This week saw the last round of the Trinity World Champs, aka the Suffolk Cycle Racing Series. All the usual TPH Racing suspects were keen on going out on the up and making the most of what has been a fabulous series. Kudos to the organisers, volunteers, supporters and racers for making a fun, entertaining and inclusive event. The promotion and encouragement for getting riders into racing has been a huge success. The Women’s field has grown week upon week with all the racers growing in confidence, improving their skills and more importantly simply having a ball! Well done and Thank you to everybody who had even the tiniest involvement. You can be proud of what you helped create. It’s a crying shame it’s all over, roll on 2020!
Alex had the great weight on his shoulders of setting the tone for the team. He didn’t let himself or us down. A fabulous 2nd place on the night and 3rd overall in the Boys league was a just reward for the effort and progress Alex has made over the last 6 races. Great work Alex! Well done.
Going into the final race Ryan was sitting 2nd in the 3/4 league. No chance of catching 1st place but with work to do to prevent slipping down the table with some close and talented riders biting at his heels. Rolling up to the start line, Ryan disclosed that he was going Single Speed… Not a deliberate choice, just the result of not charging his Di2! Not the ideal preparation, but his team mates, Adam and Keeds set to work protecting him. Keeds got involved in the front for the first couple of laps making sure the pace wasn’t too hot at the start, Adam played Running Back keeping Ryan in the pack and pulling him forward when needed. Once the pace hotted up Keeds clung on for dear life whilst Adam continued shepherding Ryan. 2 laps to go and things were looking to heat up again and breaks trying to go. Keeds got on the front and controlled the pace, followed by Adam doing the same. This allowed Ryan to sit in and not get dropped on the run into the final. Finishing comfortably in the bunch Ryan had done enough to secure 2nd overall in the 3/4 league. Congratulations Ryan! Whilst protecting Ryan, Adam put aside thoughts of his Vets 40 standing (he’s still in denial) but was surprised to find himself finishing 2nd in that competition. Well done old man!
Becky, Lucy and Molly were in the huge Women’s field of around 30 riders. It’s an absolute credit to the organisers that they’ve put on such an attractive event that so many women, many first time racers, have the confidence to get stuck in. So much so, that the women outnumbered the E123 Mens race! Awesome.
Becky was set the challenge of getting stuck in with the top women racers. She did so with such aplomb that you wouldn’t have thought she hadn’t done a RR or Crit before this season. Riding with the leaders, pulling turns and dishing out the pain upping the pace Becky finished 7th alongside the big names of local women’s racing. Well done Becky. Lucy and Molly raced hard and had their own races within the race, battling with their rivals and putting in strong performances. Final league results have not yet been posted, but Becky probably finished just off the podium in 4th. Lucy in 9th and Molly 13th. Great performances all round.
We’ve all had a thoroughly enjoyable series and now looking for the next events over the summer. More TT’s, some RR’s and anymore Crits we can find. Oh and don’t forget #crossiscoming
Well done Racers
#rideon
Photos: Mick Ward and Trudi Cutmore
