Managed to run and get a decent start position but then started an inexorable drift backwards as the 29ers 32 1X10 gearing proved a bit on the short side. Various people I know passed but I couldn't spin fast enough to get on. By the time we reached 1/2 way down the beach everyone had calmed down a bit so I managed to latch onto the 3rd group. The disadvantage on the beach was soon turned to a big advantage once into the dunes and I started to work my through the field though there were a lot of pinch points and plenty of running.
After the first lap some mischievous soul had redirected part of the course and I found myself hooning onto the picnic ground with a big group of riders, mayhem ensued as riders swarmed round picnic tables somewhat upsetting some poor soul's quiet lunch in the sun. Somehow we made it back on track and back out to the beach again though I fear time was lost finding our way. Another run up the beach at a more sensible pace this time and I moved ahead of the group I was in as they cut towards the dune to soon and got bogged down. This time the route was clear through the dunes enabling me to ride all but one steep sandy climb. I managed to make up time and get tantalisingly close to the next group only to not hit the soft sand at the top of the beach fast enough and instead of skimming across onto hard sand I slowed and missed my chance. I rode most of the beach alone only being collected by the trailing group towards the end. In retrospect I should have sat up and waited as I'd lost my chance of a podium by not making the group. Instead I wasted energy going it alone and eventually got passed by the 4th placed Lichfield rider just before the finish. So 5th for me or 81st in real money.
Definitely a hard race with my HR data giving 178bpm average or 91% of maximum for what it's worth. The HR trace looks like a cross race with a solid block of red until the finish. Sort of felt like doing a cross race but for twice the time.
As for bike choice, staying upright was a priority so the 29er was an obvious choice. Skinner tires rather than 2.3s would have helped a bit without loosing too much on the single track and, of course, a 34 or 36 front ring instead of the 32. The winning Dutch beach racing squad (yes a team dedicated to the discipline) were on cross/29er hybrids with semi drop bars. As you can tell I may be planning to do this all again.
