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JB Smith Road Race Report
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Saturday 21st April 2001, Norwood Hill
course, Leigh, Surrey.
The race was for 3rd & 4th Category
riders over five and a half laps, giving a total distance of about 60
miles. The JB Smith memorial trophy was available again because there is
no Addiscombe open road race this year. The usual BCF and Surreyleague
points were available.
With some of our most experienced marshals
not available this time because of illness or prior commitments, more
responsibility was forced onto some of our new members. I am delighted
that the club spirit is alive and well and that the new Agreeables were
more than up to the job.
A full field of sixty riders started the
race in ideal conditions, even if it was a bit windy on the exposed
sections of the course. At least it stayed dry and bright through out the
afternoon.
From quite early in the race seven broke
clear of the bunch and our Mark Bayliss went across by himself. Although
they worked well together the break was later joined by another three.
This was the race winning move and the gap to the bunch opened to over one
and a half minutes. It was only in the last six miles that the real
attacks started and Chris Denman broke clear with Peter Connelly for the
win and second place. Two more riders, well clear of the break came into
view at the finish line, they were battling it out for third. You can only
imagine the tremendous thrill for us when I realised that Mark was one of
them. He got fourth but it was marvellous to see Addiscombe in the break
all race and very much an active part of it.
With Mark doing so well it is easy to
overlook the efforts of Richard Claridge our other entrant. He was aware
Mark was in the break and did not force any attempt to bridge the gap but
was there to cover any moves that were made. All that work and it does not
show on the result card but none the less it was a very good supporting
ride. Well done Richard.
The final top four positions were as
follows:-
1st Chris Denman Beyond Mountain Bikes 2
Hrs 12 Mins 2nd Peter Connelly Army Cycling Unit Same time 3rd Gary Fry
Team Quest @30s 4th Mark Bayliss Addiscombe Same time
After the race I spoke to Chris Denman and
he was very keen to acknowledge the efforts of everybody involved with the
running of the race. He said it was all very well organised and that
everyone did a very good job and that was before I reminded him that he
had won the trophy. In all honesty it was not only Chris that said this to
me I had positive feedback from several riders.
Without the effort of so many people this
event would not even have started, so where do I begin…….well, from
the front I suppose…..
All the car drivers, thank you gentlemen. I
also have to include Mike R who was scheduled to drive but as it turned
out was not required. I do appologise that it was so late before I could
confirm that Mike.
Lead Car Dave Com 1 Ron with Com Kristen
2nd Lead Car Andy Com 2 Assistant Com Barry
The Marshals ……some of our most
important helpers…..thank you all very much indeed,
Marco, Chris, Steve D, Stan and Joan, John
W, Robert, Steve B, Gus, Nick, John B all with several friends to lend a
hand just in case.
The catering team, .
Chris, Eddie, Bob and Joyce….Never has so
much tea been made by so few yet drunk by so many, from all of us thank
you.
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. So we have another
promotion successfully completed. I do hope everybody enjoyed the day.
Thanks again for your help and support. Let
us hope that next year some of our new members may step up and accept the
challenge of giving us a win in our promotion.
I am sure John Smith would have been very
proud of the way the club has run these recent promotions and with the
enthusiasm within the club this bodes well for not only Road Racing but
for all aspects of cycle sport. Well Done.
Yours in Sport,
Keith Knight
Road Race Secretary
Addiscombe Cycling Club
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