To celebrate 10 years since I last rode the National 10-Mile Time Trial Championships, I've entered the National 10-Mile Time Trial Championships. Quite a lot of people, some of them quite close to me, have asked me, "Why?" and asked in a tone that I don't find altogether flattering.
But I can understand the question. Unlike, say, the 24-hour championships I did in July, I have a track record in things like 10-mile time trialling. I used to be quite good at it. Clearly there is a certain amount of face that can be lost here.
There are a number of reasons for entering, each more persuasive than the one before. The first is that I bought a really nice time trial bike last year. Also a nice disc wheel, a £300 skinsuit with a weird knobbly undervest and a pair of shoes I suspect of being marginally more aerodynamic than any of the 11 pairs of perfectly good shoes I already own.
I didn't really buy this stuff with a view to going bike racing. However, it turns out that, "Because I vaguely fancied tricking myself out with some nice aerodynamic bits and bobs and to hell with the cost," completely fails to get past the domestic expenses committee.
Apparently, it's not enough to just want something for its beauty and elegance, it has to be for a purpose. Hence the need to do some short-distance racing. (By this logic it's high time Mrs. Doc used her cat to catch a few mice, but it seems that the cat doesn't get held to the same unrealistic standards as my bikes.)
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike