Goodwood Road Races - 31st March

The start of the Road race season for many saw Worthing Excelsior represented in both 4^th and 3^rd Cat races at Goodwood this Easter weekend. Dave Bacon entered the 4^th Cat race looking for the points he needs for his 3^rd Cat licence, whilst the 3rd Cat race saw a team of four, with Peter Thorp Hincks, Chris Dransfield, Chris White and Mike Brampton, wearing the Excelsior colours.

The damp weather, with a fine drizzle being driven across the airfield circuit by a force 5 south westerly, soaked them all to the skin within a couple of laps and made for quite tough races.

Dave was on track first and rode a textbook race as had been planned the Thursday before, sitting in all the way watching for breakaways and being ready to cover them should they have occurred. He was looking strong and certain of a place until on the final lap a rear wheel puncture forced him out! Next time Dave.

Not wishing to be outdone, Mike then punctured his front on the first lap of the 3^rd Cat race, however able to stop at the pits, Dave Bacon was fortunately on hand to lend Mike his wheel, and Mike rejoined the race albeit one lap down.

The four guys then worked together ensuring there was always at least one person to mark any breaks, until just after two thirds distance when a small break escaped. Chris Dransfield and Peter working together jumped off the front of the bunch into the headwind and joined the breakaway, whilst Chris White sat on the front, slowing any attempted chase down.

The break stayed away, thanks to some sterling work from Chris Dransfield who took more than his fair share of work at the front, which was to take its toll in the end. With Chris fading in the last half a lap it was left to Peter to contest the sprint, which he did admirably finishing 5^th, Chris Dransfield coming in a creditable 10^th.

In summary it was quite a successful weekend for the fledgling road race team, with some good lessons learned and two people in the top 10!

This page was last updated on 24-04-2005.