The time had come once again for the regional team championships. Preparation had started the night before with Philip G and my self trying to revive his jet-wash after a year sat dormant in his garage. After 2 hours, 3 snapped pull cords and a tin of easy start we finally got it to start. HAPPY DAYS.
Race day had arrived and Jules B and I had the fun task of driving through central London. After a brief navigational error, we was on our way to Welwyn Garden City. On the way we had got word that Abi Van Twisk had won the Girls Youth race and the week before had podiumed at the National Trophy.
We had arrived just in time to watch the Vets, Women’s and Junior race. Luckily as I was not racing I had agreed to be the pit crew for the VCL. Marek G. was racing in the V50 so I rushed to the pit area “just in case.” Marek was called up and gridded and had a good strong race, even though he has been off of racing for a few weeks. With no mechanical issues to hinder him, Marek finished in 11th
It was soon time for the Senior race. The VCL had 3 members racing; Jules B, Philip G and David S. The guys where ready to race! The field was extremely small with only 28 registered racers and 19 turning up on the day. All of a sudden the whistle was blown and the race was on, Philip managed to get the holeshot and led for 1/4 of the 1st lap. By the time the field had reached me at the pits, Philip was sitting in second and Jules in 3rd! The next time i saw Philip he had settled to a more usual position fighting for top 10′s with Paul Sheers from Vicious Velo. Jules had a bad couple of laps and Philip and Paul seized the opportunity and went past him. He then found his legs again, bridged back up to Philip and Paul allowing the VCL duo to work as a team. They played the old 1-2 for a few laps trying to break Paul until Jules finally got away with 2 to go.
(thanks to Phil Jones from the Dulwich Paragon for the photo)
Philip then sat on Paul’s wheel until the last technical section when he attacked. Ross Tricker (Ipswich BMX club) had a blow out and had allowed Jules to catch and pass him on the last lap. Jules romped home in 7th place and Philip in 9th. David had a off day and had battles of his own at the rear of the field. He set his sights on a Welwyn Wheelers rider who had pulled out leaving him to finish the race on his own. Every time David passed me there was the look of determination with a hint of “im going to finish this if it kills me” but kept on pushing enabling us to become regional team champions! We might have been the only team with 3 finishers but you have to be in it to win it!
It was great fun watching the VCL deliver such an exciting race, and was proud to make the guys comfortable in knowing that the pit crew was there if they needed it.
I would like to thank Welwyn wheelers cc for hosting the event.
