Addiscombe medals at SE Women's Championship

[Tamar]

A small field and absence of many of the stronger riders (like the Evans mob) meant there was everything to ride for at Goodwood yesterday.

The event was open to all comers, but only riders from the South East were eligible for championship medals.

8 women lined up at the start of the 13 lap race and we proceeded to do an orderly thru'n'off until 5 laps to go when Angela Nainby made a break into the headwind on the slope leading up to the chicane. Myself and Helen Paull (from Dorset) chased her and the 3 of us worked a couple of hard laps to put some distance between ourselves and the chasing group.

Maria was dropped when the break went, but after a short spell working with Ann Bath she pulled away on a lone ride for half a lap to join up with the chasing group.

Once the 3 of us in front had established a good lead we were able to relax a bit and conserve some energy for the final sprint. I got to the chicane first and luckily Angela got blocked behind Helen which gave me just enough space to hold out to the line and take my first win. Hurrah! Angela took 2nd and Helen 3rd.

Maria also won her sprint to take 4th when the chasing pack came in, and because Helen is not from SE, this gave Maria the bronze on the podium.

Not a bad day for Addiscombe women.

Not sure how the guys did....we went home before they started.

[ajay khandelwal]

Looks like you toasted them Tamar! Congratulations. I'll be expecting you to come singing past me on the hills next time we meet.

[Tamar]

This is indeed exactly like being divisional champion. In fact I have a lovely jersey with South East Champion emblazoned across the front and back. I will be wearing it on my next club run (sadly not this Saturday as I'm busy). Your adulation and looks of awe and respect will of course be received with as much humility as I can muster. Haha.

Actually, I do feel slightly fraudulent - it's not like I am best rider in SE by any stretch of the imagination - but you got to be in the race to win so there you go.