Audlem is lucky to have 2 road race circuits that comply with the rules, however, last weeks event was cancelled as both had road works on, so tonight’s event became the first on the series of 4.
Condidtions were dry with a bit of a breeze, it was initially quite cool considering we are now in July, but one you got going it was ok.
There were 3 WVCC members taking part, Ged Lacey and Ewart Howkins in the over 60’s Race, and myself in the under 50’s, which includes all the youngsters!
It was two laps of the larger 15 mile circuit, with a neutral zone for about 1.5 miles. With the club 10 in mind the following evening, my plan was just to sit in and use the race to spin my legs. Audlem CC were out in force with about 8 or 9 riders, there was an early attack from the gun with two Audlem guys getting away and Ben Palmer from SDR- Surface Design RT (ex DHR), trying to join them. We were all back together within about 8 miles, soon after Ben tried again, he got a decent gap but with the bunch not trying to hard to bring him back, he was just left hanging waiting for what appeared to be the inevitable catch. One the the Audlem team then pinged off in pursuit of Ben, with a number of bends in the road, they were soon out of sight. We passed the finished line to take the bell, a couple of more had a go off the front. By about 16 miles, all bar one Audlem guy were back together, he was well out of sight, never to be seen again. We then all stayed together until the finish, with a few, including me, trying without success, to spring an attack. bit bunch sprint was won by Chris Spencer from Onmipex Bioracer to take second overall and I think Mark Hassell from SDR taking 3rd, I finished 8th which wasn’t too bad on a long up hill sprint.
I didn’t manage to speak to Wart after the race so not sure how he got on but Ged did ok and finished on the bunch.