Eastern Round 1

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BY: Richard Jones

Published: 6th April, 2012

This weekend was another opportunity to get some good quality racing in warm dry weather.   Saturday was the last round of the Northants Road Race Series.  This round was held on a slightly smaller course but packed a far more entertaining race.  Tight bends and a good climb to the finish made for a brilliant course.  It had stayed dry and the sun was making the odd appearance.  For the first time the scratch group was made up from some strong riders. 

We set off and quickly organised ourselves into a reasonably well working group. After a couple of laps the handicapping had come together and there was now a fast bunch.  As with all road races there were numerous attacks lap after lap, however, we all knew it was going to come down to a sprint over the final climb. Riders quickly began to chat secretly to their team mates: plans seemed to being hatched by every rider.  I had my betting on Elite MTBer Ryan Henry or well known road rider Mike Cowland  (Wheelbase/Cannondale) for the win both of which were strong climbers and could pack a strong finish. 

Ryan Henry shot away early as we rounded the 90-degree turn on to the climb.  I pushed into position and moved onto Mike's wheel.  The pace heightened again and we began to move through the group.  Half way up the climb and I knew it was my turn to attack.  I pulled out from Mike's wheel and gritted my teeth and stamped on the pedals.  I began to move onto Ryan's wheel that by this point had pulled out a prominent lead.  A sprint for the line quickly began between Ryan and me; I pulled up beside Ryan but hadn't realized there was still 100 meters to go.  Both of us dug deep and charged for the line.  Ryan snatched the win in great style with me following in second and Mike in third.  A great race and one of the first road races I can honestly say I enjoyed.  Perhaps this road thing is OK after all?

I made sure to drink some chocolate flavoured Accelerade R4 recovery drink, this supplied much of the much-needed nutrients to help my legs to recover ready for the following days race and seemed to prevent those achy heavy legs.

Sunday was Round 1 of the Eastern series at Tunstall in Ipswich.  A later race time of two o'clock allowed for a leisurely morning.  The course was hard packed and running very fast, there was little climbing yet the odd couple of drops and sharp climbs to keep you on your toes.  The Elite category was combined with the Expert riders as for some reason there seems to be little interest in these races.  Andrew Cockburn was the only other Elite rider however a strong Masters and Expert field were being set off along side us. 

A Fast start to the afternoons race.

The start quickly came and suddenly Thetford based rider Ian Mockett was charging the starting sprint.  After a few minutes I had my turn at the front and began to pull out a short gap.  I was expecting Andrew to come shooting past me at any minute so maintained the pace.  The trails at higher speeds where great fun and I loved the rolling trails and flowing hard packed bermed corners.  I felt strong for the first time and was enjoying being able to accelerate out of corners. The course reminded me of my local wood and this allowed me to ride well with in my comfort zone.

After an hour and forty I had managed to maintain the lead with a couple of minutes gap.  Great rides came from Nigel Scott who was the clear winner of the Masters category.  As I am sure you can all imagine Paul Ashby was in his element on the flat course and had great win in the Veteran cat. 

Looking lonely with out Andrew.

A great weekend however a shame I can't seem to ride like this at races when I want too.  Maybe next time! 

Richard Jones

XCRacer.com