1

To start with let me introduce myself my name is Peter Kitching I’m 29 Years old and have worked for Wiggle for 7 months now.

Back in November last year I was offered a fantastic opportunity to become a Team wiggle staff sponsored rider. A package which included the fantastic Focus Izalco pro 2.0 2010 race bike and a Focus Cayo 105 training bike. I thought all my Christmases had come at once my plan for 2010 was, after a couple of years of debating to make my racing debut. With this equipment it was a no brainer!

Peter Kitching

Armed with some group riding experience (essential!) a whole bundle of nerves and enthusiasm and no end of advice from more experienced racers at wiggle I arrived for my first race of the season at the Upavon winter series.

Upavon is an active airfield in Wiltshire shared on a Saturday with the RAF gliding club a very exposed circuit which can be seriously affected by the weather.

After some flapping and flustering around I found myself on the start eager to go. The race got underway cue my first eye opener off the start 28mph!!! Cold legs beware. After hanging on for the first 20 minutes the pace stated to settle and the attacks flowed thick and fast.

We reached the hour point and the lap board was raised indicating 3 laps to go cue pace upped once more. With two laps to go I committed the cardinal sin of chasing down a breakaway which I had convinced was staying away unbeknown to me I had dragged the entire peleton with me. I tried to kick for the finish only to find that my legs weren’t in agreement the result 14th place in race 1 a little disappointing but some big lessons learned and experience gained.

Race 2
27/02/10 Redbridge cycle circuit.

Race two of the season was very different, myself and Ben Jeffery another team wiggle staff rider took the 120 mile journey to Redbridge cycle centre. Redbridge also known as Hog hill is a purpose built closed 2km cycle circuit in Essex with a notable climb mid lap. On this occasion the organisers had decided to run the circuit in a clockwise direction.

Slightly better organised and prepared with the use of my newly purchased Zipp gear bag which gets a 10 just for pure usability and some Maximuscle Viper I was raring to go.

The race started and immediately broke down into small groups due to the wind and the climb it then remained a war of attrition for the further 15 laps of the circuit resulting in a puncture for Ben and a finish just outside the top ten for me.

Race 3 06/03/2010
Upavon winter series 8

Back to Upavon for race 3 of the season, Ben and I arrived early and decided to set up the turbo’s for a nice and smooth warm up.

We arrived on the start with warm legs and raring to go. The race started at its usual fast pace but this time I was prepared sheltering nicely in the bunch. I felt good for the most part and started to think I might be able to sneak some ranking points.

We passed the start/finish line with the lap board to indicate 2 laps to go raised. The peleton strung out as riders who didn’t fancy the sprint tried to get away. I sat and waited trying to follow the best wheel the words of my dad ringing in my ears Wait, Watch, Destroy!!!!!

With 300 metres to go I was around 10th wheel when the sprinters kicked, I gave everything I had left my quads screaming, the result 7th place and my first ranking points of the season.

Not the best result but now I really feel like I’m racing!