Wansbeck CC Australian Pursuit: Win

My second race of the season was the Wansbeck CC Australian Pursuit (16/03/14), up in Northumberland. The race covered 6 laps of a 12km circuit on grippy roads with a strong wind blowing. The race was a handicapped race with the first group setting off 8 minutes before me in the scratch group.

For the first 3 laps the scratch group was working well to close the gap to the first and second groups, clawing 1 minute back after lap 1, and a further 3 minutes after lap 2, by the end of the third lap it was all back together and didn't take long for the first attack to take place. The conditions were tough with the wind being exceptionally strong the break of 2 were brought back with just less than a lap to go. Some hard riding by James Moss, James Alder, Matt Kipling, Tom Timothy, and Myself saw the gap to the break come down quickly and a natural selection occur whittling the race down to around 15 riders in the front group.

Scratch group chasing early in the race

Getting rid of my gilet and an empty bottle 

On the last lap there were lots of attacks, the last 10km were very tough, and the screw was really being turned. James Moss and Myself got a reasonable gap with 6km to go and a couple of riders bridged across but got caught. The last 2km saw some last attempts to get away by some riders. Going into the last 1km everyone knew it was going to come down to a sprint... slightly uphill... into a block headwind... I knew if I positioned myself right I would have a good chance of grabbing the win. I tried to leave it late but found myself getting squeezed up against the grass so as soon as I found a gap I kicked for the line. (Here is a video of the finish http://instagram.com/p/lmxlfFIgwr/ ) 33 riders finished the race from a field of 80, which quantifies just how tough it was out there today. 

The finish (f-stop photography)

I'm really happy to have won, a big thanks to the organisers for putting on a great race. 

My next race is the Coalville RR on April 6th, then the Tour of the Reservoir on April 12th-13th.
As the team head to Majorca for a training camp next week I'll find myself in the Lake District on a Geology Field Trip mapping an area close to Ambleside and looking at rocks.

(Managed to get my heart rate as high as 210 in the sprint. So 220 minus your age would make me 10.)

Thanks for reading

James

First race first win at the Highfield Trophy 01/03/2014

Highfield Trophy 01/03/2014 Race Report

Establishing the break

My first race of the year was the Highfield Trophy Criterium in Middlesbrough, (01/03/2014). It’s fair to say I was very nervous in the build up to this race, with it being the first race of the year. The race was just over an hour around a 1km circuit, and in terms of the result is was wrapped up pretty quickly. The race-winning move was made around the first 4 laps, comprising of 6 riders, which later dropped down to 5. Richard Meadows, Ralph Hodgson, Shaun Nicholson, Dan Bryant, and myself.

We all worked well to establish the gap and then the pace was very smooth all the way to the line, with a few excited flurries towards the end of the race.

With around 10 laps to go Dan Bryant had attacked solo, but with all the riders in the break all-eager to win he was swept up with 3 to go. For the last 3 laps it was like a game of cat and mouse. I was looking over my shoulder almost more than looking forward at one point, anticipating the last attack from anyone who didn’t fancy their chances in the gallop.

Cat and mouse on the last few laps

The bell rang for the last lap, and I could really feel the butterflies in my stomach. An early jump from a rider with 500m to go nearly caught the rest of the break sleeping but ending up leading us with 200m to go full gas. I put it in the 12 sprocket and was first to kick out of the corner, before I knew it, I had crossed the line, arms in the air, WINNER! (Here is a link to a short video of the finish http://instagram.com/p/lAdFYUog-s/)

Such a relief to win, especially in the opening race of the season, massive thanks to TrainSharp, with there expertise and guidance I’ve hit the ground running for the season and hope to continue like this into the bigger races. The new Beacon BF_100 felt great too, I’m really impressed with all of the new kit from the team’s generous sponsors. A big thanks to them for their support for the year ahead.

Also some great photos from Michael Craig (f-stop picture company http://www.flickr.com/photos/96788374@N05/ ), captured the race perfectly.

Thanks for reading

James

Racing in Northumberland

Hi Guys

Over Easter weekend I raced in Northumberland at the Maureen Bain Memorial Road Race and Peter Chisman Memorial Road Race. This was only the third and forth race of the season and the competition was really strong. Riders from MG Maxifuel, Madison Genesis, Herbalife, IG Sigma, Node 4, took to the start line.

The Maureen Bain race was 4 laps of a rolling circuit with each lap an ascent of the Ryals.  I was in the very first move of the day straight from the neutral zone. At first it comprised of only a few riders but soon enough I found myself in the break with 7 pros which by the end of the first lap had swelled to 11. Dean Downing, Matt Cronshaw, James Moss, Magnus Backstedt, Steve Lampier, Tom Bustard, and Ben Ives (team mate) just to reel off a few names. I was surprised at how much the gap increased to the bunch. The gap grew from 40 seconds to 4 minutes 50 seconds by the end of the second lap. The pace set by the break seemed fairly steady and at first I got told I was going through to hard. The first time up the Ryals I got a bit too excited and set the pace. We got to the top and I immediately got told to not go as hard over the climb. I was feeling really good and was a bit naive at the pace set. I had a photo finish with Cronshaw last year but that race was an hour long crit. This was completely different a 3 hour long road race.

Leading the break the first time up the Ryals

The race was completely different to a junior race where everybody is smashing each other on the climbs, instead it was really smooth and it felt as though the pros were looking after each other. With just less than 2 laps to go the gap start coming down and that was when it started getting tough. The riders in the break started attacking each other and I was having to dig really deep to stay with the pros. With a lap to go I had used all of my energy and lost contact with the break along with Ben and Harry Tanfield of Herbalife.

Ascending the Ryals for the 3rd time

I got a lot out of the race in terms of assessing my form, experience of riding in an early move, and most of all the advice from the pros and what it will be like racing against them next year as an U23. Overall I was really pleased with my ride and Tom Stewart (u23 team mate) managed to top off a great day by winning. He did an excellent ride to bridge to the break and then go on to win. I managed to cling on for 20th, and Ben was 18th.

Tom Stewart taking the win in a 3-up sprint

L-R Sam Boast, James King, Tom Stewart, Ben Ives

The Peter Chisman race on the Sunday didn't go as well, it was only a last minute decision to race. This race wasn't as hilly but the roads were heavy. No result for the team today but quality preparation for future racing.

This was also the first racing on the new Avanti Corsa team bike. I am really impressed with the bike, it looks great, rides smooth, and feels really fast. Especially when riding the Ritchey wheeels with Challenge tubs. Big thanks to Paligap for supporting the team and Names On Frames for the stickers which look really cool.

Thanks to Names on Frames for the stickers

Avanti Corsa DR 

Next weekend I'm racing in the Junior Tour of the Mendips with the team, I'm  really looking forward to it. We will be missing Ollie Wood though, as he is representing GB at the Junior Paris-Roubaix, (good luck Ollie).

Thanks for reading, until next time.

James

First race, first win. Traders Cup- Dundalk 24/02/13

Hi Guys

I've had a really exciting weekend and start to the race season. 

It began on Friday evening when I arrived at Dublin airport to see Martyn Irvine in the arrivals hall in his World Champs jersey being welcomed home by a crowd all keen to see the World Track Champion and his medals. I spoke to him briefly about training with him in Majorca the previous week, and congratulated him on his incredible wins. Martyn has made history being the first irish track cyclist in 117 years to win Gold...really inspiring!!

Martyn Irvine at Dublin airport, new World Scratch Champion,
and Silver in the Individual Pursuit

On the Saturday I attended the Junior Development Squad in Bray, Co Wicklow, which consisted of a 2.5 hour ride and a workshop with Tommy the Cycling Ireland mechanic. It was also the first opportunity to get to know the new first years on the squad.

On Sunday I rode my first race of the season at the Traders Cup in Dundalk, Co.Louth, Ireland, I won the race!!! 
I was so happy crossing the line after being in an 8 man break for a lot of the race. The race was on a flat course and covered just less than 50 miles. The weather was mainly dry but very cold. It hailed for a while during the race, but this passed before the finish. The race finished in a bunch sprint from a large field (130 riders started the race).

Winning the Traders Cup Dundalk 24/02/13

I was riding up in the top 8 for the last 3km and squeezed through a small gap with about 300m to go and kicked for the finish. I opened up a gap of a few bike lengths from the rest of the field and held it to the line. A huge thanks to the organisers and everyone who helped with the race. Especially Karl Dolan as he fixed my bike late on Saturday night after I stripped the threads on my seat post clamp, without his help I wouldn't have made the start line.

Here is the link to the article about my win, http://www.stickybottle.com/races-results/junior-international-james-king-takes-traders-cup-ahead-of-comeback-man-ken-tobin/

Top Step on the podium

Wearing the new DMT podium shoes, thanks Paligap

Me with the Traders Cup Trophy

Here is a short video of the finish. 

I really enjoyed my time in Ireland, and hopefully I will be back soon. Thanks to all of the Team Sportscover sponsors for their support; Sportscover, Bioracer, CNP, Haribo, Challenge Tyres, Avanti, DMT, Oakley, Paligap, Ritchey, Kask, Cycleops, Speedplay, The Hospital Management Trust. D.M Keith SKODA

I have a lot of college work to catch up on now, back to reality after living the last two weeks like a full time bike rider.

If any individual or company is interested in sponsoring me or Team Sportscover please get in touch as all support is really appreciated. 

Thanks for reading,

James
@jamesjosephking

Team Sportscover Team Launch NB

Hi Guys

Here is a video of the Team Launch at the Manchester Bike and Tri Show which took place on 17th February. 



I really enjoyed the Team Launch, and helping out on the CNP and Paligap stand was good fun, we also met some of the sponsors which will be supporting the team this year. Here are a few photos too, and also a link to a short video following the team on a training ride. Team Sportscover Training Ride Video

Thanks to all of the sponsors for their support, Sportscover, Bioracer, CNP, Haribo, Challenge Tyres, Avanti, DMT, Oakley, Paligap, Ritchey, Kask, Cycleops, Speedplay, The Hospital Management Trust, D.M Keith SKODA

Till next time,

James
@jamesjosephking

Majorca Training Camp with Irish Junior Development Squad

Hi guys,

Just an update on my training camp in Majorca with the Irish Junior Development Squad. We were based in Alaró just outside of Palma for the week and the camp focused on road and track. 

After a day of travelling we arrived and unloaded the bikes at Andy Sparks' place where Martyn Irvine, Caroline Ryan, and a few other riders were staying ahead of the World Track Champs. We stayed in a Hostel just up the road which was a typical Majorcan Bed and Breakfast. Here are some of the views from the rooms.

The first day comprised of building bikes in the morning followed by a two hour spin to loosen the legs and track in the evening. This day was the busiest with 11 road bikes to build and 10 track bikes. Most days followed a similar schedule of Breakfast at 8am and out on the road for 10am. Lunch at Cycling Planet at 1:30 and head to the track in Palma for the afternoon.

The roads were wet for the first few days, so we stayed clear of the hills and rode on the flat. It was only on the last two days that we hit the hills, as the weather really picked up. There is nothing like it where I live, 5km climbs at a constant gradient on perfect roads made for great climbing. The long descents where great too with sweeping bends which gave plenty of opportunities to improve descending technique. The scenery was pretty spectacular and I can certainly see why all the pros are out training in Majorca this time of year. I got a real buzz from training on new roads with the lads in some great weather. 

We focused mainly on Team Pursuit on the track. Some of the lads had never ridden track before but everyone picked it up quick and it wasn't long before we were getting stuck into some technical stuff. 

I had a really great time and was nice to get away from the snow and train with a great group, it was a real laugh. I'm in Ireland next weekend for the next training camp so will catch up with everyone again then. Thanks to Brian Nugent, Frank O'Leary, and Martin O'Loughlin for supporting us over the week. 

Until next time,

James

@jamesjosephking

Hello and welcome to my blog for 2013. I will post regular updates on my racing, training, and other interesting things on here and my twitter page @jamesjosephking. 

Firstly I have signed for a new team for the 2013 season, Sportscover Cycling Team under the guidance of Mark Barry and Ashley Brown. The team is made up of 5 seniors and 4 juniors. My fellow junior team mates are Ollie Wood, Jake Womersley, and Jacob Scott. I'm really looking forward to the up coming season, and feel very fortunate to be able to use the kit provided by the numerous sponsors. www.teamsportscover.com Here is a quick video of the team, http://youtu.be/BGRYK6MlYAM

My first race will be the Trader's Cup in Dundalk on Feburary 24th, following the next Irish Junior Development Squad camp. The first race with the whole team will be the Eddie Soens the following week. The next big event will be the first round of the Junior National Series in Abergavenny, Cadence. I was 5th here last year and I'm looking to improve on last year's result. 

A bit about me; I was born in Dublin and grew up in Lucan. I now live in Richmond North Yorkshire and I am studying Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Further Maths at college. I started cycling around two and a half years ago and raced my first complete season last year (2012). I have had some success in my 2 years racing, 2nd in the Irish National U16 Road Race Champs, top 5 on two occasions in National Junior Series rounds, top 10 on 3 occasions in NJS rounds, Regional Criterium Champion 2012, top 10s in Holland/Belgium, and a few wins last season. I was also 6th in the National Junior Road Race Champs 2012. 

Thanks to all of the sponsors for providing me with the opportunities for the coming season and everyone at Team Sportscover.

That's a bit about me, thanks for reading. 

James

@JamesJosephKing