Thanks for the kind (I think) words of encouragement from everyone. I was concentrating on getting a result in our own promotion, and was waiting for Adam for a lead out
I saw Steve moving up on the last lap just after the bell, and followed him through until the last corner, when a second's lapse of concentration and a rider had pushed me off, so the shadow was on the inside and I was stuck on the outside. Marek was giving it some stick, outpacing KK on his motorbike
, and he is another good wheel to follow. Unfortunately he faded towards the line and once in launch mode, I was chasing Steve, and from too far back was actually gaining on him, but too late - still pleased enough with 3rd place.
Great organisation George.
THE HANDICAP
I do not feel that an apology is needed, as I followed the timings that I used last year which saw all the groups coming together on the last lap - and anyone complaining ought to try doing it themselves first, BUT I do hold my hands up and say that with the benefit of hindsight I would have done things differently. The reason being that I didn't take into account that we were really overweight on the lower categories, and on a flat course, the elite group, which was also weaker (no disrepect to the riders - just a generalisation) than other weeks, does not have such an advantage as on a hilly one. I did give George instructions to send them off as soon as he saw the lead car coming, and I will offer an apology for that bit of confusion. I am continuing to learn and trust me I will get it spot on - hopefully next time.