Rousing Race Report

Thank you to Richard Kendrick for this insiders report on the A A Brown road race. Congratulations again on being both the first WVCC member and also the first cat 4 rider to cross the finish line.

As summer made a late and welcome appearance, nearly 60 riders gathered for a flat feast of power on a small Leicestershire loop. A fantastic turnout for another brilliantly organised Welland race, both in riders and in those supporting around the course. Especially great to see a flock of yellow jerseys in the mix on the start line and some sterling efforts from all. I hope we see the same again next year.

10am made for a leisurely start but proved hot as the race got going. Most riders were likely up hours before, getting the right fuel in at 6am and prepping to arrive early to show off their steed for the day. There were clearly a lot of nerves floating around before we set off, road racing cyclists are certainly not there for a chat!

Amongst the first few laps the power meter showed huge peaks of effort out of each tight corner. We rode at around an average of 45kph for the first 3 laps and then settled into an average of 43kph thereafter. I’ve been told this race has just got faster year on year and I think this is true across a lot of road racing here in the UK. There were a lot of tactics to be had, particularly on the bends, keeping to your line was paramount, one mistake and you risk sending another rider somersaulting into the hedge (it happened to one poor bloke!).

Adding to the fun were also the primes that Phil threw in every other lap, which saw a sprint style finish for the next and a cash bonus for the lap winner. Certainly an incentive when there is a tenner at stake!

38 corners done and with cow bells ringing in the last lap, it was a fight to the finish that saw just 27 out of the 60 riders cross the final line, with a heart-breaking crash ending the race for an unlucky few. Fortunately  it was just carbon that took the hit and everyone walked away with only grazes to show for it.

For many, this was the final race of the season and I think most would agree we finished on a high. Congratulations to the winner (James Alexander) who has just come back from a long injury and to all those that competed, marshalled and supported.

Already looking forward to next year!

You can find the full list of results here: AA Brown Engineering road race Events – British Cycling