NCRA Handicap race series Race 3

This weekend's NCRA spring series road race, promoted by 45 Road Club was held at the Old Circuit; a flattish course with one notably fast downhill section and a leg sapping climb into Walgrave for the finish. There was a large club turnout with a dirty dozen of would be Wigginses taking to the start line and split across all four of the day's handicap groups. The weather was cool and dry with a stiff northerly headwind for the first section of the course.

Six St Neots riders were in the lead group with a 10 minute advantage over the next group. The chasing groups clearly understood their disadvantage and worked together well in pursuit for a very fast opening lap. But, this early speed began to take its toll and on the first climb through Walgrave a number of riders were unhitched.

Halfway into the final lap, on the Mawsley road, scratch caught the third group and the remnants of the second group. However the time checks were suggesting the lead group still held a seven minute advantage over the chasers. With the distance left to run, it was an impossible deficit for them to balance.

Back to the lead group, now reduced to six men and, with no sight of the chasers, things were hotting up. In this group were Gary, Harry, Tom and Adrian. They hit the bottom of the finishing climb hard, the sprint was on. Adrian looked to have it when Harry moved passed, but a late and well judged move saw victory go to a sole St Ives rider. The result then, Harry 2nd, Adrian 3rd, Gary 5th, Tom 6th. 

Some minutes later the chasing group flew down the Lamport road, aiming for the minor points. Richard tried an attack on the downhill, but was immediately marked by a 45 rider and the group pushed forward with incredible speed, effectively neutralising any further attacks. David P, David H, Wayne, Tim and Simon R were all in the bunch and readying for the sprint. It was fast with Simon placing highest, coming fourth in the sprint and 10th overall.

Overall a superb day of the club with five finishing in the top 10!

Finally, special mention must go to Matt Van Den Bos for 2nd place at the morning's MK Bowl 4th cat circuit race. Matt's second place sees him promoted to 3rd cat. Well done Matt!