2up Time Trial

Had a great ride with Joe Cooper at the Inter-club 40km 2up time trial in the Wairarapa yesterday. The TT started from outside Kahutara School. 

Didn't have much of a warm-up, which is probably why I felt so bad for the first 8km. Having an off day riding a team time trial is a recipe for suffering. Combine that with the horrible feeling of letting down your team mate(s) and it makes for a very unpleasant experience!

Luckily I started to come right after the first turn, approximately 8km in. There was a long tailwind stretch to the second turn and I started getting into a good rhythm. The occasional glance at the speedo saw the speed in the mid to high 40's with the odd blip over 50kph. Joe had a big smile on his face and shouted out "37 minutes, we're looking good" as we circled the cone for the homeward stretch.

Joe was on fire, taking big, long turns – he rides so smoothly and at such a high cadence that it looks effortless. Watch out for him at the elite nationals time trial in early January!

With about 10km to go, Joe started to hit the afterburners. I watched in amazement as the speedo crept up 45... 46... 48kph, into a light headwind! It took everything I had just to come over Joe's wheel and give him brief periods of rest.

Crossed the finish line with a time of 52:21 (average speed 45.85kph). We were both over the moon!

Stopped in Martinborough for a couple of celebratory coffees on the way home. Great day on the bike and a pleasure to ride with Joe.

Full results here.