by DamianE
Mon May 30, 2016 8:18 am
Four Clifton racers (I think!) in the various LRVC races at Walkington on Sunday, organised by my old club Hull Thursday. Tim and I in the AB, John in the C's and I think I saw Andy in his race - guess his knee is still holding up! As expected, Jamie Sharpe attacking within 1 km and I knew I stood no chance going toe to toe all the way up that long drag to High Hunsley so I prayed he'd get caught. He didn't so 3/4 of the way up after another surge and slight easing I did my best "I can hold this for 3 minutes" full gas in an effort to catch him. Sadly nobody came with me so it was me against the National Champion. As you would expect, I caught, dropped him and lapped the field on the 8 mile circuit. Back in the real world, I got within a handful of seconds by the top, hoping he'd look and see me and wait. I was miles clear of the bunch so there was no risk him waiting. Sadly, Mr Sharpe NEVER looks behind so when I needed a breather on the downhill, he didn't. I ummmed and ahhhhhed for about 20 seconds but realised I wasn't going to catch him unless he freewheeled. I got caught a mile or two later and we pegged him in sight for a lap. Then on the 3rd lap a group got away and I missed it (first race of year, I wasn't paying enough attention). I saw quite a few "B's" in there so thought there might still be something on the line from my group. At that point I noticed Tim had gone, not sure if mechanical or the pace as it was pretty grippy that lap! We worked pretty well but the break was always pulling clear. On the last 2 laps it was mainly me and one other guy working on the drag so I was hoping I was one of the strongest. I resisted the temptation to attack (I lost Divi champs on there doing exactly that once!!) and backed myself for a sprint. I've had lots of good results on that finish (admittedly nearly 20 years ago) as its a finish that suits me well. I got myself well positioned for the uphill, headwind finish and left it late to jump, so managed to lead my group in to secure 4th in my age category. Was pretty pleased with a brown envelope in the first race but I really should've made the break. Not sure how I would've fared for 56 miles but maybe next time (at our race in 2 weeks). Caught up with John in the car park, he'd just been tailed off with a lap or two to go in his race after an all day gardening effort the day before. Can't be ideal prep that!