Will's Quest for a Sub-3 Argus: Take Four

Will's goal of riding a sub-3 Argus is proving to be a bit like my goal of clocking a sub-50 minute 10 km: Very, very hard!  This year (last Sunday) was his fourth attempt at reaching his goal after narrowly missing it on three previous occasions: In 2013, he clocked a 03:00:47; in 2012 a 03:09:56; and in 2011 a 03:00:39.  So, so close.

Love this picture!  Argus 2011.  Will is the one in the red jersey.

Needless to say then that Race Day 2014 was once again approached with all the seriousness it deserved: Hundreds upon hundreds of kilometres (or as many as the tired bones of the dad of a newborn could crank out) were cycled in preparation.  The bike was fit with a new set of (lighter, and very, ahem, expensive) wheels.  The weather channel was monitored at (frighteningly) regular intervals.  And copious amounts of spinach and beetroot (the food of champions, so I'm told) were ingested.  We were ready.

Prepping for the big day.  [Photo by Vrystaat Fietsry.]

Now, unlike running, or to a much lesser degree, at least, cycling has two major external role players: The weather and technical mishaps.  They unfortunately play as big a role in race day performance as one's preparations.  And they're also very often (ab)used as excuses for less than stellar race times...  

I'm sure you must have guessed by now that we woke up to howling winds on race day morning.  And that, despite an admirable effort, Will narrowly missed his target time.  Again.  He clocked a 03:00:25 - the closest he's gotten to his goal time to date.  Aijaijai!  

But you know what I love about Will?  He makes no excuses.  He always accepts his time like a man and simply vows to try again next time and then puts in the hard work.  A true winner in my books.