I'm hoping to pop my road race cherry in 2017. I have the urge to give it a shot. Any words of advice on what race I should do or where to start. I haven't a feckin breeze so all comments are welcome. Cheers
Get any 2 races in early season (to get used to the bunch etc). Lucan GP and Dublin Wheelers normally kick the season off. Just stay outta trouble at the front on those and you will be fine (go with a break or 2 for the experience). One might stick if ur lucky!!
Then Newbridge GP and Des Hanlon are normally early season classics that are a bit more selective & really enjoyable (i.e. Loadsa climbs & less likely to end in a bunch sprint). You will defo be able to get away on one of those with your strength. Tips on positioning for Des Hanlon - if it's the same course as 3/4yrs ago: u need to be @ front on 2nd last climb, to get away on last climb.
Be no bother to you. I'll join you on a few once ya pull me around of course.
Road racing is funny way more tactical than mtb and the strongest man doesn't always win. You need to avoid getting carried away on the early stages and hide behind the leaders don't do a turn feck that save the energy. The lads doing the turns ain't the lads crossing the line first they arrive out on the final stages from what I seen. Break that go to the line rarely happen in a4 because everyone want to be in a break but nobody wants to do a turn.
A bit of advise I got from Robin was that the good riders will break when the course is at its most difficult so either be a wear or ready to pedal.