CL Rnd 15 – Harry Ferguson Race see’s an older crowd on the podium
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Just before we get into the detailed report on the race I want to make it very clear how each marshal is viewed by the club and the expectation that each racer, member or guest should remember – a marshal should be given the upmost respect at all times and their decision should not be questioned at anytime. If a marshal makes a decision to stop you, not ring a last lap bell, stop the race early or give you advice then this should be accepted unchallenged. The marshal’s do not need to explain their decision as there can be many reasons unknown to riders why that decision was made. Without marshals to take their time to stand in the middle of the road, take times, organise groups and wave the chequered flag then we would have no race. So if you want to say anything to them try a thank you and complain to the race committee who will deal with any incidents that happen. The unnamed riders can expect a suitable punishment and warning of their behaviour. With that said let us move on…..
With the weather being anything but kind it was with great skill that we have managed to negotiate a dry night. This is our second time at this course and one that only has 3 corners but still needs highly skilled marshals to look after each of the corners and the timekeeping. The best way to appreciate these jobs is by doing it because being a race marshal is a different experience than being a TT marshal. The first job is dealing with all the sick and unfit riders that can barely turn a pedal and believe they really should be in a group lower. Experience tells you that this is in fact not the case and they have been peaking for this race all year.
The next job is to listen to the handicap fairy who takes careful consideration into numbers in each group, the wind, the temperature, any falshy equipment on show and finally historical data. When quizzed as to why Scratch didn’t catch anyone I am told they didn’t ride as hard as the other groups and they have too much flashy kit.
With each riders name added to the start list it is time to go and do some real riding with the fear you are going to get dropped by the first corner if this pace doesn’t ease.
There were several guest riders making the group choices a tad difficult but I think we all got there with Scratch still sweet talking a few riders into joining them. Group 1 saw Marek and a few of the younger riders attempt to stay away but with a large organised group 2 they made a great effort only to be caught with a couple of laps to go. Group 2 had ridden well and they could sense Scratch were honing into them. With such a large scratch group one would expect them to hunt down the groups very quickly but on a tight course like the Harry Ferguson having large numbers can sometimes be a disadvantage with many happy to sit in.
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The now leading group headed to the last lap and the final time up Rafferty’s hill which never really looks that bad until you try to keep going up the second kick. There seemed to be lots looking around to see who was going to take the charge to the last corner and this allowed the rest to catch back up leaving a hard chase to the finish. Davy B claims he isnt a sprinter and made his charge from the corner with Rich C glued to his wheel and Stevie “My legs are done tonight” Wallace glued to Rich C’s wheel then it was all going to come down to the sprint. With the finish line almost in view Stevie made his move to the line holding on for the victory followed by Rich C and Colin to complete the podium. Full results to follow.
Many thanks to:
Lisa for stepping up to do Martins job tonight, Emma J for her excellent timing keeping, Corner Marshals: Trevor B, Wannita B, Gareth W, Neill C, Gary G, Jim McM, Marty McA, Aaron, Raymund M, Neil F, Trevor W for doing lead car and Linda F & Cathy W for refreshments. I am sure I have forgotten someone in here but you all deserve a great pat on the back for a very safe and organised race.
Finally good luck to Nathan heading of to show those Belgiums how to really race bikes with the Belgium Project look after him while he is over there. The club has made a donation to his travelling costs which I am sure will be paid back with all the prize money he will have accumulated.
Next week is going to be Clonvaraghan Hill climb (https://www.strava.com/segments/5479245), a classic to test those fast super trained legs. Give it a go and enjoy the accomplishment of getting to the top. There will be tea and buns at the top so see you there.
If you haven’t already done so then please promote the Dromara CC Hilly which takes place on the 14th August and is now open for entry.
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