norway from a few weeks back.
Surely the name itself is a sign to get one NOW 🙂