The club have been encouraging members to try competitive cycling through our supported “Race as a Team” events for several seasons and Tuesday evening saw eleven “first claim” members taking to the start line at Thruxton Circuit for an hour of full on racing.
The evening consisted of three races taking place on the 2.4 mile circuit all at the same time with starts staggered at one minute intervals. Samuel Hughes was the only club entrant in the E123 open race and unfortunately we had no women riding but ten members entered the ninety five rider 3rd/4th category open race.
Samuel had last been seen cutting a rather forlorn figure at the Kennel Hill Classic ten days ago but he rode a superb race at Thruxton in a strong E123 field. The race was littered with attacks as a three rider break went on the very first lap before being brought back prompting multiple other break away attempts, none of which stuck and so at the bell Samuel was sitting comfortably in 11th place in the main bunch only for the race then to be stopped on the final lap. Alas, a bad crash at the end of the 3rd/4th category race had left the track partially blocked and the commissaires no alternative but to end the E123 race early. Samuel should take great heart from his ride on the evening though suggesting better days are ahead.
Nearly ninety of the ninety five entrants started the 3rd/4th category race which means a huge variation in experience, many of the riders having ridden at a higher level previously while others may have been riding in a race for the first time. The race stayed pretty much together for the first few laps before a four rider break established itself including Sam Talent who was pulling big turns on the front every time they crested the hill In to the finishing straight.
A crash on the eighth lap brought down our very own Peter Pan of cycling Malcolm Cross who sustained some bumps and bruises including a knock to the head. Thankfully Malcolm was able to joke about the situation the morning after and following a visit to A&E. A CT scan has identified that Malcolm has got a brain and an observation from his daughter who alleges that he has a funny lumpy head normally. Heal quickly Malcolm while being sensible after a blow on the head…………..
Back in the race Western King and Ruben Price also seem to have had their race ended after seven laps. I am not sure whether they were involved in the same incident as Malcolm, that crash having happened away from spectators but hoping both are okay. As the riders took the bell Sam Talent and his three breakaway compatriots were still clear and as they came out of the chicane and in to the home straight for the last time Sam having emptied the tank sat up and settled for fourth place having worked so hard to ensure the breakaway stayed clear while the other riders contested a sprint for the win.
Patrick Furze was next Venta rider home in a commendable 15th place with Chris Hughes 30th, Daniele Pironne 35th, Martin Evans in 45th, Moses Peinado-Perez in 55th and Nick Selman in 63rd place.
Nick Selman has completely embraced the concept of “Race as a Team” and writes,
“It was an excellent event and a heartfelt thank you to the committee for encouraging us to race. I'm not sure I would have taken the leap otherwise.
I was caught behind the initial 3/4 crash in the bunch and found myself off the back shortly afterwards. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I'll be looking to do another race in the Thruxton series this month.”
If you would like to find out more about competitive cycling whether that is time trialling or racing road or circuit, gravel, MTB XC or cyclo-cross do not hesitate to contact either Stuart via email [email protected] or Toby via email [email protected]
Some photos of the evening are available to view here Photos On Flickr
