Well I’m feeling very virtuous having raced twice in three days! On Sunday I entered the National Women’s Series Road Race in Weaverham – it was a fantastic race, and was described by Paralympic gold medallist Sarah Storey, who came second, as the best women’s race she’s ever ridden in the UK. For more details have a look at http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/sport/article/roa20100425-Report–Cheshire-Classic-Women-s-Road-Race-0
The elite and first cat riders set off at an incredible pace and it was eyeballs out stuff for the rest of us. After one and a half laps of relentless chasing I found myself with a group of 12 or so who’d been shelled out of the main pack (in the meantime a fast group had ridden off ahead so we were now the third group). I managed to keep up with this group for a couple of laps, but it was flat out through and off-ing and I knew I’d struggle to maintain the pace for ten laps. There was just no let up at all. Anyway to cut a long story short I was dropped from my group after about five laps, rode on my own (a royal tour, waving at all our lovely marshals) for a bit, then got pulled out when I got lapped by the leaders – and was chuffed to bits to find I’d still got placed – 42 out of 44 finishers, but there were over 50 riders so I didn’t come last and given that most of the girls were of the serious athlete variety I was quite happy with my day. As normal, brilliant organisation from Terry and the WVCC team.
Then tonight, back to the TLI series at Lower Withington. Richard M and Gareth rode in the young chaps’ race and both did well, finishing safely in the pack. I rode in the old chaps’ race which was really a “mark Alan Kemp” event – lots of sprinting to close down breaks and then easing up till the next attempt. At one stage I found myself in a well-organised chasing group and I worked hard to do my bit – forgetting the rule that you don’t chase down a leading group if a club member is in the group! Sorry Alan! Alan was completely unperturbed and despite being closely marked all race he still managed to win the sprint – amazing. I had a great time and finished safely in the first half of the pack which I was happy with.
Anyway if anyone’s wondering if they should enter they should go for it – TLI races are well organised, friendly and welcoming. Eleanor.
Well done El, especially for riding Tuesday night after such a hard ride on Sunday.
Chas got some good pictures of the TLI race so I'll ask him to send them to you so you can post them here – and don't be modest if there are some of you!