Ben Crick writes…
The race attracted a record number of entries with 94 in total riding in bright, warm and breezy conditions. With the goal of breaking 24 minutes and getting a PB I headed over to the A31 for what I was told could be a fast course.
It was about 21 C so warm enough and with a head wind on the way out, meaning the work needed to be done in the first 5 miles so a friendly chap called Nick Stagg advised me. The locals also said the wind was not in the most favorable direction but it never is
Armed with what I needed to know, I set off. The first half mile is slightly up hill and then the course rolls. My average speed at the turn was 24.0 MPH so I knew I had to work hard coming back. With 2 miles to go, I was only at 24.6 MPH so doubted a sub 24 was on but with my PB at 24:37 it was still worth the final push. With the end in site I was up to 24.9 but ran out of course to get a sub 25!
1. Rob Sharland (Kingston Wheelers) 20:22
2. Richard Prebble (Node4 Giordana Racing Team) 20:46
3. Phil Ember (Kingston Wheelers) 21:29.
Ben Crick (EGCC) 24:09 (PB)