Race Report: Fish out of Water Sportif, Mk II Vol 2

By Michael Grimes

Missing the first Sportive in June and in reading the excellent Report from Sportive Mk I victor Casso, I was determined to have a go at the challenge.

Greg Campbell, a seasoned member of the club, planned the 155 km route. His inspiration was taken from the ample choice of climbs round his home town of Newry.

With an enthusiastic group of Piranhas taking on the first sportive, it was fitting to have a repeat later in the season.

In brief, the 155km cycle would incorporate 7 (timed) hill climbs. With an option of a shorter 90km loop stopping at the days lunch break after the 4th climb.

The first four climbs would be on the Cooley Mountains and post break the final three over the Mournes.

Greg drafted in the help of his brother Brendan and along with his two sons were the team support crew, official time keepers and broom wagon (if needed).

Six Piranhas set off along the picturesque canal side of Newry on a pleasant sunny Sunday morning to the 1st Climb,- Brianne, Frank, Quentin, Casso Greg and myself. All felt very tranquil as Greg explained the timed handicap system for the day.

Effectively we were being timed off the Coppi jersey (Casso). All knowing we were not going to have a direct challenger, we were each given a time to get under the Sportive Mk I winner. Although Greg did not let the group know each of their handicap times until the last climb.

When reading the details of each climb I did notice one I had previously been on, the 1st being the Long woman’s grave. Although it was completely different then, I had got the chance to be driven up at speed in a rally car. Today will be at a much slower pace and a change from enjoyment to pain.
Many thoughts go through your head when ascending and my main objective for the day was to keep reminding myself that this was good training. Also, do not convince yourself at any stage that it is time to stop before the finish line…

The first two climbs were close to the start and without getting too over enthusiastic I got in behind Casso’s back wheel and tried to at least stay on his pace. This seemed to work okay, with not too much exertion, until I noticed Casso gearing, he was still in the big ring! This is going to be a long day!!

Brendan was parked at the top of the 1st climb, timing each of us behind the first rider. I guess I was about 10 seconds behind Casso closely followed by Greg, Quentin and Brianne. At this stage Greg reminded the group that the 1st three cyclists up will have to go back down to the last rider to help/encourage them up the climb. Frank seemed to be struggling but was appreciative of the help.

After a short descent, we were on the 2nd, a much longer climb to a TV Tower which was constantly in view. The first km was 10%+ and this immediately split the group. The Coppi jersey took the lead, with Greg in pursuit. Knowing we had only one climb completed, I started with a pace and stuck to it. Quentin was close behind and seemed to be on my pace. The last 100 metres to the tower was the most severe but manageable. This time when going back down for the last person I took it very easy for extra recovery.

This would be the highest point of the day and the views were magnificent. Next up – Slieve Gullion. The 4th climb would be a return to the TV Tower but on a northern approach. We were descending on this side on a super steep gradient. The cantilever brakes on my cyclo-cross hack were being overworked, not good news for the return.

Slieve Gullion was an interesting change, as the series of short steep hills were followed by fast descents. Getting on the wheel of Greg or Casso would have helped here as a speedy descent was followed by a short climb to the timed finish. I was 3rd behind Greg with Quentin and Brianne close behind. Back down for a short distance to Frank helped to spin out the legs.

The return to the TV Tower began with a gravel centred ascent where the first 500 metre was an out of the saddle slog. We split up very quickly and finishing positions were the same as the previous two climbs, only the time gaps were much greater. It was easy to see the gradual energy decline in the group, as even Casso was resting at the summit and provisions were being rapidly consumed at the back of Brendan’s car.

A group picture was followed by the welcome news that we were making our way to the day’s break. Although it being a 30 minute fast paced trek to Warrenpoint, didn’t seem to phase anyone.

A satisfactory hot coffee and sandwich helped to distract the now battle-worn legs. We now faced the final three Climbs and a change in the group as Brianne and Frank were taking the 90k option, heading back home. This sounded like a pretty good choice at the time as my decision to complete the full 155k was soon questioned as it started raining.

Heading towards the Mournes I didn’t query the next climb which was to my detriment. A gradual incline for about 5k was being paced by our Coppi Jersey. We were in single file and according to Greg were averaging 30kph. This was seriously hurting. I was convinced we were not on the climb but I didn’t have the energy to shout out my doubts. I made the decision to wave Quentin through just at the time Greg lost the wheel of Casso. The group spread out and the view of Brendan’s car was soon in sight. This was a setback, as it was one of the few times in the day that drafting of the leading cyclist would ensure a minimal time loss and a possibility of a sprint finish. 4th in the group was actually a last place finish, so it was time to make amends.

Spelga Dam was the penultimate climb and with the walls of the dam in constant view we ascended thinking there would be no surprises, but we were wrong. Greg took the decision to lead the group and as he explained later was planning to keep the peloton at a manageable pace for as long as possible. A switchback 2km from the finish was the decisive moment when the group split. Casso was leading at this time and the rest of us were hanging on. Quentin seemed to slip his wheel on the road markings and it was then I took the decision to accelerate trying to get as close as possible to the Coppi wheel. This didn’t work as the gap remained, but importantly I had pulled out distance from Greg and Quentin. Over the crest of the hill and a welcome sight of Brendan and crew, hearing a “plus 16 seconds” timing check, was relief and surprise.

One more climb and time to restock with enough provisions to get me over the line. Fatigue was really setting in and the game plan had to be revised as there was a 45 minute cycle to Kilbroney, at a swift pace. It felt like an hour had passed by the time we got to the Forest entrance. Again I was not sure what was in store, but considering what we had already covered, the final climb was no doubt to be the most severe.

An apparent 2km climb was a grinder. Casso and Greg disappeared out of sight. Quentin stalled with cramped legs. I was trying to figure out was this the steepest climb I have ever been on. It was a tear jerker and the game plan was to turn over the cadence at a slow to constant pace. Quentin soon went past, but when seeing the finish only 100 metres away, I made a dash for 3rd. 10 metres before the line I passed Quentin only for him to get out of the saddle and make for a photo finish. He got me by a wheel.

The picture above illustrates the exhaustion. I lay on the ground hoping to be lifted into the car to get even a few minutes recovery. Greg announced the winning times and for some reason the handicaps worked in my favour. I was the days’ winner, and although excellent news, all I could reply was ‘Can I get a drink, water, coke, anything’!

Then I thought of the Santini Classic Cycling Jersey that was to be my prize. Suddenly this felt good. Was it worth the pain, possibly.

The final 8km back to Newry was a flat dual carriageway and turned into a team time trial. Apparently averaging just under 40 kph. Don’t know where we mustered up this energy but it may have been the satisfaction of completing a tough challenge.

Many thanks to Greg for planning and organising the Sportive. Backup, service and official time keepers of Brendan and crew made the day’s event run smoothly. I will be signing up for the next one, after all I now have a jersey to defend. This is a must event for the calendar.

Times:
1. Michael
2. Quentin @ 7s
3. Greg @ 28s
4. Casso @ 39s