English
Verenti Magnificat
To attempt two 100 mile plus sportives in consecutive weekends was always going to be a big challenge for me, but with my big goal for the season, La Marmotte, looming on the horizon, I entered the Verenti Magnificat. Formally the Highclere Castle Sportive, this 127 mile event changed start venue this year to Newbury Racecourse. So, once again, I left Mrs Carter sleeping at the crack of dawn, and headed up the A-34. Despite the forecast of dry weather, light rain had begun to fall as I approached the racecourse and I opted to wait in the car before unpacking my Verenti Rhigos 1. A few riders had taken the option of wearing the GPS tracking tags on offer.
These tags enable those interested enough in what you’re doing follow your progress. As most people I know think I’m mad for wanting to ride 127 miles on a Sunday, or not possessing the required IT skills to track me down, I decided against the GPS tag.
The rain had stopped by the time the official start time arrived and I lined up with the Rhigos 1 looking resplendent with a newly trimmed steering tube thanks to a quick dash to Wiggle HQ in the week and the kind flexibility of the Wiggle mechanics.
For the first 5 or 6 miles the pace was “brisk”. A group of around 20 riders had formed and I sat in, determined to not over do it too early, but eager to stay on a wheel and start chewing up some of the 127 miles that lay ahead. As the route left Newbury and headed into the countryside, the road surface became a lot worse. There were a number of guys at the side of the road already fixing punctures. On a sharp descent in mile 9 I was unable to avoid a pot hole in the road and the side wall of my front tyre blew out.
I just managed to stay upright as I could feel the wheel slipping from under me as I came to a stop. I assessed the damage and decided that if I could get sufficient air in the tyre to limp to the first feed station and get mechanical help I may just salvage the day. I managed to get about 40psi in and proceeded at a gingerly pace. The first problem soon came into view. A sharp climb of about 15% gradient. I had to sit back and keep the pressure off the front wheel, but somehow managed to get up and the very slowly down the other side. I rode the next 25 miles at a gentle pace and was very thankful to see the Mavic guys in their yellow van. They sorted me out with a replacement tyre and I was soon on my way. As the route crossed Hampshire, south of Winchester into the Meon valley there appeared to be no flat terrain to be had. I’ve never had to change gears so much in my life.
The climbs were not steep, but they smashed any rhythm that I managed to build. I was glad to see the next drinks station at Warnford, even though I knew an ascent of Old Winchester Hill was waiting for me around the next corner. 60 miles in, and only another 67 to go (gulp). I use Old Winchester Hill regularly in training and that definitely helped as I raced up and across the ridge to the top of the descent into East Meon. I was soon in a small group riding towards Stoner Hill, another climb I’ve ridden many times. Over the top and on towards Four Marks and the next feed station. 80 miles now covered. At this point, most sportives would be either over or have about 20 miles left. I still had 47 miles to ride and last weeks Dragon Ride was beginning to take effect.
As I left the feed station, I looked round for any kind of group that I might be able to share the workload with. Unfortunately I was alone and I pushed on as best I could. Thankfully the terrain was not as undulating as before and I managed to find some rhythm. At the top of the next big climb a feed station with a sign saying 18 miles to go awaited. I just pointed at the food I wanted from the table. I was too tired to speak. I got into a small group after the feed station and the next 12 miles were OK. I lost the group on a climb about 5 miles from the finish and I was left to ride the last few miles back to the racecourse alone and into a nasty head wind. I was very grateful to see the Verenti banners as the finish came into view.
127 miles took their toll on my weary legs. I was, however, pleased to rescue the day after such a disastrous start. I must thank the Mavic staff for replacing my tyre at the first feed station. I will be back next year to try to post a more respectable time.
