Two brave souls of the ‘squadra’ journeyed to the depths of mid Wales and Aberystwyth to contest the Angela Davies Memorial Road Race this Sunday. 50 miles of hilly, dead roads, and a stinker of a hill to contest with four times awaited us.
So it was that I (a man who has good memories of these roads, having won the Ystwyth Road Race in 2003) and Charles lined up against a strong Abergavenny squad who had come out in force to contest the race. We knew it would be tough trying to hold off the Abergavenny hordes, but we would have to try.
Regular readers of my action packed reports will know that I have been steadily improving through the season, and I had big expectations for today. However, a tough week on the bike meant my legs were quite heavy as we got into the race, and I knew I faced a challenge to get round. The bunch was nervous as we approached the first climb, with a few riders jumping about every time the road went up. We soon hit the main climb, and the hammer went down in a big way, tearing the field apart. Unfortunately, after a strong showing early on, Charles had to drop back at this point and find a gruppetto to finish the race in, swearing revenge at Llandow!
Going over the top I tried to get away with pre-race favourite George Rose, but the bunch was attentive. On the second lap George and Gareth Pugh got away, which I considered a dangerous move and made a big effort to get across and drive away from the bunch. Within a few miles we had a 40sec gap and it seemed we might stay away. Unfortunately George seemed reluctant to work, leaving me and Gareth to pick up the slack. I suspect he was waiting for a chance later on but with a fast moving bunch we were caught on the climb, and by now my legs were cooked.
A few more laps of trying to stay with Abergavenny’s attacks and counter attacks, and we were close to the final climb to the finish. By now the dead roads and tough climbs had me on the ropes, and when George Rose launched the winning move a few kms from the bottom of the climb I didn’t have the legs to respond and was too far back. Hitting the climb I got up there the best I could and rolled in 7th place. Charles came in a little later; having completed a race that he will be the first to admit wasn’t quite his forte! A big well done to Charles.
Next week the ‘squadra composition’ of Andy Evans, Jeremy Rees, Steve Thomas and I take on the Etape de la Defonce.
Wish us luck!
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The Force is strong in this one...
The Force is strong in this one...
