After a month of racing it’s time to reflect on how the season has started and if I’m still on target for my objectives for 2018.
At the end of 2017 I set out and agreed some clear objectives for 2018, where my focus is solely around TT’s, completing my “A” level’s and securing an Engineering Apprenticeship.
My TT targets are focused on winning a Junior National Champs cap, Junior BBAR and the Junior Knights Classic Series overall win.
After moving to Bottrill Performance Coaching mid 2017 and structured training over the winter I have seen several improvements in both my bike positioning (I’m as aero as I can get) and power improvements setting new FTP’s over the last few weeks in both of my opening 10-mile TT’s.
In February I visited New York with college and upon returning was ill which saw me off the bike for nearly 3 weeks. I was still keen to get the season opener completed which was a 21-mile SPOCO ran by Cleveland Wheelers. I knew my fitness was nowhere near its best but still we train to race. I finished 3rd, disappointed but took a lot of positives around my power increasing even with an illness.
A trip to Hull on Easter Friday (unfortunately not the V718) but my 1st 10mile of the season I finished 2nd to Cav Walker by only 6 seconds.
Moving onto the Knights Classic Series, a long journey South to ride the Southampton leg. Coming away with 1st Junior was worth the drive, following with a 3rd at the Beacon Wheelers 37mile mini mountain has given me joint lead of the series with 3 races to go.
In between the two Knights Classic TT’s I raced the 10mile North Tyneside Riders on the 3rd April with my best finish so far, a 5th overall and 1st Junior in a time of 20:35 just 4 seconds behind Harry Walker in 4th.
A little bit closer to home on the 28th April on my local T105 course ran by Ferryhill Wheelers in aid of the Great North East Air Ambulance finishing 4th overall and 1st Junior.
Finishing the weekend again 1st Junior and 4th overall at the Houghton CC 10mile M1010B course. I Will get to that senior podium shortly...
Now for a weekend of no racing and some final studying in preparation for my exams before heading to Scotland for the 4th round of the Knights Classic.
So far, my season is going to plan and with a clear focus on time trialling in 2018 I am hopeful to achieve my targets, oh and yes, I have been offered an Engineering Apprenticeship.
With great thanks to my Mum and Dad who travel the length of the country with me supporting me at every race, the scholarship from CTT, Jack Earl as always for the awesome photos and the coaching and encouragement from my coach Stu Auckland at Bottrill Performance Coaching the future is looking fast…
Thanks
Adam