I just realised that it's 20 years since my first sub 3.
I'm only mentioning the following due to how it was achieved. Most comments before this indicate that it takes hard work, the right group, fitness and weather conditions, etc. No doubt, that is spot on.
What happened to me 3 weeks before 'The Argus' of 2004, was a crash in a race that went over Oukaapseweg. My crash was in the dip between the small and big climbs. This was my fine tuning race. Bike written off, helmet cracked but fortunately, no fractures or breaks, just serious concussion. I knew that I was in peak fitness, and that would assist in my recovery but would I be ready to race on the big day? Probably not. So that's when I just chilled through the insurance claim process, and eventually got a new bike on the Tuesday before the race. For this year, I was seeded in D, which is usually a good marker for a sub 3 candidate. Still, I wasn't going to race, just ride. I followed wheels like I have never done before (I prefer riding in the wind and providing a slip) and never turned a pedal in anger. My most chilled race ever, and I reached the finish line in 2h54. A detour sub 3 that came easily because I knew that I had the fitness but due to the circumstances, decided that I shouldn't put any pressure on myself for that day. So remember to relax in trying to achieve your goals, and they may come to fruition sooner than anticipated.
Well done to all who finished, all who finished and achieved their goals, and speedy recovery to all who suffered in crashes.
