At the Redbridge CC Regional A Road Race, East London Vélo put up its strongest riders, but we faced a daunting field packed with the strong men from all across the ERRL, and strengthened further with reserves called in from Central and South-Eastern regions.
This race called for a little imagination in the planning. Our highest profile rider was Graham Galvin, returning from his win at the Paul Simon Homes race and his 2nd place in the race-long break at the Ike Saul. When he went off from the gun he was sure to attract the attention of those riders ambitious for this win, and so it proved. The group that formed this first break of seven surely made up the cream of the field.
Even as they joined in this attack however, they were lured into a trap. By spending the whole race working in this break they would exhaust themselves and so when the time came to launch the rider we hoped would win this race, they would be blunted, spent.
And so it proved. First Darren Cainey and then James Cocker put the pressure on and strung out the field, and as they reached the top of the climb, they had achieved the work they set out to do and split the field throughout its length. David Barnes set off to make the bridge to join the group in front, and James went too and so did half a dozen riders still in touch.
They closed the gap and formed a larger group in front, perhaps 15, with three of these from ELV. We had the numerical advantage but what to do with it? Attack! Attack and split the group again.
First James, again, then David, unstoppable, when James was caught. Only one rider from the first break made the final group of four which escaped again with David, and none of these could match his power as he rode away to win a race in which he didn’t start as favourite.
Except, that is, with us.
1st David Barnes
8th James Cocker
12th Darren Cainey
