Yellow to the fore
As the countryside starts to burst into a patchwork of yellow and lush green, over the last couple of days the ‘yellow’ Welland Valley CC kit has brightened many events with victories, podiums and personal bests.
Isaac Hudson secured his first ever road race victory at Southwick in the NCRA handicap road race over 30 miles, 5 laps of an excellent challenging technical course.
The format of handicap racing is a fantastic way to give ‘new blood’ an excellent experience to develop key bunch racing skills or for the more experienced riders the opportunity to sharpen their race craft and fitness.
With groups starting off dependant on experience, Isaac started in group 3 of 5, his group worked like a well-oiled machine catching some of the early starters but were also caught by the faster riders behind.
As the size of the peloton swelled, Isaac was always to the fore of the pack. Entering the final third, all of the early starters were reeled in leaving it a straight race to the finish line. With the finish at the top of a long gradual ascent out of the village of Southwick, it was important to save some power for the wind assisted 5th ascent.
Image – PWJPhotography.co.uk
In miserable, damp dark conditions the bunch was all together as it hit the base of the climb, passing past the yellow 200m to go flag the bunch was blown to bits with two Welland riders leading the charge to the finish line.
James Moore was leading the way with Isaac neatly positioned on his wheel, with 80 meters remaining Isaac timed his effort to perfection easing past Moore to secure a superb victory by a bike length.
A great result for both Isaac and James, who struggled with an illness last season.
Image – PWJPhotography.co.uk – More images here
Phil Rayner was in action on Saturday at Milton Keynes Bowl. Contesting TMG PRO.CC Spring Criterium in shocking wet conditions Phil secured an excellent second place.
Peterborough Cycling Club promoted a League of Veterans Racing Cyclists on the Southwick course 24hrs after the NCRA promotion.
Steve ‘Bunny’ Bunn faced 6 laps, 35 miles in damp conditions. In the combined race for riders aged 55 years plus Bunny finished 1st rider aged 60 to 65 years and 5th overall. Another superb performance as Bunny returns to racing after a season away from the sport.
Celebrating his 13th birthday, Mac Carter traveled to Curborough to contest round one of the Lichfield CC youth circuit races. In chilly damp conditions, Mac worked hard throughout the 30-minute race on a tight technical course to finish 22nd overall.
Indoors and away from the ‘spring’ weather Simon Hopkins finished the LVRC Derby Track League 3rd in 45 to 49 years age group after some hard and fast racing around the wooden velodrome.
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