by Keith » Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:38 pm
So I wasn't the only one daft enough to try their luck in today's 4th cat race in the wind and rain. My first "proper" race. I counted 18 out today, including Addiscombe's very own Rob C and Rob T.
The entire race was dominated by the howling gale in our faces on the back straight. Each break generally got caught on the back straight with the rider left out on the front to regret having made the pack work to catch up. The first break went by the end of the first lap with probably 3 or 4 other attempts. I even had a go myself.
With the rain lashing down, the steward brought the 5 laps to go board out early (he did threaten to do so if the weather deteriorated further in his briefing), after 25 mins rather than the advertised 35. I don't think anyone was sorry to see its early appearance.
A serious break went with 4 to go, and this was one not to miss. The two of us were soon joined by a third. We worked reasonably well together to keep the chasing bunch at bay. It's interesting to see others riding styles. One (without club kit) was strong but wasn't as good at tucking up after his turn, losing out on the chance of a rest. The other Evesham Wheelers rider was obviously experienced. The casual flick of the elbow gave this away.
Into the last bend with daylight between us 3 and the pack. I lead out first, and it was obviously going to be a 2 horse race. I eased off the gas to let him by and caught the tow into the final bends, but he was just too strong for me. He managed to pull away enough to raise his arms over the line. Second ain't bad though.
As we squelched around a couple of slow down laps I realised just how young the guy I'd lost to was. I got my arsed kicked in the sprint by a 15 year old. Oh well it's all downhill from here then!
I don't know the Robs' placings, but I reckon they both probably got points. I was too cold and wet to hang around chatting afterwards.