SL Handicap - South Nutfield - 5th May

[Keith]

More photos from Rupert (Redhill) [url=http://rupertracer.smugmug.com/Road-Racing/Surrey-League-Handicaps/2011-Round-2-South-Nutfield]here[/url].

[Marek]

I think I went off in the 3rd group, after a bit of pleading to Mr Tunnell, who was extremely kind to give up his race to commissaire it, hats off to you sir, you deserve a medal.

This was a very enjoyable race, to some degree, as much as getting used to pain again can be enjoyable. As my group went off, it seemed evident that Jim and I were going to be doing a lot of work, so I decided to take the easy option and sit on the back and do no work at all. To be honest, Andy was dragging us around and when we got to the only hard lump on the course I was really wondering whether I was going to make the course as I struggled big time.

Second lap and for some reason my body got a bit more accustomed to the pain and I span up the hill no problem. As each lap went on I was really surprised we didn't get caught as we were doing a lot of catching.

With a couple of laps to go a small group got away, I had a chat with Steve and he said that Matt was in the group. I was peed off I had missed the break, and I didn't want to drag the whole peleton so I tried (in my poor state of fitness) to go off the front on my own. I managed to drag a redhill rider with me, he would not come through, saying he had a rider up the road. So did I, but to be honest I fancied getting into the break as well, this guy was just a waste of space. It was not long before the peleton ate us up. Then Steve had a go, he left us like we were standing still and again another redhill rider went with him and just sat on his wheel. They spent a bit longer out front before being again dragged in. As a last ditch attempt I went again, this time no one came with me, I was on my own and I buried myself. I could see Andy was shepherding the peleton so I thought I might have a chance.

I stayed away for about 3/4 of a lap and into the final lap the Elite caught the main group and then they caught me without too much trouble. Now I had the fun of just trying to sit in after time trialling for a while, it was tough work with Guy Powdrill from London Dynamo nailing it at the front, I was cooked and it took a lot just to sit in. Managed to stay on the back and watch some of the other battle it out for the sprint. Was great that Matt and Jim were in the break as they did a fantastic job of staying away.

First race I have finished for over 2 years, so really enjoyed it, gave me a taste for more. Just need to get some training in and then I won;t feel like puking at the end, which I was close to doing hence the picture. At least you know I was trying.

Cheers

Marek....

[Marcus]

Congratulations Mat on an excellent win. Well done to all team ACC.

[Sylv]

[quote="Marek"]At least you know I was trying.

[Toks]

[quote="matt chapman"]...1st win and I have still got a grin from ear to ear!

[Keith]

[url=http://www.surreyleague.co.uk/results/results2011/may2011/may5.htm]May 5, 2011 - Surrey League Handicap Series #2 - VC de Londres - South Nutfield - E/1/2/3/4 - 30 miles[/url]

Pos Name Club/Team Cat Race # Time
1 Matt Chapman Addiscombe CC 4 8
...
7 Stephen Broomfield Addiscombe CC 3V 37
8 Keith Lea Addiscombe CC 3V 4
...
10 Andrew Watmore Addiscombe CC 3V 43
11 Darren Peachey Addiscombe CC 3 5
...
14 Sylvain Garde Addiscombe CC 2 40
...
24 Marek Siwicki Addiscombe CC 3 2
...
26 Robert Wright Addiscombe CC 3V 39
...
32 Paul Hone Addiscombe CC 3V 14
...
39 Serge Hunt Addiscombe CC 4 42
...
dnf Nick de Meyer Addiscombe CC 4 41

I wonder when the last time we had 11 ACC riders in a Road Race was?