What a turn out! Both races must have had over 60 riders. And WVCC provided a good proportion of them. The first race featured Alan Kemp, Graham Gregory, Dave Astles, Garry Brown, Les Charnley, Mark Thompson, Kevan and me. The pace was brisk, the tarmac was smooth. Alan, Kevan, Graham and Dave all got involved in the odd attempt to create a break but were quickly chased down. On the last lap, just before the finishing straight, the pack inexplicably sat up (probably marking Alan) and I nipped round the inside and attempted a futile but glorious sprint off the front, which didn’t last long but was very enjoyable! I haven’t the faintest how everyone fared other than Alan who came second and Graham who just beat Kevan. Garry clocked an average of 25 mph.
The second race was even brisker (their fastest lap was about 5.45 apparently compared to ours at about 6.15) and featured Nick B, Chas, Richard M, two Daves, Craig and Gareth (who has finally given into everyone’s nagging that he should race) and a welcome return from our own Lakeland hero Garry (fresh from his Fred Whitton achievement). This race looked very tough from where I was standing, with constant attempts at breaks being chased down, several riders dropped off the back, and an incident where two riders fell, having touched wheels. Anyway Gareth proved that we’ve all been right in nagging him by (I think) being first WVCC rider home.
Once again WVCC proved their worth in not only fielding lots of riders but also providing the core of the organising team, with Martin W, Alan and Matt Silver, Ann Gregory, Paul Lawson and Steve Thomas all involved, and plenty more providing support from the sidelines, including the most junior member of the club, 3 month old Melissa Lee – come on Craig, where’s her WVCC shirt, not like you to miss a new market!
Apologies to anyone who I’ve missed, it’s difficult to keep track of this cast of thousands!
Eleanor.
181 riders signed on to race!!!
Paul L.
Is that a record? Ironically Martin was telling me last week that he was worried because not many riders had pre-entered – and he feared that if the weather was poor he wouldn't cover his costs.
Anyway that's great news – shows what a demand there is for safe racing. It was good to see so many juniors there – Andy if you're out there, you should have a go, you'd really enjoy it. It's on again next week.
Nice report Eleanor, and cheers again for the encouragement.
Was a thrilling experience, if a little hairy in places. Hopefully the bunch wont be quite so big next week – give me more of a chance of going for the outright win!! (Well you've gotta aim high, especially with all my recently gained racing experience)
Would definitely recommend anyone to have a go…
if some one finds my legs can they send them to me. the race was fast. any way i am back soon to do the last one. hoppfully i'll get back into shape. its all the hills you see.
it was very good to see every one