2017 ROAD RACES
Results/details from Surrey League Road Races can be found here on Facebook
and there is now also a new Surrey League website
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Results/details from Southdown Velo Goodwood Series can be found here
SUN 10 SEPT
SURREY LEAGUE MILLAND HILL (VC MEUDON) |
Cat 1/2/3
Rider: Gavin Ash
Report from Gavin:
Some of the high class riders were putting in big efforts over the hill section. It was starting to hurt on the fifth lap so I stood up, slipped and lost momentum. No chance of catching them after that. There were only half of the field left at that point and it was a major "drop-fest" today. |
SAT 26 AUG
CHICHESTER FESTIVAL (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
Men's 3/4 Crits
Rider: Aaron Hartley
Report from Aaron:
I would have to say the Chi course was umm very sketchy at points given that there were cobbles to deal with but the race itself was over before it started for me. First lap in and my front wheel just slid away and before I knew it I was looking up to the sky while a bike came over me. From then on it was just trying to finish as best I could. Schaeff managed to avoid all the crashes and finished in the front bunch. Definitely a tough course 😂😳 |
SUN 6 AUG
SURREY LEAGUE STAPLEFIELD (CRAWLEY WHEELERS) |
Cat 2/3
Rider: Gavin Ash
Feedback from Gavin:
I got dropped. I felt good but the pace up the hill was fast and quads were destroyed. I got a KOM though. I think sitting on the back is not good. It must be easier at the front. I do find it easier in a breakaway. 3 people got DQ'd today for going over a solid white line. It was very sketchy today with the traffic so they were strict on the rules There was a headwind at the top on the hill so any gaps and it was hard to get back on. No more pack back for me. Mike Coyle was struggling at the back so he made his way to the front It was fast on the hills but I felt good in the morning. My quads felt like they were going to burst on the hills. Maybe because of 3 races in 4 days. I planned to follow Mike Coyle |
SAT 5 AUG
OMEGA PORTSMOUTH |
E/1/2/J1/J2 1 hour + 3 laps
Rider: Gavin Ash
25 started. 18 finished. Gavin came 12th.
Arriving at today's race was like a boutique showroom full of stunning bikes and the majority of riders bearing sponsor logos on their kit. One rider said there is nothing else on this weekend so that explains it. I'm happy though, riding with the local pro's can only make you a better rider.
My plan was to try and establish a brake with mike smith because he always gets away. I went off the front from the bell and soon established a break with a pack of 4. Mike was in there but it wasn't his usual pack so he never committed and we soon got caught. The E's and 1's are like pack animals and it's hard to be accepted into the pack if your an outsider or wearing club kit. I was sitting at the back with Mike and then he put a huge effort in to join his pack and then they were gone. They eventually lapped us and when we rejoined them that's when the pain started. Huge surges galore! I stayed on the rejoined pack but the race was very fragmented after that with people getting spat out all over the shop. Then the animals were gone again. I'm not sure of positions because people were getting spat then rejoining. 3 laps to go I was in a pack of 8. I stayed tactical and sat in until the last 100 metres and ended up winning the sprint. No data for this ride as I discarded my ride as I was taking the tape off. Gutted! Hardest track race I have done. I'd of loved have seen the data. The top boys are machines. I'm not worried about points for now as getting the rides in and experience is key for me. |
SUN 30 JULY
LVRC HAINAULT SOUTHEND OVER THE HILL CRITERIUM |
Event No 11. Veterans Race
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Dom Maxwell travelled to Hainault for round 11 of the LVRC Road Race series. This was a criterium race. He was happy to secure a top 15 placing his first ever ride at the challenging Hog Hill circuit which he found to his liking.
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TUES 25 JULY
GOODWOOD (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
4 Up Team Time Trial (Road bikes only)
Team: Dom Maxwell, Gavin Ash, Nik Allen, Neil Crowther
A super event that was thoroughly enjoyed by all the teams who participated.
There were some seriously good riders in the field. Our team did well to finish in thirteenth place. |
SUN 23 JULY
LVRC HUNGERFORD NEWBURY RC ROAD RACE |
Event No 10. Veterans Race
Rider: Dom Maxwell
A frustrating journey and race for Dom as he punctures on the last lap.
"Have had a rubbish month, with punctures, mechanicals and crashes resulting in a less than 50% finish rate. It takes me out of contention for the LVRC series. But there's no chance trying to do it in 8 races anyway. It's my first year doing it so know what I need to do when I move up to B next year. The marshals picked me up which was nice." |
FRI 21 JULY
PRESTON PARK (SCRL CLOSED CIRCUIT) |
Cat 2/3 - 45 minutes plus 5 laps
Riders: Gavin Ash, Dom Maxwell
Gavin and Dom finished in the bunch.
Cat 4 - 45 minutes plus 5 laps
Rider: Nik Allen
Photos by Gavin
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TUES 18 JULY
GOODWOOD (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
Youth A Race - 4 laps, 9.7 miles
Rider: Ollie Lane
"It was very windy at Goodwood, along with some rain like it was about to thunderstorm. I got dropped from main bunch, which slowly fell apart throughout, and I was in the second bunch of about 11. I won the sprint out of those riders
I tried to break away from the start with two other riders, that might have caused me to get dropped." |
WED 12 JULY
PORTSMOUTH MOUNTBATTEN CENTRE |
Cat E/1/2
Rider: Gavin Ash
A big field in all races tonight as a result of the Goodwood cancellation last night.
All the big dogs turned up on the E12. It was fast with lots of hard efforts. I tried to get away but got chewed up after a few minutes. It was basically a chasing the breakaways race. I'm not sure if the result as people got dropped and joined back in on the following lap and they also got in with the sprint finish. Maybe about 12th. It's a totally different ball game so for now the double sprint is out of the window. I think we were going about 35+ for the last lap. They kick early. Lots of track racers so I need to work them out. So basically a bunch finish. |
WED 12 JULY
SURREY LEAGUE DUNSFOLD VETS (IN GEAR QUICKVIT RT) |
Veterans Race - 30 miles
Rider: Dom Maxwell
It was a bunch finish and Dom got 10th place and one more BC point. For the second week running Dom was chopped by the same rider in the sprint and this cost him the opportunity for more points although he was hugely relieved to stay upright.
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FRI 7 JULY
GOODWOOD TOUR OF SUSSEX SUPPORT EVENT |
Handicap Race - E/1/2/3/4 - 1 Hour
Rider: Dom Maxwell
"That did not go well. Someone swerved into my front wheel, pulled 2 spokes and damaged the carbon. Having a bad run at the moment. It happened in the bunch. Someone braked and big concertina and someone put their derailleur in the spokes. I never liked the wheel anyway."
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TUES 4 JULY
GOODWOOD (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
Youth A Race - 4 laps, 9.7 miles
Rider: Ollie Lane
Ollie continues to experiment with different approaches. Today he tried a breakaway.
Report from Ollie:
"The first lap was good, and the second lap was okay until the first little hill bit. I decided that a cheeky little breakaway might work. Nope, I was wrong. I pulled away quite a fair distance for 20 seconds or about, then they chased me down, stormed past me, and I got dropped. I was the only rider to get dropped and for the rest of the remaining 1 and a half laps, I was in a game of chasing which might have worked if given enough laps. When I had gone for the break away the other riders didn't even follow! They gave the impression that I had done the stupidest thing ever and I was doomed from that moment. I was very frustrated for the rest of the race and extremely gutted. If I had held on in the bunch, the maybe I could have had the chance through sprinting. But I will go back next week and hopefully hold on and go for a sprint and see what happens. Perhaps I should have tried the breakaway at the downhill section but I now know that sprinting probably suits me better." POSTSCRIPT: British Cycling records show that Ollie came 10th and picked up a point.
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SAT 1 JULY
PORTSMOUTH MOUNTBATTEN CENTRE |
CONGRATULATIONS TO GAVIN
A BRILLIANT DOUBLE HEADER MOVED FROM CAT 3 TO CAT 2 AND SCORED POINTS IN BOTH Rider: Gavin Ash
Cat 3 - 15 Miles
In his first race of the morning Gavin finished in 2nd place. He was one of three riders who established a successful breakaway and lapped the field. The points gained from this enabled him to ride the E/1/2 event immediately afterwards,
E/1/2 - 26 Miles
Not content with establishing a step up Gavin then finished in 6th place in the top ranking event.
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WED 28 JUNE
PORTSMOUTH MOUNTBATTEN CENTRE |
3rd Category
Rider: Gavin Ash
7th place and just five needed for Cat 2 now for Gavin
Gavin:
"I finished somewhere around 7/8/9th. The opposition were on to me today (having seen me previously) and they got me on the sprint. I need to develop sprint skills. It was pouring with rain and so I couldn't build up sufficient speed to get past the bunch without them following me. I need to start circuit racing away from the south east region because everyone knows my game now." |
SUN 25 JUNE
SURREY LEAGUE CUTMILL (HOOPS VELO) |
2nd / 3rd Category - 65 miles
Riders: Gavin Ash, Dom Maxwell
Gavin:
"A hard race today. For me it took its toll on the body rather than the lungs. Race got neutralised 3 times. 1 for riders using the oncoming side of the road, 2 for some loose dogs on the road. 3 for a gypsy horse and cart slowing the race. The hill was a killer but I was also feeling it on the flat. I got dropped on the last lap and was trying to catch up but no chance. Tired from holiday and jet lag!!!! I did the last lap by myself and I saw a few riders that had finished coming the other way as I was coming up to the finish so I just followed them back to race HQ so a DNF for me. I tried for 2 breakaways but I wouldn't have had it in me to hold it anyway. The first 30 miles was fast and the last 35 miles was hard." Dom: "I managed to finish with the whittled down bunch. The sprint was on a hill so I dribbled over the line. A very good training ride for my old man racing. Gavin really gave it some beans on the hill for a break. There were a fair few riders capable of 19 minute 10's which shows the standard." |
WED 21 JUNE
SURREY LEAGUE DUNSFOLD VETS (EPSOM CC) |
Veterans Race - 30 miles
Rider: Dom Maxwell
After last week's disappointing 12th place Dom produced a fine performance to finish in third place. This wins him 7 more points in his quest for a move up the categories.
"I got in a break with Simon McNamara for the last two laps and managed to hold on! The peloton was close behind at the finish." |
WED 14 JUNE
PORTSMOUTH MOUNTBATTEN CENTRE |
Cat 3 Race
Rider: Gavin Ash
CONGRATULATIONS TO GAVIN
FIRST WIN AS A CAT 3 10 POINTS SCORED (SO JUST 8 NEEDED TO GET TO CAT 2) Report from Gavin:
"I started at the back then after 2 laps I came round the outside and got half a lap on the field. There were lots of breakaways trying to catch me. I dropped back after 20 minutes to join a 3 man breakaway but we lost ground as they weren't working and we'e leaving me on the front so that the pack caught up. I joined the pack for 5 minutes then went again. Had about 200 metres on the pack at 10 minutes to go and about 150 metres on a 6 man breakaway. With 5 laps to go I was hurting and the field were closing in on me. I just got to the line before they caught me. Nearly a photo finish with second place. It was a fast race with loads of breakaways but people are afraid to hold them. (8 points now needed for cat 2)" As Dom Maxwell said: "Gavin that's an amazing result. Well done. And you're doing it in style. No sitting in and waiting for the sprint. Maximum kudos."
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WED 14 JUNE
SURREY LEAGUE DUNSFOLD VETS (VC GODALMING & HASLEMERE) |
Veterans Race - 30 miles
Rider: Dom Maxwell
A disappointing 12th place for Dom:
"I made the selection at the vets but guy in front blew big style and I was on his wheel and could not get back on so that was game over really. I just could not predict that he would blow so spectacularly and then I did not react quickly enough. The good news last night was I smashed my power records from 30 seconds to 2 minutes trying to get in the breakaway. I've got the fitness. 1 min power 611 watts." |
TUES 13 JUNE
RC RAVENNA 2 UP TTT #2 |
Actually not a road race but a 25 mile 2 Up TTT on road bikes organised under the auspices of British Cycling. It's on a very 'sporting course'. And the same pairings as last week returned determined to do better but found that the opposition was just first rate.
Pairings: Dom Maxwell / Gavin Ash
Nik Allen / Schaeff Potter |
SAT 10 JUNE
CYCLOPARK GRAVESEND |
Cat 3 Race
Rider: Aaron Hartley
"Still very much getting used to the tempo of a cat 3 race. Started out OK but other people getting dropped meaning I had to put work to stay in the bunch. This led to me not having enough energy to keep on and with the climbs thrown in that had an effect too. I managed to join a group of two others and work to get around before joining one person who was going at a quicker pace. Nearer to the end we picked up two others and worked till the end. Not sure but maybe 20-30 ish place wise
Fun course just need to improve my positioning and not get caught out as the wind was extremely strong and once a gap formed it was hard to try and bridge it." |
WED 7 JUNE
SURREY LEAGUE DUNSFOLD VETS (EVANS CYCLES RT) |
Veterans Race - 33 miles
Rider: Dom Maxwell
10th place for Dom and another point. Dom missed the first break but managed to get into a second breakaway group.
Dom's view: "Almost got to the 1st break just not enough legs. If you miss the break it's game over at the vets. Got in 2nd group." |
SAT 3 JUNE
EASTBOURNE FESTIVAL |
3rd Cat Criterium - 1 Hour
Rider: Aaron Hartley
I had a mishap in the shape of my bottle abandoning ship during the first lap which meant a change of plan. So I tried to hang onto the main group. That lasted for about 25 minutes before dehydration kicked in and still needing a bottle, which was thankfully supplied by my support team (dad)
But by that time I had been dropped and with a lovely head wind on the start/finish straight it meant I could only just try and complete the race. There were a few crashes and people getting dropped, but I got lapped eventually with two laps to go by the leading group. But for a first race in Cat 3 it was definately good training. |
THURS 25 MAY
SURREY LEAGUE CHARLWOOD CIRCUIT (MAISON DU VELO) |
Handicap Series (Event 6) E/1/2/3/4 - 30 miles
Rider: Gavin Ash
Gavin's View:
That was an enjoyable race. I worked hard in my tier. Four riders stayed away and everyone else grouped towards the end. I got to the front at the approach to the hill. Lots of riders then passed me on the hill as I couldn't find a gap to fit in. Then I managed to get past quite a few riders further up the hill. I finished around 16-18ish. I'm getting better at the hills but still too heavy (Schaeff Potter is like a mountain goat). (Ex-WECC rider and current Norwood Paragon development rider Schaeff Potter rode well to finish in 8th place.)
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TUES 30 MAY
GOODWOOD SERIES (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
3rd and 4th Category Race.
Riders: Gavin Ash, Ollie Lane
Gavin's View:
I'm not doing Goodwood 3/4 again. It's too dangerous for my liking. People all over the place riding badly. I just can't help feeling that there is going to be a crash. I tried a few breaks tonight but got sucked back in, and I just sat in on the last lap to be safe. Thanks to Karl Twort for the photos above - Donations
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SAT 26 MAY
DUNSFOLD SURREY LEAGUE (PACELINE RT) |
Cat 2/3 - 65 miles
Riders: Gavin Ash, Dom Maxwell
An 'interesting' morning as Gavin just misses out on a top 10 finish and Dom loses the plot. However: it subsequently turns out that Gavin gets 4 points for 12 place in this race so that turned out well.
Dom's Ride: Well I managed not to do up my rear skewer and only realised on lap 6. I was wobbling and when I stopped to do it up the peloton was gone. Moto tried to pace me back on and I saw them but couldn't make it. It's such a schoolboy error. Gavin did a brilliant attack which formed what must be the winning breakaway but saw him coming backwards before I stopped. Maybe he did too much with the experienced riders. Things got even worse when I realised that I had driven home with Gavin's keys. Gavin's Ride: I started off at the back and got caught out by the people getting dropped so I had to work hard and make ground. At the 20 mile point I made my way to the front and went for an attack. 4 riders also made an attack and joined me. I dropped of that group and joined a 2 man attack. 3 of us managed to stay away from the peloton for 45 miles although they were 30 seconds behind us with 20 mile to go. Because I started at the back I never realised there were 9 riders in front of us - I just thought it was 2 riders and I thought I finished 5th but I finished 12th. Just to finish off the day I fell off my bike in the car park (slow ride and feet got stuck in pedals) after the race and whilst waiting for Dom to return with my keys. |
FRI 26 MAY
HOVE PARK CRITS #3 (BRIGHTON MITRE CC) |
Cat 4 - 30 minutes plus 5 laps
Riders : Aaron Hartley, Tom Jarman
CONGRATULATIONS TO AARON ON SECURING CAT 3 STATUS
An excellent evening as Aaron secures 3rd place and Tom finishes in 8th place. The result is enough to get Aaron the much sought after 3rd category status. Crits are clearly his thing. He scored well at Eastbourne last season and in this short run of three events at Hove Park has come 5th, 7th and now 3rd.
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WED 24 MAY
SURREY LEAGUE DUNSFOLD VETS |
Veterans Race - 30 miles
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Dom's commentary:
Lovely evening. Feeling a bit tired. Tried a few efforts for the breakaway and then saw the one form that would get away. I tried to get across but Matt Bubear (South Downs Bikes) came with me and he then went on the front and sat up to make sure I couldn't get there. This was not cricket, as actually we could have both made it across and would not have brought the bunch with us. So I got back in the bunch and kept trying to get away. Then on lap 6 there was a touch of wheels in front of me on a crosswind section and about 5 riders went down at 25mph. I did some Peter Sagan moves to miss it and running over Matt Bubear's head. The the peloton attacked and it took a lap to get back and that completely shagged me. Ended in a sprint and my positioning was good. There were a few elbows in there and finished top 15 ish as not doing weight training in the winter = no sprint. We live and learn. Pleased not to crash, but disappointed to miss the break away and pleased with my positioning in the sprint. Unfortunately still tired for what could have been a PB night tonight. Finish 13th in the end. 7th in the sprint. Positioning improving for the sprint. |
TUES 23 MAY
GOODWOOD SERIES (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
3rd and 4th Category Race.
Riders: Gavin Ash, Aaron Hartley, Tom Jarman
Tom's view:
It was a quicker than in previous weeks. I attacked once getting a small gap but I didn't have it in my legs to keep it going. That took out out of my legs for later on, ended up around mid bunch. Gavin's view: I did my plan and went for it but everyone held my wheel. I sat at the back and never saw the 2 man breakaway that held. On the 8th lap it was hard work making my way to the front as the speed was fast. It was like a club ride with a sprint again The thing that got me was people holding your wheel and then scraping past me so I bottled it. Aaron's view: On the plus side my plan went well. I stayed upright and finished mid bunch I think. Thanks to Karl Twort for the photos above - Donations
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SUN 21 MAY
WINCHESTER PARK AND RIDE CRIT (VC VENTA) |
3rd Cat - 50 minutes plus 3 laps
Rider: Gavin Ash
10th place for Gavin
Gavin's view: That was hard. The first half of the race I was suffering. I stayed in the front 5. I was trying to drop the pack on the straight but they kept catching me on the corner. I spent a lot of time on the front because everyone was jumping in for a space then leaving a gap. Lots of people got dropped. I'm surprised with myself as this is not my sort of race. There was also a crash behind me on the last corner |
SUN 21 MAY
LVRC (COLOURTECH/NSP) CROWHURST |
Veterans Race - A,B,C,D - Event 5
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Dom's view:
Missed the break. Very frustrating as feeling great. Race was blocked by Dulwich Paragon and they chased a lot down. But it turns out they didn't have anyone in the break lol. I got away on the last lap with 2 others. No idea where I came probably top 10 and will find out where I am in my age cat when the results come out. I am 3rd in the series and me and my nemesis marked each other and he got away with me on the last lap and then he did me in the sprint as I tried a long one. Absolutely lovely circuit |
FRI 19 MAY
PRESTON PARK |
E/1/2/3
Rider : Gavin Ash
CONGRATULATIONS TO GAVIN ON HIS MAIDEN WIN
Having set off to Preston Park to 'hopefully get my monthly point' Gavin beat a field including some good Cat 2 riders by half a lap to secure a full set of points.
Comments from Gavin: I attacked about 6 times. I got about half a lap ahead mid-race but I was just testing. With 6 laps left I had another go at the front and when I checked behind the field was about 150 metres behind. So I just went for it for the remaining 5 laps and the gap got bigger and bigger. I'm just happy to have beaten the Army Cycling Team guys. I had been hoping that after my mid-race tester the field would believe that they could catch me again and so they wouldn't put in a big effort to rein me in when I eventually went for it, and that worked well. |
FRI 19 MAY
HOVE PARK CRITS #2 (BRIGHTON MITRE CC) |
Cat 4 - 30 minutes plus 5 laps
Rider : Aaron Hartley
A 7th place and points for Aaron, to go with his 5th place in event #1 last week.
Comments from Aaron: That was much tougher than last week. I managed to get into the leading bunch of 10 until the last lap but then I was dropped. However there was then a crash ahead of me at the chicane which took out some of those leading riders. And so I managed to come around 6th or 7th (definitely top 10). |
TUES 16 MAY
GOODWOOD SERIES (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
3rd and 4th Category Race.
Rider: Gavin Ash
Not a great day for Gavin as his race ends in a huge crash.
Gavin's Comments: It was a cat 3/4 mass start. I was coming around the outside 200 metres before the chicane and just getting to the front of the pack. 4 riders went down in front on me. I went over the bars and the 3 riders went into the back of me. Tom Tindge landed on top of me. I can't wait to get out of 3/4 races. I'm better at falling than I am at cycling. I put my hands in my armpits before I hit the floor |
SUN 14 MAY
LVRC SAFFRON WALDEN RADWINTER CIRCUIT (EAGLE RR) |
Event 4 Veterans Race - A,B,C,D
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Full race report from Dom:
I am really enjoying the LVRC racing. It is hard and there are some ex elites but nobody suspect. You feel that everyone is passionate about cycling and the racing. That being said the race from 2 weeks before had some dicey riding in it which resulted in a rider losing a few teeth and an overnight stay in hospital, so we were read the riot act and the safety was much better The day before the race I had some good news that's my best racing friend Ian Leeding had got into the race as a reserve and it was great to see him in the village hall on arrival. This race was near Saffron Waldon which is a 2 hour drive away and right on the limit of how far I would travel. It was also raining when I left the house but the forecast was to brighten up. I had been feeling a little tired but wanted to be aggressive and get into the breakaway, the course was undulating with enough incline to make the weaker riders struggle, we also had some juicy cross winds which I love as they suit the heavier rider. I attacked early and tried to go in an early break but that was soon brought back and we too'd and fro'd for the first 90 minutes, I noticed that a chap from Luton cycling club who I found out later was Rich Edwards looked the fastest in the bunch, so when he attacked I jumped onto his wheel, about 5 came with us and I experienced 15 minutes of pain before the bunch brought us back. I was just getting my breath back and they went again and 7 got away, so I was gutted to miss this. The race settled down again and was getting a bit lazy now the brake away had got away. So I attacked on my own and just tried to keep at 320 watts and I was brought back. We then hit the crosswinds again and someone came over the top of the peloton and I followed, we caught up with another rider and we worked hard together. I could tell the other 2 were not testers as they were putting out around 450 watts on the hills but only 200 down them. I just managed to keep up with them. I didn't really know where I was on the course as it was all very low key and didn't here a bell for the final lap, one of the riders attacked and I didn't know whether to go or stick and try and bring him back with the other rider. Because I did not know where I was and how much effort I would need to put in to the finish I stayed with the rider and the other one got a bit of gap. Unfortunately the rider I was with was not strong enough to help pull him back and the finish line was just round the corner, so he actually went on to finish 1st in the A group which is the one I am in. I finished in front on the other member of the brake away and about 1 minute up on the bunch Provisionally I finished 9th in the race and 2nd in the A ground which gives me some useful points in the series. There was one crash that I saw and the I think the rider suffered a broken collarbone, but have no idea what caused it. Overall it was a brilliant circuit; it stayed dry and it was great racing. They did cock up the results a bit and I waited an hour to collect my £15 prize money but they still had not sorted it by the time I left. But I will never complain about a club that goes to all this effort to put on a race. |
FRI 12 MAY
HOVE PARK CRITS #1 (BRIGHTON MITRE CC) |
Cat 2/3 - 40 minutes plus 5 laps
Rider: Gavin Ash
No points for Gavin here in what he feels was a bad race for him.
Observations: I only got lapped once so 'not that bad'. My back wheel was slipping out on corners so the gap opened and I was just too tired to catch them. Although I was in the Cat 2/3 I would have been dropped by the 4's. My view was of a group of cyclists getting smaller and smaller going away into the distance until they got big again when passing me once more. I just felt weak from no rest and Thursday's racing. The course was quite easy but my average speed and heart rate were low and I just wasn't feeling it. Many riders got dropped and many dropped out. I'm going to have some rest now and prepare for Tuesday at Goodwood. Cat 4 - 30 minutes plus 5 laps
Rider: Aaron Hartley
An excellent race for Aaron as he picks up valuable points in the first of these three Hove Park Crits. Everyone apart from around 9 riders got dropped and Aaron rode well to stay within the leading bunch. In the final sprint for the line he secured 5th place.
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THURS 11 MAY
DUNSFOLD SURREY LEAGUE (REDHILL CC) |
Handicap Series (Event 3)
Riders: Dom Maxwell, Gavin Ash
Gavin Ash gained a point for 10th place after trying a one lap lead out which was reined back in.
There was a crash late on when one rider pulled his cleat out of his pedal on a steep climb. Dom was caught just behind the crash and finished in 22nd place. Gavin managed to get past it as they came off. It was clearly a hard race as a post-race analysis of Dom’s race data showed that he spent 20% of the race at over 409 watts. Ex-WECC rider and current Norwood Paragon development rider Schaeff Potter rode an exceptional race to finish 5th and score his first points of the season. |
WED 10 MAY
DUNSFOLD SURREY LEAGUE (THE CYCLEROOM) |
Veterans Race - 30 miles
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Dom's view: Possible top 10. Stuck behind 'pensioner' in the sprint.. Brilliant night though. I love racing the Vets.
Postcript: It was 14th place for Dom (with him vowing to learn from that) |
TUES 3 MAY
DUNSFOLD SURREY LEAGUE |
Veterans Race
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Dom's Observations:
This vets event was rubbish. I spent a lot of time trying to get away and being closed down. I lined up nicely for the sprint and the guy directly in front of me just stopped pedalling. Very annoying. Thought about barging past but thought better of it. |
TUES 3 MAY
GOODWOOD SERIES (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
3rd and 4th Category Race.
Riders: Gavin Ash, Tom Jarman
Gavin finished in 10th place - his first point towards Cat 2 status (hopefully)
Gavin's Observations:
I was first into the chicane and 30 metres before the line but I think about 10 people passed me on the sprint because I can't sprint. I'm confident I can beat the 3's now. I just need to hit 40mph standing and sprinting. I'm going 35 seated but everyone does 40. Having caught the E12s they told me to go away I'm not in their race. The safety car tried to hold us back, but it's a race so I went past them without drafting. I left early because I think they want my blood. Tom's Observations: I did a bit of work on the front attacked and took someone with me for a couple of hundred metres but it didn't stick. A lot better positioned than last week though. Youth A and B Race
Rider: Ollie Lane
Ollie's Observations:
I held on to the peloton for about 3 and a half laps, then 3 riders attacked and everyone followed, and I didn't quite hook on. Then they slowly pulled away and I was left with another rider. He sat on my wheel as I told him to, and he then told me to sit on his wheel and he would drag me up to the peloton. On lap 4 we were still working together closing in on the peloton, and on lap 5, I took over from him and he sat on my wheel. We were closing in on the peloton quite quickly and just ran out of laps. When we were at the crossover point on the track the peloton was about 5 metres behind the start/finish line. Better than last week, and much closer. |
SUN 30 APRIL
LVRC CHELMSFORD (PAUL SIMONS HOMES) |
Veterans race.
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Report from Dom:
LVRC stands for over League of veteran road cyclists. Basically it's a race series for the the over 40's and then you race in the same race in age groups . Do not be fooled though, this is a highly competitive race with plenty of experienced racers. I had been setting some personal bests on my turbo power so really wanted to get stuck in and have an attacking race. The circuit was near Chelmsford so a bit of a drive and an early start for a 9:00am start. Might as well have been a time trial. The circuit is called the viper circuit and pretty flat, and there was a brisk breeze. At the start a breakaway went straight away; these rarely stick so was confident to sit in and for the peloton to bring it back. Of course Sod's law dictates that in this case the break left on lap 1 and stayed away for the whole race. I believe it ended up as a 3. After three 10 miles laps I started some attacks, and worked well with Ian Leeding taking it in turns to attack. I got away with someone from Crawley Wheelers and we worked really well together and caught another 2 and then the wheels came off and the 2 we caught were rubbish in a breakaway, going really hard and then sitting in. A breakaway should always be smooth and the work rate even otherwise will not work. On the last lap there was a crash in the peloton when we went round a right handed bend and a car was coming the other way, the peloton squashed together and about 5 riders ran off the road including Ian Leeding. Out of the corner of my eye I saw someone go over the handlebars. Luckily Ian had rescued it and stayed upright. Unfortunately someone smashed their face on the road and lost some teeth. We got caught and then sat in for a while, the bunch was a bit sluggish and on the last lap I thought I would have a go at glory and with 2 miles to go I attacked the peloton and got away. I time trialled to the end and could see the finish line, I got to with 100 yards and then the sprint came past me for me to finish in the bunch. After some defensive riding in the 2/3's it felt brilliant to ride an attacking race, unfortunately nothing to show for it but great racing. Loved it. |
SAT 29 APRIL
CYCLOPARK CRITS AT THE PARK |
3rd Cat Race
Rider: Gavin Ash
With his newly acquired Cat 3 licence it was a long trip to Gravesend for a fun, but ultimately frustrating, experience.
Gavin's Observations:
I went to the front for the first 2 laps to get warmed up. Then I went 5-10 riders back which was easy going. I was slow on the corners to start with but I got confidence with my bike after about 6 laps. I then went to the back for a bit due to slow cornering and that was much harder. At the back too many people leave a gap and it is hard work to make up the lost ground. I ended up puncturing but didn't feel that I would have done that well anyway. I felt dehydrated and had had some energy drink that didn't agree with my stomach. |
TUES 25 APRIL
GOODWOOD SERIES (SOUTHDOWN VELO) |
3rd and 4th Category Race.
Riders: Gavin Ash, Tom Jarman
Bitterly cold conditions for this one. Neither Gavin nor Tom scored points here, but extremely useful development experience nevertheless.
Gavin's Observations: I was in a solo break for one and a half laps; then I picked up 2 riders and had a breakaway for 6 laps (see video below) but they weren't prepared to commit. It was horrible in the main bunch. I'm too cautious and I let too many people past instead of being aggressive and jumping in a gap. When I'm on the front and let one rider past then I can't get back in until about 30 riders have gone through. I think that I'm a breakaway rider. I just need a breakaway to work hard with me. It was my first real bunch race. It does take skills. Tom's Observations: I tried to stay with Gavin initially but dropped back pretty quickly. Then I tried to break with a rider from Hunt Wheels but this was not successful and I ended up around mid bunch. Youth A and B Race
Rider: Ollie Lane
Ollie's Observations (an enthusiastic write up - well done Ollie):
This was the first race in the Goodwood series of the season, and my first ever race within cycling. I knew that it would be tough and was not expecting any major results, or even a win. It was quite windy when we turned up, so I knew that if I wanted to make it easier on me, staying in the peloton would be a good idea. The flag dropped and we were off. It was initially a quick start to get up to speed but then slowed down to a average speed of about 20.1 mph. I managed to stay with the peloton for about three quarters of a lap before they started to pull away. You could easily see the winner of this race, who had already made a large gap out front about 1 lap in, which you would have thought that this rider was a cat 2 rider by how easy he was making it look. I was left with another rider who I was working with for about one lap, before being joined by two more riders who had dropped off from the main peloton. A further two riders caught us from behind and I was now racing in a pack of 6 riders. It stayed like this until the end of the race, where the six of us were trying to conserve our energy for the last lap. I had a near encounter of nearly dropping of these riders, but managed to hang on. The final lap bell rang and the pace picked up straight away. You could tell that some of the riders really did not want to be on the front, and it felt like we were all fighting for the lead even though we were nowhere near the front. Coming up to the corner before the chicane, all six of us were trying to get into position to race for the line, through the final chicane. The Preston Park rider had got a nice gap out of the corner, and it was left between the 5 of us. Me, and two other riders crossed the line pretty much at the same time, with one rider slightly behind us (5 metres), and one about 5 metres behind him. It was a great race and look forward to racing there next week. |
SUN 23 APRIL
PRESTON PARK |
Preston Park. 45 minutes plus 5 laps.
Rider: Gavin Ash
CONGRATULATIONS TO GAVIN ON SECURING CAT 3 STATUS
AFTER JUST TWO RACES! Race report by Gavin:
This was the last race in the series and it went well for me. Before the race I noticed lots of expensive bikes and club members discussing race plans with each other, this had me questioning my ability to get some points. 2 riders from Brighton Excelsior were racing and they had got a 1st and 2nd from a decent break a month ago so my plan was to make the break with them. I went off from the bell and so did all the other riders. Today’s field was strong but I was still up for a break. I was positioned at the front and was waiting few riders to join me. There were lots of break attempts and I joined them all but I was spending a lot of time at the front and no one wanted to put the work in. I even tried the elbow flick to no avail. For a lot of the race I sat at the front which works well from me as I can control the speed while recovering and most importantly keep out of the crashes. I got back in the bunch a couple of times and sat at the back for a lap before moving back to the front. This was pretty much how the race went until the 5 laps left was announced. My plan was to stay at the front to avoid getting boxed in and to go for it with 2 laps to go. With 2 laps to go I heard to whistle of carbon wheels to my rear so that was my indication to go. On my last lap I was thinking to myself “did they ring the final lap bell” straight away I was concerned and was thinking I might have to do another lap but no the race got stopped on the final corner. I was in front at this point and had a rider slightly behind me to the right. After some deliberation, we got called back to the start line and were given 3 laps for the decider. I got back to the front again. The 1st lap was steady then we picked up pace on the 2nd lap. On the last corner I was in 1st position but got pipped before the line by 2 riders. I never do a standing sprint which I think I now need to start doing. I also need to race smart and conserve energy by drafting more. Now cat 3 and still lots to learn. |
SAT 22 APRIL
LAUGHTON CIRCUIT SOUTH EAST RRL (THE CYCLE ROOM, HORSHAM) |
2nd and 3rd Cat Road Race (Laughton Circuit). 100K plus 9 laps.
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Race report by Dom:
This was a 2/3 race near Lewes. Ran by SERRL with whom WECC are not affiliated so cost me the rather princely sum of £25 but you do get a transponder that you put on your fork so nobody can cheat you out of a position. The day was pretty gloomy around 12 degrees, the circuit is not that challenging but you so get a hill every lap, the race was 100k and 9 laps. With a flattish parcours, no one got away for the first few laps, I didn't feel supersonic and there were some very fast men there so I sat in most of the time. I also decided never to do this circuit again. It's great but the traffic coming the other way is constant and fast; a simple coming together of wheels and then I could see a fatality. On the day Michele Scarponi died after being hit by a truck it does make you reassess, although I love cycling I think that sometimes I will manage the risk and be more selective. I had also crashed on my last 2 visits to this circuit. The guy from Regent's Park rouleurs broke away with 4 I think and then soloed away from them as I had predicted before the race. This guy is unbelievably strong. I lined up for the bunch sprint and got the positioning ok, but for some reason just could not get the sprint out and I dribbled over the line in 21st. I really need to do some sprint work!! And practice. Certainly if we are getting more racers in the club we can do some drills. Next race is LVRC so hopefully the oldies might be a bit slower! Not! |
SUN 16 APRIL
BRENTOR CIRCUIT ROAD RACE (TAVISTOCK WHEELERS) |
3rd and 4th Cat Road Race (north of Tavistock). 45 miles.
Rider: Aaron Hartley
Aaron's first ever road race which he describes as "First race back, very low expectations, messy" and his proud father describes as "Plenty of pesky cat 3's out. Finished and not at the back". In a tough field on a fast course Aaron did well to complete the race. Unfortunately (as he found out a day after the event) he did miss the cut-off time. Just like being in the Tour De France.
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SUN 9 APRIL
PRESTON PARK |
Preston Park. 4th Cat. 45 minutes plus 5 laps.
Rider: Gavin Ash
A frustrating event for Gavin as he made an early bid for glory, breaking well clear of the peloton on the early stages and feeling strong. This break was captured by Velofair and is shown below. The event was then stopped and eventually cancelled due to a serious accident in the main bunch resulting in an ambulance having to attend.
Preston Park. 3rd Cat. 25 minutes plus 5 laps.
Rider: Schaeff Potter
This event was delayed considerably due to the earlier accident in the 4th Category event, and the race duration was shortened. Schaeff felt that this affected him. He was positioned relatively well in the last few laps but ended up getting boxed in.
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SUN 26 MARCH
PRESTON PARK |
Preston Park. 45 minutes plus 5 laps.
Riders: Aaron Hartley, Gavin Ash
Report from Aaron:
It was a sunny but a fairly windy day. The cat 4 race started at 9 and lasted 45 minutes plus 5 laps around Preston park. Around 30 other riders took to the start line and we had a neutral lap before the racing started. It was a fairly steady pace and not much happened for the first 10-15 minutes. I was very much just looking to hold on and get a feel for the race, as it was my first one of the season. There were a couple of attacks and I managed to follow the wheel of someone that pulled away from the main group. Then for the next couple of laps I was in a break with one other person meaning that the effort was very much non stop. Unfortunately I had to drop back to the main group just before the intermediate sprint. Not much happened for me as I was focusing on surviving and not getting caught up in a crash that did happened but luckily didn't affect too much of the main group. The last 10 minutes was when things started to get more serious as two riders had broken away and were forming a gap. By the next lap two more riders had broken off and this was when I tried to bridge back up to them. I managed to break off the main group and kept it at full gas until I reached the second break away before joining on the back, this however would be where things went downhill as I had used too much energy catching them and not enough to keep it going. Nearing the last 5 minutes before the five laps I was struggling to keep near the front and because of this I ended up dropping off the group and just as the five laps started I got caught and lapped meaning I had to pull out. All in all it was a good race to start and get the swing of things but a bit disappointing not to finish. 1st and 2nd were the two that had attacked initially and Gavin Ash finished a fantastic 3rd from a good attack on the final corner. |
SUN 26 MARCH
KIRDFORD CIRCUIT SURREY LEAGUE (BRIGHTON MITRE CC) |
Surrey League 2/3 Kirdford Circuit. 6 laps 59 miles.
Rider: Dom Maxwell
Report from Dom:
A lovely day for a race with some warm sunshine and a bit of wind. With the race dominated by around 4 teams a breakaway seemed likely. This was my first proper race of the season and I have been recovering from yet another cold, so was interested to see how I would go. It's started off pretty quick, but then settled down. I stayed in the peloton but not close enough to the front and sure enough on lap 3 up a decent rise the pace accelerated sharply and a group of around 11 got away who we did not see again. I didn't just want to sit on the peloton and do nothing for 3 laps so attacked and managed to close in on some others, we then formed a second breakaway bunch for the 3 laps. It was a really good workout and I finished in 20th position which I was reasonably pleased with. |