10th March '13 - SERRL Lamberhurst/Frant - E/1/2/3

[Keith]

A rolling 20+km course South-East of Tunbridge Wells.

[img]http://i48.tinypic.com/33ek58y.jpg[/img]

Terrain profile:
[img]http://i45.tinypic.com/r2uhol.jpg[/img]

6 laps with a race distance of around 78 miles.

Something like 60 signed on, with plenty of quality riders, for example Alex Peters (Madison Genesis), 2012 National Junior Road Races Series winner, Elliott Porter (Rapha-Condor JLT), Alex Higham, Chris McNamara, Andy Betts, Anders Christensen, ...

I don't recall road racing in such low temperatures; 2 degC. Consequently I don't think I've ever raced in so much clothing. Fortunatley I got it right and was comfortable throughout. Beyond a bit of drizzle, the rain held off.

My plan had been to not go with any breaks until half way at least - 78 miles is a loong way to race for an old man like me. However things were pretty lively from the off and a workman like group* soon formed. I decided I would be disappointed if I missed it, so joined. Around 15 riders soon put the best part of 2 minutes into the bunch.

With 2 laps to go, the cream of the group rose to the top with Elliott Porter, Chris McNamara and Alex Higham eventually riding clear. With time gaps of 5 minutes back to the bunch being given by the NEG outriders, the pace of our group backed off prior the finish.

Elliott rode clear for a classy win. I came in 10th. Happy with that.

As ever a well run race by SERRL, ably supported by Vicious Velo.

[url=http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/road/article/roa20130310-road-Road--Porter-wins-SERRL-opener-0]British Cycling report.[/url]

* © Phil & Paul

[Iliya]

Well done Keith! [img]http://i47.tinypic.com/znndd0.gif[/img]

These must be your first points in the season (and a few already)?

[Andrew G]

Nice one Keith, sounds like a strong performance in a hard race with a very good field.

[Toks]

Points in the bag, resulting from the first Road Race of the season?? Check!!! Nice work Keith Any chance of your racing 'numbers' for us powermeter junkies