NCRA Road Race Rd 4, 2 Apr 2022

My first road race of the year was the last round of the NCRA series, an 80km scratch race. This seemed to attract some fast guys and it was pacy in places. After a very busy uni semester finishing the day before and being my first race of the season I tried to not put any pressure on myself. The first lap was very cruisy and sustainable. This drastically changed going up the climb for a second time and the race split. I got my head down and kept with it, not easy going. For the rest of the race some parts were very cruisy, others less so. In the chaos my eating and drinking was sub optimal. I had times when I fancied a nap so my head really wasn't screwed on straight. A bloke went on the last lap so that was quite a frantic little rotation to catch him back. I had nothing to contest the end, but reflecting on it I'm pleased to have kept at the pointy end given the state I was in. Next time I'll get more optimal sleep and also remember to eat and drink properly during the race. Basic steps that I should have got right, but managed to not, oh well!

Ollie Maynard