crits in the park, dunsfold

[Ryan Bond]

Following a disappointing effort and result Friday at dunsfold where after great advice from those who had raced there before I went far to early and missed the chance of a top three place and only got 8th and 2 points towards my promotion to cat 3. I decided after a sleepless night and grumpy morning that saw me take my frustrations on my family the only answer was to race again Saturday. !!

I won't bore you with the 10 boring laps of dunsfold.

Today was far more interesting.

The first 20 mins were the normal break and catch but without any real vigor. I stayed close to the front to avoid any possible crashes but I have to say the quality of the riders was high and people held there lines and did not dive into corners.

Then 24 mins in after the pace lifted and my heart rate came out of low zone 4 and towards zone 5 you could tell the stronger riders were at the front sensing a break was coming. Then a single rider pushed on down the back straight where Paul made his break last week. Another guy bridged and they made 50 meters or so very quickly. Others hesitated but it was clear this break would stick so on the long drag up the hill I put in the effort to bridge and by the start Finnish line I had made it across. But my heart rate hit 180 which is 5 off my max. We had at least half a lap on our on and the guy who made the break carried on pulling hard. Then we started a small through and off but sadly by that time a group of 10 riders worked together to catch us. Sadly Richard missed that and got stuck in the second group.

So a few more laps and then it was 5 to go. I rolled back a few places to recover as I knew a bunch sprint was on the cards. The pace stayed high but I span my legs and dropped my heart rate.

Last lap and I was 5th or 6th wheel up the hill. It got a little vocal and aggressive as it always does. Then after the bottom turn the guy who made the first break set off again and none of us could keep up with him. I thought it was too early and we might get him back but he kept putting in a bigger gap and went onto win. It was apparently his first race!!!

So it was clear the rest of us were going for second by the time we were making the bottom turn up the hill. After yesterdays fiasco I kept telling myself to hold back. On 5 th wheel which was the same place I held when I got 2nd at the same course a month ago and the adrenaline was pumping.

I let a few go early and then a couple come past with the same idea then on the final kink in the finishing straight I went all out. I made up the places I lost pretty quickly as they started to run out of gas. I was sitting 3 / 4 th with about 20 meters to go. Legs screaming and feeling some strain from yesterdays effort. I threw the bike forward when we reached the line and quickly counted those in front of me. I needed 8th or better for the cat 3 promotion.

I thought I has it but then the hoards of riders came last and I was not sure.

Did my cool down lap and crossed my fingers.

Got back and the race organizers confirmed I got 7th.

5 points for the weekend and acc!!

The ups and downs of racing.

I would have liked to get another podium or win. But I can aim for that further down the line. I am really looking forward to racing with the TG team. I guess I have to do a season of domestique work with lead outs and bottle runs first but I am hooked!

Thanks to the TG boys for advice tips and setting a high standard that has helped prepare me for the racing.

2 years ago I was riding the 18 / 19 now I have my cat 3!!!

Great feeling and great club. !!!

[Paul H]

Well done Ryan. Onwards and upwards