Marit, Lance, Laurence and Lara took on The Roc Wales on Saturday 11th May as part of The Roc Trilogy series of events. Wales is the first race. 1.5km sea swim, followed by a 49km bike to Snowdon, 12km hike (or run!) up and down Snowdon, 49km bike back, before a final 1km run along the beach to finish. The weather turned out rather hot.
Lance was first out of the water, with Marit, Lara and Laurence all close behind. Lara could have done with some cold water training, it was so cold she couldn’t get her breath.
Lara rushed to the mountain overtaking Lance on the way, some might say she overcooked it slightly! Onto the mountain, Marit was hot on the heels of Lara, storming to the summit and catching Lara on the way down. Both high-fiving Lance and Laurence not far behind, reassuring them that the summit really wasn’t that far, secretly very grateful the scramble to the top was done for them!
Laurence took a little detour at the top, wanting to take in some further sights! Then again near the bottom in a beautiful lake to cool off.
The bike back was tough. Legs were shot from the mountain and it felt all uphill with a headwind. It was quite some relief to enter Abersoch, but then just for fun, there was a 1km beach run. The atmosphere on the run was probably the only thing keeping one foot in front of the other, before the finish line applause, a massage, and a drink from the bar, in a boat, on the beach!
A really tough event, especially early in the season, but that’s what makes the achievement so much better.
I arrived in Mallorca a few days early to ease myself into
the 312 by riding a few scenic routes prior to the race. The roads and
landscape were magnificent and raised my excitement for the big day. The first
day I did quite a bit of climbing, including the most famous climb on the
island called Sa Colabra. After that, I gradually eased off for 2 days and did
Cap de Formentor before an easier recovery day prior to the event.
There is a large expo that opened on the Thursday where I picked up my bib number and which offers a large number of assorted items for purchase such as cycling jerseys, socks and lots of other stuff. Previously, I had heard horror stories from some Viceroys members and others that the 2023 event was not very organised. Fortunately, this year was far more orderly and structured. I can’t fault the organisation at all.
The big day came around and it was a 4 am start for me. The official start was 6:30 am but people arrived very early to make sure they got in the right queue and not stuck at the back of the line. I managed to cross the line at about 6:45 am which is a good start time. Off we went!
The first 25km were fast and flat before you hit the mountains which were all in the first half of the ride. The gradients were relatively easy – estimated 6% average. Everyone was taking it steady up the climbs for obvious reasons. The scenery was fantastic and fortunately for us, it was warm but not too warm and the clouds kept the sun off us. In the mountains there aren’t any flat roads – it’s just up and down repeatedly so you just have to ride at a comfortable pace. It was a little windy on the day and so the descents had to be negotiated carefully. I saw a few crashes on the road so you just need to ride within your limits and be aware of other people who are not.
The feed stations were very good. They served cold Coca Cola, sandwiches, gels, fruit and organisers were happily refilling bottles of water for riders. They didn’t have any energy drinks or electrolyte mix so I’d recommend bringing a your own. I stopped at 3 of the feed stations but I believe there were 7 or 8 in total.
Towards the end of the mountains, the coastal scenery was fantastic, and the roads were lovely. After that, you are then on to a lot of long rolling hills and flat sections where the trains come along at significant speeds. Quite often on the flats, bigger groups were riding at 45kph+. You had to find the right group for you so you were not killing yourself just to stay on the back. At that point, there were still another 100km+ to go. There were still some climbs, but they were mostly 100m kickers just to get over.
I finished in just under 11 hours (Garmin) which was 11:30 official clock time. I was ahead of my goal of under 12 hours. It takes a little time to recover after such a long ride, but they had free pasta, drinks, and ice cream for refreshments. You could even get a massage for free, which I took advantage of and it worked wonders. The expo was buzzing at this stage as people were finishing. They had music and lots of other things going on. It took me a bit of time to get my appetite back after the ride but the pasta was just what I needed in the end. It was a really fantastic event, and I really enjoyed it.
Arguably, the 225 gives the best views without the extra
distance so many people choose to do that. 8500 people is a huge amount and the
only thing to be aware of is that some people do push past on narrow roads and
descend too fast. My advice is to be very careful and watch your surroundings.
Other than that, it’s a great event and a fantastic trip in
general as you also have the opportunity to enjoy the quieter days to do some
other rides.
I flew out with my bike on British Airways and it was very
easy. I also got the public bus from the airport to Alcudia where I stayed
which turned out to be a smooth journey.
Note – the 2024 event sold out in 6 minutes. I didn’t get a
place. However, many people either get injured, can’t go, don’t train or for
whatever reason return their place. Those places then go back on to a
“marketplace” for people to purchase and I found it very easy getting
a spot that way. So don’t be disappointed if you don’t get one in the first
entry sale.
A bit apprehensive coming into this one, with a few firsts and experiments.
This would be my first open water swim of the year and first wetsuit swim of the year. Not really recommended, but not a lot I could do about it, unless you enjoy being cold. Also, this would be my first ride in anger on my new (to me) TT bike, I was fairly happy with my position but still had a fair bit of uncertainty. Oh well, we’ll be fine!
Races at Dorney are always a pleasure, a combination of a closed course with a slick operation makes for a great venue. The marshalls were extra supportive and attentive. There were plenty of first-timers too and I was more than happy to share some tips and answer any questions in transition for the newbies.
Swim – 750m 11:21 As expected, fricking freezing! Entering the water before the start it took a few moments before I could get my face in the water and do a few strokes. I then spent the next few minutes doing what I could to get acclimatized and ‘warm’ whilst the rest of the wave entered the water. So a few swimming strokes, some sculling with kicks, just to get the blood going and comfortable in the wetsuit. Maybe a quick wee. 3,2,1… we were off!
I tend to like a strong start, as swimming is my strength, and try to get out in front. One swimmer to my left was off like a rocket and I tried catching his feet but he was too quick and soon out of reach. He ended up being 2 mins quicker. I then swam solo following the rowing buoys and the rope under the water to the far turn buoy. Here I was starting to feel the strong start bite me a bit and was keen to settle the heart rate plus give my shoulders a bit of break. I eased up a tad and another swimmer started touching my feet, I decided to ease up more to allow the other swimmer past and then sit on their feet for some of the return leg down the lake. I started feeling stronger again once I settled the heart rate and shoulders started coming back to me (inspiring confidence for other races this year.) Not my quickest time but for a first outing, pretty solid. Exited the water in 3rd.
T1 – 1:53 Out of the water and run across to the bikes, stripping the top half of the wetsuit on the go. Arms were quite fatigued so a little trickier than normal.
It was quite painful running on the tarmac with frozen feet, thankfully I was quickly onto the grass area where the sprint transition was set up. As it was cold, I opted to put socks on but because I couldn’t feel my hands or feet this was an absolute nightmare, ended up on my arse putting them and my bike shoes on.
Helmet and sunglasses on, unrack the bike, and out of transition. No flying mount today as I hadn’t practiced that on this bike, also whoever decided to put the mount line on a slight hill is a bit crazy. Exited transition P4.
Bike – 19k 30:48 Ok, anyone who has done a race at Dorney knows it’s a quick course and with little to no wind, it was ideal conditions. I spent the first ‘out’ settling my heart rate and trying to get comfortable. I could see 3rd place not far ahead and 2nd quite a way ahead.
Everything was going fairly smoothly up until the second lap. I’m not sure what happened but I think my saddle tilted down slightly over a small bump, this had the effect of putting a lot of pressure on my arms, back and neck holding the TT position and I felt I couldn’t push the power as easily. Also, I struggled a bit with reaching for my water bottle (maybe an upfront hydration pack needed).
I was keeping general pace with 3rd but he was slowly getting ahead.
Reaching the end of the 4th lap I reached down to take my feet out of my shoes ready for the dismount, again a little trickier on the new bike, it was at this point I realised I still couldn’t feel my toes. This would be fun.
T2 – 1:02 Safely dismounted before the line and a short jog to my racking position, trainers on, again slightly tricky when you can’t feel your toes. And out.
Run – 5k 18:43 Off we go, I could see 3rd place maybe 400m ahead. So that was my target. Dorney can be a bit mentally tough as it’s flat out 2.5k and back 2.5k but I had a target to chase so it wasn’t too bad.
I still couldn’t feel my feet so running was a little more awkward, but I caught 3rd just after 2k. On the return I could just make out 2nd but he was easily 1k ahead so it was just about securing 3rd and posting a good time.
I was feeling pretty great, so continued to push all the way to the line. Over the line comfortably in 3rd. Woo!
Finish time 1:03:49 Overall 3rd/208 Age Category 2nd/53
A bit rusty around the edges and big gains to be made on the bike, but very happy with how it all went.
What a day! Very, very wet and the support crew hid in the cars!
• 🌧️ personal rain cloud, standard issue • 🏊♀️ didn’t get my toes tapped 💪🏻 • 🚴🏻♂️ didn’t fall off 💪🏻 • 🏃🏻♀️ overtook some people and kept running 💪🏻
First event back from fracturing my pelvis in crash at the Age Group Worlds in September – safe to say I was initially pretty nervous of the rain…soon forgot once on the bike.
Finish time 1:18:19, Age Category 2nd Overall 71/177 Female 16/74
Tears of laughter and fun with friends = priceless 🥰
Boarding the train at Surbiton it felt as if the event had already begun, with the train heaving with supporters and runners, everyone in a relaxed mood.
Arriving at Blackheath and the scale of the event really unfolded. This is a huge park and it was overwhelmed by a sea of runners.
The advice from the expo was to join a queue for the portaloo and by the time you reach the front, you’ll need it, good advice.
At 10:28 my wave started and despite all the advice, I went off harder than I’d planned. After 10km I settled into a rhythm and maintained a consistent pace until about 32km, then it drifted slightly for the last 10km.
The event itself is truly magnificent, having spectated many many times, I had no idea how inspiring the crowd would be. Tower Bridge is just jaw-droppingly incredible. It’s hard to express how overwhelming the sounds and sights that confront you as you turn onto the bridge are. I wanted to stop and take it all in, but I also wanted to break 4 hours…
Between miles 17 and 20 was the first time I began to really feel the fatigue and for the first time was concerned that my pace was dipping and that breaking 4 hours would now be a struggle. In reality, although my pace did drop, it wasn’t by nearly as much as I thought and there had been nothing to worry about.
Running down the embankment and scanning for Big Ben, knowing that it would be a right turn followed by a left turn then 380 yards to the finish. To my surprise, the famous clock didn’t really come into view until quite late, about mile 25. That last right turn was a turning point, finishing was guaranteed and sub 4 hours seemed extremely likely. Again the noise was like nothing I’d ever experienced, and the energy from the crowd carried me through to the finish. However my first question upon receiving my medal, and what a magnificent medal it is, was to ask how to withdraw my ballot entry for next year!
Reflecting on this race, it is unquestionably an unforgettable experience, if you were there and cheered on random strangers then thank you, it means the world to us.
This is a sportive event the day before the pro riders take on the “Hell of the North!” There are 3 route options – 70km / 145km / 170km. The 170km route requires a 4am bus to the start so I sensibly opted for the 145km route which starts and finishes in the same place.
I rode to the event from Calais – bike on the ferry was easy and the riding was very flat and scenic in northern France! The day of the event was great – first 50km were flat and was easy group riding on good roads until you then hit the first cobbles – the Arenberg Forest. This is the first of 19 cobbles sections varying in difficulty. When you get on it – it hurts!!! And it is hard to even keep hold of the handlebars. It gives you a true appreciation for how hard it is which really cannot be explained until you experience it yourself. On the Arenberg you can ride down the side and skip the cobbles if it is too much – but not on many of the other sections. This really is a baptism of fire because it is definitely the hardest sector. I used my gravel bike but many were on road bikes or on MTBs for the event.
As the day goes on and you hit more cobbles you start to
ease your grip and find your technique, so in some ways it gets a bit easier as
you go on but it is still hard going. The tarmac between the cobbles is
essentially rest time for the next cobbles.
After 163km and just over 6 hours of riding I arrived in the
famous Velodrome. It is a huge sense of achievement when you get there and a
great atmosphere. Most of the Belgians heading straight to the beer and chips
stands!
One of the best things about the event is then having the
pleasure of watching the pro riders on the Sunday. The atmosphere is fantastic.
I saw them from 2 locations and rode between them quickly – in Cysoing just as
they hit the cobbles there and then at the end of the Carrefour de l’Abre which
is the last 5* section. The Carrefour de l’Abre had a big screen up to watch
but it was packed so arguably I got a better view in Cysoing where it was much
quieter.
All in all a fantastic event and if you make a weekend out
of it – you really will love it! Can’t recommend it enough.
Ps. If you wanted a longer trip you could also combine with some of the classic Flanders climbs too. Koppenberg, Pattenberg and Oude de Kwaremont are all close by.
A group of Viceroys gathered on Sunday, April 14th to ride one of the staple events on the Pink’s calendar: the Spring Onion sportive.
This early season event is in its 15th year and didn’t disappoint. We rode 106.95 kms across Surrey and Sussex roads under blue skies and tackled over 1000m of climbing.
Most roads were lovely and quiet but a few smaller ones were better suited to the gravel bike! A couple of punctures, free orange halves (interesting half orange techniques observed) and a good few wees in fields. Happy days!
Entries to the 2025 event are already live, click here.
A unique ride through the beautiful New Forest National Park. The ride starts in Fawley and traverses some of the most stunning countryside in the UK.
Your choice of 4 distances; Rook 17km, Short 53km, middle 92km or long 127km. We decided on the middle distance.
We arrived early and found ample parking onsite. Registration was simple and once we had gathered all our kit we headed to the small event village before making our way to the start line. Each distance had its own starting wave and ours was 08:45 to 09:30. Just after 08:45 we started our ride and headed into the National Park.
The ride really does have it all. You descend to Lepe and ride a short distance along the coast with spectacular views over The Solent and the Isle of Wight. Following on from this you then head into the heart of the New Forest traversing villages and country roads.
It’s a great atmosphere as you are joined by riders of all abilities and ages. Some riders will stop to take in the ambience of their surroundings while others will push on to beat their PBs.
What really makes this ride special is the abundance of wildlife. From beautiful bird song to pigs, cows, ponies and donkeys. The animals roam free across the park and will often be in or close to the road so you will need to keep your eyes open. We all know what being stuck behind a cyclist is like but try being stuck behind a donkey. I must say though the animals have more road sense than me and as long as you pass wide and slow they are not a problem.
During our ride we had one feed station which was sponsored by High-Five. Providing drinks, cake, crisps, gels and bars. Toilets were also available.
This is a brilliant event for all ages and abilities. It’s a rolling course with 3 main climbs. Nothing too challenging. Alongside the climbs are some fairly fast downhill sections. Just keep your eye out for potholes. Some of the roads are narrow with blind bends so be aware of your positioning.
We returned to the finish line content after a lovely morning ride and were greeted by a beer and medal, which rounded the morning off nicely. Would definitely do this event again.
First ever MTB event and what a location for it, beautiful French countryside in the Saint-Antonion-Noble-Val. Was I nervous, for sure! Especially after realising the town is in the gorge of Aveyron and seeing the cliffs that surround it and apparently I’m supposed to cycle up 😂
3 distances to choose from 30, 41 and 60km. Thought I could do 60km, changed my mind very quickly and did 41. Well just under as I had a mechanical and couldn’t do the last climb but never the less it was EPIC.
The scenery was breathtaking, sometimes I had enough of looking up so decided to take a closer look at the mud (you will see in the photos) and one time I decided that I needed a little dip so when crossing the water I laid down for a few seconds 🤣
Got to the end thanks to friends waiting for me, swapping bikes at times and laughing with me and at times at me 😄
The most important word I learnt that weekend was ravitos (feed station), and they were amazing, bread/pate and all sorts of other snacks… so good and welcomed with big smiles!
In the end, organisers put together a meal and you enjoy it with your fellow cyclists (and hikers). Perfect day spent in nature!
The Spring Onion is a cracking local event of 65 miles (104.5 km in Triathlon speak). Run by Dudley of 50/34 events it is good value too.
Starting in Cobham town centre at a gentle 8:15 am (and how easy is that?) we rolled out like a marauding group of Viking Raiders. Dodging Nannies in Range Rovers heading for their skinny latte take outs, riders of all shapes & sizes were at 150% of FTP in the gentle upward drag to Effingham and White Down. I took the chance to snuggle up behind some of the ‘fuller figured’ riders to save the limited watts I had so far accumulated this season.
By the time we were in ‘The Street’ in Effingham the group of 50 odd was down to 15 or so, as we got going on the drag up past St Theresa’s to White Down. At White Down we are down to 10 riders – 8 Dynamos plus 2 including me.
By the top of Leith we are 7.
We then head out into the real Surrey & Sussex countryside, up Smokejack Hill & past pubs called ‘Badger’s Spleen’ and ‘Ocelot’s Nipple’ where local farming types with bugger-grip side-burns will later be sat drinking Old Thumper. From the back of my group the view looks great, sprawling country homes for the fishing and shooting types.
Wisborough Green is where the halfway feed station is at. The trouble is we get there too fast, & they are not yet set up! In any event we have no plans to stop for snacks, and trundle past looking serious. I am already starting to suppress the need to wee. Being over 50 this is a big disadvantage, as whilst it is well-documented muscles waste faster as we age, it is also seemingly true that your bladder gets much smaller. Mine seems to be about as big (or small?) as a walnut as I try to think about anything else.
I venture the idea of a stop but nobody else is keen as they are all too young, and still have bladders the size of grapefruits.
At the Foxbridge Lane climb we lose a Dynamo as he goes shooting out the back. I bet he stops to pee, lucky thing.
Two fast riders then breeze past. WTF?
I realise that there is no way I can keep up and let them go, but two of our crew try in vain to keep up, and waste some energy. By Hascombe Hill the two speedsters are long gone (to eventually finish 1st & 2nd). I tell myself they are young and don’t have proper jobs, wives, families, cats or dogs, so can train a lot more. If nothing else it stops me thinking about having a wee.
At Hascombe Hill we also lose another Dynamo out the back, so now we are down to 5 (3 Dynamos plus Jonathan from Cadence, and me). I almost get a nose bleed by venturing to the front, & thankfully before too long we arrive at Coombe via Bramley, Chilworth & Albury. Up Coombe I am having to back off, the other guys are all bigger & gravity is taking its toll. I suspect their larger bladders don’t help here, they could have been so much lighter had we stopped to wee.
There is no point in riding off to get away, as from the top of Coombe it is all downhill as we scream down Green Dene, into Effingham and then Cobham. Again time to be in a group and to know you need to do that before you start the ride. I am now on & off the front with Jonathan, pulling as fast as my little legs can go. We scream into Cobham which is now very busy. Range Rovers are again everywhere, as Davinia & Claudia head for extra Ballet & Piers & Miles are dropped off at the Skate Park. We avoid any collisions and I let the guys roll in ahead, as that is good rider etiquette having sucked their wheels like Linda Lovelace!
Dudley has, as always, put on great post-ride snacks & pasta. After pi$$ing like a racehorse I scoff down loads of protein (as well as some junkier stuff) and chat to the guys I rode with, who are all lovely. We work out we placed 3rd to 7th (with me in 7th). I ponder suggesting an over 50’s category for 2017 and then roll home.
Lessons from the day?
Racecraft in cycling events includes knowing when to push, and when to sit in (& hide). For a fast time in this event you need to be with a good group after the top of Leith Hill, as from there it is flatter for long periods. Therefore, know your route in advance, so in this instance pushing hard early actually worked well. Conversely start too slow & you spend the ride with a weaker slower group, who will rely on you to do more of the heavy lifting. Choosing not to stop at the feeds in shorter events, especially when the weather is cool can save time too. Having a powermeter helps hugely, as if you ‘know your numbers’ you are less likely to blow to pieces and can become more skilled at conserving power to use it when needed. To know your numbers you ideally need a coach, for me that has been the best money spent in cycling!
There were some other Viceroys there, so they too should write up how they got on?
Have a good season everyone, you can do more than you think you can!
