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I rode probably be my last road race of the season today at Cutmill near Elstead in the Surrey League. I raced this circuit a couple of months ago and it's pretty enjoyable. There's a couple of climbs to keep everyone honest, but the roads aren't too narrow, so there's plenty of space for some good racing.
About 50 riders rolled out of the HQ onto the course which had been slightly altered since last time to accommodate a horse riding event taking place in the area. The rain was beginning to fall so the first lap was pretty easy going, and the first time up the main climb felt very comfortable. Towards the end of the first lap a couple of guys nipped off the front, and then another guy went at the base of the main climb. I was pretty near to the front and thought, on a miserable day like today that the bunch might not be so willing to chase, so a good break might stick.
So, after watching Marianne Vos smash it up the Cauberg on TV yesterday I thought I'd give it a try. I put it in a big gear and attacked up the hill bridging the 30 seconds or so to the riders up the road just as we crested the top of the climb. I looked around and things seemed pretty good as the four of us looked committed to making this work despite there being at least another 40 miles to go. We worked through and off to try and establish a good lead, however unfortunately, and no thanks to a car parked in the middle of a junction, we were caught after a tight left hand turn. Another rider counter attacked and someone else went with him and they also got a good gap, but again were brought back after the pace went back up after a couple of slow laps.
I sat in the wheels for pretty much the rest of the race, up front staying out of trouble as a few people were slipping on the turns as the roads got wetter. A few more attacks came, but were again getting brought back quite easily. It wasn't until the last lap that a guy broke off the front and made his move stick. He was a strong rider and managed to hold on pretty comfortably to his lead winning by about 20 seconds. I felt I had the legs to try go with him, but after my earlier effort I didn't want to risk my finish by being reeled in again. I positioned myself in about 10th wheel coming into the last bend and the run towards the final climb, at the base of the climb, as soon as I saw some clear air, I attacked. I was clear, but a few guys came with me and 3 managed to pass me on the final run to the line. I then nearly got pipped on the line but managed to hold onto 5th by about an inch!
This is my first top 10 finish on the road so I'm pretty happy with the result and how the day went. It's a good way to finish road racing this season having started 2012 with the objective of just finishing with the main bunch in each race.
I also think this gets me 6 BC points, so with the 5 I picked up on Wednesday by running 6th in the 3rds and sneaking 15th in the E/1/2, I think I'm now on 37 for the season. Agonisingly, this is just 3 short of the 40 I need to make 2nd Cat, so I think I'll definitely be racing Mountbatten in October!
About 50 riders rolled out of the HQ onto the course which had been slightly altered since last time to accommodate a horse riding event taking place in the area. The rain was beginning to fall so the first lap was pretty easy going, and the first time up the main climb felt very comfortable. Towards the end of the first lap a couple of guys nipped off the front, and then another guy went at the base of the main climb. I was pretty near to the front and thought, on a miserable day like today that the bunch might not be so willing to chase, so a good break might stick.
So, after watching Marianne Vos smash it up the Cauberg on TV yesterday I thought I'd give it a try. I put it in a big gear and attacked up the hill bridging the 30 seconds or so to the riders up the road just as we crested the top of the climb. I looked around and things seemed pretty good as the four of us looked committed to making this work despite there being at least another 40 miles to go. We worked through and off to try and establish a good lead, however unfortunately, and no thanks to a car parked in the middle of a junction, we were caught after a tight left hand turn. Another rider counter attacked and someone else went with him and they also got a good gap, but again were brought back after the pace went back up after a couple of slow laps.
I sat in the wheels for pretty much the rest of the race, up front staying out of trouble as a few people were slipping on the turns as the roads got wetter. A few more attacks came, but were again getting brought back quite easily. It wasn't until the last lap that a guy broke off the front and made his move stick. He was a strong rider and managed to hold on pretty comfortably to his lead winning by about 20 seconds. I felt I had the legs to try go with him, but after my earlier effort I didn't want to risk my finish by being reeled in again. I positioned myself in about 10th wheel coming into the last bend and the run towards the final climb, at the base of the climb, as soon as I saw some clear air, I attacked. I was clear, but a few guys came with me and 3 managed to pass me on the final run to the line. I then nearly got pipped on the line but managed to hold onto 5th by about an inch!
This is my first top 10 finish on the road so I'm pretty happy with the result and how the day went. It's a good way to finish road racing this season having started 2012 with the objective of just finishing with the main bunch in each race.
I also think this gets me 6 BC points, so with the 5 I picked up on Wednesday by running 6th in the 3rds and sneaking 15th in the E/1/2, I think I'm now on 37 for the season. Agonisingly, this is just 3 short of the 40 I need to make 2nd Cat, so I think I'll definitely be racing Mountbatten in October!
Absolutely terrific effort Andy and hope you get some points in October. 
South BC are also asking to restrict the use of 'Day Licences' to a maximum of 5 times (as there isn't any rule limiting the amount of times this can be purchased) 
either way I'm inspired
