Hi Guys, thank you for all the kind words. Where to start. I started riding track on Hector Norris in 2015. Enjoyed it so much that I just kept working on it. Really love riding the track. This year I was riding elites and had the privilege to go to Common Wealth Games. As a result I couldn't go and ride the Master Worlds, I was barred from going because I had UCI points. So I had to set myself a new challenge. I decided with all my endurance training and no other racing plans Id pursue this endeavor. There was something about the hour that always intrigued me. I spent a lot of time on the TT bike and doing specific intervals on the track. Sitting in that position for long was a challenge. The hour is one of the more technical efforts, everything has to be right, so many things make a big difference. On the track aero is everything. So yes air density plays a huge role, your position and equipment. I didnt have much support, at all. Most sessions was done alone. All funding was by myself. Luckily I have a real job. Once I decided to go ahead and give it a go Martin van Wyk helped me to arrange the officials, Im so grateful for their time and effort without them I couldn't have made it official. The effort itself was less painful than I prepared myself for. I knew was going to fight with myself for the last 15 minutes. As for the bumps, I can compare it to riding corrugations, at first it feels fine, no issues at all, after 30min in TT position it starts hurting, lets just say I was chaffed badly afterwards, broken skin. The track seemed to get bumpier and bumpier. It isn't a slow track by any means and it being longer also makes it easier. It isn't ideal unfortunately. It doesn't compare with indoor wooden velodromes. That is a whole different ball game. Luckily the effort worked out well and I managed a decent speed. As for power, yes Im not sure what went on there. I did a lot of testing regarding my gearing, speed and power to make sure I go out at a sustainable speed. The power reading isn't correct. But Ill add, all power isn't equal. Its not the same as going out on the road, riding a climb or anything else I've done. This was my first full effort, I have some ideas and there are a few things a can improve. I really didn't know what to expect. To the guys comparing me to Wiggins, Ill take that as a massive compliment hahaha, but you really cant. I'm not in that league or anywhere close for that matter Yes, there a many SA guys that can and will go much quicker! I look forward to seeing what is possible! A good friend of mine always says: "records are made to be broken". Cheers Gert
