WXCRL Summer Road Race 2010 18/07/2010

Today’s race was a 105km race on the Holt circuit in Dorset. A total of 65 riders rolled away from the HQ onto the rolling course that had a tricky climb just before the finish line on each lap. The finish line would be passed seven times so that meant seven climbs that were supposed to break up the race.

Mid way through the first lap after there had been several attacks it was Tavis Walker (Inverse Racing UK/Bikefood) that managed to get a gap of about 30secs, which he managed to hold until the second lap where he slipped back into the bunch. But on the next lap he attacked again and this time managed to pull out another gap. Other riders tried to get across but a major crash seemed to disrupt the rhythm of the bunch and gaps started to appear. A touch of wheels in the bunch brought down several riders and those caught behind seemed be held up slightly trying to get around.

On the third lap there are now three groups with now two riders of the front beginning to open a lead together. Tavis was now joined by David Tilly (Onelife Development Squad) and these two riders started to open out a lead of about 1min 30secs the chasing bunch now back up to full speed and numbers tried to close down the leaders.

The two escapees now working hard together even sharing a bottle at one point were pulling each other around. The chasing bunch began to pull the two in and at one point the gap was down to 30 secs but on the very next lap the gap went out to over two minutes because as was reported the bunch sat up and decided they couldn’t close the gap.

With two laps to go the gap back to the bunch was over two minutes with Max Webber (VC St Raphael) 10secs ahead of the bunch, but on the climb even he slipped back into the chasers.

As the leaders passed the finish line taking the bell they had a three minute lead with all the remainder of the bunch now rolling along.

The finish sprint was never in doubt as David lead out from Tavis who said that his legs had gone on the last climb.

Provisional Result (Full result now online, Mark)

1st David Tilly Onelife Development Squad

2nd Tavis Walker Inverse Racing UK/Bikefood @ST

3rd James Cartridge Inverse racing UK/Bikefood @4min 19secs

4th Martin Harris Banjocycles.com @4min 25secs

Write up and pictures by Graham Robins. Apologies for the late posting. Blame Andy Schleck’s front mech.