Chris and I rode this yesterday, the course (ran on the A50 from Etwell) is now slightly revised to remove the roundabout turn at McDonalds but now turns at the new junction a mile further on. Unfortunately this adds a nasty 8% gradient on the exit slip road and 2 roundabouts on the turn instead of one, so this course is probably slightly slower. That said its certainly safer than the original turn as you now don't need to cut across the dual carriageway lanes and the smooth concrete surface on stretches certainly allows the bike to roll along nicely. The forecast of showers was correct, Chris started and ended in wet conditions whilst I got drenched during my warm up but rode on a mixture of dry/wet roads but with little rain. The slight NW wind didn't stop quick times in the first 10 miles, the drag up for 2 miles certainly did though & it wasn't until you got to the exposed turn that you really noticed the cross headwind which then assisted you all the way back. Traffic was light for the A50 yesterday, busier than the A46 but fine. No red lights at the McDonalds and only minor slowing at the 3 main roundabouts. First time under the hour for me, so pleased to take 2.10 off my previous best.
Chris Draper 56.24
Kevin Humphreys 58.08 PB
