RFW 2-Day Stage Race

Stage 1 - 2.7 mile TT Prologue

Paul Beattie

Good conditions greeted the riders contesting the 2.7m time trial on the Saturday morning, with each rider having to complete the fast flat course on their standard road bike. The slight tail wind made for some fast times with Peter Nicholls of Team PB Performance taking the win in a staggering 5:33, 7 seconds clear of 2nd place.

RFW members:
Pete Bradshaw - 5:58 - 23rd
Paul Beattie - 6:02 - 34th
Ben Spiers - 6:12 - 54th
Daniel Leverton - 6:16 - 58th

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Stage 2 - 57 mile Road Race - 'Devils Course'

Stage 2 took place over 6 laps of the 'Devils Circuit' incorporating the so called 'Devils Staircase' climb out of Great Easton where KOM points were available.  Due to road works, the first lap was steady with large sections neutralised and cold torrential rain catching many riders out expecting summer conditions. Luckily conditions improved and the race unfolded with attacking rides by many clubs all trying to make a breakaway stick. 3 riders eventually got away staying clear for around 2 laps before being caught at the bottom of the climb.  As the peleton took a sigh of relief, a new breakaway saw the opportunity to go over the top of the climb and quickly built a gap of 1min. They held this for the rest of the race and Luke Souter went on to take the victory 11 seconds clear of 2nd place James Bryan.  Robert Ward completed the top 3, still 20 seconds ahead of the main bunch.
RFW members (Position end of stage 2):
Pete Bradshaw - 21st
Paul Beattie - 31st
Daniel Leverton - 62nd
Ben Spiers - DNF

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Start of Stage 3: Race Leader Luke Souter (Left), KOM Leader Angus Fisk

Stage 3 - 60 mile Road Race -  'Valley Circuit'

An eventful saw the riders test their tired legs around 6 laps of the rolling Valley course.  The course ascends the short sharp Bringhurst hill where the KOM competition would be decided.  The previous day's efforts didn't seem to slow the pace down at all with attacks from the start and average speeds of around 25mph. Unfortunately with a break of 3 riders away, a touch of wheels at the front of the bunch saw a large crash taking down the Yellow Jersey rider and many others.  With uncertainty among the surviving riders and others strung out trying to chase back on the breakaway extended their lead. No more than 4 miles later a 2nd crash took another 5 riders out of contention including 3rd place Robert Ward., and a few more on the next lap. The race was now quite fragmented, with the top 8 places being taken from riders away from the bunch.  Andrew Critchlow went on to win the stage with an impressive final surge to ride away solo. Chris Limberger took 2nd, and James Bryan come in 3rd.

RFW members (Position Overall):
Paul Beattie - 16th
Pete Bradshaw - DNF
Daniel Leverton - DNF
Ben Spiers - DNF

Stage 3 Winner: Andrew Critchlow

Overall Positions

VIEW RESULTS