As the cold morning was met with hundreds of multi coloured cyclists gathering by the Midvale Velodrome for the start of the event, I continued to cough green flem out of my lungs – a seemingly appropriate colour for Team SPR. I knew it was going to be a tough day. Raph, Anna, and I reluctantly got out of the car to greet the crisp air and ready our race machines and stock our jersey’s with Gu, bananas and cereal bars. Vital energy that in the end would save our team from exhaustion. The recognizable silhouette of curly hair standing next to a well trimmed goatie and mustache in the car park saw some friendly faces, however the lack of green cycling attire immediately instilled ‘traitor’ like thoughts. Into the velodrome to meet the team. Greeted by the ever committed Peter who had set up the tent, we collected our jerseys and introduced ourselves to the ‘Chocolate Canards’. Jordan – our team captain, Nigel – the workhorse, Anna – the girl with the short shorts (and today added some cycling lingerie like leg warmers), Raph – with a rare Sunday cycling pass, and first time introductions to Nick and Jill who made up our team of 7. Together we rolled out to the start of what was, I believe, all our first time in a cyclo-sportif (more accurately – a Team Time-Trial).

The 8km ride out to the start line was a great opportunity to get to know the team and discuss our tactics. Our goal was to try and maintain an average of 35km/h over the 80k’s, which seemed reasonable to all. We learned the name ‘Chocolate Canards’ came from Nigel’s recent trip to France, being the only two words he could say in french – although ‘chocolate’ isn’t too dissimilar to how us english speakers say it. Anyway, we all adopted the name and the french duck mentality for no other reason than team spirit. All of us easily got along and this cheerful energy would get us through the next 80k’s quickly, efficiently, and painfully enjoyable. As we zoomed to the front of a back log of teams waiting to start (due to our late arrival) before we knew it… we were off!

Our first lap was fast. We familiarized ourselves with the course and rode single file, peeling off once the leader had done their turn. Our quick pace meant we were overtaking many other groups on the first lap. Anna and Jill were worried about maintaining this speed for the next 4 laps, confessing after, they were worried about not making it to the end. The first lap was a good opportunity to see our various riding abilities and tailor our formation and tactics to ensure we got to the end together. The course was relatively flat with nothing more than a few gentle inclines. Located at the foot of the hills, the area was surrounded by hobby farms and boutique wineries. It gave an almost ‘provénce’ like feel with the morning sun on the vines, and the hills as a backdrop. There were many nervous horses around the track, fidgeting wildly in their paddocks or under their owners hold. I couldn’t help but feel nervous myself as I imagined these horses breaking free and pouncing on one of us. But I digress. As we completed lap 1 I took it upon myself to do longer turns on the front to help others conserve their energy. The team were chatty and constant communication amongst the team meant we stayed as a tight knit group.

We realised the goal of this team time trial was to race smart such that all of us would just reach ‘empty’ at the 80km mark. Of course with all our varying cycling abilities this meant stronger riders doing more of the work load whilst protecting others so that they can conserve their energy all the way to the end. This lead us to form a ‘2 upfront’ formation by lap 2 to create a better draft to protect and suck the others behind. It was clear early on that corners would split us up, so it was important we eased out of them gently. We also noticed the differences in effect of the draft downhill, on flats, and uphill. We found downhill; the leaders could really crank the speed up as those behind would only have to marginally pedal harder to remain in the slipstream. Whilst uphill; the pace would need to reduce to the slowest rider. It was this awareness, communication, and team spirit that kept us tightly together as we continued to fly around the course. I was impressed at how well we could all work together especially given we had not done so in the past. Anna for one, had not even cycled 80km’s before. As Jill, and Anna were well protected by ‘the boys’ cycling through their turns on the front – shielding them, the laps began to fade away. We were on target for that 35 km/h average!

Eating throughout this event was a key to maintaining our pace. Diminishing glucose supplies and salt over the 2 hours meant replacing them would be vital. Lap 2 and 4 saw the south straight be used to take in our food, and Gu’s were generously passed around. What a difference they make! Nutrition becomes much more interesting (and important) when you are pushing your body to its limits.

As we begun our final lap, my two cylinder engine started to falter. That extra work I did at the beginning had come back to greet me at the end masked as pain. My left piston was twitching to cramp and this mis-firing meant I would attempt to ride the last lap with just my right one. Of course this affected my speed and I was struggling to hang on the back of the group. Many sorry calls to ease up meant I was holding the group back. Sweeper Raph gave me a few welcome pushes to get back on, but it was only a matter of time before my last cylinder failed me too. Nigel, Nick and Jordan lead the group and as we snaked through the last S bend the lead out train for our chipped man – Jordan, began to wind up. As the team accelerated on the final straight to the finish line, Raph and I were dropped off the back and unfortunately our flying V formation finish could not be realised.

We had finished! The 80ks was tough but thoroughly enjoyable. We averaged a speed of 34.5 km/h and a time of 2 hours 15 minutes – roughly. Our chip failed to register possibly due to it’s location on Jordan’s wrist, not ankle. I will be looking for a four cylinder engine for the next one. Or maybe a hamster turbo charger. Our teamwork was heartwarming and we were all happy with the result and how we achieved it.

The spin back to the velodrome was slow and gave us a chance to warm down those exhausted muscles. Greeted by the other cyclists we exchanged stories and ate a full-filling meal as the track cyclists entertained us between mouthfuls. A new experience for me, and one I (and I think all) really enjoyed. Thank you to team ‘Chocolate Canards’, and the SPR crew.

Jen Siah

Photos from BWA photographer