Thanks to Jack for this latest report from Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team. Ed
On Saturday 29th March, three Wightlink-LCM Systems Cycle Race Team riders headed to the Hillingdon race circuit in West London for the fourth category race.
Already a prolific trio this season, Ed Sutton, Matt Allsopp and Ian Hayden lined up in the hunt for the points that will take them up to third category racing. The spring weather was warm enough for the riders to discard their arm and leg warmers, and race in their newly arrived skinsuits.
The race was to run anti-clockwise, as it runs alternatively each week: this meant the 40 minutes plus five laps race had a shorter finish stretch than had it been running clockwise.
Without a hitch
Despite the tight track and clear inexperience of some of the other riders, the race went on without a hitch, with people shouting when things got compact. The three Wightlink-LCM Systems CRT riders stayed near the front to keep out of trouble and avoid any crashes or hold-ups in the bunch.
After 20 minutes of racing, Hayden put it a big attack on the uphill section of the circuit. Quick to react, some other riders joined him. Sutton pulled away from the main peloton and joined the breakaway group, but before long the whole bunch was back together.
Carefully managed approach
Allsopp moved through the bunch, and with ten minutes to go launched an attack of his own. This strong solo effort meant he stayed clear for a good many laps. Sutton and Hayden sat in the bunch making sure to not hit the front, but in a good position to ensure they could still stand a good chance in the sprint.
With five laps to go it looked like Allsopp’s solo break may last until the end and give him the victory. A few riders from a large rival team then hit the front and put in some hard turns to close the gap. Sutton jostled for position, gearing up for a now inevitable sprint finish.
Fantastic performance
Allsopp was caught as the bunch sped towards the finish line. Sutton took the wheel of a rival for some welcome shelter from the headwind, before coming round at the last possible moment to take a great victory on the line.
Despite the huge effort Allsopp had put into his solo break, he managed to dig deep kicking again for the sprint and take third place. Hayden followed very soon after, finishing in a top ten position.
As a result of their first and third respectively, Sutton and Allsopp are now third category riders. This is some of the fastest progression in the team’s recent history.
