A balmy evening on the Somerset Levels in the middle of the Tour de France ensured a large field of 23 gathered for the mid-week SRC ‘Club 10’ Time Trial. The unusually still conditions led to an air of optimism that tonight was the night for some seriously quick times. The arrival of the star attraction in the shape of the Polish National Time Trial Champion, Marcin ‘Machine’ Bialoblocki, only served to heighten the anticipation further. I was off 5th, and hopeful of a long 21 minute time, I settled into a decent rhythm quite quickly. Feeling pretty good I passed the 4th and 3rd place starters before the halfway turn and everything was set fair had it not been for an unwanted stationary rest at the East Brent roundabout that very quickly chewed up 15-20 seconds. Undeterred I attacked the homeward leg as best as my legs were able and finished with a respectable clock time of 22:22, good enough for 7th place on the night. My meagre efforts were totally eclipsed by some excellent rides from:

• Nicki Carr (SRC) at 23:54 (first lady, and a 90 second PB)
• Mark Brock (Team Tor 2000) 21:25
• Steve Potts (SRC) 21:10 and
• Marcin Bialoblocki (ONE Pro Cycling) riding a truly astounding 17:50 course record!

In case you’re wondering that translates to average speed of around 33mph!! Oh, and mention this bit very quietly, he did all of this as part of a 61 mile training ride!   There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that Marcin will be making the record official in the upcoming SRC ‘open’ event on the 8th August.