by
paulM
Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:32 pm
I can't believe it - I think I had all the good luck that deserted my team mates yesterday.
I think its fair to say I wasn't putting in a particularly sparkling performance. I was just in the top half of the field in the time trial and I was ok on the climbs in the road race - but I thought the pace was quite steady. I'd only been to the front of the race once, sprinting across to a small group on the 3rd lap before Terrington which was quickly caught. When Paul Bridgen went away soon after, that gave me another excuse to sit back. I thought Paul had a good chance of staying away as the bunch was daudling and he had pulled well clear as we started the last lap. But Bulmer proved to be a climb too far and as the bunch caught him near the top I accelerated close to the front of the bunch and got to the front on the Ganthorpe road to help bring back a small group. In Terrington another small group went clear and I managed to jump across to it near the top of the climb. It had some strong riders in it plus myself. I managed a few turns but it was The Derwentside rider, John Sturman + Rutlands Simon Keeton, a previous race winner, who were the main driving force. I realised we were pulling away from the bunch and that a top 10 place overall and in the road stage was on the cards. I was almost embarrased to take 3rd in the group "sprint" but the others seemed happy to be up there in the overall. I was just in the right place at the right time with the right people. But at least I can take home the road race trophy from the club dinner with a decent ride.
Commiserations to Matt for puncturing so early - there is nothing worse, and to Paul B who had the guts to risk it all.
Thanks to all who made it such a great day. A full field on this circuit means we cannot be doing much wrong.
More Clifton riders needed next year please (remember the winner yesterday was a 4th cat) - this is a real road race.......