Performance Trial in Cavite: My First ITT on Cannondale Six13

• First performance trial as a new member of the team (almost 3 weeks of training with the team every mon-wed)
• 34.5 km individual time trial in trece martirez
• Average heart rate – 185 bpm; maximum heart rate – 198 bpm
• Terrain – uphill; maximum speed – 58.2 kmh
• First time to use Cannondale Six13 as an ITT bike

The road team with the mountain bikers and the tracksters left the quarters at 6 in the morning of April 12, Thursday. It was earlier than usual because our destination, Trece Martirez in Cavite, is 54km away and about 2hour ride. It was the venue for the first performance trial, an individual time trial, for the new team. The route was 8.625 kms one way, 17.25 kms complete round. The every member of the team was asked to do 2 rounds so the total distance covered by each cyclist was 34.5 kms.
The first to be set free was the top ITT specialist of the team, to be followed by me, then by the ranked 1 in the elimination and national open, and the rest of the members of the team. We were set free a minute apart.  The road is a winding climb and the wind was quite strong on the way back. My usual tactic in every ITT I made is to set the rhythm in my cadence as early as I could. I then try to maintain the pacing all the way to the finish because based on personal observations and experiences, the most difficult and crucial parts of an ITT that I am extra cautious are in the beginning and towards its end.

I was extra observant during the ITT. It was not only a performance test for me, but also a performance test on Cannondale Six13 entrusted to me by Mr. Washington Ong of Cannondale Philippines and Newton Multi Sales. It was the first time I used Cannondale Six13 in such event. I usually ride my ITT bike in time trials on routes made more difficult by the steep slope. I thought that more than 5 months of bonding and numerous climbs in Rizal and in Baguio was more than enough to fully adjust on my new steed and ride it on extra challenging situation. This was the perfect moment, a difficult route and a crucial test as member of a new team under the supervision of fastidious officials. During the ITT climb, I feel very light and comfortable. There was a feeling of supremacy like a jock finally having its full control on a radical and intense horse as they move as one. I finally learn to take full advantage of the intricate yet superb qualities of the bike realizing its fullest potential.  I knew right away that I have a new all-around bike. I gave the bike my full confidence and it brought me overwhelming results. I overtook the top ITT specialist of the team, and eventually registered the best time among the 14 – man team.