Hi Guys,
This past weekend was the individual time trial champs for Hunter Districts on the Minmi/Blackhill course. It was a gusty day which made conditions tough with no one using disks in the winds. The course was slightly lengthened at both ends to the normal annual course so rather than a 20km TT it was a bit more (longer the better for me ;) ). Last years winner, Brad McDonald, was back to defend and we had a good turnout from Team Newrad.
I did not know where the course turnarounds were, so I took the first lap with reserve to not blow up. There was broken glass everywhere to make it more interesting. A local resident is known to drive his car around and throw XXXX beer bottles all over the course whenever there is a race. Got to love those cycle haters as it is his/her idea to discourage racing by doing this and maybe injure a cyclist also.
I was able to ramp up the second lap knowing where the glass and course went and came through in a respectable time. I was able to pick up the win and annual trophy. The defending champ came 2nd, with Newrad Team guys filling the first 6 positions.
The Trophy will be presented at the annual awards dinner in September with my name engraved on the perpetual Brad Maund trophy. Brad was a triathlete, cyclist, and handy time trialler by accounts. He was killed in tragic circumstances when run down by a truck whilst training (another rider was also killed, and another badly injured). It is an honour to win his trophy and being a fellow triathlete/cyclist was quite a nice touch.
Next up is some hill training for the coming races and high cadence work.
Cheers,
Bevan.
Monday, 25 May 2009
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Nice mention of our TTT win on the Central Division Cycling News.
Below is the text taken from the Central Division Cycling website for the TTT and we should now be leading the Clyde Marshall Shield points:
Final Results Posted for TTT at Kooragang
It was another great day for racing when 143 riders took to the well worn pavement at Kooragang for the annual Central Division Teams Time Trial.
It was only a testing little seabreeze that spoilt anotherwise perfect day, but still the times were pretty hot. The winning team of Bevan Leach, Brett Lambkin, Nathan Stewart and Geoff Troup from NewRad Gateshead #1 Team suffered a mechanical on the start line and had to complete the entire race with just three riders. Even so, they were still able to circulate at a stunning 44.3kmh to complete the course in 33mins 51sec.
The Rob Hadley / Nigel Perry Shield for the most points scored by a club was won by Kooragang Open Cycling Club in a repeat of last year's dominating performance. Their tally of 48 points was better than all the other clubs combined!
Final Results Posted for TTT at Kooragang
It was another great day for racing when 143 riders took to the well worn pavement at Kooragang for the annual Central Division Teams Time Trial.
It was only a testing little seabreeze that spoilt anotherwise perfect day, but still the times were pretty hot. The winning team of Bevan Leach, Brett Lambkin, Nathan Stewart and Geoff Troup from NewRad Gateshead #1 Team suffered a mechanical on the start line and had to complete the entire race with just three riders. Even so, they were still able to circulate at a stunning 44.3kmh to complete the course in 33mins 51sec.
The Rob Hadley / Nigel Perry Shield for the most points scored by a club was won by Kooragang Open Cycling Club in a repeat of last year's dominating performance. Their tally of 48 points was better than all the other clubs combined!
Monday, 18 May 2009
1st in Central Division TTT and trying new races.
Hi Guys,
Well we won the Central Division Team Time Trial at Kooragang Island for Team Newrad Gateshead. The flu had not cleared but I was able to breathe ok and pitied the poor guys behind me when I had to clear the tubes (always tried to do it at the end of a turn though). Different team this time with me, Brett Lambkin, Geoff Troup, and Nathan Stewart swapping in for Brett James. We got off to a shocking start when Geoff's back wheel slipped the limiting screws and smacked into his frame. We all stood around for 30secs to see if he could fix it but no go. So we had to high tail it. Nath was coming off ironman so was a little fatigued but Brett was feeling good. It was a race of long turns at the front and keeping everyone together to finish and record a time. We ploughed through it though and checking on other teams I thought we may just have it. Ended up with a 13sec win over Manning Valley in 2nd, and our 2nd Team Newrad guys in 3rd. Geoff continued through by himself in case any of us flatted so we would get some points in the Division Cup. I also found out after there is a rule in TT whereby if you have a mechanical in the first 100m you can restart again but luckily we got away with the win anyway.
I also tried a couple of new races (a handicap and a criterium) this past weekend. The handicap was interesting as I went of scratch with Glen Stojanow, Geoff Troup, Brett Lambkin, Sam Layzell, and Michael Burke. The limit (ie bunnies) had 20mins head start on us for a 4 lap race. I lost the group on the first hill after taking a turn I dropped some gears to spin but ended up skipping the chain and two gears. This opened up a gap of 2 bike lengths to the last guy and I just couldn't get back on when the boys crested the hill and got into the 53x11s as I only had a 53x12 and have not trained myself to spin as fast as the pure cyclists yet. They were very impressive and very strong cyclists. Gave me a lesson and I will be working on higher cadence and getting the appropriate gearing. The bunnies ended up winning the day with the head start a little bit too much for the boys to catch. I hammered for 3 laps passing buys that were dropped but unable to make any inroads. Good training though.
Sunday saw a criterium out at Steel River. Plenty of 90 degree turns and 2 u-turns each lap saw lots of corner and sprinting practice. I am racing the Tour of Tweed and the last stage is a crit so I thought I had better get some practice in. I was in B grade and we went off 10 secs behind A grade. I was able to bridge up quickly but not knowing the rules I sat 7-10m behind like in triathlon non-drafting races. This was a big mistake as the A grade guys fly out of corners with the concertina happening in a big way. Needless to say I drifted off the pace. Again I learnt more about positioning and cadence watching the top guys do turns. I hammered away for the 35mins +3 laps which constituted the race. I slowly picked up a couple of A grade guys that had drifted off the back but wanted to work more and practice. I ended up 2nd in my grade as the other guy held into a A grade pairing just ahead of me and I couldn't bridge up on the winding track. I learnt a lot about race craft and got a fantastic workout to boot. These two races were all after a week of increasing cycling mileage with some nice rides with Rich Stanton and Michael Edgar including a lovely hill repeat loop I can utilise for training.
I will be attaching a cadence sensor and doing some high rpm work along with hill drills to bring myself up to speed a bit with the pure cyclists. This will also transfer across to my triathlon racing and hopefully help with my hit out at the Tour de Tweed on the June long weekend in Queensland. Things coming up are the Hunter Districts Individual Time Trial this weekend, possibly the Wineries 100km cyclosportif (or a crit), Newcastle Rodeo with some friends, the Tour de Tweed, and the normal runs/swims for my triathlons.
On a side note, Frankie turned six months old on the weekend. She loves the running pram and so I will be able to clock up some more kilometres whilst spending time with her. She looks so cute all rugged up and ready to cruise.
Cheers and train safe,
Bevan.
Well we won the Central Division Team Time Trial at Kooragang Island for Team Newrad Gateshead. The flu had not cleared but I was able to breathe ok and pitied the poor guys behind me when I had to clear the tubes (always tried to do it at the end of a turn though). Different team this time with me, Brett Lambkin, Geoff Troup, and Nathan Stewart swapping in for Brett James. We got off to a shocking start when Geoff's back wheel slipped the limiting screws and smacked into his frame. We all stood around for 30secs to see if he could fix it but no go. So we had to high tail it. Nath was coming off ironman so was a little fatigued but Brett was feeling good. It was a race of long turns at the front and keeping everyone together to finish and record a time. We ploughed through it though and checking on other teams I thought we may just have it. Ended up with a 13sec win over Manning Valley in 2nd, and our 2nd Team Newrad guys in 3rd. Geoff continued through by himself in case any of us flatted so we would get some points in the Division Cup. I also found out after there is a rule in TT whereby if you have a mechanical in the first 100m you can restart again but luckily we got away with the win anyway.
I also tried a couple of new races (a handicap and a criterium) this past weekend. The handicap was interesting as I went of scratch with Glen Stojanow, Geoff Troup, Brett Lambkin, Sam Layzell, and Michael Burke. The limit (ie bunnies) had 20mins head start on us for a 4 lap race. I lost the group on the first hill after taking a turn I dropped some gears to spin but ended up skipping the chain and two gears. This opened up a gap of 2 bike lengths to the last guy and I just couldn't get back on when the boys crested the hill and got into the 53x11s as I only had a 53x12 and have not trained myself to spin as fast as the pure cyclists yet. They were very impressive and very strong cyclists. Gave me a lesson and I will be working on higher cadence and getting the appropriate gearing. The bunnies ended up winning the day with the head start a little bit too much for the boys to catch. I hammered for 3 laps passing buys that were dropped but unable to make any inroads. Good training though.
Sunday saw a criterium out at Steel River. Plenty of 90 degree turns and 2 u-turns each lap saw lots of corner and sprinting practice. I am racing the Tour of Tweed and the last stage is a crit so I thought I had better get some practice in. I was in B grade and we went off 10 secs behind A grade. I was able to bridge up quickly but not knowing the rules I sat 7-10m behind like in triathlon non-drafting races. This was a big mistake as the A grade guys fly out of corners with the concertina happening in a big way. Needless to say I drifted off the pace. Again I learnt more about positioning and cadence watching the top guys do turns. I hammered away for the 35mins +3 laps which constituted the race. I slowly picked up a couple of A grade guys that had drifted off the back but wanted to work more and practice. I ended up 2nd in my grade as the other guy held into a A grade pairing just ahead of me and I couldn't bridge up on the winding track. I learnt a lot about race craft and got a fantastic workout to boot. These two races were all after a week of increasing cycling mileage with some nice rides with Rich Stanton and Michael Edgar including a lovely hill repeat loop I can utilise for training.
I will be attaching a cadence sensor and doing some high rpm work along with hill drills to bring myself up to speed a bit with the pure cyclists. This will also transfer across to my triathlon racing and hopefully help with my hit out at the Tour de Tweed on the June long weekend in Queensland. Things coming up are the Hunter Districts Individual Time Trial this weekend, possibly the Wineries 100km cyclosportif (or a crit), Newcastle Rodeo with some friends, the Tour de Tweed, and the normal runs/swims for my triathlons.
On a side note, Frankie turned six months old on the weekend. She loves the running pram and so I will be able to clock up some more kilometres whilst spending time with her. She looks so cute all rugged up and ready to cruise.
Cheers and train safe,
Bevan.
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Monthly Update - Snakes, Jobs, Chains, a Blackberry, and Congrats.
Hi Guys,
All has been going well. I have picked up a bit of a cold though as the dreaded lurgy seems to be catching up with everyone. Frankie has had it for a little while and now it is moving through the family. Not good as I have a Regional Team Time Trial this weekend but I still should be ok for it and have a good hit out. I can put Frankie in the running pram in a week as she will be six months old - I can't wait but gee the time goes quick.
Other things happening over the past month have included:
- being bitten by a green tree snake on a ride during the pelting rain. It only just latched on for a quick tad mainly scraping my leg and really only some pins & needles, a bad headache, and some weird leg pain for a day. Otherwise ok.
- my mate Dezza (Derek Scott) and his partner Christine (Chrissy) Eldridge having a lovely wedding in Scottish attire in the Rocks in Sydney. So good that unfortunately I misplaced my mobile phone. Also got to catch up with some Sydney mates, James, Mal and Sam - was good to touch base guys.
-No mobile meant joining the Blackberry world. Passed on the Iphone as had heard too many dodgy stories and wanted the ability to send photo's plus check emails etc when travelling or for work. How good are they!;
- I have found a new job working at Macquarie Physiotherapy and Macquarie Exercise Centre. Three days with the private practice setting, two days in the gym rehabilitation area. Thereby giving me variety but work that I can enjoy with great hours so I can still train and mind Frankie. Loving it.
- I snapped my 2 month old duraace bike chain. Thus 10 days off the bike. Ended up having to replace jockey wheels, chain, wiring, and also cracked the front derailleur (but can change this later). Have double taped the handlebars and it is very comfortable now but with a good road feel. I may have to look into getting a new road bike for the races but definitely some race wheels/power for training.
Congrats to Jo-Ann Stevens for making her first Australian team for the sprint triathlon world champs in the Gold Coast this year. Jo-Ann has done the work and now can reap the benefits. Enjoy the moment and the first time you get to wear the green and gold uniform!
Otherwise, training is coming along well. I have now got into a routine with the swimming and running. The biking is freezing already and very dark in the mornings here in Newcastle. Much colder than Sydney. I am going to have to get into the attic and grab my Euro winter gear.
Happy Mothers Day to all the mum's, grandma's, and I hope that you can have a relaxing day on Sunday. Cheers to my mum in Canberra - hope the boys spoil you well and you get breaky in bed.
Cheers,
Bevan.
Saturday, 18 April 2009
First A Grade TTT Win in Billy Robson Annual Memorial
Hi Guys,
Last weekend (11/4/09) I participated in the Billy Robson Memorial TTT for Team Newrad Gateshead at Kooragang Island NSW. The race was 3 laps for a total of 25km on a rough and very patchy course in comparison to the normal TT smooth roads.
It was my first hit out with the guys who were very experienced with the TTT and so I was a little nervous on how I would work in with the team. It took a little bit to get things going together but it didn't take long until we were flying along in sync. We ended up with the fastest time in 33mins24 and winning by 1min26secs on another A grade team. This is the fastest time over the course in the trophy's history. As a nice touch, the winning teams of each grade get the four members names and finish time engraved on the Billy Robson Memorial TTT Trophy.
Above is a photo of our team with left to right being: myself, Brett Lambkin, Geoff Troup, and Brett James. We have another TTT in a months time for the District Regional Cup Series so this was perfect training to get some ideas for improvement.
The Newrad Gateshead B Grade team won their grade and came in 3rd overall - a great effort.
Cheers,
Bevan.
Friday, 10 April 2009
March/April Update
Hi Guys,
It has been a month since my last post. In that time a lot of things have happened. I'll try to give you a brief run down.
I had a great break after IM NZ and enjoyed the recovery. I had some calf and hip flexor tightness post IM. I raced some cycle races within a week of the ironman and was feeling ok. I have only done a couple of swims but am now into the groove again with running and biking. I'll start to pick up the swimming in the following weeks.
I have been picked up by a cycling team based here in the Newcastle region. It is called 'Team Newrad Gateshead" with title sponsors of Newcastle Radiology (Brad McDonald) and Gateshead Cycles. A great squad of guys and I hope to help the team pick up some wins/podiums over the coming season. I also want to learn more about the cycle road racing intricacies so that I am better prepared to go for wins and also utilise the hard racing to maintain my cycling strength for my triathlon races. I have already raced for them last weekend helping the team to a 2nd, 3rd, 5th, & 6th position whilst having a few good digs in breakaways. I am really enjoying the fun and challenge of the different type of racing. I'll be racing the Central Division State A Grade Cup for the team which involves a 5 stage race series including time trialing over the winter months. Also included for the team are some stage races, day classics, NSW ITT, team TT, and individual road races for the winter.
I also had confirmation of my selection in the Australian Team for the ITU World Sprint Triathlon Championships in September on the Gold Coast. This will be fun and get the speed back into the body which I hope to capitalise on for my long distance triathlon racing. I will also be heading to Asia on invite to a WTC 70.3 Triathlon and working towards this as a focus to build speed and strength for the mid distances.
Over winter I will be working on technique and old school kilometres for my running and swimming. I will be trying a few new things for running and using this time to build these into strengths again for the coming seasons races. I am also looking at utilising power for training and racing on the bike if I can find some suitable support/sponsorship to aid in purchasing the power meter units. I have been racing on Xentis quad spokes for the past couple of years in my races and may look at moving to a disc so that I can further utilise my biking strength in races.
Work wise, I have been 'Daddy Day Care'. It has been great to spend some time with Frankie in this early period that a lot of dad's miss out on. She changes week to week and sometimes it seems like there are new things she does each day. Being there to witness and be a part of it is fantastic. It looks like I have found a job though working as a physiotherapist for a company that houses both a private practice setting and gym/exercise rehabilitation/weight loss setting. I will post more on this when everything is finalised but I am looking forward to this opportunity and working with some great people.
I hope that everyone has a great Easter break.
Cheers and train safe,
Bevan.
It has been a month since my last post. In that time a lot of things have happened. I'll try to give you a brief run down.
I had a great break after IM NZ and enjoyed the recovery. I had some calf and hip flexor tightness post IM. I raced some cycle races within a week of the ironman and was feeling ok. I have only done a couple of swims but am now into the groove again with running and biking. I'll start to pick up the swimming in the following weeks.
I have been picked up by a cycling team based here in the Newcastle region. It is called 'Team Newrad Gateshead" with title sponsors of Newcastle Radiology (Brad McDonald) and Gateshead Cycles. A great squad of guys and I hope to help the team pick up some wins/podiums over the coming season. I also want to learn more about the cycle road racing intricacies so that I am better prepared to go for wins and also utilise the hard racing to maintain my cycling strength for my triathlon races. I have already raced for them last weekend helping the team to a 2nd, 3rd, 5th, & 6th position whilst having a few good digs in breakaways. I am really enjoying the fun and challenge of the different type of racing. I'll be racing the Central Division State A Grade Cup for the team which involves a 5 stage race series including time trialing over the winter months. Also included for the team are some stage races, day classics, NSW ITT, team TT, and individual road races for the winter.
I also had confirmation of my selection in the Australian Team for the ITU World Sprint Triathlon Championships in September on the Gold Coast. This will be fun and get the speed back into the body which I hope to capitalise on for my long distance triathlon racing. I will also be heading to Asia on invite to a WTC 70.3 Triathlon and working towards this as a focus to build speed and strength for the mid distances.
Over winter I will be working on technique and old school kilometres for my running and swimming. I will be trying a few new things for running and using this time to build these into strengths again for the coming seasons races. I am also looking at utilising power for training and racing on the bike if I can find some suitable support/sponsorship to aid in purchasing the power meter units. I have been racing on Xentis quad spokes for the past couple of years in my races and may look at moving to a disc so that I can further utilise my biking strength in races.
Work wise, I have been 'Daddy Day Care'. It has been great to spend some time with Frankie in this early period that a lot of dad's miss out on. She changes week to week and sometimes it seems like there are new things she does each day. Being there to witness and be a part of it is fantastic. It looks like I have found a job though working as a physiotherapist for a company that houses both a private practice setting and gym/exercise rehabilitation/weight loss setting. I will post more on this when everything is finalised but I am looking forward to this opportunity and working with some great people.
I hope that everyone has a great Easter break.
Cheers and train safe,
Bevan.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
IM NZ quick wrap up
Hi Guys,
Well I went for it. At one point I was sitting in 7th/8th at the 20km mark on the run with 3 speedsters chasing me down with a guaranteed Hawaii spot on the line. I had the choice of keeping a steady pace and hoping that they blew up or going for it. I went for it. Unfortunately I had two mini blow ups in the next 20kms that cost me. I went for it and it didn't come off, as a side note, the guys chasing me ran through all with great runs and no blow ups. I ended up coming 14th male pro.
I have just been to the Hawaii roll downs and I ended up missing out by one spot on a pro slot (ie. I was next person up). Must of been the year for rolling over. You can not pick it as many years there are no slot roll overs in the pro section hence going for the automatic qualification position.
I have improved on last year and it was good to be up there mixing it with the guys. I need to work more on my second half of the run. But after only 4 real months of training under Mark Watson, I have improved a lot and we will continue this progression.
I will file a race report and hopefully some nice photo's as well.
I am a bit disappointed on missing a Hawaii slot, but happy that I gave everything to nail one and am improving my overall position/racing.
Cheers,
Bevan.
Well I went for it. At one point I was sitting in 7th/8th at the 20km mark on the run with 3 speedsters chasing me down with a guaranteed Hawaii spot on the line. I had the choice of keeping a steady pace and hoping that they blew up or going for it. I went for it. Unfortunately I had two mini blow ups in the next 20kms that cost me. I went for it and it didn't come off, as a side note, the guys chasing me ran through all with great runs and no blow ups. I ended up coming 14th male pro.
I have just been to the Hawaii roll downs and I ended up missing out by one spot on a pro slot (ie. I was next person up). Must of been the year for rolling over. You can not pick it as many years there are no slot roll overs in the pro section hence going for the automatic qualification position.
I have improved on last year and it was good to be up there mixing it with the guys. I need to work more on my second half of the run. But after only 4 real months of training under Mark Watson, I have improved a lot and we will continue this progression.
I will file a race report and hopefully some nice photo's as well.
I am a bit disappointed on missing a Hawaii slot, but happy that I gave everything to nail one and am improving my overall position/racing.
Cheers,
Bevan.
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