Race report Georgia 24 Hour TT race 2026 (2/3) Being on the road and fin…
Race report Georgia 24 Hour TT race 2026 (2/3) Being on the road and finishing first long loop I was amazed about my performance. I knew I overdid based on my recovery process. My mistake was to push like I had no injury and no surgery. That was not smart but it’s me and I like testing my limits. About food – I setup some carbs (cookies and bread) and placed stuff in the van. Also had the bottle between aerobars filled with just water and a spare bottle of water. A second bottle I setup with gatorlyte/water mix using the gatorlyte with carbs. Schedule mentally was after 15 minutes a zip of water and about half and full hour a bit gatorlyte. Schedule initially to stop after 4 29.2-mile laps and after that every 2 laps. OK … that schedule went overboard because I had issues with rear derailleur battery (not charged in longer time). So changed to stop after lap 3. I noticed power drop in lap two a little bit and in lap three much more. Fully understood the issue possibly related to lack of endurance. I was not happy but initial idea to see if I make 350 miles went down the drain and I told myself that as long as I have a 3 at the beginning I better be happy since it is a training race after all. I changed my plans. Stopped and switched batteries (one spare battery was empty too so used another one). OK I understand everyone thinking that I was a bit unprepared and … correct I improvised and improvisation plus mentally dealing with issues is one of my strengths and funny as is that’s why I name it a training race to train myself for next year. I was OK again and took off. Due to change of target between 300 and 350 miles I decided to not take a gamble and stop every about 30 miles (every long lap and or later every 5 short laps). That calmed me down. Speed was not as good as planned but all I could handle. Average speed incl. stops were down to under 17 mph and dropping. Instead of frustration I just was ok with the new 300+ miles target. Every lap a refill with water and gatorlyte. I did drink a bit soda since I had some in the transportable fridge. I changed derailleur batteries three times during daytime and headset got changed twice (normal would have been max once for both on entire race). The headlight in blinking mode lasted perfectly fine all day long. And taillight was perfect since I never had to change it. The food I setup for me was not used. I know you must eat you need replacing carbs that you burn. Or you are not as efficient as you could be. Its true but I have a funny mindset, and eating was not in it. Not sure how my body can handle my abuse. Without crew it’s much harder to keep the right things going since no one is pushing for it. Something many underestimates as difference racing with and without crew. I was in full race mode … had a short talk with another racer who had is wife and daughter helping and being setup next to my car. Impressive person and cool crew. However, since regulations say self-supported it means you must do everything yourself. And I stick to the rules regardless how tough it sometimes is.
