Thetford

Thetford

Sunday 10 November 2013

Thetford winter series






It has taken a while but it looks like I will be gridded for the next round of the Thetford winter series.  This will be a novel experience because I usually have to barge my way through most races or get to the start line hours before anyone else.  Indecently on that subject when I have lined up early at races, every now and then the top guys just turn up and stand in front of you.  Rant over but I seriously feel like punching them.

So as most people are taking it easy or training I am racing cross and doing these 4 hour events.  And to be honest I feel like everything is going well for a change.  The cross racing is just mad.  Its flat out full gas and great fun.  The first race of the winter series was really good though.  I convinced Jon Lightfoot to enter from the team knowing that a) he would enjoy it and b) he would be a good team mate to drag me along.

The course and the weather were excellent and the only mistake really was that we started from the back.  When we got going though it was basically wheel to wheel  for the first few hours, I led for the most part and then the penultimate lap Jon went on the front, the plan being that we race the last lap.  Then disaster struck, I got cramp on the last lap! it was also both legs and really annoying.  I tried to put effort in and every time my legs just said no.


1
8
04:21:45
701
Paul Ashby
Mtzoom.Com -
2
8
04:27:04
00:05:19
716
Mark Wingar
Gipping Race Team -
3
8
04:31:40
00:09:55
736
Lloyd Bettles
Clee Cycles / Kcnc / -
4
8
04:33:45
00:12:00
713
Carl Smith

5
7
04:04:45
1 Lap
731
Jon Lightfoot
Pines Cycles/Sram -
6
7
04:04:50
1 Lap
735
Robert Bradley
 
Pinescycles/Sram -
 




Fair play to Jon though he hung back until I got going again and our last lap was quicker than the previous two. So the honours went to Jon because I had no intention of sprint finishing the last climb especially after such a good race.


So the next round beckons and now we are top riders the pressures on as they say.  I am actually looking forward to it and I know we can do a good race again if we work as a team.