The cycling factory – warming up for the TTT
Time for some action
In the second installment of the Team Time Trial (TTT) we talk with Baroudeurs, Steve and Lowell about their training and race day memories at the inaugural TTT of the Tour of Cambridgeshire:
Right on Time with Steve ‘Bison’
He can climb and he can trial, he is the Bison
Why put (hurt) yourself through a TTT?
After riding around Regent’s Park in a pack of Baroudeurs, I really began to appreciate the camaraderie of riding as one. It’s amazing how much faster you can go when you work as a team. Things flow smoothly; you can give it your all and fall to the back for a bit of recovery. I decided to hurt myself in the TTT because I’ve never done one before and was curious as to how it would work out.
What did you do to prepare for the event?
I stuck to the regiment of Regent’s Laps. The team held several practice sessions before the event, which also consisted of laps in Regent’s, but full gas.
What’s it like training with 3 other people?
It’s fun because you get to work together as a team. You begin to notice each one’s strengths and weaknesses, can spot gaps and learn how to fill them. Communication is key. When you get this down, the rotation can flow so smooth that nothing will stop you.
How did you choose the final 4 teammates?
We held try-outs by doing an individual time trial in Richmond Park. Based on individual times, we made the selection as to who would be on each team.
How do you keep it together?
I went way too hard in the beginning; zone 5 from the get-go. After a few miles, I was hurting and was not breathing correctly. Lowell actually saved me because he saw that I was suffering and talked me through it. But we didn’t actually keep it together the whole time. Will had to drop off in the beginning and it was up to Kostas, Lowell and myself to complete the challenge. Had we stayed together the entire time, we could’ve probably done much better.
What was it like competing?
It was amazing. At the ToC there were turbo trainers for warming up and you get an official countdown and everything. Makes you feel pro. But competing was fun. It felt really good passing other teams on the course.
What did it feel like when you found out you got Top 20?
For not being too structured and coming in 20th out of 44-ish teams, it felt pretty good. We were just under two minutes from the guys who came in 10th. I think that for 2018, if we really focus on the TTT and have structured training, there is no reason why we wouldn’t be able to make it in the top 3.
What was key to your success?
Being a team player and just not giving up. I looked at my Garmin after the TTT and I was in Zone 5 for 85% of the race, just under 35 minutes! Having teammates there to help you through the pain was definitely key element.
How important is it to get aero, and what did you do on the day?
Aero is key these days. I’m one for rocking the skinsuit, all the way.
Any chance you’ll do a TTT again?
2018 is the year we put the numbers on the board!
Last, and most important question – Where do you look when you’re riding behind someone in lycra for an hour?
I could make this entertaining, however, I typically look at the cassette and chain to see which gear the rider in front of me is in. Then I’ll look at their cadence to see if I should make any adjustments.
Right on Time with Lowell ‘Disco’
Lowell and his flower power
Why put (hurt) yourself through a TTT?
We couldn’t miss this opportunity. Having done countless group rides, it was a tantalising chance to see if we could pull it off together with some kind of result.
What did you do to prepare for the event?
You can’t ask for a more enthusiastic group of people. They had done all the reading on the latest research into time trialing; it was now a matter of playing catch up and not letting the team down.
Away from training days, I focused on what needed improving, namely intensity and core. The way I saw it, there would be a double-benefit of taking these tools into the road race the following day.
What’s it like training with 3 other people?
It was amazing. When you can see your own improvement it’s good, but when you see every one of your teammates improve then it’s even better.
How did you choose the final 4 teammates?
The ITT in Richmond was a very good call. After all the early morning laps in Regent’s as a bunch, this solo event with kicks in the middle gave me a quick reality check. While I was riding I was constantly reflecting – breathing, check; rhythm, check; engage core, check; enjoy, double-check!
With the finest of the B’s coming to compete, I was having butterflies all morning, but I had to get my head down and focus at the task at hand. When the numbers came in, it simply came down to who wanted the spot on the team the most.
How do you keep it together?
Clarity, communication, and trust.
What was it like competing?
Those butterflies came back, but when the MC announced us on the ramp at the start line, I was absolutely buzzing. He paused a moment to take in our team name – The London Baroudeurs. He followed this up with the remark, “Everyone who rides a bicycle wants to be a Baroudeur!” I felt incredible.
What did it feel like when you found out you got Top 20?
This is our first race as a team and we got 20 out of 40+. That’s very good in my books.
What was key to your success?
Above all the planning and training it has always got to be fun.
Any chance you’ll do a TTT again?
Oh yes.
How important is it to get aero, and what did you do that day?
Everything Ben had told me over the years, like – “Get those elbows in”, or “Get aero”, all came together and made sense. It’s made such a difference, not just in the times I get, but how good it feels to get free speed.
Last, and most important question – Where do you look when you’re riding behind someone in lycra for an hour?
I look beyond their hips or shoulders and up towards the road, but you spend so much time with people, you actually get to recognise their behinds too.
:: Rewind to Right on Time – Part 1 ::
