February 2023 Segment of the Month
February’s segment takes us back to a relatively high-speed climb that was last used for our segment of the month competition back in July of 2021.
February’s segment takes us back to a relatively high-speed climb that was last used for our segment of the month competition back in July of 2021.
The familiar slopes of Rodfield Lane provide the chance for riders to test their legs to their limits, over the second (and more challenging) half of this route.
At just about 1.2 miles in length and with an average gradient of 3.6%, back in 2021 this proved to be a fast climb that needed riders to push VO2-Max levels of effort to set a good competitive time.
The segment starts just past the end of the paddock on your right, following the cluster of farm buildings that mark the virtual ‘mid-point’ of the entire full length of Rodfield Lane.
A short false flat then sees a right and then left turn in the road, as the gradient begins to increase, as you then pass the gate to the gravel trail on your right, continuing along the gently curving lane over the first steeper section of the segment.
At the halfway mark the gradient temporarily flattens a little and the gentle right-hand curve to the road then straightens, providing some small relief, as you survey the final pitch that will loom into view ahead of you.
Then it’s a sprint uphill to the end, over the last 0.2 miles, for the run-in to the finish line, that ends a safe distance from the junction with the A272.
Please remember to obey the rules of the road and remain especially vigilant for oncoming traffic and walkers or any other cyclists using the road ahead.
The link to the segment is here: https://www.strava.com/segments/28953695