There was plenty to talk about after the second race in the Northants Cycle Racing Association Spring series, held on the Rockingham Forest Wheelers valley circuit on 12th March. There was a sole breakaway winner, and a significant crash in the final sprint for second.
Being a handicap, riders were released in one of four groups, with three laps of the 10 mile course ahead of them. Early in the race R Simpson broke away on a solo effort from his group, and built a good lead as the other groups combined during the second and third laps. He managed to hold on to win by a decent margin: as he was crossing the line, the bunch came round the corner into the final straight and a crash about 8 places back took down a large number of riders. J Freeman avoided the carnage to come in second place, with N Berwick riding into third.
Several riders involved in the crash were taken to hospital, with two having broken collarbones, and another needing stitches. All involved are now home and hopefully on the mend.
RFW riders in the event were Julian Freeman (2nd), Paul Beattie (9th), Daniel Leverton (16th) and Harry Freeman, Julian's son who was competing in his first event. Thankfully Harry was behind the bunch that crashed, and so avoided what would have been a very unfortunate start to a promising racing career.
Below - Paul, Julian and Harry before the race started, and Daniel on his way.
Several riders involved in the crash were taken to hospital, with two having broken collarbones, and another needing stitches. All involved are now home and hopefully on the mend.
RFW riders in the event were Julian Freeman (2nd), Paul Beattie (9th), Daniel Leverton (16th) and Harry Freeman, Julian's son who was competing in his first event. Thankfully Harry was behind the bunch that crashed, and so avoided what would have been a very unfortunate start to a promising racing career.
Below - Paul, Julian and Harry before the race started, and Daniel on his way.