Felt Colbornes Team

Last Friday saw the 4th and final round of the highly successful circuit race series at Cheltenham Racecourse. Organised by VC Montpellier and generously sponsored by Leisure Lakes, the events have been well organised and supported. With live commentary, drinks and a BBQ, the enthusiastic spectators were kept well entertained.

After finishing 2nd twice, and third in the first race of the series I was totally determined to try and get onto the top step of the podium. The same rider, Perry Bowater had won all three rounds so far, so I decided my aim for the night was to make this race the hardest 1hr bike race his skinny legs had ever experienced. After the neutralised first lap (behind JC in his quality black cab) I put the hammer down almost immediately, hoping to break free and get the first prime. Coming up to the prime line after a lap and a half in the lead, guess who nipped past me to take the prime on the line…. This was war!

Shortly after this a leading break of around 9 riders established at the front of the race. A few riders tried their luck at escaping, and I attempted a few escapes myself, but nothing was staying away from the leading group. The obvious thing in this race, regardless of who rode of the front, I had a permanent annoying shadow in the shape of Perry Bowater. I think he just wanted to follow me around all night, and nip past whenever a prime was available. The angry adrenaline must have helped me in the middle part of this race, as I took 3 primes in a row, winning some cash, and a nice pair of Specialized shades (thanks Leisure Lakes).

With 2laps to go a rider from Echelon Spuik put in a great attack to ride clear of the break. The others in the lead group didn’t seem too keen to chase, so it was down to my team mate Dave and myself to close the gap with half a lap to go. Dave led me into the final climb, and I accelerated with everything I had, going for the line. 10metres from the line a rider levelled with me, and just edged ahead by half a wheel to take the win……Perry Bowater again! That’s racing I guess, but the kid isn’t exactly on my Christmas card list….

As you can see from the photo, close racing for the crowd to witness…..Dave also took third, so two Felt riders on the podium for the second week in a row!

The night wrapped up with the podium presentation and prize giving. It was great to collect a few primes, shades, and enough money for a nice Indian takeaway on the way home. The award of the overall prize however was quite embarrassing to witness. Phil Landry of Leisure Lakes had generously sponsored this series with an overall prize of a 2009 Specialized Allez road bike. As Phil wheeled to bike towards the podium, Perry Bowater seemed reluctant to hold his fantastic prize, let alone muster the strength to pick it up. With the local press there to capture the moment and give Leisure Lakes the press coverage they deserve, the boy could at least have smiled.

 Maybe I had tired him out after all…… 

Despite not quite managing to win a round, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Leisure Lakes series, and hope it resumes next year. I’ll have to practice my sprinting over the winter! Thanks to Phil at Leisure Lakes, and all the boys at VC Montpellier for putting on/supporting a great series.