Final round report from Dom Switzer for the NCRA spring series.

Welland Valley riders Phil Raynor, Rhys Thomas,Alex Smith and Dom Switzer took part in the final round of the NCRA spring series promoted by Rockingham Forest Wheelers for Cat 3/4 on the Devil’s Staircase circuit.  The race was won by Jacob Gylkes (Bridgnorth CC) from James Swadling (Nigel Smith Racing) in an exciting finish.  

The series has been a great success for Welland Valley with our riders featuring in the top 10 at each of the first 3 rounds and often comprising nearly 1/3 of the field.

For the final round both the format – a scratch race rather than a handicap and the circuit – 50 miles and 6 ascents of “the devil’s staircase” would ensure that this was a very different style of race.  

The race went at a decent pace, ensuring that we finished in under 2 hours and this deterred any serious breaks getting away too far or for too long off the front of the pack.  Instead most of the racing was taking place at the back of the group as it was whittled down each lap.  

I was pleased to be part of a group of 15 or so that were still together as we started the final climb but didn’t have the legs to battle for the final sprint and finished about 13th overall (full results and series standings TBC).

I am an off road racer really, haven’t done much circuit racing before and as a first year Junoir this is the first year that I have been allowed to ride on the road;  I have really enjoyed the experience, much more than I expected and will certainly look to do more road racing this year.

Thanks to all the organisers, commissaires and marshals for making the series. 

Photos by Ian Wild and deserteaglesportsphotography