2007 ABD Indoor Time Trial Series
Winfield, IL
Race#1 – January 7, 2007 (Flat)
Cat 4 – 16th – 16:12.9
258 watts – 23.0 MPH
Race#2 – January 28, 2007 (Rolling)
Cat 4 – 10th – 16:28.6
279 watts – 22.6 MPH
Race#3 – February 18, 2007 (Flat)
Cat 4 – 10th – 15:35.5
304 watts – 23.9 MPH
Race#3 – March 4, 2007 (Rolling)
Cat 4 – 22th – 17:03.5
334 watts – 21.9 MPH
This was my third year of racing in the ABD Indoor TT series and the third year it was held at a different location. After a 1 year cameo at the Warrenville HS, the event was moved to the Winfield Middle School. I hope it stays in this location. It’s a nice venue that’s not far off I-88.
The main competition area in the gym has two huge screens with 8 racers competing against each other at a time for a total of 16 Computrainer stations. There are also a number of trainers to warm-up on for about 30 minutes before your start time. Music and an MC keep things moving and sponsors are there showing off their wares. The races feel more like an event rather than a bunch of people crammed indoors awaiting the return of cycling weather.
The main warm-up area is next door in the cafeteria. There are a number of Cycle-Ops trainers provided, but it’s a good idea to bring your own. I’ve also brought my own small fan and extension cord to help keep cool as the room can get warm quickly with all the cyclists warming up and cooling down (a towel is a must).
The four race series is split between two flat 10K courses and twp “rolling” 10K courses on the Computrainer. The flat courses are relatively simple (duh!), but the rolling courses actually require a little concentration. Tackling hills on the Computrainer is much different than dealing with hills outdoors.
Overall, I felt I did pretty well in the series. I ended up 11th in Cat 4. I had hoped to do better, but my placings weren’t bad considering it’s so early in the year. I was a little disappointed with the last hill race, since I think my Computrainer wasn’t calibrated correctly (and my PT reading was very high). However, I still had a good result from the first hill race (they take the best of the two).
The ABD Indoor TT series is a good way to monitor your fitness in the winter and helps the cold, dark months go a little faster. I just wish April would come sooner.