Team Tor 2000 Circuit races incorporated the Divisional circuit race championships
Once again the club was blessed with some stunning sunny weather, which brought out a good number of riders to the Merryfield airfield, Ilton. With this event incorporated the divisional circuit race championships it brought some quality racing across the board
The senior divisional champs saw action from the gun with come back man Paul Barrett (Chard Wheelers) attacking the race from the drop of the flag and large gapped laps opened. Paul held the gap for a couple laps until the Yeovil rider Graeme Lackford (Cycleurope/Bianchi) bridged the gap to the lone rider. The pair settled down into a rhythm until another pair Greg Sandy (Cycleurope/Bianchi) and Adam Holmes (Mid Devon CC) cleared the main bunch and bridged the gap to the leading pair. This was to be the final selection and with one lap to go the quartet shed Adam, to leave the three riders to fight out the medals. As the riders came into the finish straight Paul Barrett lead the sprint out with Greg close on his wheel with Graeme already out of the running and in the bronze medal position. With a final burst in the closing meters Greg went pass Paul to take another divisional title
The first few laps 3J race, which incorporated the junior champs, saw lots of small attacks but none of them proved fruitful. But as the bunch crossed the start finish line for the forth time a move was instigated by National Junior 25 mile Time Trial Silver Medallist Dean Robson (Somerset RC). With Dean’s escape was soon joined by Tor’s Stuart Dodd, Jon Opie and David Rutty (CS Bristol). This partnership worked well pulling away from the main field. The with two and half laps to go Dean jumped the break away group to power his way to solo victory, not only to take the race win also to take the junior divisional title.
The 4th’s race started at a steady rate and slowly built up to speed, a sudden surge resulted in the field splitting. This proved to be the move of the race with all the points for the top six places going to the going to these riders. Chris Smith (Bath CC) won the final lunge for the line by followed by his fellow teammate Steve Manning with Dave Poole (Somerset RC) taking the final podium place. Tor’s John Etherington took the 4th place giving him enough point s to move up to a third cat license
There was good support in the youth races. The racing was very competitive between the age groups with some worthy divisional champions.
Many thanks to all the helpers that made this event possible and a success
This Thursday (21st July) is the final of the Global Heating Point’s series event. This event is entry on line only with a separate 34J and E123 race. The 51 km event is held at Merryfield, Ilton starting 7.30 pm.
3,J (Incorporating SW Junior circuit race championships)
4,W