Whitewebbs CC Road Race - Sun 17th May 09

Four North Road riders contested the Whitewebbs CC Road Race that set off from Whitwell on a cold and blustery morning. Ian Coles and Simon Checkley were immediately at the front of the group; Ian trying hard to gain a decisive break but the weather made such attempts very difficult. Jon Appleby and Jamie Anderson held a position in the bunch until the start of the fourth lap when the race became very stretched along the fast Hitchin Road. By now the pop and fizz of punctured tyres was becoming all too common, and dodging charity cyclists was an added hazard. 
 
A break of 4 riders pulled away at this point with Jon in hot pursuit. A strong chasing group reformed with Jamie and Jon active at the front, and Mark Wakeling of Sherwood CC doing his best to organise the chase, but there were not enough willing contributors with too many riders tired from their earlier exertions and very cold from the rain. The four leaders retained a 20 second lead for most of the last 2 laps (save for one who dropped back after exhausting himself contesting a final sprint for the bell instead of the flag). 
 
On the final lap Damien Foy of Eagle CC charged off the front of the chasing group to bridge the gap and eventually claimed an impressive victory. By now the field had been whittled down to some 20 riders (55 started) and the sprint for the final places was hotly contested. Jamie suffered from some cramping in the final mile, which proved a waste of Jon’s lead out plan, and Jon himself punctured moments before the line. Jamie finished in 14th and Jon in 16th with Ian and Simon amongst the earlier casualties.

Special thanks must be given to the marshals who braved miserable conditions to enable the event to continue, and the motorcycle outriders were superb in stopping traffic (and charity riders) from crossing the path of the race.