With the COVID-19 epidemic locking us all down, some Southern Highlanders might be looking for a little competition.
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Without the possibility of racing anytime soon, Southern Highlands Cycling Club know the importance of exercise for both physical and mental health.
Coach and member of the club, Michel Vermande came up with the idea of a Road TT Handicap Challenge during these times of lock-down.
This week is already underway with people logging times. Riders are using the Meday course and the club have marked out the turns on the weekend with spray paint on the road.
"I created this challenge, due to we are unable to race as a club at the moment," Vermande said.
"I thought it is quite easy for us to create these events, like a time trial. Because we normally do handicapped racing for the Summer, I have everyone's times, so it's easy for me to stay on top of the times."
There is one week to complete each course. Riders must complete the course by themselves as groups of two has been deemed unfair. Times must be recorded accurately and it is suggested that there is only to be one attempt per rider.
There is also no time trial (TT) bars or specialised TT bikes, only road bikes to be used.
"This will make it fair for everyone," Vermande said.
"I stipulated that no TT bikes were to be used as this will make it fair for people who don't have TT bikes.
"It needs to be just a road bike."
This is a great competition in the Highlands that people can do in their own time and remain fit and healthy. But people need to join for it to continue.
"It really depends on how many people partake," Vermande said.
"We already have a few results, but more people need to participate. The more people take part, then we can keep going as long as we can't race as a club."
As soon as your time is recorded, Please send it to Michel Vermande, with your name and by text message to 0410637667.
He will calculate all the time, and the rider with the most improved time compared to their predicted time is the winner.
Here is an example:
- Rider A: Predicted time: 1h Actual time: 1h10 Difference: +10
- Rider B: Predicted time: 1h20 Actual time: 1h19 Difference: -1
- Rider C: Predicted time: 1h20 Actual time: 1h18 Difference: -2
Results will be published on Facebook at the end of the week.
To stay up to date, please follow the Southern Highlands Cycling Club on: www.facebook.com/groups/southern.highlands.cycling.club.
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