OK, a tiring one again today, but mostly of my own making.
Aiming to keep to FTP for this one, mainly as a personal test to see what I am really capable of over the hour.
And it turns out, yet again to be a fairly disappointing figure. At least, comparatively.
It looks like my previously, and I believe only, prior attempt at the Triple Flat Loops route was in March this year, where I managed a 47:50.
Today, 50:50, so a full three minutes slower.
I really tried hard today to keep up a solid pace. I think I managed the first 8 minutes at a pace comparable to where I’d been in the FTP test (aka 260w, and basically over doing it), and then I had to take a short breather.
Again, very like the FTP test. Less damaging here though.
Then I managed about another 8 minutes, and another breather. And again for a third time.
After that, I was bushed. I tried to repeat for a fourth time but had burned myself too hard. From then on it was a bit of a struggle to keep the pace high, and for about as much time as I’d put in at the start setting a good pace, I lost it all as I faded.
Towards the end I got a slight second wind, but again that was probably a little over eager, and I went way too hard on the final tunnel ascent back up to the right turn on to the Fuego Flats area. If it hadn’t been for the finish line almost being in sight, I think my pace would have tanked again there.
As it was, I pushed to the line, mainly to get the ordeal over with.
I can’t complain about the ride as far as a workout goes. But the struggle continues with regards to form.
Tomorrow is the unfortunate enforced rest day due to being away with work. Not looking forwards to the travel, and it’s not a true rest as I find 5 hours in the car exhausting.
But it is what it is.
Back Thursday for racing. Another whooping awaits. Yay.
