Alex Dowsett and Joe Perrett's 'record' 2-up Time Trial

It was at the request of the man who has guided the timetrialling progress of multiple junior national champions, that Olympic Academy member Alex Dowsett and newly crowned European Champion Joe Perrett, turned up to ride a 25 mile 2-up at The Maldon and District CC's weekly timetrial event. Ex veteran world time trial champion Steve China wanted to see both his proteges in action together and was looking forward to the prospect! "I'm interested in comparing their positions on the bike and seeing how fast they can go". The Maldon 25 is testing. The twisty, hilly and at times exposed course is well known to Alex and Joe who in their earlier days raced regularly there on Tuesday nights to hone their performances.

Last year whilst being coached by Steve (who was following), Joe set an unofficial record for the 25 mile course at 54.19. This time, Steve was anticipating a 2-up time of a "high 50". However he thought the weather conditions were not conducive - gusting winds and squally showers - so said he would settle for a "low 51". In the car park Joe and Alex met, both aware that they didn't want to disappoint their timetrial mentor. For Joe it was also a daunting prospect. He was going to have to ride hard to keep up - let alone keep going - with the speed and power that Alex was going to produce.

It was going to be another "unofficial" event. Steve was following again, but this time not on a bike but driven in a car by Bob Downs. So there were two pairs of critical eyes observing. No pressure lads! The first six miles were rapid! The car's speedometer rarely went below 43 MPH! Both Alex and Joe were doing fairly even turns of about 45 seconds each then the first challenging incline appeared but the speed didn't drop below 35 MPH. It was interesting to notice the points of comparison. Both smooth, both in relaxed positions, both very still and not appearing to be working very hard. The only difference at that point was Alex's slightly higher leg cadence. Joe appeared to be coping well with the unknown. At 7 miles Alex was now doing longer turns than Joe but the speed was was still at 40 MPH. So it continued, the miles were rapidly being eaten up and although Alex in the final miles was doing most of the turns at the front, Joe was still powering away and still keeping his form. With three miles to go unbelieveably they were on for a "high 49". Then the weather really closed in and a vicious squall put a dampener on the rising excitement in the following car. Facing a ferocious headwind with driving rain to the finish, the lads gritted their teeth and Alex put in a fantastic lung bursting front turn to pull them both to a 50.34 unofficial record time. Bob and Steve were delighted.

Back in the car park the shattered and sodden pair got the feedback from Steve. "Not a bad effort boys but a "mid 49" is possible! Joe this is what you need to do ......"

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Joe Perrett wins European Junior Men's TT Championship

Report & Pictures.