National Trophy Series Final Round-  15th December 02

I've just finished hosing down an immense amount of muddy cloths before I dare put them in the washing machine. Now I had better update my webpage. To come straight to the point I have won the National Trophy Series for a seventh time. It is hard to believe after my opening round's 9th place when I broke my rear-mech off on the opening lap. It just shows "don't give up!"

I finished a close second to Nick Craig in a race long battle.  On the opening two laps I was trying to push the pace to open a gap over the yellow jersey (and yellow hat, gloves and socks) wearing current leader Stuart Wearmouth who had missed the boat. This took a hard core group of Roger Hammond, Matt Ellis, Nick Craig and I away.  Now all I needed to do was finish 2nd if Stuart crossed the line in 5th. Easier said than done with a group of this caliber!

Well, the race was very wet and slippery on open grassland, with some adverse cambers and steep banks. The group of four was still together with three laps to go but then Roger took a low line on an adverse camber and slid down the bank, loosing time and contact with the front. Now it was looking slightly better....

On the final lap we each tried to open a gap but it was a mistake again that spit the group again. This time from Matt. Nick and I took full advantage. Now it was a race to the line. Nick won, I was happy to get the second place.

I still had not won the series as Roger had lost interest and was almost caught by Stuart Wearmouth. Roger held off Stuart (luckily for me) to finish 4th.

Senior Trophy Results

Another good site (thanks John!) www.londoncyclesport.com

Full Report British Cycling

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(written 16/12/02)