ACC Win - SERRL Kenardington 3/4

[Matt.H]

Report

Woke up to pouring rain and the prospect of a 90 minute drive just to get to the start line..really didn't fancy it but the car was packed and I'd already committed by missing the TG yesterday. Met Dave K at the sign on - he didn't fancy it either... but we got changed and convinced ourselves that the weather would improve (it didn't). Few teams had plenty of riders ( Bigfoot, Adalta, Genco Kuota (?))

Couple of miles neutralized before we got onto the circuit for 8 laps (I think) of a rolling circuit, good surface - save for a couple of deep potholes - and one fairly steep (6/7 percent) little climb. A few drags and then a double hump to the finish (finish was similar to kitsmead from Thursday night). Weather was still grim with rain and crosswinds.

First few laps were fairly uneventful with Dave K and I sitting tucked in in the rear third of the peloton. Unfortunately there was crash just behind me on one of tight left handers which Dave got caught behind - he chased solo for a couple of laps but then called it a day - bad luck mate. I wasn't feeling great, HR was low but legs felt heavy; was also a bit cautious as it was my first time racing in the rain.

With around 4 laps to go a group of 5 got away with a small gap. I looked around and no one fancied chasing - I was annoyed I missed the move so attacked up the hill, got away and chased solo for a couple of mins to make the break. We stayed away for about half a lap, but got reeled back in. This effort seemed to have awoken my legs and so I was determined to try to get in a break - me, bigfoot guy and Genco tried to get away at least 4/5 times but nothing seemed to stick. Each attack was, at least, shelling riders and so the peloton was down to around 20 by the bell lap. I was still feeling good and fancied my chances in the sprint - I just had to commit and make sure my positioning was good. Up the hill for the final time and two guys attacked, I chased and brought the peloton back and held my position at around 4th wheel. We took the final left hander which led to a rolling few kms and then the finish. A couple of guys attacked up the right and then a young lad put in a big attack and got a good gap. I thought that's it we're racing for 2nd.

Up the first hump and I moved from 7/8th wheel, to 4th and onto the right of the road with plenty of space, down the first hump, out of the saddle - go - people to the left fading. I'm going to get second I think, but then the young lad up ahead is getting closer, closer - keep sprinting, I think. Yes! caught him about 10 metres from the line!

First win in the bag - have to say it feels pretty damn awesome! All down to the hard work done with the guys in the TG - cheers!!

Finish photo here:
[url]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152933864923790&set=a.10150100792498790.280558.509258789&type=1&theater[/url]

[img]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152933864923790&set=a.10150100792498790.280558.509258789&type=1&theater[/img]

[Paul H]

Great write up - well done Matt.

Good to see your hard work paying off.

[quote="Matt.H"]Report
All down to the hard work done with the guys in the TG - cheers!!

[Ghaleb]

Good effort...well done

[Antloony]

Congrats Matt. Great win on a grim day. Nice write up too