Pete gets the points?

Ottershaw Series - Round 1 - Sunday 19th Oct 2008 - 63 Miles

Pete Wager reports ...

It was a typical October morning for the first round of the Ottershaw series with grey and overcast conditions and the threat of rain. Approx 50 riders lined up for 7 laps of the rolling Lyne circuit followed by 6 laps of the smaller Kitsmead finishing circuit. There were 4 VC Meudons lining up, myself, Dave Larcombe, Duncan Hards and Mike Knight. It was going to be a tough race with some strong Elite riders including Martin Smith, Lewis Atkins, Simon Brooks and the strong testers Steve Golla and Paul Holdsworth.


Out of the neutralized zone and the attacks started - with most people chasing points, me being one of them, everything was covered. Martin 'the machine' Smith was constantly on the attack be it alone or in a group. I managed to get away with 3 others for just short of a lap but we were closed down. As soon as we were caught Martin Smith attacked over the climb of Knowle Hill taking with him all the riders I was trying to mark. Duncan and Dave appeared to make the cut so I sat in letting everyone else do some chasing. Within half a lap it was all back together and we headed onto the finishing circuit. Dave had a few good digs off the front with Martin Smith and Steve Golla both of which had potential to stay away but each time the gap was closed out. 2 laps to go and Dave offered to help me in the final lap but had to eat a banana first....not sure where he was keeping it but it was causing some discomfort.


Final lap and the bunch sprint was on....not ideal for me but I had points to get and it had to be 8th place or better to get the 1st Cat. 1km to go and I'm perfectly placed beside Martin Smith and behind Lewis Atkins. Coming to the 90 degree left turn into Kitsmead lane and Steve Golla gives it the large one down the outside and skips through the bend with the rest of us chasing hard. Martin Smith did most of the work but soon realised he had a long line of riders behind him - Steve Golla didn't look round and kept on it. Into the last 200m and I could sense the line was re grouping so the sprint was opened up - locked onto Martin Smith's wheel I gave it everything.....Steve held on for a well deserved win, Lewis Atkins almost catching him on the line. I managed to swing passed the National Masters champ and get a good 5th place, 14 points and 1st CAT secured.


Next race will be the final round to help Mr Larcombe.....