Well that was fun.
Even bigger field than last week, but I did manage to get myself near the front for the start this time. I think with a field this big the faster 3rd cats looked around and thought sod this, as the pace from the off seemed much quicker than last week, particularly the first few laps up the hill. A sensible tactic as it gets rid of the likes of me so they can do their own thang.
Did better than last week and held on the the main bunch for 12 minutes, it then split in to 2 main bunches due to the combination, I think, of hairpin action and speed at the front. Held on to this second bunch until 18 minutes in so fairly pleased with that. So long as I keep improving each week I'll be happy.
The only problem was I just couldn't find a working group. At one point I saw a group of six ahead (3 Dynamo, 2 Dulwich, and another guy) and put my head down to catch them. They were just attacking each other all the time, so after about a lap of chasing I caught them, rode to the front and suggested we work together. I did about half a lap on the front then wiggled my elbow...nothing. I looked behind and they were all gone. They'd just attacked each other, there own team mates, until their legs exploded
. Quite what they were hoping to achieve by that so far down the field I'm not sure, but they paid their money so it's their choice.
I carried on reasonable well and continued to pick up riders for the rest of the race as they were dying a thousand deaths. The only other time I really had any sort of group was when I was with 2 or 3 including a woman from Rapha Condor. Not sure if it was your friend from last week MattD but she was in a right strop last night, moaning about the slightest supposed indiscretion from just about every rider in the park, got her Assos in a right twist.
I too got asked to "step aside" after about 40 minutes to let the leaders finish, bit annoying as I'd only been lapped a shortish time before, but I did as I was told. Didn't want to annoy the organisers or get in the way for the finish.
It did allow me to get a view of Jon's victory though, damn impressive, he just cruised away from the rest of the field while still in the saddle. Congrats to Sylv and Matt as well. Racing with Sylv and Kieren the last 2 weeks (until dropped) I've seen just how well they position themselves and move up and around the group. Quality riding as it looks a lot easier than it is and you can't do it without being very strong.
Well done Sean, to do your first race at Palace and keeping going is no mean achievement. You probably noticed how many were falling by the wayside, and I bet you collected a few on the way round as they blew up.
Finished my race riding in with Toks from the hill. You had your head down, looking for your matchbox.
Finally - excellent support all night, plenty of encouragement, and I don't think my Mum (marshalling) missed a chance to shout at me once
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parish of Penge, SE London. 
