Ok, I have been an eager reader of all advice (and humor) on this forum. This is my first season of racing as a Cat 5. I have been training religiously with a PT for about 6 months -- FT 4.05 w/kg. I decided to try a local Cat 5 TT to get my feet wet this last weekend. It was 12 miles (6 out/6 back) with a strong headwind out. Finished 12th, but 24 seconds from 8th. It was my second time actually riding the TT bike. I was pleased.
Last night I tried my hand at a local training crit. 15 guys showed up (plus 4 women and 1 junior) for the B race. I was the only unattached rider from what I could tell. .7 mile loop/22 laps. Strong headwind (about 25+) on half the course. I felt completely comfortable in the group -- while I was in it. After 4 laps I was OTB. Absolutely shelled.
Lapped, but not pulled.
My data for those 4 laps was - NP 307 with a speed average of around 24 mph. This 24 mph with the headwind on half the course seems a bit quick -- and it definitely felt quick.
After being spit OTB I did my best training ride effort and ended the ride with a NP of 285 watts and an average speed of around 21.5 mph for the entire ride (battling the wind by yourself is not a fun thing).
My analysis -- either (a) my fitness is not as good as I thought, (b) this was a true hammerfest that only the team monsters bothered to show up for, or (c) crits are simply not for me. I am throwing (c) out. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I am a fighter and will be back next week with the simple goal of staying 2 laps longer -- baby steps.
One problem. I am racing in the sanctioned Cat 5 crit this weekend on the same course. Worse, my family and in-laws are in town and they plan to watch. Should I prepare them for the inevitable -- I will be by myself OTB? Or was last night an anomaly and there will be plenty of company for me OTB this weekend?
Any thoughts are appreciated. I am a bit discouraged here.
VARacer-