The next race was one I’ve done a few times, and the circuit is used for multiple races. Its a fairly forgiving one in Milton (Oxford) with one hill and a lot of fast but exposed roads. Similar story to yesterday in that there were again a fair few good riders, a few from Madison, NFTO, One pro again, Wheelbase, Sportgrub. I almost knew what was going to happen before it did, but just didn’t think I’d be able to deal with 75 miles going full on.
Anyway, 5 minutes in a couple of guys got off the front, then Tank from NFTO flew up the outside in pursuit, Ryan Visser went too, they were allowed to get out of sight and that was essentially the race winning move, mile 3 of a 75 mile race. Not much more to say on it really, there was a few Madison and One pro dude left in the bunch I tried to get away many times, I bridged over to two moves that looked really promising, both brought back. I then went again with the One guy and Justin from NFTO, looked promising, got a gap etc etc, but then brought back by Madison. Predictably just after that effort another group went over the top and it stuck, presumably because it didn’t have him in it, he was marked to hell, and I think I was perhaps a bit foolish in only thinking moves with him or the madison guys in it would stick, it wasn’t the case.
On the last lap I don’t even think we were fighting for points, but I saw a couple off the front and thought what the hell, I might as well have one more go, I bridged over to them again, they essentially sat up and we got caught, at that point I was pretty sick of the whole day, stuck it in the little ring and rolled over dead last, knowing I tried at least. The weekends racing was good for my legs though I think, I felt better today than at Hillingdon and with 5 hours at 330W NP in my legs I am hoping that I can get some results soon. These races certainly are getting harder, this race was on the same day as numerous other big ones and it still brought out a pretty strong field in the end. Oh well, there will be other chances 🙂
First Season Racing 
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