The forecast (long range) for sunday is wet and windy and temp only 6-9,
So think about what you will wear, i would go for a running vest, short sleeve jersey, arm warmers and a gilet in the back pocket, my thinking on the gilet is if i got dropped i would go to the back of the group i end up in and put it on, as you will be riding slower and i would def get cold or it just might be freezing in the bunch too. Full finger gloves you are used too could well be the way to go, my hands were cold last week (in mitts) and it was a fine day.
THink, can you get a hot shower after (you really do not want to drive back to galway and get a cold) even if it means sourcing a swimming pool or friends house near by ,it would be well worth it, research this. They may have facilities but there will be a big crowd. Do not hang around at the end talking, straight to car, out of clothes, recovery drink/food, have it ready.
dose up on vit c that evening, 700-800 mg.
maybe take it easy or indeed off on the monday to aid recovery, it is a step up in distance and intensity.
Also due to the distance, (approx total time, 3 hour 15 mins @25mph) plan your food intake before and during, i would do this, 3 hours before, good solid meal/breakfast (of course incl some protein, eggs, nuts etc), 2 hrs to 90 mins before get 750 mls fluid in,(this will be in the car so have abottle made up and sip away as you drive, 1 hour before coffee (strong) and a couple nutri grains. 20 mins before a gel and 200 mls water.Before the start drain every last drop you can (i did 4 small piss's in the last 20 mins last sunday! people were urinating enmasse)
On the bike its your preference,bring food that will not go to shit in your pocket and that you can eat/open with cold fingers/wet gloves. guidelines; 60 grams carbs an hour, 500 mls fluid (min) an hour (min), (so with 2 full 750 bottles you will be fine for the duration of the race, dropping back to the car for one and taking one? well thats your call!
I know i have said/written this before but i have to go back over this stuff too, get into the habit, make a tick list/timeline, laminate it, have it in your gear bag or taped to your dash board, use it.
No pint in driving all thats ways , doing all that training, making all that effort, spending all that money on carbon bikes and beetroot and coming undone because of something basic/simple.
Even if there was one little thing in there that made you twig, 'yes i forgot that last sunday' it was worth my while writing such a long e-mail!
yours in racing,
Donncha
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