LVRC Region 9 Champs - Report by Ashley Glass
Mon 11 Aug 2008
LVRC Region 9 Championships – Elastic at Breaking Point from a Novice – 10.08.08
After recently riding a couple of LVRC events at Dunton and managing to complete the races without being dropped, I was cajoled into riding, (with the promise of a dry Sunday morning) , the LVRC Region 9 Championships Event in Essex on Sunday 10th August. It did mean blowing out a dear friend the evening before for what would be an almighty piss up in my favourite pub in St Albans, but I thought, ‘All I’ve got to do is hang on, and then sprint at the end’. Having survived all that Dunton could throw at me, I decided it ought to be within my capabilities.
Those present in my age group were Richard S, John M, Del, Brian G and of course myself. Off we rolled, but it seemed before even the ‘neutral zone’ had been ridden, all hell was let loose! For the first lap there was no let up in attacks from some very strong riders, and although I was still in the bunch, I began to wonder how much longer I would survive. As we past the lap board eventually, I told myself, ‘one lap down, keep hanging on’. Tactically I thought I should get towards the front, in case a break goes, I should be there to get in it if I can, after all this is a race. I found myself riding alongside Richard and John amongst the top end of the bunch for a while and chased several attacks which felt like a severe beating every time. Del and Brian were still around too, but then with another fatal attack to me, Richard went with them, and I desperately tried to keep momentum up at a ferocious pace. I suffered a sudden power lapse and could kick no longer, watching the strongest riders of the once large bunch come past me on both sides. Even John came past. Then there were no more. I could see John ahead, knew Richard had got into the break, but where were Del, Brian and the rest of the riders? I needed a wheel to follow as the one in front was getting away and I couldn’t stop it. Looking behind, the road was bare, except for the commissaire! The elastic was at full stretch!
Back to what I’m used to, down low, time trial mode and never say die. I chased that bionic peleton for several miles down on the drops, flat out with a gap I couldn’t close of about 40 metres. I thought, if I finally get totally dropped, at least I got dropped fighting. The commissaire eventually past me and must have decided the elastic had broken and I was done for. NO WAY! Never say die, I managed to keep chase with their car, and the gap narrowed. Soon the bunch turned into a head wind and slowed, the commissaire waved me past and I rejoined the back of the chasing peleton. Elastic
recoiled.Having suffered more then I can remember in this little escapade, I took shelter in the comfort of the rear of this group for the whole of the next lap slowly regaining strength and composure, before I felt like ‘racing’ again. I eventually surprised John by reappearing under his armpit and asking him how he was doing.
The following laps ticked by, and able to ride within myself, I was looking forward to the final dash for the flag when the time came. With two laps to go, several strong riders attacked relentlessly. I tactically positioned myself towards the front and chased every 3rd , 4th or 5th wheel determined to survive and fight to the end. Each attack was reeled back in and the 2nd half of this lap then continued on at a reasonable pace. Having seen what some of these guys were capable of, I just hoped that I could live through the final lap.
Then to the total amazement of all in this group, just passing the end of this lap, expecting one further lap to go, we were waved the chequered flag. No mass sprint, game over, I had survived and finished in the chasing bunch full of a very, very strong contingency. The commissaire had decided there were enough riders out in the break, far enough away not to be caught to finalise the outcome of the race.
I initially felt slightly cheated for not being allowed to ride to final lap and have the final balls out sprint just to see if I could still hang on and at least beat a few of the riders in my group, but quickly realised that I had actually finished and done myself enormous justice by competing in this group. Besides cake and refreshment now wasn’t quite so far away!
Also I had rolled over the finish line just ahead of John M, (probably following my wheel again)! Tee Hee!
Richard had hung onto his break and had an excellent ride amongst some of the strongest Vets in the area. All of us there I believe had a good ride just by being able to keep up for no matter how long in an extremely competitive field.
Well done to all.
Ashley Glass