An excellent race today – exciting to watch, the weather held up well and everyone got back safely. Graham had a full entry of 60 plus ten reserves, and lots of people who turned up on the day in the hope of an entry on the line, so there was a full field, of mostly 2nd and 3rd cat riders. A Crewe rider tried to go off on his own and survived for a couple of laps before being caught – then a well organised breakaway of 16 or so created an unassailable gap – we marshals were delighted to see that Dave McKay made it into this group. In the meantime Kev, Craig and Nick were safely in the main bunch, although Nick succumbed to cramp towards the end of the race. The breakaway group split up in the last few laps and the race was won by Dave Hitchen from New Brighton (he was second last year apparently) – Dave got into the first 20 but I’m not sure of his exact position – then Craig just beat Kev on the line, as they finished along with the remnants of the bunch.
Great organisation as usual from Graham, Alan Silver and Gary, with lots of support from WVCC members. There’s a grumpy letter in Cycling Weekly this week, that says riders nowadays won’t take on organising or marshalling races – this certainly doesn’t seem to apply to WVCC, where everyone seems happy to accept this occasional (and enjoyable) responsibility.
Posted by Eleanor.
John Boote Memorial Senior Road Race 13/6/2010
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Nice report El, shame I didn't finish the race but I couldn't climb the hill with 3 (or maybe 4) laps to go as my legs seized up with cramp. Don't think I have any excuses, probably just not fit enough for that sort of speed/distance.
It was a very exciting race – there was even an attempted break in the neutralised zone, but Steve T soon brought him back (wish I'd had 100BHP between my legs). The classy Steve Fidler (remember Llanberis?) was away on his own first 2 laps then got caught and eventually packed (although may have had a mechanical). Dave McKay did really well to get in the main break, although they never really consolidated their lead and then got caugh by another group. This gradually split into about 4 or more groups with Dave Hitchen pretty well riding everyone else off his wheel and finishing alone.
Well done to Craig and Kev for going the distance and finishing respectably in the bunch. And well done Graham on a faultless event and thanks to all the marshalls and helpers for the cheers of encouragement.