3rd Cat

Not a reference to Choppie (moggy number 3 chez nous) but the fact that last Saturday got a 3rd 7th at Hillingdon to bring points total over the 10 needed to reach first season's goal and get to 3rd category racer.

(slightly better position, but still bit to do)

Last race of the series was the best in terms of tactics. Lovely weather and felt good but didn't let the blood go to my head and held back for first half of race.

(Our starter, great guy and one of the unsung heroes without whom amateur sport would not be possible)

Second half let rip a bit and joined a couple of breaks but didn't work well and were reeled in. So settled for usual plan B but this time made conscious effort to speed up the field on the last couple of laps so as to stretch them out and make sure in good position. Worked well and had clear run into finish and 7th.

Post ride got number of congrats for attacks and got a couple of mentions in race report.

Race 13 Saturday 14th February 2009

A lively last race in the series with almost Spring like weather and little wind saw aggressive riding by Imperial RT riders who had a plan to elevate Stoyko Bussarov to 3rd cat to join his team mates. They worked hard, all three Imperial riders Dave Ryan, Tom Smith and Stoyko leading the attacks but unfortunately the main group were wise to their efforts and neutralised their attempts.

From these efforts three riders did ease off the front - Vincent Leon (Twickenham CC), Martin Sigrist (Newbury RC) and Peter Hedger (Sotonia CC) but after 4km at the front they too were pulled back . This was quickly followed by a concerted loan effort by James Curry (British Airways CC) which looked more promising but again he was caught by the main group and then promptly blew up! With just 5km to go the pace was upped again by Martin Sigrist and Dave Ryan with Stoyko Bussarov tagging on but this too was snuffed out.

On the last lap there was a crash which split the group leaving the result to a group finish with Jai Watson (Dulwich Paragon CC) and Adam White (Reading CC) heading for the line together. The tactical knowledge of Jai Watson ultimately got the better of Adam White with Hamilton Lacey taking 3rd position. Dave Ryan (Imperial RT) won the 4th cat Series having finished highest in the most races without winning a race. Generally the racing was of a high standard with the riders gaining confidence and ability as the series progressed.

Del and Rodney at the cafe stop...

Final round up of a very enjoyable series here:

http://www.imperialracingteam.com/imperialracingteam/index.htm