A view from the stands.
Adam making his debut at the Palace, with Kieran and Tim also out tonight. London Dynamo had a ton of riders out for reasons which became apparent very quickly. On the first lap they sent someone off the front while 3 others blocked at the front of the pack. After about 2 more laps everyone else obviously thought sod this and proceeded to have a tear up. The rest (i.e. most) of the race was then run balls out with riders being scattered all over the park. This seemed to prove that Dynamo had brought a load of riders to make up the numbers for blocking as they had a few shelled out early on who then promptly abandoned.
Tim fought hard but eventually lost the wheel of what was left of the 1/2 pack. I think he must have pulled in shortly after this as we didn't see him again. (Were by now watching on the hill so didn't see any pull ins at the start/finish). This was probably a wise move as the pace was hectic and didn't ease up all evening. Congratulations on a great season and getting 2nd cat.
The 3/4 race was equally manic with everyone trying to rip each others legs off. Lost sight of Kieran (not in an ACC jersey) and picked Adam up occaisionally (also not in ACC colours. Shame on you, you can't get a cheer if we can't spot you
) and tried to offer encouragement.
Moved round to the line for the two finishes which were very fast sprints. The 3/4 was won by about half a wheel with a bike throw, the 1/2 by a bit more and the winner waving a knowing finger in the air. Apologies for not knowing the riders names/teams but they weren't ACC so it hardly matters!
Congratulations to Adam and Kieran for sticking in and going the distance. I've seen five races at the Palace this year and this was by far the most tough looking. There was no restbite all evening in what was a good old-fashioned tear-up. Great to watch, if not to compete in. Adam said at the end his average, that's average, heart rate had been 178! Don't worry Adam next week's got to be easier.
If you want to see some good clean honest racing get to Crystal Palace next Tuesday for the last race of the season. The "hill" may not look too much when you go round but watch the relentless speed they go up it for 45mins+ and you'll rethink.