Not able to write my own report just yet for reasons that will become apparent...
"The Cardiff JIF Lungcloser series drew to a close on Thursday 23rd in the foulest weather seen in the whole series. Just ten brave souls – all in with a shout of various prizes – braved the weather in an attempt to consolidate their positions or even steal a place or two. With that in mind the few spectators that turned up anticipated a fairly negative race but were treated to another cliff-hanger.
With the series leaders James Norman, James Lewis and John Williams all looking at each other, Andrew Davis took the initiative with Joe Lally just after the first prime and started a two up break in an attempt to take the lap. The potential biggest loser in the situation was Dave (Pretty Boy) Crowley who was leading the 3rd cat classification by just one point from Davis and he could see the £50 prize disappearing up the road. After nearly 30 minutes racing and with the 2nd prime on the horizon the breakaway duo closed in on the bunch but, quite deliberately we were told afterwards, held off the ‘catch’ until after the prime to ensure that Davis picked up maximum sprint points to consolidate his now unassailable position as best 3rd cat in the series.
The next action was entirely unexpected as the breakaway duo caught the bunch, and the inevitable counter attacks kicked in, a now very bedraggled Crowley blew up spectacularly and was dropped, being lapped very quickly and eventually pulling out altogether citing “legs that were pedalling squares!!”
The series overall was deservedly won by James Norman from hard pushing junior James Lewis – who won nearly as much prize money as Norman by virtue of his 2nd overall and best Junior status. John Williams was left to rue the “what if’s” of not taking part in the first round of the series after consolidating third place. Alun Owen was 4th, Andrew Davis 5th and best 3rd Cat, Paul Bennett was 6th and best Veteran, whilst the best 4th Cat prize was picked up by Neil Cox who finally finished 11th overall in the series.
Thanks to all the riders that took part over the series, Maindy Pool and Track for the facilities and the members of Cardiff JIF and other local Clubs that helped out with the judging.
Look forward to seeing you all in the spring, when we’ll (hopefully) have a new inner circuit to make use of to make the racing a little less dizzy!!!!!"
(Thanks to Steve Thomas for that)
A big well done to Charles, who after watching eagerly on the sidelines for weeks got stuck in in what was an filthy stinking night on Maindy. He rode exceptionally well, only dropping two laps in an hour of fast and furious racing, and with only two months training in his legs. He set an example to all of our club members tonight, who should bear it in mind when they are attacking the Sunday club run up Stormy Down over the winter.
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The Force is strong in this one...
The Force is strong in this one...