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Addiscombe Handicap Road Race by
Keith Knight
Thursday 17th May 2001, Newchapel course.
It was 19.15 as I put out the last sign, a
left turn at the first corner and the race was ready to start. From chief
marshal I then put on my other hat as lead car driver and off we went.
There was about fifty riders that started
the race in ideal conditions, even though it was a bit windy. It stayed
dry for the first half of the race but then the weather turned and there
were a few heavy showers. This resulted in many punctures.
The usual format for handicap racing
applied to this event with four groups each of about twelve riders. The
least experienced group going first with about two minute gaps between the
groups.
Right from the start the two East Grinstead
riders Gerrit Oplaat and Simon Andrews in the first group, forced the pace
and within two miles had broken clear. After six miles Simon stopped
working and was just holding the wheel. With twenty eight miles covered
and only two miles to go Gerrit dropped his club mate on the rise over
Brickhouse Lane. Even with the sheer speed of Paul Pickup and Bryan
Taylor, both Elites, off in the last group they could only catch Gerrit
right at the line and he was given the win. A flying Dutchman if ever
there was one.
The final top four positions:-
1st Gerrit Oplaat East Grinstead CC 3rd Cat
1 Hr 14:47 Mins 2nd Paul Pickup Liphook Cycles RT Elite Same time 3rd
Bryan Taylor Bournemouth Arrow Elite Same Time 4th Simon Andrews East
Grinstead CC 4th Cat @ 0:25 Secs
Our only entrant was Paul Tunnel and he had
three punctures….
Please let me acknowledge the assistance of
our wonderful Marshals ……on the day our most important helpers…..thank
you very much indeed, from the first corner…
Ernie, Richard, Peter, Joyce and Keith W. I
love you all and very well done indeed.
Again I feel very fortunate that there were
no serious incidents to report and that the paramedics on hand were not
actually required other than in their supporting role.
That is now the completion of our
promotional duties in the Surrey League for this year. Thanks again for
your help and support.
Yours in Sport,
Keith Knight
Road Race Sec
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