3rd for Paul McGrath - Team MK/Twenty3c race series - MK Bowl

On March 8th I rode round 1 of the Team MK/Twenty3c race series held at the MK bowl. It would be my first time riding the bowl so didn't no what to expect. Confidence was quietly high as from what I had heard and read the circuit was very similar to that of Hillingdon. That meant no bloody Hoggenberg every few minutes. 

After pining on my number and having to change a puncture in my front tire from the warm on the rollers it was time to venture out to the circuit to get my bearings. The circuit is very similar to Hillingdon with a few technical corners entering back into the bowl thane a long slight drag up to the finish line.

On the start line there was a large field similar to that of the winter series. There where a few faces I recognized and few I didn't but they were representing the local Corley Cyles team so I knew they new how to race.

The nature of the circuit makes for fast racing and through the open section wind played a huge part in splitting the pack. Coming through the technical section I put a little dig in and ramped the pace up.a little more. Riders representing the local clubs and racing teams where eager to keep the pace high and a few sitting in just trying to keep up. Within the space of few more laps we had dropped half the field and then lapped them. At this point the paced dropped slightly and there were a flurry of attacks that amounted to nothing. With a lap to go Jamie Scott Wyndymilla Elite RT chipped of the front and held the gap to victory. I had shown my cards a little early in the race and had the bunch sitting on my wheel waiting for me to move. 

With about half a lap to go I upped the pace and took to the front and then put teh hammer down with about 300m to go. I jumped clear taking only the Corley Cycles rider with me, who came past and took 2nd by less than half a wheel. 

Great first experience of the Bowl. Now for more punishment at the Ike Saul RR with Team NRCC tomorrow. My first attempt of racing back to back.   

Paul McGrath