26:50 equates to another 30 seconds off my previous time with no changes other than the shorter, flipped stem (and a rusty chain!). Is nice. I like.

I was off first (if only I was Number 1 AFTER the race and not before it!) and planned to do 2:45 for the first lap and 2:15’s for subsequent laps. I took off hard and ended up doing the first lap in 2:15. Um.. whoops. Damage control. Slowed but the damage had been done and my legs were failing around laps 7 and 8. The westerly wind wasn’t as bad as last time but it was still windy (is this circuit ever still?!?!). Ripped up lap 11, probably doing myself permanent harm but it was all good with the new PB. Getting into the 25’s on my Audax bike is gonna be tricky though.. anyone wanna donate this?