Billy Whenman Racing

February - Season Opener

2012-02-27T11:58:00.004Z

So over the last few months I've been cracking on with my training, gym stopped as training levels went up. Jetted off to Majorca for the InterBike Training Camp (www.interbike.co.uk). Timing was perfect as we left and the next day snow landed in the Uk. A great camp an perfect preperation for the season.

On the Callender my first race was Saturday 25th Feb, at Redbridge Cycle Centre, Essex. My first race of the year, lining up with my fellow team mates.

In training I've felt good but obviously a race would be the real test. I got in a few moves but nothing stuck. Then a group of 3 slipped away. Next lap up the climb Team mate Harry Godding lead me up the outside of the bunch perfect for me to attack over the top alone to jump across to the break.

Working with the riders we built a gap and I still felt strong. Going up the climb inward easing off as unfelt strong but on the last lap as I launched my sprint I cramped up cruising to the line in 3rd place.

A great race for my first podium of 2012.

Feb 26th, I headed off to race at cyclo park. With sore calfs from cramp yesterday I thought i would take it easier today. From the off it was easy to tell that the race would be stop start stop start, as everyone was watching each other and was chasing every move. After 20 minutes rider Jake Martin managed to slip away with no one chasing. Building a good gap. Then Dave my team mate attacked and was dangling upfront on his own so I jumped across and put a big effort in to tow us away from the inch. Lap by lap closing on Jake. But simply not enough time to bridge across. I crossed the line in 2nd place and Dave 3rd.

A great weekend racing for PMR@cing and Billy Whenman Racing.

Big thanks to all this that come to support.

Bill collecting his prime win. photo by Jim

Schils UD Pro - Early Season Race Bike.

2012-01-26T11:10:00.001Z

Big thanks to Interbike for helping me out with a Schils UD PRO Frame Set to compete in my Early Season Races. I will then switch to my Rose Bikes when they Arrive..

Spec is as Below;

Schils UD Pro Frame (www.interbike.co.uk)
SL Carbon Bar/Stem Combination
Fizik Bar Tape
Jagwire Anodised Cable Accessories
Pro-Race Red Sparkly Cables
Campagnolo Super Record 11 Speed Groupset
MT Zoom Quick Releases/Jockey Wheels/Bottle Cages/Red Bolts/Headset Top Cap
SL Carbon 88mm & 50mm Wheels
Schwalbe Tubs
Fizik Saddle
SpeedPlay Pedals
Garmin Edge 800 GPS

Fizik Saddles

2012-01-26T10:56:00.000Z

Big Thankyou To Fizik For sponsoring me for another great year. This year i will be Riding the Arione Saddle on All my Bikes..

www.fizik.com

Taya Chains To Sponsor For 2012

2012-01-26T10:53:00.000Z

Welcome Aboard Taya Chains who will be providing me with the best, lightest chains on the market for all my race bikes. Thank You

www.tayachain.com

ELETE Electrolyte's & Purple Extreme Chain Lube To Sponsor For 2012..

2012-01-26T10:42:00.000Z

Welcome aboard Purple Extreme chain lube & Elete Electrolyte Ad-In.. Purple Extreme is the most advanced chain lube available on the market world wide, offering everything your chain could dream of & Elete provides your body with the Electrolytes/minerals your body demands while exercising.

Check out the link for more details.

www.fine-adc.com

Rose Bikes Exposure Interview.

2012-01-19T09:08:00.000Z

A Nice interview with UK Top Man Fin Paton of Rose Bikes, who will be looking after me for my race bikes from March onwards when Bikes arrive.

http://www.ukcyclesport.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5335%3Arose-bikes-2012&catid=61&Itemid=166

Schwalbe

2012-01-10T22:11:00.000Z

After a Successful season using the best tyres on the market, I am delighted to announce that Schwalbe are sponsoring me for the 2012 season, with Road & MTB Tyres, Tubs, Tubes & Cement. I look forward to racing on the best rubber for another year. Thank you.

MT ZOOM

2012-01-10T22:08:00.000Z

Big Thank You To MT ZOOM, for continuing sponsorship for the 2012 season, with Ceramic Jockey Wheels, Superlight Quick Releases, Alloy Bolts, Bottle Cages & Top Caps.

FHM Feature FEB 2012 !

2012-01-06T08:49:00.000Z

Grab YOUR copy now.. Out in all shops. I was asked a few months ago to do a photo shoot for a feature in FHM Bionic Magazine. Delighted to do it, Im now happy to say its available in shops. Heres a quick preview....

Appearance on Country Tracks

2011-12-29T08:59:00.000Z

Hi All,

Please watch this clip, I featured in this episode riding on the Thames Pathway/Olympic MTB Course.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018lcby

F.A.N.S Supported for 2012

2011-12-28T22:31:00.000Z

Thanks to Kent County Council for making me a member of the Kent FANS Scheme which is delivered by Kent County Council & Partners.

This Scheme, is provided by the Council, to help athletes to be able to train to the best level they can, with support from the local facilities.

Since Becoming a member, I have made use of Cygnets Leisure Centre, for my Core Stability and Strength Training, Using the Gym & Swimming Pool, along with Jacuzzi & Steam Rooms to Relax after a hard weeks training.

Also on offer is discounted rates on Massage & other therapy's in the local area.

Thank You Very Much, for your contribution to making 2012 a Great Season/Year. This help/support is much appreciated.

Please check out there website for more details. http://www.kentsport.org/perf_ex_fans.cfm

Rapha Race Wear !

2011-12-28T22:23:00.000Z

Just taken delivery of a Late Christmas present, but early season starter from Rapha. A Big ThankYou, for helping me out with Arm & Leg Warmers, Neck Scarf, Race & Training Socks & Over Shoes.

Thank You Very Much, I look forward to Racing/Training wearing my new garments.

Please Check out the Rapha Range at www.rapha.cc

Thank You

Spatone Natural Iron & Vitamin Supplement's To Sponsor For 2012 !

2011-12-22T10:16:00.000Z

I'd Like to welcome on board to Billy Whenman Racing, Spatone Natural Supplements. Using there Vitamin Supplements I am one step forward in the right direction. Aiding my recovery, immune system and well being. A Big ThankYou to Spatone..

Winter Up-Date !!

2011-12-12T09:53:00.000Z

Things are really coming together well now. Everything is in place, Lots of new deals have been sorted and Team Billy Whenman Racing is stronger then ever.

Welcoming on board John Sherry - To work on my motivation and fine tuning my mentality to achieve the best I Can.

My new Road Team PMR@cing ( www.pmracingteam.com ) is coming together very well, I Will be riding with a great bunch of lads, all strong as Ox's and great profiles. Run by Paul Morton & Tom Morton we are all in good hands and well looked after.

My winter is going well Im hitting the figures I want to thanks to my Coach Dean, having October off the bike was a good rest for me. Signed up my new bike sponsor Rose Bikes ( www.rosebikes.co.uk ) Who have issued me with my Carbon Mountain Bike to train on and my Lovely Road Training Bike. Both of which are lighter than my race bikes of the 2011 season. Looking forward to getting my Race Issue Bikes ! Cannot Wait.

Recently taken on board Lancos as a sponsor, so I now Attend Language School every week, at this moment in time learning French to help me when on my travels in Europe.

December has proved to be a busy month for Photo Shoots for me, Having a Shoot for FHM Last week, was quite something. I will be Featured in January 2012's FHM Bionic Magazine. What a way to start the New Year !!

With everything in place it all about the preparation now, to get to the races.

Updates to come in more Regular now.

Over & Out !

Thanks To Specialized For Supporting Me For the 2012 Season.

2011-11-10T09:31:00.000Z

Just received my new product from Specialized. S Works Road shoes & S Works Prevail Helmets. Should go lovely with my new team colours.

Thankyou.

The New Image !

2011-11-08T22:59:00.000Z

Hello , Sorry for such a Delay in updates. It's been a busy few weeks after the Season Ending.

After another Successful year on the Off road Scene, With 2 National Championship Medals, I've Decided its time for a change.

Having focused completely on the Mountain Bike this season, it has proved that this is the best way to Gain the best results. So For 2012, I am Focusing 110% on the Road !!!

Just signed a contract with PMRacing to compete on the Road Circuit for the 2012 Season.

Competing in National Crits & Premier Calendar events with some racing on the Continent as well.

Having Signed up lots of exciting new Sponsors, Please watch this Space for New Product & News/Reports.

Southern XC And Before

2011-09-04T21:52:00.002+01:00

Hi All,

So I know I haven’t been on here for a while, Since National Champs Actually. I had a bit of time off after Nat Champs, due to mega disappointment, I qualified to be taken to the European Champs, And was entered, yet told the federation aren’t taking a Under 23 Team, so I missed out. After targeting my hole season on this and the worlds, I took it to heart that I wasn’t taken when I should have been.

None the less, I continued to compete on my Tuesday night Road races notching up a couple of wins, on 2 weeks but then started to suffer with major nose bleeds caused by weekend blood vessels in my nose. So bad that on my last road race I had a nose bleed from lap one and stopped 2 laps from the end, leaving my body numb and pins and needles, But I still got 2^nd ;)

After feeling rough and daily nose bleeds I went off to hospital for a small operation to burn the inside of my nose to prevent nose bleeds. Having to have 2weeks off my bike was a kick in the teeth as I had such good form, but had to be done.

Returning back to training on the Saturday I headed off on Tuesday to do my local road race.. Feeling good from the off, I was surprised with my fitness. Staying with the lead group till the end to get 2^nd place overall…

Another week of getting back to training, with my nose feeling a lot better, I headed off to race for Torq in the Torq 12 hour in a team of 4. I went off of 3^rd rider Riding on my New Whyte 20c, a beautiful bike, weighing in at 18.5 lbs …. I nailed the lap in a quick time of 35 minutes including stopping on course to let the ambulance turn around. From lap one we took the lead and consistent laps and luck played in our path to take a convincing win.

Feeling good about my form I went to my Tuesday night race full of confidence, attacking from the off and going clear with another rider, we worked well from lap one to get a gap on the bunch and stay clear to the end. I just got the win, to finished the series off with a 2^nd place overall … Things are looking up …

All set for another hard week training including the Southern XC at pippingford, my preparation for the final NPS is going to plan.

My Whyte 20c is a real treat to ride, and polished up to the max to set off to pippingford.

Travelling down the sun was out and shinning, and it still was upon arrival. Go to do my practise lap and the heavens open up, making the course very slippery and technically challenging.

Unsure of how I would perform today due to a hard week I was eager to get it started to see how it goes.

Gridded front row, I was feeling good, hitting the front from the word go. I rode hard and smooth through the mud going clear, to be caught at the end of lap 1 by Lee William, The UK number 3.

I thought I would be in for a hard time , so thought about my efforts wisely. Eating and drinking at the right time.

I took my turns on the front and made sure I put in some big efforts to test Lee.

Lap by lap went by and we was locked together, not a inch spare .

Onto the last lap, I was feeling good, I chilled out and let Lee take the lead for the first half the lap, after he did a big turn up the gravel climb I took over and put in a big effort pulling clear slightly. But to be caught on the descent.

I stuck in the lead for the time being, trying to pull a gap but not succeeding.. Heading on to a Muddy Gully Section, my Whyte 20c stuck to it race line and got me to the bottom smooth and around he technical section faultless pulling a big enough gap on Lee to work with. I attacked the final 2 climbs to take a well deserved win, 30 seconds clear of the Uk’s number 3 and 7 minutes clear of 3^rd place.

Things are now back on track and looks like im back to my winning ways on my nice new bike :D

British National Under 23 Championships !

2011-07-17T22:25:00.001+01:00

After a successfull weekend at the southern xc I took my confidence onto North Weild to gain another victory from a sprint finish on the road.

My final training sesion was on Wednesday where I raced the Hog Hill Beastway MTB Race, where I rode hard from the off to gain a convincing victory.

Thursday chilled out, and got a good nights sleep, to be woken up Friday morning, to find my sheds had been broken into, having my bikes stolen and race/spare wheels..

All I was left with was my Race bike + race wheels which luckily were in my house..

Traveling upto North Yorkshire on Friday afternoon, with the Rest of Team Billy Whenman Racing, mum, dad, aunt, coach dean, mechanic regan + jester jumbo .

Filled with confidence I couldn't wait to get out on the course.

Greeted by terrential rain, I put my special Hope wheels in with Dugast tubs and set pressures to 20psi for max Grip.

Quick lap round and I was buzzing, 3 real steep climbs and a few technical sections. A great course.

A good night sleep + up eady to rock and roll.

Gridded 3rd I had clear view of the course.

Off to a good start, I was sitting 2nd wheel behind Seb batchelor. Feeling good.

Onto the 2nd climb I put a dig in going clear with Kenta Gallagher.

We rode the next 2 laps together. I felt super strong on the climbs, but wasn't as quick through the singletrack.

Lap 3 saw me loose contact with Kenta in the singletrack and then I had a off.

Caught by 3rd Steve james. I got my breath back.

Onto the last lap, I hit the front after the 1st climb riding picking the pace up. After the 3rd climb and section of single track I pulled clear of 3rd and was comfortable in 2nd place.

Finishing a comfortable 2nd place. My first ever Silver medal at a National Championships.

A Big Big Thankyou to my coach Dean, who took me from 20th place elite at begining of the season to top 10 placings and Wins, and now to 2nd place in the National Championships.

Also to my mum + dad, mechanic regan + jumbo. With out Team Billy Whenman Racing + all my other sponsors I wouldn't have been able to achieve what I did today.. Thankyou.

Onto the next race now :)
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Southern XC Round 4

2011-07-10T17:46:00.001+01:00

After a stressfull week, and hard training, I was glad it was the weekend..

With 1 week to go to the National Champs, its been a last week training period for me.

Racing on the tuesday which was a good session as I got away on my own to take the win.

Traveling down in my Dads van , as my car iss off the road at the moment. I was greeted by the other members of Billy Whenman Racing, including Coach and Mechanic.

Pre rode the course and felt good, great course with everything from fire road to climbs + technical single track and down hill..

Gridded 2nd row, a fair few of the National Favourites were on the line. Including a Rival for the Under 23 title.

Off to a good start I found myself in 3rd place. Which is where I wanted to stay..

I sat tight on the wheel and made sure I went with all the big moves.

My legs were feeling pretty good, especially after a good week training set by my coach Dean. Had a good massage by Chirs Domoney on friday which sorted me right out.

Lap after lap, there were 5-6 of us together, 2-3 of us would chip away but got caught again.

I was feeling verry strong on the climbs.

With 1 lap to go I knew I wanted to put a effort in on the last climb.

I sat on the wheel until we got to the climb. And 1/2 way up I put the hammer down..

Going clear.

I rode the next section alone, and got caught at the bottom of the down hill by Adrian, I sat on his wheel to the last single track section, after this it was a quick dash for the line for the win. Which I came out on top..

Top step for me + billy whenman racing today..

Many thanks to everyon including mum and dad for there support. Let's hope everything pans out like it did today at next weeks race :D
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Updates from Racing

2011-07-07T11:59:00.000+01:00

After a disappointing day at the British NPS, I had a day off to think about actions to take next to spur me on and motivate training.

Back to action, on the tuesday after i raced at north weild, and felt strong, winning the sprint.

I then raced on the thursday and got around with the elites finishing about 7th place.

Went to do my first open road race since April 2010, longest race ive done in over a year. I felt strong, and had a few digs trying to get away. Nothing stayed away and came down to a sprint. Around the last corner there was a crash which made me use my MTB skills to navigate my way over the fallen bike to get my sprint on its way, just pulling back to the leaders wheel as the line flew past. Finishing 2nd place in my first open road race in over a year :) pretty happy with that.

Then back up the m11 to North Weild to race again on the tuesday. Legs still feeling achey from the sundays race i sat in to conserve energy, knowing i didnt have the legs to put out a great sprint i decided to make or break, i attacked wit h1 lap and 1/2 to go, going clear of the rest of the bunch and staying away on my own to the line :)

Things are coming along nicely with 2 weeks to go before the National MTB Championships.

North Weald & Margam Park

2011-06-27T10:26:00.000+01:00

After a strong race tuesday which saw another rider and myself away for the hole race and I won the sprint. I was quite looking forward to Margam park, as I have good legs.

Arriving on the Saturday, we set up camp and signed on and prep"d the bike ready for practice. The weather was pretty grim, a real fine rain made the course dead boggy..

Off for the practise lap, feeling good, I was enjoying the slippery singletrack sections.

The course turned out to be the same as the previous year.

Race Day..

Lined up ready to get going, I soon found myself in 4th place, along the road section holding my position well..

Into the first corner and across the grass sections I must have been ridden into atleast 3 times. Near the end of the first lap my bike was making all sorts of noises, soon becoming clear that the rear hanger, mech + chain were bent.. From 7th place Elite to DNF.. Gutted..

Sorry to everyone that helped me get ready for the event and Team Billy Whenman Racing..

Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Junes round up Catch up Incl Wasing NPS...

2011-06-20T23:45:00.000+01:00

Hi All,

Sorry i haven't posted for a while. Its been a hectic few weeks with cramming training in and racing etc but here I am, for a quick update so i'm back on track.

I've been racing on tuesdays and thursdays on the road, i'm now currently leading the TLI tuesday series, with 2 more wins over the last few weeks. and the thursday night sessions i've used as hill intervals.

I really upped my training for Wasing, also changed a lot of equipment on my bike to make it how i need it to be..

Working closely with my Coach Dean, to get the best i could in a short space of time, also working on my tactics.

At Wasing, i set off and pushed my way to the top 15, ridding the first few laps below my race pace. 3 laps into the race i put a big effort in which later turned out to be my fastest lap.

I kept the pace high like a TT effort which I have trained on, picking off the riders one by one. Soon i was into the top 10.

By the final lap i was running in 7th place, which is where i finished. only 1 minute off the win.. 7th elite and 1st under 23 !! my first UCI under 23 win of the year.

I then went straight on to a big training week, including another Win on the Road, preparing for this weekends Margham park, where i hope to get another top 10.

Irl be Racing Tuesday and Wednesday before easing off for the weekend .. Lets keep the fingers crossed and the wheels Rolling !

North Weild 24-5-11 & Beastway's 25-5-11

2011-05-26T23:22:00.000+01:00

Arriving at the airfield ready to warm up and get the race underway. I was keen to see how much I had progressed as per week.

Lined up ready to rock and roll, the show was put on hold as I looked down and found out I had a puncture.

Fixing the puncture on the side line, I was soon up and running and in with the main bunch of riders.

It soon became obvious that I was a marked man , and everyone wanted to beat me but not ride for the win. Hence letting 2 riders go up the road and all sit behind me.

I made a few big efforts and made sure I got some good training benefit out of the session, including leading the final sprint out seated and still holding everyone off to take 3rd place. Pretty impressive, again hitting 1520 watts tonight. Not bad for a part timer ;)

Off to bed and the next day brings another training session and a evening mtb race.

Arriving in style, and meeting up with my coach and good friends, I was really looking forward to having some fun tonight and trying to get some good jumps in and have a good session.

Starting on a grassy field with rutts and bumps and a slight incline, I turned the gas on full from the word go, and spread the field, keeping the heat on until I was clear of the rest.

The course had a few fast climbs in, and some slippery corners accompanied by some lovely fast jumps which I made sure I got some good air on :)

I built a good lead to the end of the race, taking a convincing win. A good week for Billy Whenman Racing.

Feature in Dartford & Gravesend Messenger

2011-05-25T14:19:00.000+01:00

Feature for the Olympic Cyclo Park at Gravesend, Which I am the MTB Ambassador.

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Dalby Forest World Cup 21-5-11

2011-05-24T11:47:00.000+01:00

Driving up to Dalby on the Thursday ready for practise on the Friday. I've got to say i was quite looking forward to it. Unsure of how I would go after a week of anti-biotics i was quite excited to be riding my bike.

To make things even better, upon arrival I headed over to the Shimano stand to introduce myself, to find one of my old sponsors Mark Greshon working for them. Excited to find out they had a XTR Chainset on stand which I quickly purchased and had fitted to my Whyte 19, and put in some nice stiff wheels, thanks to Hope for the Hubs & Neil at Superstar components for putting the package together.

With new improved bike all ready I headed off for a few laps, Beautiful, the bike rode a treat. No problems for a change !

Adjusted tyre pressures, on my Schwalbe tyres provided on the day by Dave at Schwalbe, and had Hope Brakes freshened up by a service by Hope and i was ready.

Headed off to hotel for some kip for Saturdays race.

Race Day.

Gridded 51st, not bad considering I've only raced in the UK, and ahead of 1 or 2 of the GB boys, much better than last year being gridded 189th !!

A furious start, on gravel saw a few crashes which I managed to get caught up behind, into the single track and the Adrenaline rush was the nutts, elbow to elbow with the best in the world, nudging headbutting and pushing down the trail. Got to love a bit of bike violence :)

I soon found myself ripping around with 4 riders, one from switzerland and 2 from italy.

Nailing the technical sections and riding the rocky climb the crowd and atmosphere was amazing ! Its great to know that so many people know who I am :)

Locked with these riders for the entire race I was loving it, this is the kind of racing I need, and which I've missed doing over the last 3 years !

Unfortunately my lack of international race experience got the better of me with 1/4 of a lap to go and I lost contact with the group.

None the less, I finished 63rd ! my highest World Cup Finish ever, well its only my 2nd one but hey.

Thanks to my Dad for the weekend as he was my Only helper and was great. To all my supporters out on track, the buzz was immense and to all my sponsors, especially to Shimano for helping me with fitting the crank & Superstars for the wheels..

Great weekend, and I'm excited to say, watch this space as hopefully I've been invited to go race the World Cup's in Czech Republic & Italy. Watch this space.

North Weild 17-5-11

2011-05-17T23:16:00.000+01:00

After having a week of feeling crap due to being on anti-biotics for a skin infection on my legs, and having to pull out of my race on sunday, I took it steady on monday and this mornings training sessions and to be honest still didn't feel to great.

Driving over to the race I wasn't so sure of how I would go but unless I tried I wouldn't know. Lined up I took it steady for the first few laps, but 2 groups had soon got away and had reasonable gaps.

These groups were pulling away and I knew I had to do something about it. Attacking from the main bunch I rode across the gap to the first group pretty easily, rode with these for a lap to see if they were chasing the leaders down, but they wasn't.

Feeling good and strong I dropped to the back of the group and launched a attack, producing 1520 watts ! Looked behind and I had a big gap. Riding at a comfortable speed I knuckled down and over the next lap and half I managed to get across the big gap to the lead group.

Taking it easy on the back of the group for a few laps before doing any turns I felt recovered.

Feeling strong and relaxed I rode hard a few times to test the legs, before attacking with3 laps to go so then there was just 2 of us clear of the rest.

Riding together to the last lap and for the sprint. I lead the sprint out just getting beaten to the line. But hey, a good training ride, and i'm so happy that my legs feel ok and I didn't feel how I did sunday !

See how the legs are tomorrow before preparing for the World Cup at Dalby.

Thanks to Dean for all his hard work and help to get the legs spinning up :) and to all of Billy Whenman Racing for there great Support.

Southern Championships

2011-05-16T09:37:00.001+01:00

After a week of suffering with a skin infection on my legs and taking anti-biotics to clear the infection and help the Glands in my legs I headed off to the southern champs at Wasing.

Feeling quite nervous after having 3days off my bike due to the infection. I was soon on the line ready to race.

A course that suits my riding style and now my bike had some nice stiff wheels in I was looking forward to ripping around the fast dry course.

Straight from the off I didn't feel myself and later that lap I knew I wasn't feeling/riding how I should be. Legs were drained and upper body weak.

It was time to stop before I do more damage than good.

A DNF for me this weekend, but better safe than sorry, hopefully irl feel and ride accordingly on tuesday night which will be a test for the World Cup at Dalby the coming weekend.
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New Race Wheels !

2011-05-14T08:03:00.000+01:00

Fed up with flexing wheels ? Here's my solution.

After receiving my Sponsored Rider Green Hope Pro 2 Evo hubs and rotors, I sourced some Sapim CX Ray Flat bladed spokes with Gold Alloy nipples laced together with some American Geax Tubular rims. MT Zoom Red light weight quick releases & Tensioned by Neil at SuperStar Components all that was left was to glue some Dugast Rhino XL 47mm Tubs on.

Lighter than my carbon wheels yet stiff as the best. Can't wait to ride them and race them at the Southern Champs this weekend..
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North Weild Crit

2011-05-11T08:24:00.001+01:00

Another week another Tuesday, so off we traveled to North Weild for a evening Crit race.

This week a few more riders turned up including the Orbea team which was going to spice things up.

Only here for training I thought it would be abit quicker.

Starting off and we bowled around at a fair pace.

A few laps in and a group of 4 riders got away.

Having won the week before, I was a marked man, no one wanted to let me attack nor work.

Midway through the race the riders were stil away but with a fair gap !

I had to drop off the back of my group and attack my hardest to get away without being chased.

I rode to my limit over a few laps and bridged the gap to the group. As I caught the group 2 riders chipped off the front which I couldn't follow.

Suprise suprise the rest of the riders had chased me down and were now on our tails.

Not wanting to work the bunch were content with riding around for 3rd.

Happy with my work out I sat near the front to avoid risk of acident. Staying seated for the sprint I picked up 4th place elite quite easily.

Looking back at my power data, the race wasn't any quicker than last week and avrg power was the same, proves that 2 are as good as a group ;)

Max power which was when I attacked to get across to the group was Bang on 1500watts. :) so I can see improvment as the weeks go by .

A good days training.
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8-5-11 Mud Sweat & Gears , Thetford Podium

2011-05-09T21:47:00.001+01:00

Thanks To Keith Loveday for the Photo.

8-5-11 Mud Sweat & Gears , Thetford

2011-05-08T20:08:00.000+01:00

Getting lost en-route to the race didn't help much, but we did get to the race on time. Not enough time to practise the course mind, but enough time to prepare.

Lining up against some familiar faces, I knew it was going to be a good work out.

Getting a good start I took the lead and maintained a good pace. by 1/2 lap there was 4 of us away.

Legs felt good, and I was keen to get the race underway, so launched a few attacks. 3 or 4 attacks later it was just Steven James of AW Cycles and myself left.

Ripping around the short tight course was good fun, not much space to overtake proved difficult at times passing back markers.

Steve was riding strong and he flew over the bumpy single track very fast with his full suspension, making it hard work for me to keep contact.

Onto the last lap and it was still Steve and myself , Steve still riding strong on the front.

Bang, a mechanical problem see me hitting the dust in a heap. Quickly jumped up and straightened my bars I mounted my bike quicker then ever set to chase down Steve.

Surprised to see that Steve in fact was riding slow to wait for me. True Sports Man !!

Regained contact and thanked for his kind ness. we continued on our way.

Steve rode hard over the bumps making it touch and go for me keeping contact, but i dug deep and stuck there.

Down the last fire road to the last piece of single track, I wanted to overtake to gain the lead but was under geared, so had to make do with sitting on the wheel. Around the tight corner and Steve ran wide, I nipped up the inside and held it to the line. Taking a fine win.

I would like to Thank, Steve for his good SportsManship , and Team Billy Whenman Racing for there Support.

Onto the next race which is Tuesday night.

2-5-11 North Weald Road Race.

2011-05-08T19:59:00.000+01:00

After a good morning training session, I headed off to North Weald for a Road Race for some more training.

Upon arrival it didn't take long to see who was there and racing. Surprised to see Team Sky Rider Alex Dowsett.

Starting off we bowled around the 2 km circuit in the peloton until a group of 6 of us chipped away from the main group and started to work together to get a gap. This group included some good riders including Alex.

35minutes into the race, Alex attacked and i set about getting across the gap to his rear wheel. I made it. I sat tight to his wheel to keep shelter from the wind, and waited to gain my breath before I started to work with him to gain a gap on the rest.

Soon we was well clear of the group.

We worked well together, and I was pleased with how I was feeling. 4 laps to go, and Alex started to attack me, I dug deep and rode back to his wheel, a few attacks were launched but i managed to keep contact.

For the last lap kept some energy in store for the finish. We lapped the others just before the final straight.

With the line in sight I unleashed my sprint to the line. 1490 watts put out, and I was rewarded with a fine victory.

Thanks to Alex for a good work out and best of luck for the rest of your season.

2-5-11 Ixworth Town Centre Crits

2011-05-02T21:51:00.000+01:00

After a good weeks training with 1 Crit win on Tuesday night, I headed off to Ixworth near Bury st Edmonds for a day of Racing. 2 races in 1 day. To get some top end speed for the mtb racing, and some BC Points as the racing was National points.

The course was 1km long, with 4 tight 90 degree corners. Great for Crit racing.

First race started at 1:30. Lined up against the country's best road racers I knew it was going to be a hard day at work.

Starting off the pace was high, from early on the field split with 4 riders going away, I rode within myself and waited for the finish, Going over the line still feeling good and taking a well earned 6th place Elite, 1st place 2nd Cat & 1st Under 23.

3:45 start of the 2nd race on the same circuit. This race there were a few more good riders on the line. I wanted to ride within my self again and get a good training sesion but get a result too. within a few laps the same 4 riders chipped off the front, I attacked and with me took 2 other riders. We worked well together for about 30minutes, with only one local rider missing a few turns. Unfortunately we got caught with 7 laps to go.

I sat about 10th wheel and recovered for a lap, and then moved back up to 2nd wheel. following moves that went until half a lap to go when I attacked down the back straight, around the 2 last corners and head down and went for the line.taking 5th place Elite, 1st 2nd Cat & 1st under 23.

A great day out for Billy Whenman Racing Representing Whyte Bikes UK.

Thanks to Mark Cozens for the photos. www.mphotography.co.uk

Fowl Mead 26-4-11

2011-04-27T16:40:00.000+01:00

Due to Detlin Show Ground being closed today I headed off to FowlMead down near folkestone with a few mates to race.

A 6:30 start so we left early enough to have time spare when we arrive. Upon arrival we was shocked to see that the temperature had dropped from 21degrees to 11 ! Luckily I had arm warmers with me, courtesy of DeFeet (jim walkers).

Lined up, it was freezing. Soon off to a steady start, after a complete lap a attack went so i latched onto it, and then attacked over the top of the move. After this lap there was 15 of us away.

We worked well together, but on the odd occasion the pace would ease up so I would attack to pull the group together and be sort the break out. The wind was very strong on the finishing straight, which made it hard work.

The group worked well, and my efforts on the front gave me a good work out.

Onto the final lap I thought sitting 3rd wheel would be the best bet, but as it happened I ended up leading the sprint out, providing a harsh enough kick and sustained effort to the line to take a convincing victory.

Pleased with my evenings training effort, a journey well made.

Bill Teme Memorial Race

2011-04-25T18:24:00.000+01:00

Today I went off to Hog hill in essex to do a road race.

Knowing I haven't got the best road legs I knew it would be good training, which was the sole purpose of going.

The race started and I was suprised to find that I was a marked man, even though i haven't done a road race in over a year.

I followed a fair few attacks and also made a few efforts, but it was soon getting the better of me and realised what I need to work on.

Happy with my days training its off home to figure some new plans :)

BSCA NATIONAL MTB CHAMPS WILMINGTON SCHOOL.

2011-04-25T18:20:00.000+01:00

This years BSCA National MTB Championships were held by Team Darenth, at Wilmington School in Dartford.

Team Darenth was my first ever cycling team, and provided me with the gateway to my career. I was kindly asked if I would like to present the prizes to the young racers, and it was great to return a favour.

Since I was a youth the grounds cycle trails have gone up in the world, single track, berms, drop offs and downhills, a lot different to when I was starting out.

After a busy morning of talking to young riders and presenting prizes I then got kitted up and lined up for the Senior race.

Starting off steady the field soon split and by half a lap it was just me and Matt Holmes on our own. The course was bone dry and very fast, tight single track and a few grassy climbs. Entering the technical section in the woods i was leading. Entering the drop off, Bang, front wheel puncture sending me over the bars. I got up dusted myself down and re mounted the bike riding up the grass climb and changing wheel at my car.

Then re entered the course where I left it, and was giving a time gap of 1 minute 30 to the leader.

Settling into a good pace I could hold the time gap was coming down. 3 laps later and I rejoined the leader.

Riding together for 2 laps I recovered and began to think where to attack.

Nearing the last lap I took the lead into the technical section, and put a few digs in gaining very small gap.

After the drop off the course went up a long grassy fast climb, I attacked from the bottom getting a bigger gap and kept a high tempo pace to the line to take the win.

Its been a few years since I've ridden at Wilmington and it was great, the course was good fun, and was good to add a Senior win to my 7 juvenile,youth & junior titles I won years back.

Nice New EC90xc Race Wheels

2011-04-20T13:38:00.000+01:00

Just taken delivery of some nice shiny EC90 carbon mtb wheels.

All set ready to put some nice Schwalbe Rubber on and hit some trails.
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Detling Hill Tuesday Night Crits 19-4-11

2011-04-19T23:32:00.000+01:00

After analysing my race performances so far this season (4 races) I know that I need to improve my high end race pace efforts, sustained effort and power. So I've planned several road races over the next few weeks.

Tonight I headed off to a local Crit at Detling Show Ground for a 7pm start. I was looking forward to it all day as I haven't raced on the road for several months, and only got my road bike back last friday after being without it for a month and half, so I was excited to be racing.

Lined up we started and rode around the track for the first few laps in a bunch at a steady speed, before the pace gradually picked up until the attacks started happening.

I wasn't too interested in a end result, I was there for a hard work out. So i chased every attack down, some I jumped onto the attack, and others I sat on the front of the bunch and pulled the break back.

Keeping the race together but having a good work out. I also launched a few attacks.

2 laps to go and the pace eased up so I hit the front and picked the pace up to eliminate the risk of more attacks going, 1 lap to go and sure enough some one chipped off the front. I jumped across to it and lead the sprint out.

Nearing the finish line I saw a good friend and training partner Luke Anderson coming along side me, and we had around 10yards on 3rd, not worried about the overall win, I was very happy for Luke to win. I took 2nd and 1st Under 23.

Best of all I had 1 hours of hard training. Bring on next week.

max hr - 206
avrg hr - 173

avrg speed - 25mph
max speed - 36mph

avrg power - 260 watts
max power - 1545watts

Action Shot at Dalby

2011-04-19T11:47:00.002+01:00

Sunday 17th April, Dalby Forest National Points Series

2011-04-18T19:21:00.000+01:00

Driving up to Dalby on the Friday night to avoid long traffic due to motorway closured was a good plan :) The M1 was closed for the hole weekend.

Arrived at the course on Saturday and set up our Pitch, Prepared bike accordingly and set off on a lap. The course was as expected, technical, dry, dusty, rocky, and the usual 2 climbs. After handing my bike over to my Mechanic Matthew Read who went about trying to perfect the front mech changing to the best he could and tightening my rear wheel bearings up and putting some new handle bar grips on with fresh grip, i then set off for another lap. Much better this time. Managed to ride every millimetre of the course including the technical rock garden climb section i knew a fair few others couldn't ride.

Off to get some well needed sleep and up ready for Race day.

Lined up 10th Brit but behind another 10 continental riders i was 2nd row number 20.

Today i had spoken to my support crew of Billy Whenman Racing, and discussed my previous races tactics, and decided instead of going all out from the start I would start off steadier and keep my lap times consistent instead of fading. Easier said then done.

BANG off we went, I relaxed at the start and found myself still inside the top 10 into the first section of woods. I was determined to stick to my plan. Pumping over the rocky sections my Fox Terralogic forks were working a absolute dream. approaching the first climb and as i expected everyone was going balls out to try and get up with the leaders, I found it hard to do but i managed to relax and ride at my own speed, although loosing places I went over the top of the climbs a lot fresher than i would have if I had done my usual and beasted it up.

I made up a few places every lap over the top of the big climbs as a lot of riders were blowing, i then crusied the fire road section and made sure i was relaxed for the rock garden climb, as I knew I could ride it, and ride it well. As i had practiced i slowed down and rode the section smooth, my Schwalbe rocket ron gripped the rock and i was up and over taking metres out of my competitors.

Coming around in 20th place, i still wanted to keep it cool. I could see riders in front and on the technical sections i caught them and let them do there own thing on the climb.

Near race end i was pacing a rider on most sections, Last lap I made sure I kept to my pace and rode everything smooth , where as a lot of riders crash over things and then break stuff I kept the bike fresh and got to the last climb feeling good, I kept a high pace up the climb and then eased off on the fire road before perfecting the rock garden section. I had a group in sight, after riding the section they had ran i was on the tail end of the group.

I attacked the last climb and went past. Holding on to take 16th Elite, behind some top quality Continental riders and a respectable 3rd Under 23.

Looking at my lap times, i can see they are consistent so i know that my base/endurance is spot on, i'm just lacking the Race legs now. So with just over a month to go until the next round, I know what I need to be doing :)

Thanks to the Billy Whenman Racing Support Crew, and to all my sponsors for there help.

2011 Race Bike

2011-04-14T00:00:00.000+01:00

Presented with my F S A Product to build my 2011 Race Bike

Building In Progress

F S A Bar & Stem

Whyte 19 C Works Frame, Customised with KCNC Anodised Bolts

Hope X2 Brakes, Goodridge Hoses, ESI Grips, Hope Head Doctor

MT Zoom Quick Releases & Easton Wheels

Fox 100mm Terralogic Forks - Factory Rider Edition

Hope Brakes, F S A Cranks Sram XX DriveChain

MT Zoom Light weight Quick Release

Sram XX rear mech, MT Zoom Bullet Proof Ceramic Jockey Wheels

MT Zoom Ceramic Jockey Wheels

Race Bike Fully Built using Schwalbe Tyres

Mud Sweat & Gears, Hylands Park, Chelmsford 10th April

2011-04-13T22:40:00.000+01:00

Sunday 12th April

After finding out that Mud Sweat & Gears are BC Points this year, I opted to head off and do this instead of the Gorrick i originally had planned to do.

Just under a hour of driving, and I arrived in Sunny Essex. Got my bike out and headed off to practise. A lot of fields and some real tight single track. Bone dry course but with a fair few roots. Looks like its going to be a fast day I thought.

Lined up front row in front of 100 other senior riders, I was along side a few familiar faces. From the off we entered the start loop around a grass field i sat 2nd wheel before approaching the single track where i took the lead to split the field.

4 of us were away which soon became 3 of us. The course was very fast and tight, so it was a bit like a road race in many ways, no tough hills or sections to be bale to get a big enough gap to work with, it was just a fast course.

I went into the race, wanting to get my first elite win of the season, so thought id play it safe and just conserve my energy for the last lap. So I rode quite lazy sitting in the group and doing minimal work. On one of the tight rooty sections George was loosing the wheel due to being so tall, and most laps Steve and myself got a gap and george would regain contact with us later in the lap, only to loose the wheel again in the same place.

I was struggling on some bumpy sections with my Chain bouncing all over the place on the chainrings, dropping the chain and over shooting it. Weird, as the front mech is perfectly set up. After dropping the chain a few times and nearly crashing i eased off on real bumpy sections to eliminate the risk of injury and mechanical.

Feeling confident i could take the win i launched a few attacks on the 2nd to last lap, and felt good, Steve would catch me and then take the lead again, i was waiting for the last lap to make the move.

1 & 1/2 lap to go, Bzzzz this isn't right, i jumped off my bike, and lost contact with steve. My rear wheel was out. Hmm. I couldn't get my rear wheel back in the frame, after a short while George came past. I was forced to stand on the wheel to push it into the frame. then wrenched the quick release up tight and set about trying to make up lost ground.

Onto the last lap George had 30 seconds on me, 1/4 lap to go he had 6 seconds. I was on the limit chasing him down the bumpy section as I new i could catch him there. Bangg !! my chain bounced off and i smashed into a tree. Winded and cut/bruised, i sorted my bike and made sure i hadn't done any injuries to myself. No broken bones, so i stomped on the pedals to try and close the gap, but too late, i crossed the line just under 20 seconds down on George and 1 minute off the win.

Gutted with 3rd, as i thought I had it in the bag, but 1 mechanical & 1 On going Mechanical i guess 3rd elite & 1st under 23 isn't a bad day out.

TIme to check the bike over, then relax for a day off tommorow, as its my 22nd Birthday :D

2011 The Story So Far.

2011-04-13T22:13:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my Blog.

I started 2011 preparing for the 2011 Under 23 National Cyclo Cross Championships, in Derby. I felt confident in my preparation for the race that i was more than capable of winning, so off up to Derby I travelled with my Support Team. The drive to Derby was a wet one, and as expected the course was wet and muddy, a few big puddles and a lot of off camber twists and turns. After practise I set my bike up, and corrected tub pressures. Ready to rock and roll. I had my support team in the pits with a bucket and sponge, and a bike I borrowed off a good Youth friend who had raced the day before.

I started off and sat in the lead group, and soon we was away just 5 of us. I felt comfortable on the straights but struggled around the bends as I was loosing grip. I only have one set of wheels with one set of tread for all weather, and the riders i was up against had much grippier tubs on. never the less, I was determined.

After a few laps, Luke Gray chipped away and got a gap, which left 4 of us locked together. as the laps went on and we neared the 3/4 mark David Fletcher pulled a small gap of maybe 15seconds on me around the tight corners.

I was struggling to keep the pace up due to the deep muddy slippery corners, We entered the last lap, and i made sure i was in the lead with 1/2 a lap to go. onto the last twisty section with a bank, every lap i've struggled to get grip here, so i sprinted towards it, and dismounted and run like hell getting a small gap. mounted my bike and sprinted for the line taking 3rd place with ease, just under 30 seconds down on 2nd.

Considering I went there with 1 bike, 1 pair of spare wheels, 1 bucket & brush I am more than happy with 3rd place :D Next year I'll be going for a podium at Elite level.

I then had a 2 week rest, before setting about my endurance training and getting out on my mtb for a bit of Technical riding.

Into March and I entered a Gorrick MTB Race at Heath Warren, to try out my new race bike and get some racing in the legs ready for the NPS. The race went well, I made a few tactical mistakes like where i took a bottle and had a few on going problems with my bike. but had a good race and was happy to take 3rd Elite in my 1st MTB race of the 2011 Season.

I then jetted off to Italy for some Altitude training and for 3 interviews at a local school which was great as they were in English but Italian students.

Back home 9 days later for a steady weeks training Before Sherwood Pines on the 27th March, the First round of the National Points Series.

I set off a bit too quick at Sherwood, and was at the front of the race for the majority of the race until 1 lap to go, where I popped and lost a minute on the lead group. I came in 27th place. I was extremely gutted with 27th, I went into the race confident and feeling the best i have ever felt, but didn't think hard enough about the way i was racing. I should have played it safe and raced with the lead group instead of going off with the leader. Maybe then I would have achieved what I wanted.

After i had cooled down and got over the disappointment of my race, I thought about what went wrong in more detail and came to the conclusion, that i hadn't raced enough prior to the race, so i was "fit" but not "race fit", and also that I need to Race on the continent more to be able to compete against Continental riders.

But Learn from my mistakes, and Learn I must. Im only 22 so Im sure I have a lot more learning yet to come.

Mountain bike action in 2010

2011-04-13T12:08:00.002+01:00