3/4 v E123

[Birdthom]

Morning All,

I can't do my preferred 3/4 circuit race on Saturday morning, and my only option is to do the E123 in the afternoon instead. I'm a 3rd, and I'm invariably up in/near the points in 3/4 races. I've never tried anything higher than that though.

Am I just going to get my legs ripped off straight away in the E123, or is it a worthwhile exercise?

Thanks in advance.

[okgo]

Its hard to say, it really depends on the standard of riders at the sharp end of e123.

It will be a lot faster, and the attacks will be a lot stronger, but in terms of sitting in the pack, its not likely to be much different, and certainly when a break has gone it will be easy, but to be at the sharp end in 3/4 crits and races is indeed night and day with being up there in a decent e123 crit (or road race), mainly due to the caliber of young rider that is coming through now, there are LOTS of strong riders about.

[agentnomad]

Sounds like you could be a second cat soon, so worth a try and you will then known how much of a difference there is, it will not be speed alone, style of riding will be different, the distance could be longer (something that be catch you out if you are not use to it)

It will be worth doing

Also there are lads of riders that hold themselves down the categories (by not placing or shot racing seasons) for all sorts of reasons.

Paul.

[Birdthom]

Thanks guys. I'll give it a go. I certainly don't expect to be at the sharp end, it's more a question of trying to stay with the bunch, use it as training and learn what I can from it.

[lynus2004]

Darley? I have been thinking the same thing recently because the E/1/2/3 field is much smaller and I'd imagine much safer. Average speed has generally been 1-1.5mph higher.

A lot of it depends who turns up, Russell Downing and the NTFO team were there the other week and they took the first 3 places, my team mate was riding it and he said that they pretty much made it into 2 races, however, 3rd cats have finished in the points both weeks so far.

Done a few races with E/1 and I've found the difference to be in the attacks, when an Elite rider goes they pull like a train, if it catches you off guard you've got no chance.

[Birdthom]

lynus2004 said:

Darley? I have been thinking the same thing recently because the E/1/2/3 field is much smaller and I'd imagine much safer. Average speed has generally been 1-1.5mph higher.

A lot of it depends who turns up, Russell Downing and the NTFO team were there the other week and they took the first 3 places, my team mate was riding it and he said that they pretty much made it into 2 races, however, 3rd cats have finished in the points both weeks so far.

Done a few races with E/1 and I've found the difference to be in the attacks, when an Elite rider goes they pull like a train, if it catches you off guard you've got no chance.

Yep, Darley. Not much other Saturday racing around near us at the minute. I'll do it if you do ;-)

[lynus2004]

Would do but I can't make the later race this week. How many were in the 3/4 race last week?

[Birdthom]

Quite a small field in the 3/4 last week - only about 90 at a guess!