Hillingdon 5th June

[MattD]

Well ...just me from ACC this week and another CAT4 week at Hillingdon - plan so far has been to alternate between Palace and Hillingdon until CAT3 status ( or was this just an excuse to avoid Palace ! ? ) …Usual routine … 16 mile warm up to the circuit , usual milling around trying to count the number of starters ….. gorgeous windy weather on the finish straight , so hopefully this would benefit the stronger rider !!.

This week I decided again not to be too enthusiastic, and bide by time in the pack , but within a few laps I was playing about practising my sprint for the finish , and then leading out for a few laps . I noticed there were a few strong youth riders in the pack, with one in particular who looked very strong and was constantly pushing the pace . I was able to chase down a few break attempts , but as always nothing would stick . After about 8 laps the already spotted (!) youth decided to break away up the back straight ….. should I join him ? - yes , so I moved up to second , and slotted behind his wheel - then just as I was composing myself another rider sprinted on the outside … I was determined not to let anyone get away , so with lungs and legs already burning from the previous effort I dug deep and bridged the gap -( although painful this was making such a welcome change to most cat 4 races !) , and I was enjoying the adrenalin rush of so many enthusiastic racers , BUT what’s this from nowhere - at breathtaking speed 4 riders shot down the outside , and broke away as if we were standing still . A group of 4 of us desperately tried to join them but to no avail .

For the rest of the race everyone worked well together to try and pull the break back.. but eventually with 3 laps to go there were 2 juniors who were still away ( I later found out that this is a little game these 2 had played a couple of times this season with the seniors! ) .

As the last few laps counted down the pace as usual quickened up , but now was the time to make sure i learnt from all my prevoius mistakes . I felt strong , held my line , pushed up the pace when i needed to , and coming into the finish straight I was in the top ten - head down - hold that wheel - he’s slowing , cut in on the inside - pull past - more riders on the outside - just grit those teeth - over the last incline - I can see another gap - legs still working - can I get through before the finish - NO - the gap then closes on me just as we cross the line - But ive done it - photo finish ( so glad I put that number on my left shoulder ! ) 6 place overall , 4th in the sprint , and finally CAT3 !

Looks like its CP on a permanent basis now !

[Graham O]

Well Done Matey !!

[Tamar Collis]

Excellent! Well done Matt - congrats on making 3rd cat.

[Stu Merckx Man]

congratualtions matt! great result. will be good to have another one for the A team

[-Adam-]

I knew you were another 3rd cat in waiting! Now it gets tough! only kidding...

Mind you, you'll be eligable for SL road races now, think you can make the step up...?

[Sylv]

Classy ride Matt welcome to the 3rd cat gentlemen's club

I've found this is something to watch out for too - often a few of the stronger people will attack and be at the front then tire themselves eventually, and then at that very moment when they start slowing down others will attack from behind, and if you are yourself in the first attacking group you might have a hard time not geting dropped from it all. It's happened to me a few times at Palace up the hill and it's a great feeling when you just about manage to get back on the second wave of attackers after doing your work.

[Sylv]

Ps: it's a good move to try yourself too

[MattD]

RR with SL is the plan !

Extract from review of race yesterday .... sounds like the young bucks were in another league ...but like their style !


“Baxter and Legg seem to be able to destroy the opposition at will in the 4ths race. Both juniors I think, but by god are they quick. And they're pretty savvy too.

They did it again this week, getting the jump on the bunch into the headwind off the corner at the bottom of the finish straight. I tried to go with them but couldn't make it across and blew up like a knackered Robin Reliant. One rider made across to them but was dropped before they went on to catch (and go round) the main bunch in the E/1/2/3.

Someone joked that they'd have disqualified the bunch for sitting in on the wheel of those two. They got at least half a lap on the field and cruised home well ahead of the customary cavalry charge sprint”

[Matt Robbins]

Well done Matt, top stuff!

[kieran]

Well done Matt, good to see your planning and effort pay off.

[Andrew G]

Well done Matt, see you at CP.

[Toks]

[quote="MattD"] I felt strong , held my line , pushed up the pace when i needed to , and coming into the finish straight I was in the top ten - head down - hold that wheel - he’s slowing , cut in on the inside - pull past - more riders on the outside - just grit those teeth - over the last incline - I can see another gap - legs still working - can I get through before the finish - NO - the gap then closes on me just as we cross the line - But ive done it - photo finish ( so glad I put that number on my left shoulder ! ) 6 place overall , 4th in the sprint , and finally CAT3 !

[Toks]

Hey Matt I hear there was a fight between some riders and a few hoody type kids who attacked a rider who crashed. Did you see that?

[Steve B]

Well done Matt , see you at the Palace on tuesday

Steve

[ajay khandelwal]

Well done Matt , well deserved...
PS are there any addiscombe 4th cats left now