Having tried to rouse some enthusiasm for the Terry Cronin memorial circuit race at Hillingdon this weekend I eventually found myself racing alone but not even that or the torrential rain that occurred dampened my spirits – I had been looking forward to this race for some time!

 After the initial problem of the event organiser being considerably later than expected we eventually got the race underway. The first few laps were quite comfortable as nobody had warmed up very well and the circuit was a bit wet. Then the sun came out and about 8 minutes in the first attack went! It was somewhat half hearted really as there was a beast of a wind along the back straight, so the lone attacker was brought back in to the fold.

A few laps later another attack went, but again they were pulled back quickly. It wasn’t until a few of the clubs that had 4 or 5 riders racing got their act together and made a few more serious attacks that the pressure was on. I think it was only due to the inexperience of some of the riders there that one or two opportunities were missed and the attacks werent successful.

So with 1 lap to go the bunch was pretty much still together, the pace dropped considerably as people were fighting for position for the perfect lead out! I  found myself near enough to the front to be in with a chance of  fighting out the sprint, but come the final corner it was clear a few people around me were not even going to contest it, and werent going to move out of the way for others to challenge either… YES I was boxed in on the inside of the track… there was nothing else for it I had to overtake on the grass!

Unfortunately that didn’t help me as much as I had expected and I found myself caught behind yet another rider who was sitting there day dreaming! By this point the battle was lost and I was halfway down the field, but I live to fight another day!

Which reminds me!!! 2^nd September  Bicester millenium road race at Beckley it’s a 3^rd and 4^th cat race only 70km, road licenses should now be half price or just get a day license! – YES you KNOW you want it! GO ON!!! … come and join me and we can get a team together!

Let me know if any of you are interested in having a crack at a few road races/crits and we can try and pick out a few events to have a go at!

Dave Chittenden