Andrew’s Race report – Somers 18 July 2010.

I had a late Friday night (about 3:30am) and then a busy Saturday including some tennis.  So Sunday morning was a little slow getting on my way.  This is a flat course so I could be a chance to win, but if I do will the handicapper be kind and remember that I was last at Lang Lang 2 races ago?  Can I plan tactics for today.  As I approached Hastings the strength of the wind in the trees drew my attention.  Last time I raced this course was in the 1990’s and there was a strong wind that pushed across riders for most of the ride and I could not hold on.  Clearly a day to sit in the pack and not get noticed.

About a dozen riders this week providing the opportunity to hide.  Len Stokes and John Anderson are back after not being well.  David Thompson is looking strong so perhaps a break away win for him will be the result.  Laurie Telfer is there and his strong sprint at Crib Point could be the mark, and also Mike Waycott who won at his last ride at Crib point is a starter.  All place getters from the last Crib Point race are here.  Add to that John Anderson , the result will be either a break away by the likes of David or a great sprint finish.

An easy start without much pace.  Everyone is just checking the course and there are no strong workers.  I think Paul Kennedy, a Warragul rider from last week is there with a couple of mates.  He heads out and turns his head to find he is 30 metres ahead.  Some riders suggest he keeps going as the pace continues to be slow.  As he returns to the pack it is clear that everyone is being cautious of the wind.

The first push on the pace comes from Mike Waycott and the response is there.  Perhaps  we will get serious now.  Again a shuffle and we are all back in our places.  At last an attack and no one responds.  A compliant that we are now only racing for second, as everyone is waiting.  This is the opportunity that David Thompson was looking for and he is away.  I grab his wheel.and as we approach the corner we sweep past the break away rider and then we are away.  Mike Waycott has joined us and turns are the order of the day.  Three riders working together, and then there is the fourth, the break away rider has held on.   As we work hard and start talking and see no one closing the gap this could be the winning move.  David is dropped by Mike’s powerful turn and then as we slow riding into the wind wanting David to rejoin we find that the group is not two or three but now about 7 riders.

The rest of the race was a wait and see, with Laurie Telfer and a Grey outfitted rider doing most of the work.  One of the Australian Coastal Riders was in the group and keeping a low profile.  Watch him is in my mind.

Last lap, better get ready for the sprint and go to the big ring.  Mike Waycott has slipped away and the others are not closing the gap.  Choice is to go now or sit at the back.  It is a long finishing straight so let’s see if the gap is too big.  Around the corner and increase the pace.  The gap is closing and Mike stops pedalling to look around.  A clear sign that I can catch him.  I’m not sure who is sitting on my wheel but I push as hard as I can to bridge the gap.  There is Mike’s wheel and the 250 metre sign.  I’ve got Mike but if someone has held my wheel then it will be their day.   Mike and I push hard for the line and its one for me and a second for him.  Top speed 54.7 was good for me. 

John Anderson told me after the race that he is still sick.  Len missed the break. I’m not sure who got third as I had to get back to Melbourne to take my daughter to a school music rehearsal at 1:00.  She was only 10 minutes late.  But for me it was another enjoyable race.

Thanks to all.