Hog Hill Winter Series No.6 - Sat 17th Jan 09 - Photos Added

Report from Richard Somerset

Three North Roaders took part in the Hog Hill winter series at the Redbridge Cycle Centre: Jonathan Appleby, Ian Coles and myself.
It was my first race since last October and the first time I had ever entered a road race in the off-season, so I wasn’t expecting a good performance but I needed the training and there is no better way to do that than to race.
I was very hesitant on the first few bends as they looked slippery from morning rain and by the start of the descent to the lower part of the circuit I was already off the back. I was determined to race for the full hour so carried on alone. I was lapped after four laps but then managed to pick up my pace so that it took a further eight laps to get lapped again.
With four laps to go I decided I’d had enough training so eased off and then immediately punctured.
At the finish line Ian was waiting with Jeff Robinson who was taking photos. Ian had pulled out at half distance citing a midweek cold.
Jonathan got into a small break with one lap to go but by the finish line the bunch was together and Jon came 7th in the sprint.
Although I was disappointed to struggle I hope to get better and will have another go soon. Maybe I can hang on next time.