First win this season at Herne Hill!

Where to start!

I've been looking forward to this race all week with the anticipated great atmosphere, testing course and all-round great event organised by the Ben Spurrier and the ViCiOuS Velo crew. Herne Hill is where I started racing with Herne Hill Youth CC so I always enjoy racing there with so much crowd support, although I don't think the course suits me so well, but I seem to do okay (I won the Senior race there last year aswell).




To the racing, two starts later and the race was off (First start, course tape wasn't moved in time, so we all headed to the line to start again). There were the usual 5 or 6 riders vying for position at the front of the race, with such tight tracks round the back of Herne Hill, its vital to be in the first 2 positions in a small group, to avoid getting held up by back markers, or wasting energy trying to stay in contact with the riders in front through tight corners. Anyway, for the first couple of laps I was sitting in 2nd or 3rd with the first 6 or so riders starting to spread out over about 20 seconds. Destroyed rear mechs and punctures played a part in most riders races today, with many riders in that front group either suffering from punctures or busted mechs, including myself (get to that later).

After about 5 laps, the race started to take shape and spread itself out. I was still at the head of the race with one other rider who has won a couple of the London League's this season so he's no slouch. We stayed together for a couple of laps, one of which I did on a flat. As it was so muddy, I was running pretty low pressures anyway but realised I was constantly riding on the rim and clocked that I had a flat. I did the best I could and only managed to lose about 10 seconds in the whole lap, I got to the pits changed bikes and caught back up fairly quickly not willing to give up the chance of victory.




This was now 2 laps to go, with time running out, I got to the front and raised the tempo. I managed to get a gap soon after and from then on built my lead to win by over 30 seconds I reckon, a nice win that I was pretty pleased with and another indicator that my form continues to improve as we get closer to the National Championships.

It's been a while!

Other than the racing, the atmosphere was brilliant, far better than any National event this season and it always is at Herne Hill, incredible. The prizes were impressive too, with vouchers up to £20 in the money pit on the course and festively wrapped prizes for riders including my prize, SPAM!



You guessed it..Spam!


...And this set of wheels.




A set of Shimano RS80 C24 wheels!



This was by far the best prize I have ever recieved at a race and couldn't quite believe it when they were handed to me...Along with the Spam.

Very pleased with the day and looking forward to the race at Footscray on the 27th, another win? We will have to see but I will do everything I can to repeat today's result.

That's it for now, if I don't 'blog' before next Sunday, Merry Christmas everyone!

Taylor