| RNRMCA Road Race Championships 2008 |
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The sun shone down as riders battled around the course
RNRMCA championship racing something for everyone With several years experience in organising the event CPOPT Sean Childs offers a "something for everyone" format with riders of all abilities finding someone within their ability zone to compete against in one of the two races held on the day. RNRMCA were also pleased to welcome riders from RAF CC who held their championships in conjunction, a handful of Army CU riders really finished the field off nicely to provide a Combined Services feel to the event. Riders having been requested to wear something other than their than RNRMCA colours to aid distinction for lap counters arrived in their droves and in an array of kits and colours. Sprint Race Result With both races getting started with the aid of a pace car the sprint race got underway on schedule with 28 riders entered. The sprint race is open to riders who are new to the sport or who have little experience in riding in group situations. With the pace car removed the race began at a fairly high pace and soon riders were starting to feel the burn as they neared the end of the first of the 3 mile laps. It was here on the home straight that the first significant split occurred in the Peleton. following a clash of wheels 1 rider crashed and was lucky to be the only faller as the bunch accelerated towards the last bend. The remaining riders regrouped and pulled away leaving a distinct split with the breakaway group of around 10 riders not giving any solace for the riders who had lost the pace. In true road race style there followed several laps of cat and mouse tactics with no one group of riders willing to take on too much of the pace work. Any breakaways were quickly chased down and with 2 laps to go the lead group remained intact. As they approached the bell several riders began the sprint for what they wrongly believed to be the finish only to be rewarded by the call for a final lap. The finish proper ended in a sprint for the line with a guest rider Mr Toby Gilmore (1st Chard Wheelers) taking the chequered flag. First across the line for RNRMCA riders was Lt Cdr Toby Clay closely followed by CPO Jimmy Knibbs With TOby competing in his first Road race and Jimmy a mountain biker it really bought home the true spirit of the "sprint" race being open to all. Third RN rider was RS Cox all top three riders were rewarded with trophies and automatic promotion to the open race in 2009. For the RAF Riders Cpl Jaqui Marshall took the top honours followed by AC Paul enright who had tired considerably after his premature sprint for the line the lap before.
Open Race Result The open race saw a real challenge for the competitors. A quality field from all 3 services had service pride club championships and honour at stake. 25 riders took this challenge with an hour to race followed by 2 further laps it was going to be a battle of not only the fittest but the strongest willed. With the pace car removed the field began to open their legs and soon dropped several riders the pace was unrelenting with all riders keen to remain in the bunch. Several notable breaks did occur with Taff Richards having a spirited effort near the three quarters mark and finally a great break from Army CU rider WO2 Darren Clark looked like it may have the legs to stay away. However it wasn't to be and the Peleton regrouped for the final third of a lap with a sprint for the line won by Cpl Andy Maclean from the RAF CC. RN Honours went to CPO PT Childs closely followed by Jerry Bromyard and Andy Phipps for third spot. Many thanks to CPOPT Childs for organising the event and also the Wg Cdr Don Tanner RAF CC President for being on-hand to award the prizes. As was indicated in the summing up the real winner was again services cycling with over 50 riders in attendance it was a great day to be on a bike. FULL RESULTS Sprint Race Open Race PRIZE WINNERS Sprint Race: RNRMCA Champs: Guest: Lady: Open Race RNRMCA Champs: RAFCC Champs: Guest: RNRMCA Pts Series Rd 2 |
