Results Bickerstaffe 2018Results for Web
Report by Club President Colin Baldwin
I was driving round the course at 6 am placing out ‘cycle event’ signs and finalising a risk assessment re potholes etc at the same time realising it might be a
dry day for weather after all. Earlier forecasts were to be proved incorrect. Opened up the HQ at 7 am and was quickly joined by ‘signing on’ helpers Dave Livvy and Irene/Jim Gunn..
Marshalls briefed and manning the junctions wearing hi viz and carrying red flags,all looked the part,without their valued support there would be no race. Lead cars driven by Eddie O’Brien and Ken Beck. Medics arrived after some difficulty finding the HQ (panic over).
For the men’s event there were 56 starters including I believe a record of 5 budding road race members from the club. Once into the race Junior Conor McKinnon was having gear trouble and was forced to drop back.,whilst the others managed to stay with the group, by this time the speed was high, each of the 12 laps saw our lads hanging in, and eventually managed to finish safely in the bunch. The winner was Mike Ashurst (Team BioRacer). Race speed averaged 26 mph.
Prizes awarded straight afterwards, with thanks to our generous sponsors., Andy Grice ….St.James Finance, Twin Lakes Velo cafe, MeCycle and Secret Training.
Women’s Event…
This year run on a Handicap basis over 12 laps..39 miles. The scratch group started 3 mins 30 secs behind the front group.,with 36 starters and some riders not having raced previously this is an excellent introduction to road racing. In the front group was new club rider and Ironman qualifier Sally Waterwoth making her debut… In the event was Dame Sarah Storey with two younger team mates,with husband Barney providing neutral service in the team car, Issy McKinnon was excited to be a passenger in the car and see the race at first sight (a day she will long remember). The eventual winner was Jay Hine a development rider from Yorkshire…with Sally finishing in the bunch.
All in all a great days racing and my thanks to all who contributed in any way by giving their time to promote the sport and the club,I have received lots of positive feedback which makes the sleepless nights worthwhile.
Full results to follow.
Colin
El Prez ??