Bletchingley 2/3

[Toks]

Great report as usual Sylv, thanks

[Jon H]

From my position in the neutral service car I didn't have a clue what was going on in the race for the first few laps. Felt sorry for Keith when I saw he'd puntured again so soon after managing to catch the bunch with the help of a "neutral" tow.

Anyway, around lap 4 one of the motorbike guys told me to go and cover the break, so I nipped through a shortcut and in behind Sylv's foursome for a while, until I saw the chasing group looming in the rear view mirror. Pulled over to let them go by then saw them gradually catch up. Quite surprised that the bunch had let a bunch of seven containing 4 or 5 Dynamos go, but I guess if they didn't have the legs to follow then they had little choice.

On the penultimate lap of of the Cycle Kingdom guys punctured, so I gave him a wheel and towed him for a while. I didn't think he'd get back on though, so I moved ahead to cover any last lap wheel changes for the leaders. To my surprise he caught up anyway, and straight away went on the attack.

All I saw of the finish from 2 cars back was what looked like all hell breaking loose on the final hill.

Quite an entertaining afternoon.

[Sylv]

Oh and Toks - you're allowed to copy and paste the LD reports - I've lost my login

[Toks]

[quote="Sylv"]Oh and Toks - you're allowed to copy and paste the LD reports - I've lost my login

[Sylv]

[quote="Toks"]On twitter Debney (3rd) and Jacobs (4th) feel they '...rode well; but should've won...'

[quote="Sylv"][quote="Toks"]On twitter Debney (3rd) and Jacobs (4th) feel they '...rode well; but should've won...'

[Sylv]

Dan says he is sorry he cannot make the chaingang tomorrow night

[Iliya]

Wish you fast recovery Dan and hope to see you back on the bike soon!!

Well done Sylv!! I'll post some videos of the rece on the Facebook page when I get a chance.

[Mulberry]

Firstly get well soon Dan - I was sorry to hear about your crash but glad to hear nothing is broken.

Secondly - cheers to the Addiscombe for marshalling and promoting a great race. It all went smoothly from our view in the peloton.

Thirdly (well I've started with this number thing!) Well Done to Sylv for a top ride on a tough circuit

Sylv - I can add a little to your report if you want to know what went on behind..... After your move I set off with Spies (Dynamo) not long before the turn. We rode 2up for about 3/4 lap before 5 more joined us inc 3 more Dynamos! The 7 of us worked pretty hard to chase although we were not very organised (despite the presence of 4 Dynamos who stood the gain the most from the catch). The gap to your group Sylv was 40-75 secs I believe and it's a good job that none of your 25+ club-mates round the course told you there 7 chasers less than a minute behind you!!

We finally caught you in the last 3km by the windmill as you know. The crazy thing is that Ridler (winner from C Kingdom) was dropped at the bell due too broken spoke. He took a wheel and chased catching us at some point down the hill after the windmill. Dynamo missed a trick there as they should and very easily could have worked hard (4 out 6) in our chasing group to catch you 4 and ensure the Ridler didn't return (sounds like a DC film). There were still 4 if not 5 Dynamos in the lead even they allowed Ridler to get up to his team-mate, but they didn't seem to have a plan and only watched as Ridler rode away and then lost out to 2nd place as well.

I spoke to Debney afterwards (1 of 2 Dynamos capable of winning in that group) and he admitted they got it wrong and I think they were busy watching other riders and I was busy watching them / half-expecting them to bring back Ridler. Besides I didn't have the legs at the end anyway. Powdrill made the right move, but his team-mates failed to capitalise on that initial attack. It shows just cos you've got strength in numbers and firepower you won't neccessarily get the win

It was a funny situation in our chasing group too as logic dictates that all the non-Dynamos should have done a lot less work in our group, but to be frank our group was not really going that fast - hence the 40-75 sec gap maintained for so long by Sylv's group despite 7 of us inc Powdrill and the Riddler (DC) on board. You live and learn though. I was happy enough considering how I felt. Part of me wishes I did less work in the final lap, however considering we didn't make the catch until the windmill I reckon that if I'd done less work then we'd have been racing for 5th place and not the win.

See you on Sunday Sylv for a real race in the same place.
Marcus

Cheers for that Marcus

And for that
[quote="Mulberry"]The gap to your group Sylv was 40-75 secs I believe and it's a good job that none of your 25+ club-mates round the course told you there 7 chasers less than a minute behind you!!

[Andrew G]

Was trying to get the info to Sylv through my Dad on the other side of the course but not sure he could get it over as they passed him. When Keith K's bike outriding he's passed on the gaps as he's gone up and down the road.

Hope to spin down to watch some of the Les after the SCCU 25 in the morning.

[Antloony]

Keith was shouting out time gaps...well he had to find something to do after being forced to retire from the race

[rids666]

Addiscombe CC,

I am writing to formally and publically apolgise to all those involved with organising and supporting this event for any offence that I may have caused when crossing the finish line on Sat.

I have been made aware by Glynn (from Surrey League) and from reading your comments on this forum that there were a number of complaints for my use of foul language. This is totally out of my character and I can only put this down to the heat of the moment and delight at winning this event. On reflection I understand that my actions were totally inappropriate. It was certainly not my intention to cause any offence or disrespect to Addiscombe CC and its spectators. Neither was it my intent to bring the sport, the leaugue, my team or myself into any form disrepute.

I hope that you will all understand that this was a spur of the moment reaction and that you have my assurance it will not happen again.

I would like to pass on my thanks to all of those involved in organising and supporting this event and the sport. I look forward to supporting you again in the future.

My thoughts also go out to Dan, his family and friends and I wish him a speedy recovery.

Regards

Allan Ridler

[Toks]

Nice one Allan, I think that's quite magnanimous of you to make an apology on our forum. We're a pretty agreeable bunch and I'm sure we all accept your apology. Having read Mulberry's (Marcus: Norwood Paragon) report it was pretty remarkable win given what happened to you in the last few K's. Chapeau Dude

[Sylv]

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