Ken Hill Memorial (LVRC Percy Stallard Series, Event 5) - Sunday 4^th July

 ABC cats. 50 miles  Denbigh, North Wales “Undulating”  

By Roger Bishop

Surrounded by beautiful Welsh mountains and after driving down a 1 in 4 hill on the way to the start I was surprised to find that this was the flattest course I have ridden so far, with just a moderate climb at the end the circuit. Five ten mile laps with just over a mile extra on the last lap up hill to the finish.

The race started at the same time as the rain but after a short shower the race continued in sunshine.

The winning break formed at about half way and a pattern soon developed in the bunch. Riders worked to close any further attempts to get away but only five or six riders were keen to pull the break back. I tried on my own and later joined a couple of riders to bridge the gap but to no avail. My brother Chris was riding and he advised me to sit in more to save energy as not enough riders were contributing and we were not going to catch the break of six.

On the last lap there were more attacks, riders going for seventh place, and four escaped, we are not sure how or when! It may have been when we were misdirected and the front of the bunch had to turn and catch up.

I was in the bunch the last time up the climb and managed to finish somewhere at the front after the uphill drag for a mile and a half, but I am waiting for confirmation of the positions, overall and in my age group.