This was the race to win to guarantee selection for the big race on the 29th July. The English selection was based on UCI points gained over the early season National Points & World Cups rounds and the winner of this race. Any other places were discretionary to a maximum of three riders. I had finished second in the UCI points table but to assure a place I needed a good ride on the course.

The exact course was not being used as there had be some problems with access. The amended course was slightly different to the "real" one. The climbing was more sustained and less stepped. It was like returning to the early 90s and riding a NEMBA or NAMBS. Not a manmade course but a course using the natural features.

Just before the start of the race the laps were increased from 5 to 6. It was quite an odd event as there were barriers, PA, many marshals, everything you would expect for a big event with out many spectators. The gun fired and we charged along the road turned left into the wood, hitting the first muddy section. This climbed up to the top in almost one pull, then we went along a flat section across the top of the hill. A group had formed at the front with Nick Craig, Liam Killeen, Oli Beckingsale and I with Zak Toogood just a few seconds behind. After the bumpy cobble like section we plummeted back down. It crossed a bit of moorland and zigzagged down an old Japanese garden. Then we climbed back up a steep bumpy section. From here it was a very rough track back to the start - finish area. Nearing the bottom I moved to the front of the group after negotiating the roughest section, turning the corner to a little muddy section I was devastated to find I had a rear flat tyre. It took quite a long time to fix as I had trouble with my gas bomb when inflating it. I set off again, but the tyre was not as hard as I would have liked. I was told that my second lap time was 20 seconds quicker than the lead group. I moved up to 6th place at the end of the 3rd lap - only to flat again - so ending my charge.

There were many punctures during the event. It was good to race on the course as this puncture problem will be in everyone's mind. As for selection..... who knows what with happen?  Liam Killeen won the race, but he already had a place from the UCI points league system. Oli did well finishing second but he scored poorly on the UCI point table. Then there is Nick Craig who finished 3rd. It is a difficult choice as there are three riders going for the remaining two places and there is not a great difference to choose between us. The final decision will be confirmed on the 24th June. Watch this space.....

(written 17/06/02)

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