NCRA Handicap Road Race Rd 2, 14 Mar 2020

I raced the 2nd round of the NCRA and was placed in the 3rd handicap group. We worked tightly with a through and off and as it was less windy than last week had a high average speed. To keep the group together I felt like I did plenty of work and had to go very deep on the hill. When group 4 caught us I suffered more to get on that group and then sat in the best I could. I gained a bit more of a feeling that I could actually finish on the 3rd lap. After nearly getting dropped I hung at the back and conserved energy to get to the finish. Two guys went before the last corner and I thought the race was over as I couldn't keep with the move. Going round the last corner I gave it everything and noticed everyone else dropping away. This helped me push even harder to catch the attackers and one more man who had some pace. I achieved 2nd which I'm astounded by and very pleased with. I can't thank clubmate Adrian enough for bridging the gaps for me and obviously Tim for the training that seems to be working!

Ollie Maynard

Photo from last week by Mel Evans