A great result. In one race, I achieved my 1st category BC license upgrade, and more importantly achieved a solid National B result. Crucially for me, it was a strategic win, not only a physical one.
The race had all of the usual big name starters. The final Summer Series race at Redbridge was bound to attract the cream of the Eastern Region.
The attacks came from familiar places. It didn't take long for Wojciech Szlachta to chip off the front. Pretty soon, I was following Dean Shannon's wheel. Another lap, and Owen Lake, Kevin Knox and 2 others were up front.
A series of punctures and failed chases meant that before long, we were way ahead and with most of the race duration still to ride. With other big names such as White, McLean and Six present, I was surprised not to see a concerted and organised chase.
We worked well to keep the pace high, with Dean, Wojciech and Me taking the reins on the front of the break.
Soon it became apparent that of the 5 left in the break, Lake and Moye of CC Luton were hanging on. With the lap board finally out, Wojciech started to put in the attacks on the climb. Shannon and I held his wheel for the 1st couple of efforts. Lake and Moye fell off, but were determined to hag on to the pace, but they didn't quite manage to hook back onto the back of the break.
I was feeling strong, and Wojciech's attacks these weren't going to phase me tonight. As we came round for the bell, I noticed Shannon didn't come through for his turn. It was just Wojciech and Me for the last 2 laps. I watched the attack on the climb and let him go, certain that I'd be able to use my build to my advantage and catch him on the downhill. By the bottom hairpin, I was back within ten bike lengths and held off the chase, cruising up to with five lengths on the back straight. He attacked, I sprinted with him, and from behind I came 'round him on the crest of the climb to cinch the win by a substantial margin.
One of my strongest results by a long way.
Also, thank you to Leslie Everett and all of the organisers at ELV and other clubs who out on the series. It was once again a great success.
