TORQ Performance Track Team’s Mel Sneddon gets a number on her back for the first time in 2015 with a 10 mile TT …

After a good Winter’s base training, it’s always exciting to see what you can do.  Thankfully, having met the guys at TORQ (at the beginning of the year), I have a better understanding of the fuelling aspect of training and racing, which has made a huge difference to my recovery and subsequent ability to train on a regular basis.

The first race of any season is always the worst, both mentally and physically, and this year was no exception.  Looking for a discrete start to the season, I entered my first Open, on a course which I used to use for training seven years ago (when it was used for evening 10TTs).  I was hoping that no one else would be interested and that I could race my first Open in “secret.”  However, I hadn’t realised that the event was part of a ladies series and so there were several names on the start sheet, to include Julia Shaw.  This was not going to be easy or pretty, and my start to the season would certainly not slip quietly under the radar.

We were blessed with the most perfect weather.  I don’t think I have ever raced on the course in such good conditions and as a result, I came away with a 22.12 and 5th place overall.  The legend that is Julia Shaw, showed her true class, by annihilating all of us!  For me, it was a solid start to the season and it felt good to blow the cobwebs away, but I realise my pacing needs some work!

I must say a very big thank you to John Cooke and Farnham Road Club for organising such well marshalled and friendly event (they also supplied good cake too).

Thanks also to all the Sponsors that support me: