BMCR NATIONAL HANDICAP ROAD RACE 2023 – PRIORS MARSTON
This is a Top End Race with the best of each Age Group attending and fighting for a National Jersey. The handicap comes in form of a time allotted start for each age group (every 5 years) with 3 minute intervals between each group.
The course is a mean one with 3 laps (56 Miles) including 3 times up Priors Marston Hill and to make things harder it was HOT!
There were 75 entries but quite a number of No Shows – However it was GREAT to have another Wheeler in the race with Adam leading by Chairman’s example and getting on the start line.
Preparation is always key and we would have to find out if we had the legs after celebrating The Wheelers 75th Anniversary at Saturday’s Tea Party. I was particularly interested personally if the several Scones with Cream (lots of) would have a positive or negative effect.
A bit of research and I realised there was a danger of one older rider potentially having the ability to stay away, so I knew that the riders setting off in my age group would be key. Writing race numbers of good TT riders down on my arm. There were 10 of us in the F age group (65-69) and I knew that it was a strong contingent having put 6 of their numbers on my arm. My plan was to cajole the group into Through and Off, catch the danger man ahead and continue to stay away from those pursuing us from behind and of course sprint to victory. ALWAYS DREAM BIG.
Adam travelled by bike to the event and I decided that going to the start line from HQ would be enough of a warm up as the temperature was already curdling the cream in my stomach.
We stood ready in a lay-by allowing the 2 older age groups to go up the road and then it was our turn. There was a general group purpose to work together and without too much effort we were riding both smoothly and effectively. All was good and after half a lap we caught those in front of us. We became a bigger group and some riders eased, either thinking the race was done or resting before the climb. Priors Marston Climb is a tough one and several were dropped including all but one of those we caught. A group of 10 again and time to keep everyone working and I became verbal! Encouraging of course with comments such as “if we stay away all 10 of us will get a prize” But it became less smooth and riders were starting to miss turns. A short slope and the effort and heat made 3 others drop off so now we had the magic number 7 in the group with 5 of us doing regular turns. We were approaching the finish line and the First Prime (cash prizes for the first 3 across the line). Two of us were pulling away and I let the rider in front of me take the win as reward for his TT skills and also not wanting to discourage his work rate as I was still thinking that we could stay away as a 7.
Now the hill for the second time and we were slow but together as a small group and we managed to limp over the summit and commit to work – well most of us – and I was doing more than my fair share of going through and still trying to motivate every other rider to do the same. I still thought we were working well enough down the fast straight towards Southam and then we were joined by The E(60-65) age group – “where did they come from” – well I do know but it was a shock, with little time to think, just react. The pace increased and it was not long before riders from my initial group dropped out of contention and we were approaching the Finish Line once more for the second set of primes. I moved towards the front and pushed up the ramp and over the rise and took the Prime with no shame.
We were heading to the Priors Marston Climb for the Third and Final time and I knew that if I could just stay in touch with the younger riders during this time, I should be able to stay with them to the finish. I gave everything I could and wished for higher gearing but made it and noticed I was the only one from my age group to do so.
Less than a lap to go and I am in a group of 6 at the pointy end of the race – and now the rules have changed I do not or can not do any work despite a couple of riders who are suggesting otherwise – Yes! The shoe is on the other foot and I suggest to those who ask that I have done my share of work on the front but earlier. It is a race and I am also still thinking positively that if I can hide a bit, I should be able to be top 6 and hopefully podium.
Once again, we are on the fast straight to Southam and going well, with me sat on the back of the group and without warning Whoooosh – 2 Riders flash past us as if they are on motor bikes. Wow – Absolutely No chance of tagging on and they are gone. The chance of a National Shirt is gone but prizes go down to 10th so still work to be done.
The group continues to work well and I look over my shoulder to see if any others are approaching from behind and I am pleased to see clear road.
Two miles to go and I am hanging on with a tightening in my left hamstring and just tiredness. The slope and chequered flag are in site and those in front of me give their all for a sprint and I fight just to get to the line crawling past one rider for an overall 7th position.
I am too tired to consider what might have been and manage to follow a rider back to HQ where I climb off the bike only to find that I can hardly walk. I gave EVERYTHING and appreciate that I have done quite well.
Only 28 Finished The Race – as I said earlier it was a tough course and extremely hot.
I did not Win Big but visited the prize giving stage more than any other rider for 7th Overall and 2 Prime prizes. Cash and two bottles of Cider.
Congratulations to all those who Finished and gave of their best, particularly to the first two who made up time and sped away.
Great Banter and Respect with fellow cyclists/competitors and THANKS to all those who helped run the event.
While I type I am reminded of my efforts with two tight hamstrings despite a steady ride earlier.
Looking forward to my next race and being joined by more of The Wheelers.
Author: Mac
Date: 25 June 2023
