Cicle classic - Rutlands
26 April 2010
TOUGH DAY IN HELL FOR GWR TEAM AT CICLE CLASSIC
In a truly unique event on the British cycling calendar, the GWR Team contested the East Midlands International CiCLE Classic at the weekend.
The five man squad of Doug Dewey, Llewellyn Kinch, Sam Redding, James Hawkins and team Manager Dan Smith were among 163 starters lining up on Sunday morning, in front of a large crowd on Oakham high street for the 168 kilometre event. The opening 45 kilometres were held on two laps of fast but undulating roads around Rutland Water before the race headed into narrow country lanes and 11 sectors of gravel farm tracks, which has quickly helped establish this event as a true classic.
With an active peloton from the drop of the flag the speeds were high with several riders trying to break clear and with five riders gaining a narrow advantage ahead of the pack towards the completion of the first lap of Rutland Water, both Doug and Llewellyn moved across with two other riders to form a lead group of 9, but sadly the groups’ bid for freedom was quickly reeled in.
As the race approached 30 kilometres, Sam moved clear with a group of eight, with a further ten joining them as they raced back towards Oakham and the first Hot Spot sprint, where the leaders had built a lead of over 50 seconds. Unfortunately as the group began to apply some pressure and gradually build a lead, Dan, who has been suffering from a virus for several weeks, slipped off the back of the peloton and feeling unwell withdrew from the race. He was extremely disappointed as this has been an event he has wanted to contest for several years due to the off road nature of its course.
Unfortunately shortly after picking up Dan, the team vehicle had its own mechanical problem and had to pull over to await roadside assistance. Amazingly a local resident did offer the team the use of their own vehicle so the riders could still be supported, unable to take up his kind offer the team declined. Whilst the team car was being fixed the team received neutral service and assistance from our team of helpers en route to ensure the riders were handed bottles, and had spare wheels if in the unlikely event they were required.
After around 2 hours of racing, the warm conditions and gravel sections meant that Sam was unable to stay with the lead riders as their advantage grew to almost two minutes. His small lightweight stature not ideal for these conditions, but he had done what was asked of him, by getting into the breakaway of the day. After the race, Sam was disappointed not to have been able to stay with this group, as several of the riders stayed clear and with the eventual winner coming from this group, the Dane Michael Berling taking the victory.
Meanwhile the narrow country lanes, gravel track and hills ensured the race split with Llewellyn and James finding themselves in the 3rd and 4th groups respectively as they approached 50 kilometres to go, by which time both Doug and Sam had retired from the race.
