Report by Paul Beattie
Sunday 5th saw Paul Beattie, Simon Beesley, Vic Davis, Martin Silcock and Sam Woodfield, flying the flag for the Rocko at the Tour of Cambridgeshire Gran Fondo Road Race. Paul Beattie started in the 40-44 age group pen, with a few faces from the NCRA, we were keen to get going from our staggered start times, the pace was very quick for the first 20 miles, with a 27mph average. The pace then slowed slightly as riders got into their rhythm, with a strong bunch forming. After a stint on the front doing some work into the wind, I sat back in the protection of the bunch. The only climb of the day saw riders getting shelled out at Alconbury, before the tough section of Alconbury Airfield, where riders engaged what tactics they could to stay out of the wind.
At 50m, a small break of 10 riders got away from the main bunch after a sharp left hander. After working to get on the back of the break, we then opened up a big gap of the main bunch behind us. Working well we started mopping up riders from the earlier age groups, but didn't take on many other passengers as we kept a high pace. With no climbs and just the exposed fens to contend with, we upped the pace until approx 5 miles to go, where those of us left in the break (about 7) eased off slightly. Inside the final 1k, the cat and mouse games started, with us sticking to each others wheels like glue. With the finish line in sight a sprint opened up, where I managed to punch my way over the line 4th out of the 7 in our bunch.
Paul finished the race in 81st place (overall provisional standing), with a chip time of 3:21:19 and with that automatic qualification for the World Gran Fondo Championships.
Paul Beattie: 3:21:19
Simon Beesley: 3:50:46
Vic Davis: 3:50:15
Martin Silcock: 4:16:08
Sam Woodfield: 3:18:23
At 50m, a small break of 10 riders got away from the main bunch after a sharp left hander. After working to get on the back of the break, we then opened up a big gap of the main bunch behind us. Working well we started mopping up riders from the earlier age groups, but didn't take on many other passengers as we kept a high pace. With no climbs and just the exposed fens to contend with, we upped the pace until approx 5 miles to go, where those of us left in the break (about 7) eased off slightly. Inside the final 1k, the cat and mouse games started, with us sticking to each others wheels like glue. With the finish line in sight a sprint opened up, where I managed to punch my way over the line 4th out of the 7 in our bunch.
Paul finished the race in 81st place (overall provisional standing), with a chip time of 3:21:19 and with that automatic qualification for the World Gran Fondo Championships.
Paul Beattie: 3:21:19
Simon Beesley: 3:50:46
Vic Davis: 3:50:15
Martin Silcock: 4:16:08
Sam Woodfield: 3:18:23
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