Our team of Rich Cooper, Peter Dixon and Richard Jerome arrived in Charndon, Bucks for their first race of the season. We all knew Peter was going well from last weeks time trial but Rich Cooper and Richard Jerome both had a poor winter. The plan was for a solid finish and to ride for Peter if the chance came to help him out in his first ever road race.
Things started well, a break went on the first lap and the race was steady allowing our riders to settle in to the race and the new season. Richard Jerome rode near the front to avoid stack ups and Rich and Peter were settled in nicely in the middle of the pack.
There was a minor hill in the race but this wasn’t a real challenge to our riders and they all looked comfortable. Peter Dixon had moved nearer the front however he lost a water bottle with 20 miles to go. With one lap to go The pace started to pick up a little as the bunch was closing in on the break and Rich Cooper was caught out near the back of the race and lost his wheel. His race was over which was a shame as he looked quite comfortable.
Peter had a puncture on the last lap leavinng Richard Jerome as the only rider left. Richard was up in the top 5 approaching the finish but with his lack of fitness and confidence he ended up being blocked in a lost his position. He rolled over the line in 27th but pleased to have finished well.
All in all a good day for the team and they showed they will come strong as the season get’s going.
