So after the dive bomb into the bushes from my last road race, I pick my self up and brush of the minor cuts and bruises and get on with training for the Ken Wright.
Before entering the race I asked my Club chairman Colin Mannakee if I should enter this race and I got an immediate reply. Colin explained to me that Ken was a dear friend of his and it would mean a great deal to him if I could win it. So no pressure then eh! This is the second race of the Eastern Road Race League which means I will be pretty much up against the same chaps from the Crest RR.
With more experience gained and the training adaptations also, I taper perfectly for the race. I was a little unsure about how strong I was, nerves, and to be honest a little bit of self doubt.
I had two other teams mates in the race, Dan Snow and Dan Young who are both fit and ready to race, this was a nice feeling, team mates feeling great made me feel great.
Roll out and start racing.
Breaks tried going away but nothing stuck. Only to get the first couple of primes. after a couple of laps around the Abberton course I see my team mates on the side of the road?!! what the?? Snow man had been involved in a crash which was caused in his words 'some total chopper' having a gel. Young Punctured, service vehicle didn't give him a wheel and then crashed as he made his way around on a flat. Bugger.
I sit at the front to stay out of trouble and to keep an eye in case some the stronger riders that I have marked try to break.
Without realising i'm pretty much pulling the entire race along. Not something I intended on doing but I didn't want anyone getting away that caused a threat.
Last two laps and I apply a bit of pressure coming up to the finishing line and a break forms with the help of Wayne Crombie from ELV.
So now we have a proper break formed with myself, Wayne, Douglas from CC Luton and Vince Devine From Finchley. We smash it and get a wicked time on the peloton, at least 90 secs on the last lap.
Coming up out of the reservoir I find my self at the front, not the best place. I ease up and Wayne comes around, now I'm second wheel Douglas third and Vince 4th. Colin has told me before that Vince is a pretty handy sprinter and I know Douglas is as well so this is going to be a real test.
Wayne turns the screw as we go up and as soon as we hit the 'S' bend before the last 175m straight sprint to the line I feel fresh, pumped and buzzing! He starts his sprint and I hang on for about 10metres then kick myself. It took quite a distance to come round him but I get round without having to put in another kick, saving that in case the others come round. No one does and the line quickly approached. It felt like the sprint went on forever though. Lined crossed and huge, overwhelming smack in the bollocks of emotion hit me as a won clear as day.
The relief was immense, I was so happy to win, so proud it was a fantastic feeling, more than any other win I had previously attained. I carried on cycling up the road because I was a ridiculous mess. I turn around and make my way back to the finish line where all my supporters are; Mum, Dad, Paula, Zoe, her BF Connor, my Granddad, his partner Kath, My Godfather Gary and his wife Emma, Colin and the rest of the family of my team mates. All congratulating me which brings back the tears and emotions again.
I was so happy to win that race for Colin
The photo shows the emotion as I cross the line. You can see my Mum and Colin cheering in the background.
The Video is the finish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6diyQqqu64
Thanks Guys :D
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