The Plein Air Classic Circuit Race

Toone & I rolled out of Birmingham this morning for our 3 hours trek to the race.  I rode the course in reverse to try to warm up legs.  I could not get my legs going and it was time for the start.  A dangerous combined 3/4 field so I really wanted to start warm and stay up front.  Waiting for the roll out I notice these huge legs and think I don’t want a sprint against them.  The guy turns around and he looks familiar… well he and his legs should it’s Sammy’s brother.  Definitely don’t want this to end in a sprint! 

First lap has a few attempted breaks but nothing serious.  My legs still feel the 3 hour drive so I wanted to warm them up with an attack.  The field had just slowed after catching the last attempt.  I was sitting in the 2^nd half of the field and started my attack from the back.  I caught the pack napping… and instantly had a nice gap.  David Jones (Smith & Nephew) bridged quickly and 2 other riders came across.  I really just wanted to loosen up the legs but with four guys why not try?  The four of us stayed together for a lap… on the slight rise Dave and I popped the others.  Damn, now it’s just two.  I asked David, what do you want to do?  Let’s go he shouted! The legs were feeling pretty good by now so away we went.  A few laps later I did a mental check… maintaining 20 seconds on the field, 20 minutes to go, can we do it? About that time another rider bridged.  Cool, the extra power was all we needed and the gap began to grow again.  Mental check… good!

It was the last lap and anyone’s race.  I lead up the slight rise and around the 2^nd corner. The other rider pulled through but not the 3^rd.  The cat and mouse has started between David and I.  Not really knowing what to do, I let the lead rider pull away and this forced David to pull through.  Oblivious to all of this the lead rider motors along while we try to out think each other.  Technically, I was in a perfect position or so I thought for the sprint.  Around the last corner, lead rider, David and I.  Perfect!  Wait, not yet, wait for David to start his sprint.  Okay, here it goes, we hammer down the straight, we split the lead rider, David left, me right…  It’s over!   Inches separate all of us.  Unfortunately I finish 3^rd, David 2^nd and lead rider wins.  Great race today!