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Lots of WVCC members of both the “riding” (trying not to get dropped) and the “racing” (trying to win) species out today. I was riding (certainly not racing) in the over 50s and 60s group and it was HORRIBLE, it seemed much faster than last year – whether it was, or whether I’m just less fit than last year (having lost my one remaining fast twitch muscle somewhere in Australia) I don’t know. Anyway I started to feel sick on about the fifth acceleration and then got dropped on the sixth and it was only Dave Astles who then kept me going – he joined me and said we might as well get some training done: so we took turns on the front for the remaining laps (Dave ensuring he was always on the front when we rode past the marshals!!) until we managed to join the rear of the overtaking over-40s race for the last lap and we hung onto them for a compensation sprint to the finish at the end. Anyway thanks to Dave’s advice I finished feeling tired and much better than if I’d just dropped out, which is what I’d been planning to do, so thanks Dave.

As for the other WVCC riders and racers, they did just great. Graham, Nick, Alan and Ewart rode in my race: Alan came in second and Nick and Ewart were both close behind him; and John Conboy and Gareth looked very comfortable in their race. Jules rode his first TLI race and looked completely in control so we’re expecting to see him going for it in future rides; and hats off to young Dylan for riding his first race – I gather he was mixing it at the front for the first couple of laps and then paid the price – what did we tell you Dylan – try a bit of wheel-sucking next week and you’ll be there in contention for the final sprint!