On the 14th-16th of April, Perth hosted the Australian round of the UCI World Cycling Tour, of which the Road Race held on the 16th, was a qualifier for the UWCT Final.
From the UCT Website, here's their intro blurb:
“A new cycling tour for amateur riders that will ultimately crown age group World Champions is being launched by the UCI in 2011. The UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT) is a series of UCI-sanctioned races that will be held all over the world. The UWCT will comprise a maximum of 15 qualifier events, leading to the UWCT Final, the former UCI Masters Road World Championships. The top 10% in each age group of the qualifier events will automatically have the right to compete in the UWCT Final and race for the coveted UCI rainbow jersey.”
Run by CIC Events Management and Bicycling Western Australia, the 2011 event is the first year of a 3 year contract for CIC to run the round, so hopefully it will be around in Perth for a while.
So, I decided that I too would join the ranks of the elite and undertake the race, with no thought as to personal triumph, glory, or an invite to the Finals: rather my thoughts were to whether I'd die in the process of completing a lap of the course.
One incentive for competing was that, if one was lucky enough to be 50 or over (yay me!), one got a reduced distance/lap burden: 6 laps of the course, as opposed to 8 for the 18-49s! Well, with concessions like that, who couldn't take up the opportunity? Well, as it turned out, lots of cyclists, but then it takes guts and supreme confidence in one's abilities to submit oneself to such a challenge: neither of which I had, more just a complete lack of perspective of just what I was getting myself in for.
Now, it could be said that the course wasn't that hard in the overall scheme of things – 6 laps totaling 81.5 km and 800 meters of climbing – but given it was the first race I've ever been involved in, I wasn't too sure how I'd pull up, or indeed if I'd pull out part way through!
For interest's sake, here's the links to the road course route and elevation profile maps:
UCWT Perth 2011 Route
UCWT Perth 2011 Profile
The 50-54 and 55-59 age categories were started together, with the overall start times staggered from lower to higher age groupings, hence we went off near the end. There were a total of 51 entries into the 50-54 age group, quite a turnout, and, combined with the 23 riders in the 55-59 group, it made for a biggish bunch start and peloton for the first 3 laps.
After those initial 3 laps, I was basically doing a solo around the course: after getting dropped off the back of the bunch via the twin hit's of Spring and Malcolm St inclinations 3rd time thru, it was farewell to the pack and hello to me, myself and I.
Had fun trying to stave off cramping calves and then quads on those last three laps, with my inflating lap times testimony to my physical predicament and the necessity of hauling my own fat bum around the course sans the 'suck' of the group.
Still, made it home in 2hrs, 39mins and 55 secs, at an average of 32.1 km/h, in 30th place out of 51 (quite a few DNF's), so I was relatively happy, even if my legs weren't. Whilst a vast 20-odd minutes behind the winner of the 50-54's, my finishing position was, apart from a very brief spell in the top 10, the best of the day for me in my age group, so I had soldiered on after losing contact. The last lap was pretty much a dawdle, with my quads refusing to function above 30km/h. My heart rate dropped from an average of 171 to somewhere in the low 140s, so at least my cardio wasn't too bad!
Would I do it again – yeh, why not! Given it was my first ever race, and with bugga all training, I think I could make some definite improvements with a program and some weight loss (87 kgs is too much to haul up any kind of rise!)
Kudos to the organisers for a sweet event, cheers to the fellow intrepids of the Wolfe Pack who competed in the race, and many thanks to the Wolfe Pack Cheer Squad who made it memorable!
So, roll on UWCT Perth 2012.
Ride Safe!
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Gone Italian: The Sequel
Time for a belated update on my Campagnolo 11 speed gruppo, a mash-up of various Campy bits, purchased and fitted onto my Colnago CX-1 back in August 2010.
The mix consisted of the following:
Record Ergopower Brifters
Coming from Shimano DA 7800, the shape of the Record brifters was different, but I have found them to be more comfortable and 'fitted' than 7800 overall. Whilst you 'lose' a position (you can't really grasp the Records palm down on top of the hoods) I found it of little relevance, as I ride them 'pistol grip style' for virtually the entire time I'm on the hoods, including a number of plus 4 hour rides. Never experienced any discomfort whatsoever, which is great. My hand size is fairly average for a 185cm guy, so I'm confident the shape would fit a wide range of riders mitts. The comfort comes down in part to the 'whale skin' rubber pattern on the hoods: it's compliant yet grippy, and a delight to use. The overall shape is also pleasing: moulds right to the palm and thumb close and tight with no gaps. The inwards tilt of the hood 'horn' assists here. The shape is also not too wide, with my thumb not having to stretch around the hood too far.
The overall size of the brifters is also ideal. Less bulky than the 7800s, they are svelte and compact and very functional. The levers are quite short, but ideally placed for me for either on-hood or in-drops actuation of brakes and gears. The sharpish recurve of the lever makes for excellent application of retardation forces and subtle modulation: 1st class.
The upshift lever is well placed and suitably sized – no missed changes here after an initial familiarisation period. The only point less than perfect here is that upshift stroke length appears to change based on which gear you're currently in. At the smaller end of the block, single upshift sweeps seem to require less arc of travel than those from higher in the block. I occasionally find myself fluffing a change from the 19 sprocket upwards (this on a 12-25 cassette with a ...19,21,23,25 end). Not sure if this is an adjustment issue, or just me being slack! Multiple upshifts in one sweep (to a max of 3 that I've used) don't seem to have the issue.
The downshift button is also fine, more so after the initial stiffness of 'brand new' is taken off via use. This was one area I was potentially concerned about – the button position looks a bit odd to me, but use has shown that's just a function of never having used Campy before. It falls readily to thumb in both hoods and drops, the drop actuation position not doubt being aided in my case by my short drop-length bars. No probs with adjustment whatsoever from DA – I accommodated to the different actuation methodology very quickly, and haven't had any issues reverting to the Shimano shift pattern when under duress! Love the multiple sweep changes here – I frequently use it on declines to go straight to a long gear.
Chorus Skeleton Brakes
I went for Chorus here because of the alloy finish, which look more pleasing to me on my bike. Given I haven't used Record or higher, I can't comment re: that comparison, but having come from DA 7800, I can say that the Chorus setup is just fine thanks. As good as the DA 7800 for feel and modulation, and ultimate stopping power. Does the job great, and I'm confident with them whatever the scenario.
Super Record Ultra-Torque Compact Chainset
Mainly went for these for the CULT bearings and the Cronitect bearing surfaces, which require minimum maintenance and no grease (just oil please!). So far, as smooth as butter, quiet as a mouse and no obvious flex. And they do look nice to me. The special anodization treatment on the chainset rings and teeth surface (nice in its matte black look) seems exceptionally durable, and chain noise is minimal, with extremely smooth changes between the 50-34 sets on the compact setup.
I went compact to get a more central chain run in my commonly used everyday gears, and that has worked well. I also liked the idea of a 34-25 combo as a bail-out gear: the 25 is like a 'free' gear on the 11 speed setup.
Record Front and Rear Derailleurs
Lovely look in black carbon and alloy, and equally lovely in operation.
Definitely more audible shift-wise than DA 7800, but I for one love the positive engagement 'clunk' and feel. I never have any doubt about a change being made. To me, a big improvement on 7800 – the whole setup makes the bike feel sharper and more alive. In addition, the chain tension seems tighter from the RD – there is far less chain slap in general riding than I recall from 7800 over bumpy or broken road sections.
Record Chain and Chorus Cassette
Not being a weight weenie, I'd probably stick with all Chorus here in future, just for the price differentials. Chain and cassette wear is non-existent at this stage, with the ultra thin chain seemingly strong as. A daily lube plus once-a-week full clean helps no doubt, but I'm gonna do that no matter what I'm running, so it's all good.
Overall Assessment
In a word: wrapped!
The setup is such a pleasure to use, with excellent braking and changing, great ergo, and positive and strong feel (I love the engagement vibe and sound!).
In combination with the Colnago CX-1 frame and Eurus wheels, the move to Campy 11 speed has given me a bike which I enjoy riding every second, and when I dismount after a ride, I'm thinking about the next one. The gruppo has really added to the character and flavour of my ride and it's been a pleasure to own and operate.
A great choice, and a hands down winner for me.
Ride Safe!
The mix consisted of the following:
- Super Record Ultra-Torque Compact Chainset
- Record Ergopower shifters, front and rear derailleurs, and chain;
- Chorus skeleton brakes and cassette.
Record Ergopower Brifters
Coming from Shimano DA 7800, the shape of the Record brifters was different, but I have found them to be more comfortable and 'fitted' than 7800 overall. Whilst you 'lose' a position (you can't really grasp the Records palm down on top of the hoods) I found it of little relevance, as I ride them 'pistol grip style' for virtually the entire time I'm on the hoods, including a number of plus 4 hour rides. Never experienced any discomfort whatsoever, which is great. My hand size is fairly average for a 185cm guy, so I'm confident the shape would fit a wide range of riders mitts. The comfort comes down in part to the 'whale skin' rubber pattern on the hoods: it's compliant yet grippy, and a delight to use. The overall shape is also pleasing: moulds right to the palm and thumb close and tight with no gaps. The inwards tilt of the hood 'horn' assists here. The shape is also not too wide, with my thumb not having to stretch around the hood too far.
The overall size of the brifters is also ideal. Less bulky than the 7800s, they are svelte and compact and very functional. The levers are quite short, but ideally placed for me for either on-hood or in-drops actuation of brakes and gears. The sharpish recurve of the lever makes for excellent application of retardation forces and subtle modulation: 1st class.
The upshift lever is well placed and suitably sized – no missed changes here after an initial familiarisation period. The only point less than perfect here is that upshift stroke length appears to change based on which gear you're currently in. At the smaller end of the block, single upshift sweeps seem to require less arc of travel than those from higher in the block. I occasionally find myself fluffing a change from the 19 sprocket upwards (this on a 12-25 cassette with a ...19,21,23,25 end). Not sure if this is an adjustment issue, or just me being slack! Multiple upshifts in one sweep (to a max of 3 that I've used) don't seem to have the issue.
The downshift button is also fine, more so after the initial stiffness of 'brand new' is taken off via use. This was one area I was potentially concerned about – the button position looks a bit odd to me, but use has shown that's just a function of never having used Campy before. It falls readily to thumb in both hoods and drops, the drop actuation position not doubt being aided in my case by my short drop-length bars. No probs with adjustment whatsoever from DA – I accommodated to the different actuation methodology very quickly, and haven't had any issues reverting to the Shimano shift pattern when under duress! Love the multiple sweep changes here – I frequently use it on declines to go straight to a long gear.
Chorus Skeleton Brakes
I went for Chorus here because of the alloy finish, which look more pleasing to me on my bike. Given I haven't used Record or higher, I can't comment re: that comparison, but having come from DA 7800, I can say that the Chorus setup is just fine thanks. As good as the DA 7800 for feel and modulation, and ultimate stopping power. Does the job great, and I'm confident with them whatever the scenario.
Super Record Ultra-Torque Compact Chainset
Mainly went for these for the CULT bearings and the Cronitect bearing surfaces, which require minimum maintenance and no grease (just oil please!). So far, as smooth as butter, quiet as a mouse and no obvious flex. And they do look nice to me. The special anodization treatment on the chainset rings and teeth surface (nice in its matte black look) seems exceptionally durable, and chain noise is minimal, with extremely smooth changes between the 50-34 sets on the compact setup.
I went compact to get a more central chain run in my commonly used everyday gears, and that has worked well. I also liked the idea of a 34-25 combo as a bail-out gear: the 25 is like a 'free' gear on the 11 speed setup.
Record Front and Rear Derailleurs
Lovely look in black carbon and alloy, and equally lovely in operation.
Definitely more audible shift-wise than DA 7800, but I for one love the positive engagement 'clunk' and feel. I never have any doubt about a change being made. To me, a big improvement on 7800 – the whole setup makes the bike feel sharper and more alive. In addition, the chain tension seems tighter from the RD – there is far less chain slap in general riding than I recall from 7800 over bumpy or broken road sections.
Record Chain and Chorus Cassette
Not being a weight weenie, I'd probably stick with all Chorus here in future, just for the price differentials. Chain and cassette wear is non-existent at this stage, with the ultra thin chain seemingly strong as. A daily lube plus once-a-week full clean helps no doubt, but I'm gonna do that no matter what I'm running, so it's all good.
Overall Assessment
In a word: wrapped!
The setup is such a pleasure to use, with excellent braking and changing, great ergo, and positive and strong feel (I love the engagement vibe and sound!).
In combination with the Colnago CX-1 frame and Eurus wheels, the move to Campy 11 speed has given me a bike which I enjoy riding every second, and when I dismount after a ride, I'm thinking about the next one. The gruppo has really added to the character and flavour of my ride and it's been a pleasure to own and operate.
A great choice, and a hands down winner for me.
Ride Safe!
Monday, 16 August 2010
Goin' Italian...
So, I've always been a Shimano groupset man, but with the Colnago CX-1 now a fixture in my riding, and the old Dura Ace 7800 advancing in age...
Time for a switch! So, splashed out on a Campagnolo 11 speed gruppo recently (imported from Ireland thanks to the good sirs at Slane Cycles, from whom I'd also picked up my CX-1 frame) and after paying a little duty, it has arrived!
I decided to go with a mixed gruppo as follows:
Well, if I'm a bit slower whilst my brain rewires itself I can always spend the time looking at my Garmin Edge 500.
Went for the 'neutral' colour (black and silver) as the pic above shows - looking forward to getting it on the bike and spending many hours playing with its setup, and the data it gathers.
Ride Safe!
Time for a switch! So, splashed out on a Campagnolo 11 speed gruppo recently (imported from Ireland thanks to the good sirs at Slane Cycles, from whom I'd also picked up my CX-1 frame) and after paying a little duty, it has arrived!
I decided to go with a mixed gruppo as follows:
- Super Record Ultra-Torque Compact Chainset: mainly interested in the CULT bearings and the Cronitect bearing surfaces - no grease required! (a little oil may be used);
- Record Ergopower shifters, front and rear derailleurs, and chain;
- Chorus skeleton brakes (wanted the alloy colour) and cassette.
Well, if I'm a bit slower whilst my brain rewires itself I can always spend the time looking at my Garmin Edge 500.
Went for the 'neutral' colour (black and silver) as the pic above shows - looking forward to getting it on the bike and spending many hours playing with its setup, and the data it gathers.
Ride Safe!
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