The start of a new year often brings unpleasant weather but this, the first of nine group training sessions, was much better than expected.

 

The ground was a little wet, it had rained in the morning, and it was cold; but not as cold as it had been. Best of all was the fairly calm conditions, conditions ideal for starting your new year resolved training plans.

 

Forty-five riders turned up on Saturday 3rd January, and Richard and I split them quickly into seven groups, approximating six in a group. With the usual explanations of keeping the first lap steady at eighteens, taking turns to make sure everyone is working, and not chasing the groups in front too early as with so many groups on a circuit of only 2.4 miles, we could only split the groups at half minute intervals.

 

With lots of new faces it was difficult to see who was in which group. I knew all but one in the first group but it was fifty-fifty for the other groups – but good to see our friends from Malton back again to support the sessions. These are the lap times, although there was some interchanging throughout the session.

 

There was some cross-over as group 4 caught group 3 after two laps, then joined by group 5 shortly after. So by the end of lap three the third group on the road was mostly a merged groups 4 and 5 whilst Paul and Neil managed to keep most of their group three together at an even pace.

 

Group 7 had also caught group 6 before the end of lap 3. It makes sense to keep the groups small, between six and eight riders, so that everyone can have a good workout. It’s more difficult when the group consists of riders of different abilities; this only works when the strongest takes on a leader role – and the others will listen to him.

 

[table id=50 /]

 

Once the groups had settled down they stayed together well, the three girls doing well, working and staying with their groups. Although Alex Dalton proved the strongest in the front group, you should all be winners if you worked hard.

 

We were really short on helpers, thanks to Gary Fulstow, John Savage and Callum’s dad were we able to cover all the road junctions.

 

So if, you’re free next Saturday, come and help out; it’s quite exciting to watch.

 

Jim Sampson
Club Coach