Alfold 3/4 Win for ACC

[Marek]

Today was the 3/4 race which was handicapped on the Alfold circuit, for those who did the 4 up this year it is half of that course. We did 3 and 3/4 laps which is about 50 miles as each lap is 12.5 miles.

They let the first group go which consisted of fourth cat riders, women and vets. Then the group of 3rd cats were let off about 3 minutes later which is where I was. We started off and there were not many doing too many turns on the front. In fact there were only about 3 or 4 of us who seemed to be serious about catching the group ahead.

I decided to try and pick up the pace a bit as last year we did not catch the lead group. Before I knew it I was on my own. This was a bit annoying as I had not intended to move away from the group. I ended up doing about 6 miles out ahead and I was not even going that hard. I let the others catch me up and shouted at them a bit to work a bit harder. This did nothing, so myself a couple of guys from London Dynamo just worked our butts off. At about half race distance we caught up with the group ahead. The race slowed a bit at this point and then a guy from South Western CC went off the front. He looked quite strong and no one else seemed willing to chase. I pinged off the front and no one else came with me. I caught up with the guy ahead and told him we had a gap and we should work for the win, he was up for it.

We put our heads down and worked really hard and we got a reasonable gap. As we came around to the bell lap Dave Kennett told me afterwards that he reckoned we had about 100 metres. I spoke to my breakaway companion and we both felt alright, so we carried on working hard.

Halfway around the course there is a sharp corner which goes past a green. This is a good place to look back and judge the gap. We had increased the gap since the bell and so we carried on heads down sharing the load. Then my breakaway companion indicated that he was starting to suffer. With only a few more miles to go he indicated that he would let me win without a sprint as long as I got him to the line. I agreed and sat on the front and did a long turn. He came through again for a small turn but he was struggling with the pace so I went through again. We seemed to be maintaining our gap and now we could not see the peleton at all as we were in the winding lanes.

As we got into the back section a few draining hills felt like they went on forever, but over the top and we blasted down the other side. At one point I nearly lost the back end as I hit a pot hole at speed and the bike jumped. Before long, although it seemed like an eternity we were onto the finishing straight and I put in a final burst of speed just to make sure my companion was not going to come around and then arms in the air I came over the line for my first ever league win.

I am well chuffed, to win from a breakaway feels really fantastic. I am over the moon and now know what a lot of the other riders who have won races this year feel like.

The peleton came over the line about 30 - 40 seconds behind which was really satisfying to see.

Cheers from a very happy Marek.....

[kieran]

Well done Marek fantastic result! hope the weather wasn't too bad. ps. don't forget you already won a race this season - the ACC one

[Dr Frigo]

I know of a little girl who will be smiling

Well done Marek.

[Jon H]

Nice one Marek, what a great end(?) to the season.

[Paul H]

Excellent result - well done

[tel]

Well done Marek-that was long overdue. Great result

Terry

[Toks]

[quote]I am well chuffed, to win from a breakaway feels really fantastic. I am over the moon and now know what a lot of the other riders who have won races this year feel like.

[Tamar Collis]

Brilliant Marek - glad you're finally getting the results that have perplexingly eluded you in the past. What's changed? You've always been strong, and always talked a good race. Great that you're now riding a good race as well.

[Toks]

[quote]What's changed? You've always been strong, and always talked a good race.

[Phil S]

Great stuff Marek. Funnily enough it was when I saw you at the start of the season on the very same circuit that I thought you looked up for it. A great win - was your celebration intricate or elegantly understated?

[siwickm]

Arms in the air for about 25 metres before the line, just about managed to keep the bike in a straight line to come over the finish line with a big grin.

Cheers

Marek....

[SimonH]

It must of been a VERY weak field !
Only joking CONGRATS.

[siwickm]

Nah, it was quite strong as you were not there.

Cheers

Marek....

[Alan M]

Good one Marek - you deserve the win and its an excellent way to complete the season who was the rider from SWRC - was he part of the 4th cats?

[Andrew G]

Well done. 2 wins on consecutive Sundays, hatrick this week?