CL 2013 R18 - TTT (Brittas) 8/8/13

So next week is everyone's favourite, the Team Time Trial round! The course is two laps of the Brittas circuit we've been using this year - starting from the Blue Gardenia, left into Manor Kilbride, right at the hairpin, left over the bridge, over the usual finishing line, and back toward Manor Kilbride.

The finish line for the TTT is just before the hairpin turn. Total distance is around 30km. Sign-on closes at 18.50.

Teams are made up of 3/4 riders. The team's time will be taken on the third rider to cross the line, so obviously if you have a fourth rider you have more leeway to lose one to puncture, inability to keep up, or whatever.

Update: With only nine teams competing, it was decided on the night that only the first three teams will get points, rather than the first six.

Last year the winning team was an Usher one, in a time of 38'26". The top Orwell team was third with 39'03" (second was Lucan in 39'00"). It was a wet night, so potential for faster times.

Teams can be made up from any of the groups, but it's best to form a team where everyone has similar abilities - the work is shared more evenly, everyone's able for the same fastest pace, etc.

If you have a team already formed, please post it here, so the organisers can more easily prepare the time sheets. If you're without a team, you can use this thread to find others looking for one, or just show up on the night and you'll be matched up with others. But your best bet is to form one beforehand with riders you know, otherwise you may end up either collecting tickets for the night (not so bad for the result), or constantly pinging off the front (frustrating for everyone). It also allows you to practice and work out a system for riding through.

Usual TT rules apply - aero gear allowed, caution when overtaking teams, and no drafting (except within teams, obviously!). Any questions, ask away, though it might be covered in previous TTT threads...

2012: www.orwellwheelers.org/forum/5-racing/38...time-trial-2012.html
2011: www.orwellwheelers.org/forum/5-racing/23...time-trial-2011.html
2012: www.orwellwheelers.org/forum/5-racing/834-team-time-trial.html

Also, I want to share a memory from last year, when my team with Ken McCullagh, Owen O'Flaherty and Neal Hudson, suffered two mechanicals. We lost Neal somewhere near the end of lap one, and then a km from the finish line, my front mech jammed, and I couldn't pedal any more. Ken and Owen came back, and pushed me to the finish line.

Leave no man behind*. It was the kind of feel-good story they make films about, and the memory of crossing that line still moves me to this day. True teammates. <3


*except Neal

Apologies, I didn't list the marshalls. There are 20 supposed to be covering the course, but the league committee were in touch to say they should only need 10. If anyone wants to volunteer now to definitely marshall, let me know here or via email.
Otherwise the race organiser will decide on the night - most likely the first 10 marshalls to sign on will get to choose if they want to race.

Seamus Fitzgerald
Siobhán O'Connor Fergal Daly - will marshall
JP Flynn Diarmuid Collins
Brian O'Dwyer
Cathal Murray
Stephen McNally Paul O'Brien
Patrick O'Brien Jules Cantwell
Colum Bradley
Brendan Canning
Jim Carey Jnr.
Anne Dalton
Patricia Buckley
Fionn Griffin
Martyn Holmes
Declan Byrne
Edward O'Mahoney Ken McCullagh
Liam Rowsome David Halpin
Dave Tansey
Tom Blennerhassett
Pat Conlon

Ken wrote:

I'm covering as marshall for Ed OMahoney.
How will that work if I drive out and am told am not needed to marshal after all?

You get to go home I presume. Or you can insist on marshalling so someone else could ride. :)

Martyn wrote:

Hi Brian,

Any chance I can get a dispensation to use up one of the 10 unrequired marshall spots for this Thursday?
I am down to marshall but have broken elbow so no cycling / driving for a few weeks and won't be able to make it out

Thanks,
Martyn

Hey Martyn, unfortunately there's no exceptions. Best bet is probably to send a replacement to sign on early for you (or cover your spot). If you know anyone who's going to head up early, they could cover your spot, and then race.

I'd offer, but I'm on a training course that day, and not sure what time I'll be at the TTT.