OK Dr Toks here is your report.
Arrived early without hangover as I had been drinking champagne all Christmas day - I can highly recommend it.
The field was much depleted from my first race, where there were 50 out. Only 19 today, little did I know that this would make the going harder, but the pack much less dangerous.
There were also a number of youths out, and I had been reliably informed that they were 'pretty tasty' and our asses would be wupped. I also saw a 2nd category woman on the racing list! Luckily for me she didn't turn up.
So it was me and 18 other blokes setting off into a reasonable wind. The pace was pretty quick from the start, along with a few attacks from the front, who within a lap got slowly brought back in. A lot of the youths did some attacking but couldn't hold the pace and dropped back for half a lap, only to attack next time round.
As for me, I just hung in with the pack, slipped some rear wheels, and shouted the corners when it looked like I was going to be taken out. Strange what a female voice does to a bloke in those circumstances. I really think they thought they would drop me after a lap! Hah! So they politely moved over and the race moved nicely on.
One young guy from Oxford University Club broke off with three others, and when he attacked again they didn't chase so he powered his way to first place.
Keith worked really hard as usual and stayed out the front on his own for about 7 laps up until 2 laps to go, but was then caught by one of the youngsters, and they worked together to the line, where Keith got second after a fine sprint finish, with a new high on the heart rate monitor!
A lot of people did a lot of work at the front of the pack, and I am afraid to say I am not one of them. However my fitness is not yet up to it, but as I progress I may even move to making a breakaway at some point. I will definitely start taking my turn soon.
Needless to say, as so many had hung back, it was an almighty sprint to the line; if some bugger had not got in the way I may have made it to some points. Anyway I was pleased to sail past another 3 blokes after the blocking tactic, to prove I still had a bit left in the tank.
Again I really enjoyed myself, don't know why but I just love it! Bring on the next one!!!!!!!!!!!!
