2026 Winchester Circuit Race Report M50+ 3/4

Race: 2026 Winchester Circuit Race - Men’s Masters 50+ 3/4

Date: May 9, 2026

AVRT racers: Shai Traister

Top Result: 3rd (out of 5)

Course: 5 laps × 4.5 miles | Rolling circuit with technical descent and steep finish climb (15%+ pitches)
Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/18445519261
Nutrition: One bottle of fructose blend + protein cookie

Race Recap:

The combined 50+ 3/4 and 60+ 1/2/3 field made for a different beast than usual—constant attack and counter-attack from the opening lap. I stayed selective about what to chase while keeping near the front, knowing a selection would eventually form. After lap two, two riders from our field dropped, leaving three from our field and about 5 others from the 60+ field.

Winchester's defining feature is its rollers and the perfect pavement. At 50 mph max speed, carrying momentum through the rollers is everything. I found I could freewheel for ~5 seconds at the start of each climb while most others were already pedaling—a small but valuable advantage.

On lap four's final climb, my legs were shot. I opened a gap and wavered between racing hard and conserving energy for the 50+ 1/2/3 race later. I chose to go for it, clawing back to rejoin the front group.

I survived the final lap's rollers but by the last climb, I didn't have much left and settled for third.

Fun, hard racing on a fantastic course.