じょんのび　marathon 2011

Sunday was the じょんのび marathon.

As usual it was very hot! 11 km course with ups, downs and no flats! 10 laps. 110 km / 1560 m climbing.

19 riders set out at 8 am. The first lap was supposed to be done slowly but Murayama san was at the front driving the pace. “Parade Pace” he calls it!

By the start of the second lap, there was a top group of 4, Yoshida san, Murayama san, Sagara san and me.

Yoshida san was off the front quite a bit. Looking good on the climbs. Making some big gaps.

I realized quickly that my advantage was on the descents. Hitting 65 kmph plus each time (top speed 69 kmph). I gapped the other 3 on each descent, forcing them to work a bit to get across at the bottom.

The pace was good. I was hitting 180 HR on each climb. I was glad I took a rest the day before. I took a bottle a lap and ate something on the long descent on each lap.

By lap 5, we were down to two, Murayama san and me. I missed a bottle on lap 6 and he was kind enough to share his.

After lap 7 we made a full stop to get drinks and food. From here the race proper would begin.

I put in a few small attacks on the descents, to try to decide where to attack later.

Two years ago, Murayama san attacked me on the last climb. I was on the limit for the entire lap and couldn’t respond.

Three years ago I attacked on the long descent on the 8th lap and managed to keep away to the finish.

This year I decided to go on the 9th lap on the long descent.

Up until the 8th lap, I had done all the work on the front. I let him come around for a long pull on lap 8 and took in food and drink.

On the 9th lap I put in my attack as planned. Each lap I’d eaten at this point, so I think I caught him by surprise.

Looking back under my arm I could see the chase was on. I was freewheeling keeping down as low as possible. He was pedaling hard.

About 15 km to go. Time trial mode. I kept the gap on the descent. I held it on the valley floor too. Now if I could just keep it over the climb out of Betsumata….

But he’s getting closer, closer, time to ease off. He’s back on.

Into the final lap.

“This is the last one Andy!”.

“I gave it all there. I’m finished!”

I lock onto Murayama san’s wheel. We’re climbing R353. I look down. 35 kmph. 180 HR. Drafting!

Turn left. Out of the saddle. The left leg is cramping. Locked at 6 o’clock.

A quick leg rub. The next climb. Locked at 6 o’clock again.

Murayama san is too strong. I just can’t follow any longer. I don’t give up though. There’s always a chance. Push it all the way to the finish.

Happy with 2nd place. Happy with my performance. Happy with the training. A good ride for the last ride on my carbon bike.

After the race was the usual BBQ. Thank you to Enosan’s family for the great food, great beer (draft Malts!) and great atmosphere.

Sunday’s training: 110 km, 1560 m climbing, 152 / 187 HR av / max