GCN Presenter To National Champion? | Track Cycling Challenge

Late last year, Alex decided he wanted to take on a challenge, and chose to target the individual pursuit at the British National Track Championships. 🚴 This 4km solo race against the clock is one of the hardest events in the velodrome and qualifying for the national championships, let alone winning, would be no mean feat. How will Alex get on? 🤨
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[@gcn]

What challenge do you want to see Alex take on next? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

[@DoNuT_1985]

The trend says, do an unsupported bikepacking race, even though it is tough to win or rank high in one of these, as a fairly trained cyclist with good equipment, you can absolutely finish one within the time limit as a mortal. Doesn't have to be the TCR.

[@Star14trek]

Repeat next year but with 2-3months of track riding Alex 😁

[@Star14trek]

Good go Alex considering you followed the GCN mantra .... Do as I say not as I do! 😵‍💫..... Ride/train on the track 😁

[@_gregvalencia]

I would love to see another attempt with some proper track training. Maybe with Manon as a coach?

[@codemonkeyalpha9057]

I think Alex should keep on with the track racing, see how much he can improve in a year knowing what he knows now. I get he was disappointed, but I suspect tightening up his line and resolving those on track aero issues would get him near the 20 seconds he needs. Can't expect to get your optimum performance first attempt, I think this was a cracking effort considering he hadn't had any time in the velodrome.

[@alexpatonGCN]

Thanks for all the kind and positive comments everyone. Always a tough one putting yourself out there and open to failure, but it was enjoyable and fun to show a different side to cycling.

[@jrgensneisen6021]

Would be awesome to se you give it another go with more track training! But i can see how that could be difficult time and budget wise

[@KitagumaIgen]

Break down - BREAK BACK! There's next year to improve to.

[@mattb106]

Great video Alex. Just watching the accompanying tech video now. I’ve been building up the parts for a pursuit bike at the moment having started track riding at Newport last year. Luckily Im eligible for masters racing so there are 3km events instead but I’d like to have a crack qualifying for the British champs next year. Hope to see you there!

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

Alex, the main thing is it was a learning experience and now you know what it takes for trying again. 😊👍

[@evantozer]

Great video Patrick!

[@mesnilman2327]

Alex, loads of kudos. But get yourself some proper track time, rope Manon in to coach you, and bring it home next year.

[@chm2]

Was a great effort. Really want to see this and see how much you improve.

[@gcn]

Would you like to see this next year? Should we go for take two? 🧐

[@mesnilman2327]

@@gcn Definitely! And some vlogs/videos along the journey. Track days, events between now and then. Manon involved. It would be great!

[@Zwiesel66]

@@gcn Yes definitely, I wish Alex all the best for his next attempt.

[@John-ou4rm]

​@@gcn So here we are 1 year later. Racing or 🐤 out?

[@BreakawayB]

🏆Excellebt video, Alex. It says a lot to video your performance and put it online for everybody to criticize. You may not have met your qualifying goal, but you were the best version of yourself.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Alex, huge kudos for being so honest in the final segment. 👍

[@GCNalex]

Thanks Andrew, always have to be honest with yourself and i feel was a fair evaluation.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

@@GCNalex You can't learn from your experiences if you aren't honest with yourself, and that is a very different thing from making excuses.

[@supersixmikeohimod]

Well done Alex. Probably the most genuine video on this channel for a long time

[@GCNalex]

AH very kind, glad you enjoyed it

[@matthewgburnell]

Great effort Alex. You shouldn't be too disappointed - 4:25 seems an absurdly tough standard for the pre-qualifying for the qualifying event for the National track champs! And anyway take heart from the fact that 4:40 would have won you the gold medal at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal and every Olympics prior to that!

[@GCNalex]

Thanks for finding the positives, maybe i need a time machine rather than invest in more prep for next year hahah

[@John-dh1gh]

Yeah, and he would have beaten Fred Flinstone, Yabba Dabba Do! If he was in an outdoor velodrome and using the old bikes with similar gear.... then we'd see.

[@chones_]

Great video. No shame in not qualifying--Alex just needed more time on the actual surface he intended to race on. Love to see GCN presenters doing challenges that normal folks would attempt, and coming short. That's life. Trying to overcome those hiccups and improve is the fun part.

[@GCNalex]

Cheers Steve, was fun to share my experience with everyone

[@ierefaanbatchelor2578]

Well done Adam (aka Alex) 😁. Respect for the attempt. Loads of effort and work to even get there. Would love to see re-do after some on track training and the addition of some more tech 🤩

[@gcn]

Maybe something for the future!

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

Have Manon put him through the ringer; he’ll definitely get better.

[@ecksman97]

More of these videos please! Really enjoy when the presenters take on challenges like this, Fondos, crits etc.

[@Jimbo5063]

Well done, Alex, even if you didn’t qualify, that was a huge effort. Thank you for sharing it with us viewers.

[@HKRoad]

That’s four minutes at least faster than most of us Alex. Well done on an impressive effort

[@markgueren9633]

That was AWSOME!! Good for you Alex!! You’ve inspired me to go harder!!! Thanx!

[@byrondixon4648]

Really like this one GCN. Big respect for Alex and his efforts.

[@richcrompton6891]

Alex, I think you did exceptionally well with your effort ,and when the QT is at Boardman WR speed, it was a mighty task.

[@gcn]

It just goes to show how far track tech has come and world records tumble! Alex smashed it though 🙌

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

You get my respect for being a rollers man - I bought a smart trainer and zwift, etc, etc …. But ultimately went back to rollers - no more updates, no crashing mid-ride, no fees, and much better for your core !!

[@ianswinscoe7678]

I love the honesty Alex, just having a go is half the battle. Top kudos for doing this

[@runsforcheesecake]

What this video needed, was a training montage Rocky-style on that bag in Alex’ garage. And I’m disappointed he didn’t beep himself in… beep… beep… beep… beep… beeeeeeeep… Brilliant effort though.

[@GCNalex]

That would be AMAZING, however the boxing bag is my wife's and i have not once used it hahaha. That rocky style montage might not be as cool with me in a skinsuit and skinny arms

[@suzannesharp5078]

Great video and inspiring to see Alex have a go at something outside his comfort zone. Very honest and relatable experience. Well done

[@gcn]

That's really great to hear! Alex wanted to show how hard it is to compete in these events. Is there anything else you'd like to see us take on? 👀

[@GCNalex]

Thanks Suzanne, glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@DavidvanderWant]

Alex is a genuinely likeable guy in these videos. Great video, super entertaining, very relateable. I foresee a series buildup to next time including coaching sessions with Manon.

[@GCNalex]

Thanks David

[@werdsmyth]

Fair play to you Alex. I did a pursuit on my regular track bike once and it was hands down the most unpleasant experience I've ever had on a bike. Went out too hard, blew up after 4 laps and had to stop myself from blacking out for the remainder of the effort. And that was a Regional Champs, not Nationals!

[@patrickenglish9593]

one of my favourite videos. entertaining and honest. huge effort. if you wanted to give it another go with more tack time I would be really interested to see how you got on and cheer you all the way

[@gcn]

Noted! We'll see what we can push Alex to do 👀

[@GCNalex]

Cheers Patrick, Id be tempted, but track time is tough to get and thats the reason i had none in my prep this year, life is busy as im sure we all well know.

[@faithwyar]

Massively well done Alex! Congrats on putting yourself out there and giving it a red hot go

[@eddysobieralski8075]

Alex, you should consider riding the National Masters Track Champs in the summer. The pursuit is 3k and you could double up by riding the kilo if you don't want to ride the bunch races. Good effort BTW 👍 Your preparation and experience mirrors what so many us go through.... 😎

[@mattb106]

I was going to suggest this but I’m sure Alex mentioned he was born in 1990 on a recent video so he needs a couple more years

[@eddysobieralski8075]

@@mattb106 There is a 30-34 class at the National Masters. The World Masters is from 35.

[@mattb106]

@@eddysobieralski8075 ah apologies I read the word ‘national’ as ‘world’ for some reason. That does remind me I need to look at when that is!

[@eddysobieralski8075]

@@mattb106 29 Jun - 2 Jul. Entries should have opened 1st Feb.

[@GCNalex]

Maybe thats my calling, Masters racing, maybe im past it for racing Elite these days haha

[@PVVI2015]

Thank you for sharing this experience! I think you’re amazing!!!

[@rangersmith4652]

Whenever you set a lofty goal and turn yourself inside out to try and achieve it, you can hold your head high, even if you fall a bit short. Congratulations, Alex, on being brave enough to put yourself out there and give it a go.

[@gcn]

Well said! We are very proud of Alex 🙌 Would you like to see him take on another challenge? If so, what challenge?

[@marke9817]

Well done Alex. That was a great effort and it took a ton of courage to allow it to be filmed. Thanks so much for sharing your journey and your post race musings.

[@nickfitzpatrick5302]

Real challenge, real world training in amongst real life. Great effort, analysis and honesty and at the end of it all, it shows beautifully what’s needed at that top level. Plenty of lessons learned for us all to benefit from in whatever context they may apply to our events and training. “Never underestimate anything” is a great lesson in itself , right up there with “ALWAYS have a contingency” (my own guide in life 😂). Thanks so much for the work you’ve put in and the feedback you’ve shared. Nice one 👍🏼

[@brianridley1102]

I would love to see a GCN. Presenters 4k challenge. Track, gravel, MTB and TT

[@GCNalex]

I would love to get a team in for the 4k Team Pursuit next year. Also gives me scope to blame others for not going fast enough hahaha

[@2.old4this]

Superb effort Alex! Be encouraged and go again!! Use this as part of your training and you’ll get those seconds and qualify. 100% you’ll do it. 100%.

[@russellbridge2721]

Amazing video Alex and GCN! Keep going, lots of experience on the track needed… Thanks for having the courage and honesty to put this video out.

[@kevin._.farren]

That might be the smallest fan for a turbo setup I’ve ever seen. I’ve gone for the industrial floor fan that could circulate the air for a warehouse.

[@annspangler4959]

Fair play, Alex. What an effort! Nothing to hang your head about here!

[@petersteadman841]

Smashing effort! Worrier bread 💪

[@HoudiniNL]

Lots of respect for trying, Alex. And to put the effort in perspective, you were only 6% of the qualification limit! 👍

[@blackcyclist]

A great effort. Really positive to hear your breakdown and analysis at the end. That is where I feel we learn the most & can make the best gains. 👍🏿

[@gcn]

Very true! You don't learn from winning all the time 🙌 What lessons have you learnt from riding?

[@blackcyclist]

@@gcn when I started road cycling, I learned that my years of MTB riding gave me a solid base for endurance. Since then I've learned to fuel correctly for rides & workouts. When I occasionally race, i relay my stream and look at where I can make better gains or maximise on recovery. still so much more to learn, but you never really stop learning, just improving if you think you know it all 😁

[@gcn]

@@blackcyclist Great to hear that you've got that race background! Do you find that the mountain biking has helped your handling? That can really give you an edge!

[@blackcyclist]

@@gcn ahhh when I say "race" I've only done a few races on Zwift. Nothing outside yet, but I have a new race spec bike arriving in 3 days.... So who knows. I think MTB riding has prepared me for hill climbing efforts.

[@JustJosh07]

Great effort Alex! Incredible that you’re able to put out such a time, with such a short time to prepare.

[@chrismadge7292]

Fair play to you Alex for giving it a go. Made for a great video too.

[@StornofuerKasse3]

First of all kudos for such an effort! But WHY was there no help from a former track cylclist, that sits in the office right next to Alex? So get Manon involved and see you next championchips. But this time prepared.

[@GCNalex]

haha, Manon is super busy too, but trust me, we had many a chat in the office about track prep. Its tough racing the very best !

[@uzi17]

This was the equilvant of Ollie entering a bodybuilding competition

[@bubblesezblonde]

For a tech guy who tried to use construction foam for a DIY solid tyre experiment I thought you did amazingly well. (All I know about track cycling I learned from watching Manon's excellent vids on the subject.) Some people mistake self-critiques as 'excuss'. I enjoyed the insights too.

[@GCNalex]

Haha i love you called me a "tech guy". You know i spent years racing at a high level? But also thanks for the reminder of the solid tyres, maybe i should revisit that idea😂

[@billkallas1762]

I've done a little bit of track racing, and getting started on a TT like you are doing is a hard thing. It looks like you've calculated your gearing so that you won't spin out. If you don't, you end up spinning 130 to 140 rpm. At that rpm, your HR goes through the ceiling.

[@lorikendrick1705]

GREAT EFFORT, ALEX. I like your enthusiasm and easy going attitude about attempting this challenge. You got your bike approved, kit sorted, practiced as you could..... Yes, some time spent on the track would have helped you, You have the heart and desire to do this discipline....just short on time.....don't give up. I enjoy your vids and so until next time.....keep peddling!!! 😉☘

[@rebeccawebster7483]

Top job Alex full kudos. So next year.......

[@creeperut1886]

People vastly underestimate exactly how hard and fast track racing is. 4k in particular, as you mentioned, just getting the start right takes loads of practice. It can't be simulated on a trainer or Zwift. Beyond that, I'd say 1) 4:40 is objectively fast - well done! 2) 4:24 is absurdly fast, and while I understand it's a National Championship for a nation that takes velodrome racing extremely seriously on the world stage, that's not going to be achievable by people who haven't dedicated YEARS to the pursuit of... Pursuit. 3) The most fun I ever had on a bike period, nevermind a velodrome, was doing a well-practiced Team Pursuit. A GCN Team Pursuit, taken seriously enough to practice a few days a week for a few months before a competition, would be excellent viewing and participating.

[@gcn]

Hey there, thanks for your kind comments! The standard set by British Cycling was phenomenal - the time to qualify was actually quicker than Chris Boardman's world record in 1992, which is incredibly fast - so Alex did an awesome job! GCN in a team pursuit would be absolute chaos (evidence 👉kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppawYoWAptaEgc0), BUT, if we could get our resident track expert Manon to coach them - which presenters would make your team of 4 on race day? 🤔

[@creeperut1886]

@@gcn Manon, Alex, Si, and Ollie. Alternatively, Manon + anyone else who'd put in the practice (not to be confused with Training - two totally different things.) Like the individual pursuit, pacing for a Team pursuit start is a very fine line between 'too fast' and 'not fast enough' AND you have to hit the right pace for 4 riders instead of 1. So I'd 100% put Manon in even if she doesn't have the highest wattage. Wattage doesn't mean wisdom.

[@creeperut1886]

@@gcn I amend my reply from earlier. Instead - have 2 teams, and do a 'mostly un-practiced, but safe' race, then some practice sessions, then a 'practiced' race later, and see which team improves the most with practice.

[@mtbmax21]

This was a super real video, would like to see you do this again next year!! 🎉Great effort Alex!!!!

[@greengonzonz]

We love this! More competition entries by more of the team. 💙

[@GCNalex]

Il do my best to get the crew to a race this summer!

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Hats off to you Alex!! Can't even imagine me attempting that. Well done!! Love the attempr and the build up!

[@tommurphy5133]

Well done for the solid effort! Hope you give this another go

[@davidf2281]

This was good stuff -- hope Alex returns to the velodrome soon

[@Doktor_Al]

Always rooting for you, mate. You are awesome!

[@HeibesHealth]

I’ve got to be honest: Track cycling scares me. Huge kudos to you, Alex!

[@samhamfast]

Well done Alex! I love to see you guys give it your best shot. Please keep the challenges coming; they are a great encouragement to me to keep trying my best.

[@10ktube]

Great video, the dark side of competition is always tough to watch, but not everything is roses in competition. Can you share your power and other metrics with us geeks? Just curious how you did with the fitness part of the process.

[@GCNalex]

Hey, unfortunately no power data from the event due to not running my power pedals and using Aero ones. I would have said power was down on what i achieved in training due for a number of reasons. A few days ahead of the event i did 5min @ 440w on the track bike on the indoor trainer. Would be interesting to have the data from the event though

[@alinapopescu872]

You did really well, Alex, don't worry or beat yourself up too much. "The best I could today" is good enough.

[@DiscipleOfMan]

Unbelievable effort!, Top class and inspiring

[@nigelwatson1120]

Awesome…full kudos

[@terrycollingwood5512]

Brilliantly well done for getting involved and giving it a go. Great effort and genuinely impressive performance. 💪🏻💪🏻

[@davidorvis]

Awesome work Alex so many people in this world will never be able to do what you've done. Always do your best.

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

That was awesome Alex, I was hoping for a time of 420 but, you gave your best, no worries cool video.

[@jimjim676]

Well done Alex! You done your very best and that’s all you can ask!

[@JeffCole60]

I was very impressed. You tried. That's more than most people can say.

[@Mati03x]

An incredible video Alex. I love single chase! and the truth is that your time is very good! but your conclusion is excellent. Practicing at the velodrome makes a difference.

[@goodcompanycoffee]

Keep your head up. Too humble. What an effort, thanks for putting yourself out of your comfort zone. Motivates us average joes!

[@blakemorton9870]

Great vid Alex...would love to see you have another blast at it. Ps. It WAS the air density!!!!!

[@petervonl]

I love these videos. The struggle is much more inspirational than the result, be it success or failure... Great job, Alex 👍

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

Sneaky Alex was prepping for two races at a time. 😂 Excellent. 🥂

[@seattlegrrlie]

This is a great experience, you learned a massive training lesson. Always practice the actual track you're gong to race.

[@philscott1105]

Wow Alex! Great effort. Just riding rollers on TT bars is awesome 😊

[@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

well done mate. Next time use the following psychological trick .... "you are 33km in to a marathon and can feel a fart brewing. At that distance you know that such an event can never be trusted and up ahead is an aid station with a single portable toilet. You have limited time to make it and the two people adjacent to you have the same predicament. There can be only one" - and that will give you an extra 15 - 20 seconds when you try this again next year.

[@martinandrews2860]

Enjoyed that vid. Well done. Mere mortal!

[@cleberaraujo055]

Brilliant effort mate, 15sec off is not bad for a first time. Keep up and you’ll improve. Great experience to be had, forget the negatives concentrate on the positives. Respect. 👏👏👏👏

[@gcn]

Onward and upward! What should we challenge Alex to next? 👀

[@paulgowers6252]

Fair play Alex. A great effort and the post-ride assessment was just so honest. Probably the best GCN video I have watched because it was so personal.

[@dorydiavelone3531]

Great job Alex , it takes courage to get out and do what you did, now you have a place to work from!! GREAT JOB!!!

[@cb6866]

Thanks Alex and crew....good job bud !

[@kevp9234]

Very interesting and well done for having a good go at it!

[@budycelyn]

hey you got out there and had a go, at least now you know what you need to work on, that's a success in my book

[@willlehrfeld457]

Great video Alex!

[@FlatSpinMan]

That was a really good analysis at the end. Really insightful No need to be so harsh on yourself, I thought. You gave it a damned good crack.

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Hi Alex, I've tried and failed more times than most people have had hot dinners. Each of those times I have been uplifted by these words from former American president, Theodore Roosevelt. So, in the end, well done, Alex. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

[@GCNalex]

Very wise words there, Thank-you

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

@@GCNalex You are more than welcome. And thank YOU for responding. I am sure all of the viewers hope that you just keep being yourself as you are an A+++ member of the GCN team. Especially that million dollar laugh of yours! Never lose that! Crack on!

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

Go champs go for it, supporters are always here to backup you guys

[@folixmute]

It was a good effort, I wouldn't say you're making excuses. You critically evaluate your performance and identify key areas where you could make improvements.

[@jorenz101]

Kudos!

[@kennethward9530]

I find it absolutely bonkers that the qualifying standard is essentially the same times Obree and Wiggins were trading off not so long ago.

[@speckles9251]

An exceptional video from that camp. Go try again to show that part of the process.

[@tonyhands-heart5492]

Great effort mate, chapeau.

[@SteveBrill]

Great video and a sterling effort Alex. 👏

[@user-kc4th2lg5u]

Stop being so hard on yourself. With the prep that you did have you did amazing! Next time you will make the cut because you know what you need. Great to watch this!

[@ChrisCapoccia]

Always tough showing up to a race and being completely out of depth and finishing dead last. I've tried a few cat5 crits, and the best I ever did was narrowly avoiding last place. Completely different than showing up to a local 5k run with people of all abilities

[@Lukas-bl9wy]

I think you could do it with a slightly easier gear, this way the start would be smoother and you could get a higher cadance

[@RichThomas]

Great video Derek (😉) aka Alex. Thanks for being so candid and open. Some food for thought on taking on a big challenge. And some good take-outs for what to do differently.

[@GCNalex]

Hi, Derik here! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheEpieikeia]

It was all due to "poor air density", Alex! 😂😂

[@GCNalex]

Finally someone who thinks it was all the air density's fault! ahaha

[@johngannon1]

Very impressive - great work. It would be a shame not to build on it and try again. Seemed obvious to me you need Manon on board. She’s already shown super DS qualities 😁

[@chriseaton4486]

head up mate. pretty brave effort. go back and smash it next time! chapeau.

[@caveboy9988]

Well done Alex. Eddie the eagle of track cycling

[@LorenzoTheFisherman]

good effort mate!

[@sasha371]

have to start a prep now for the next year! and lot more track hours, not just turbo! still, good time for a person who never done 4k

[@jennettesaxberg6528]

Better to try and fail than not to try. Well done.

[@mattmatthews5414]

Murican here. It’s a three day trek minimum to the nearest drome. Seeing this is cool.

[@MrYono73]

Alex given balancing work and kids etc I reckon you are being pretty hard on yourself. Having said that I don’t think you should give up. You came so far with minimal if no track time, imagine what you could do with some track practice scheduled in. Massive thanks for keeping it real and not sugar coating it. You should be proud. Most of us were gorging over Christmas 😂

[@gcn]

Alex is a busy boy, baby sitting Hank is no easy job! 👶 He put in some hard work and smashed it out! Would you like to see Alex take on another big challenge? 👀

[@GCNalex]

Super kind words, thanks very much, but no kids to look after yet. Big respect to those who manage to train with kids too!!