Results - December 2007
Imperial Winter Series #6 - December 29th 2007
This from Paul Redman: "It was good to get back into the swing of racing after the Festive Season and judging by the faces around me on the start-line, Santa had bought some young folk new bicycles for
Twice I tried to get away and on both occasions, a young ‘un was right on my back wheel. I drifted to the back of the main bunch with plans to set some extra Maths homework when I next got to the front. Anybody else who tried to get away was also hauled back and so it came down to the inevitable bunch sprint.
Unfortunately, I was on the wrong side of the action and being careful not to collide with a rider we were lapping going up the hill to the line, I wasn’t able to get full gas when I wanted to, but nonetheless, I was quite pleased to settle for 15th place …. my best result of the Winter Season so far."
Imperial Winter Series #4 - December 22nd 2007
Mike Inder reports: "Ian Lowe and myself rode over from his place to the race. With Paul back at home for Christmas and Harry away it was just the 2 of us representing the club. Conditions were dry and breezy but not hard enough to split the pack into anything decisive. I kept a low profile but Ian was up front and with 5 laps to go took off - not even realising his good timing. He brought Rob from the Dynamos across and the 2 put their heads down to forge onto the finish. Unfortunately the pair got caught on the penultimate corner and seeing a group Ian sat up. However, had he been looking properly(!) he would have seen that it wasn't the bunch but a small group that had split off in the gallop. Realising too late, Ian had to just roll in the bunch. Less said the better in my fortunes as the closing laps saw me drift towards the back- happy to come safe at the back of the pack. Unlucky, Ian - a great move to make - a shame that it didn't pay off."
Imperial Winter Series #3 - December 15th 2007
Paul Redman reports from the 4th cat race: "Having missed December 8th due to work commitments and keen to amend the massive faux-pas of the first race, I was all set for a good run-out on the third race of the Imperial Series. I made sure I was right at the front for the start, none of this being left behind lark this time!!
Two High Wycombe chaps went on a flyer from the off and I duly followed. The first lap was intense and part-way around the second lap, two other lads came by me. On the back straight, the intense pace continued and in the cross-wind, I started to lose the wheel in front of me. Wondering why the riders behind weren't chiding me or coming around to bridge the bike-length gap, I looked over my shoulder to see there was no-one behind me .... we'd broken away with our crazy pace.
It all came back together at the start of the next lap and I dutifully took my place towards the back, careful to ride around anyone I felt was dropping away. It all looked a bit fraught, crowded and nervous up ahead .... there were a couple of "Woah's!!" called out and on each occasion, I took to the refuge of the grass; maybe it's some kind of Pavlovian response after 'the Chertsey Incident'?
Unfortunately, I didn't get in position during the last lap for the final dash to the line, so I was content to just saunter up the hill for a fairly unthrilling 30th place."
Harry Bulstrode rode in the E/1/2/3 event and was placed 31st.
Imperial Winter Series #1 - December 1st 2007
For the Velo today we had Paul Redman as a sole representative in the 4ths race and Messrs. Ian Lowe, Harry Bulstrode and Mike Inder in the E/1/2/3.
Sideline support was provided by Dave Lambourne and our new press officer Ant Snyman.
There was a large field for the 4ths only race. Unfortunately, a tactical error on the part of Paul (ie. starting too far back!) meant that when the race split early he was out of the picture before you could say "bridge that gap!".
Paul had a good workout in the group behind though and was seen working well. Better luck next week matey.
A reasonable turnout for the E/1/2/3 in sunny but breezy conditions welcomed some new and old faces from the Winter Series scene. Team Imperial (or should we say Collins) were out in force with all members of the family helping out, setting up shop at the lockups by the circuit entrance.
With the race under way, the wind and expected splits never materialised. As usual, Ian was well up there keeping towards the front - with Harry and Mike sitting mid-bunch watching for the the moves (as opposed to making them - hint hint ed).
The only real protagonist was Paul Pickup, who had some goes off the front before turning serious and staying away for good, with a Norwood Paragon rider for company.
Mike had a rear wheel puncture mid-race but got going again albeit struggling to start with as only a 9 speed was available for his 10 speed set-up.
A few of the stronger riders managed to sneak off towards the end, but places 5 onwards were to be decided by a bunch sprint.
Ian found the increase in pace somewhat alarming and "let" the riders come by and Harry, admitting not to be 100% was on for a cruise home too - coming home in 23rd spot. Mike was well placed but too far back when a rider in front parted company from his bike as it shot up in the air in front of him. Mike's off road skills were called to the fore as he safely avoided the carnage - still rolling on 28th place.
Mike said: "It took a while to get back into the race after the flat, fishing for gears and coinciding with a high pace and the bunch lined out. I had to come round several of the back markers who were leaving big gaps. The gallop was a nervous affair but I was making progress - but too far back really. I was making good headway in the last 400 metres but the crash put paid to a decent position."