Well, from inside the Peleton, or out of it depending on where you were in the race this is how I saw it. But firstly and most importantly a massive thanks must go out to all those that organised a great morning of racing. Toks and Keith K are great as both could easily have raced today, but took it upon themselves to organise the event.
Just before the A race I was chatting at the sidelines with Stu and then we decided to head off to the HQ for the start, I don't know how Stu did it, but he managed to fall off his bike at about 2mph, think he slipped on the gravel. I was hoping this was not a bad omen for the race, thankfully everyone stayed upright.
Huw gave us the usual warnings about horses, cars and someone mentioned Lions. Then we were off, well Paul Tunnell decided that there was no time like the present to get going and he certainly did, getting in his finishing sprint at the start of a race was a novel way to start. Not being one to miss out on an early break I went with him . I am not sure how long we were away, it was not long that we were back in the pack and Stu and Adam came thundering past. On the next lap I think I had a go off the front to see if I could get a gap and tempt out a couple of others. Didn't last long and back in the pack and the pace was up and down. In the meantime Paul Hone managed to lose his saddle, well thats his story, the way he was dressed today I have my suspicions that he may have enjoyed this.
I think nearly everyone had a go throughout the race. I think Hal and Stu had a good lap or so off the front, at one point we had some driver in front of the peleton who had decided it was a good idea to pull out in the middle of a race, hmm not ideal but he was not there for long.
At one point Mark and Paul Tunnell went off the front. No one really chased them and they got a good gap. On the slight hill I decided I would try and get away and join them. I managed to get away without a tail and got onto Mark and Paul. I went through and started to tow them along, as we went past the finish line and round the next bend I had to get Paul and Mark to do some work as I was tiring. I looked back and the peleton was closing in. Paul and Mark went back into the group but I thought that I would keep the power down and try to stay away on my own.
I kept my head down and then whoooosh, George came flying past, 'Come on Marek, its me and you'. Oh my god, I thought, he is hammering it, ah well, in for a penny. I tucked in behind George and he was blasting it. Fantastic this should be fun I managed to come around a couple of times, but George was so strong it was an awesome display. We kept it going for about a lap and a half and it felt fast, my breakfast was certainly contemplating making a re-appearance to give me a round of applause.
But then the peleton was back on us, apparently they had put in a good chase doing through and off, and with the quality of riders in the group we did not stand too much of a chance staying away, ah well all good fun.
I was now feeling pretty cooked, so sat at the back to have a breather, no one was able to get away now and we were all together for the last couple of laps. Coming into the finish I moved up from the back and got in about 3rd wheel behind George and Stu. George was hammering out a really good pace, the Stu did a small turn and then pulled away. I was now on the front and the finish line was closing in fast. I knew I was now in a bad place, but thought I have to at least give it a go, so I started to sprint. I was weaving a bit and then I heard a shout from Adam that he was coming up on the inside, 'should I move over or not?', knowing how fast Adam is I moved over a bit and let him come through, Stu was just behind him and then I got a bit swamped by other riders. I am not sure where I came, but enjoyed it all the same. Winning the most attacking rider was great, as I always try to have a go in all the races I do, so was much appreciated.
Well done to Adam on a fine sprint, judging by the photos he won it with a bit to spare with Stu and Steve not too far away. No idea where anyone else came, I was too busy trying to re-engage my stomach.
Cheers
Marek.....