More of a thorough investigation of a single nasty hidden valley as I saw it - 3 laps around a hilly valley between the well know settlements of Abermagw and Pont-rhyd-y-groes (varying from 400ft to 950ft) and then up over to Devils Bridge (1200ft+), followed by a long and generally descending (according to the map at least) slog along the exposed A4120 towards Aberystwyth for the finish. Conditions dry but windy (sometimes very windy).
There was about as much motorised traffic in the valley part of this race as the previous week in the closed circuit Cardigan Street Races. Very strange in that much of the race hogged the entire width of what was effectively a minor lane. There were so few vehicles around that the support cars and bikes stopped every single one for us. But of course you never really knew for sure what was coming around the corner!
Despite the public traffic being largely taken out of the picture for us, a bizarre incident took place involving the breakaway leader at the time colliding with (I understand) an NEG motorcyclist on a sharp turn. Clearly differences in opinion on the racing line. Race effectively over for him though only minor injuries...and major bitterness
My race was fairly interesting if thankfully less eventful– 2nd lap I attempted to pursue Harris and another in a break. I did catch them (for a moment) but the price I paid was that in doing so took myself well into the red… and then backwards to the point that I nearly ended my race early. It took me about 20 mins (and a few descents) to recover and re-settle towards the front of the group.
Everything then exploded on the final big staggered climb towards Devils Bridge. 6 got clear into the gale force wind and I got in the latter of 2 small but very determined chasing groups. Then my 2 companions dropped me by overtaking a nervous driver whilst descending and then turning left across the car at the junction. Hardly Highway Code stuff but given by then the car had completely stopped I did similar but more cautiously. And then I didn’t have the legs to pick up the speed and re-join them. This was a crucial moment as I needed to finish 7th to get the 10 points that would take me to 2nd Cat.
I ended up doing the last 5 miles or so on my own, trying not to look back too often for the chasing group or remains of it. Fortunately I think they were all as shattered as me. None caught me and I finished alone in 11th position, 1.5 mins behind the group of 6 that remained clear to fight it out for the win. Knowing this course was a real bonus illustrated by 1st and 2nd place going to local Ystwyth riders. Harris continued his end of season form coming 3rd.
On reflection, probably the most shattered I’ve been at the end of a road race although I didn’t cramp up like at the tour of Carmarthen. I need to work on my speed; especially downhill. I was struggling at times even sitting on the back of a wheel.
Great event – glad I made the effort to drive over – I think most of our racers at the club would have hated the course (I did at times) though I felt Rob P with better ability than me to hold a high level of power and strong on the rolling terrain would have been in that leading group of 6 (would be 7) at the finish to fight it out for the premium places. I know Rob was doing much more important things however (and that isn’t sarcasm Rob). Maybe next year.
