Double Podium at Enduro 6

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BY: phil Morris

Published: 6th May, 2011

Enduro 6 and Night TT

This was my 3rd attempt at slogging it around Catton Park for 6 hours. It is a cracking event all round. For me the weekend consisted of two races, a night time trial on the Saturday night which involved going like the bat out of hell around one lap of the Enduro 6 course. Followed by the 6 hour marathon on the Sunday, completing as many laps as possible within the six hours.

We arrived on the Saturday around 4pm. It was also our first outing in our new caravan, which we had only bought a few days before. So the setting up of camp was a damm sight easier and quicker than normal!! I've always said I would steer clear of the things, however after this weekend im converted!!

The Night TT started about half eighth. So after sorting out my Exposure Lights, I set off for a practice lap. There was a strong field of riders including Andrew Cockburn and Matt Page.

I was going to be the 2nd elite male off, followed by Andrew.

I set off and thought I was going ok, then as we came back into the arena Andrew caught me, which was a bit of a shock. However, for the rest of lap I managed to stick with Andrew, but he had already done the damage so as we came back into the finish, we both missed the final turn. I managed to nip back past Andrew. But I knew that Andrew had beaten me, so I just had to wait and see how far behind Matt was. It wasn't too long and he came into the finish. It wasn't long and the results were revealed and I managed 2nd place.

Time for bed in the new caravan, but sleeping after an all out effort is quite tricky!!!

Enduro 6 always starts with a short run, which always comes as a big shock and for me is the worst part of the event!! I don't think I have actually run since the event last year!! Last year after running in my bike shoes, my joints disapproved and caused me a bit of grief during the race, so this year I had decided to run in my trainers ad change into my bike shoes before I picked up my bike. Initially it was looking good as I came into the pits in about 4th place however I came out of the pits in about 50th!!!! Never again, it took too long to change over!! After having a mare of a start I tried quickly too makes up for the lost places and time and attempted to get past the traffic (all the good runners!!) By the end of the first lap I was making steady progress, but I had no idea of my position. I knew that Andrew had already opened a gap, so I decided not to bust my gut on catching him, but to maintain a steady pace and see what happened.

The next few laps were uneventful. On lap 4 I decided to make my first pit stop for some water and half a jam sandwich.

On returning to the course I had been caught by Adrian Lawrence and Christian Audcote. I decided to try and get a gap on them and pushed on!!

The next couple of laps were fairly comfortable, but I realised that I had yet again not eaten enough!!! Oops! So I called in the pits again and took 2 more bottles, but due to rushing I didn't grab any food.

At this point I though I was still in 2nd place. I worked out that I should have about 3-4 more laps to do at my current pace. I knew at this point that 1st was well and truly out of reach. I just needed to hold onto 2nd. With 2 laps to go, I hit a big brick wall and started to feel really rough. This is what happens to you when you don't eat!! And yes my ears are still ringing now from Donna!! For the next lap I hit a tree and fell into a hedge due to my unstable sugar levels!!!!

 

The last lap I just needed to stay on my bike and pedal, keeping an eye on 3rd place. It was a good job I did because with about 300 meters to go I saw him coming!! S**t I thought, gave one last push and was well pleased and relieved to get to the finish. I came in 2nd place behind Andrew who had a storming ride.

Over the weekend I picked up 2 good results, but was annoyed yet again that I failed to eat despite not feeling hungry. You need someone just to give it you spoon fed!!

I had planned to race in Newcastleton this weekend; however since the race I have caught a chesty cough. So im going to miserable at home instead now! (Gutted)

Good luck to Mark Spratt in the 24hr Champs who is being supported by team mates Mel and Niall.

Thank you to Donna, Hali-Rae and Ryley for their continued support and all the other supporters out on the course, you need it during a solo!!

Massive thanks to:

XCracer.com
Exposure Lights- Best Race lights for night TT's!!
Gateway Cycles
Accelerade
MT zoom