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Edgell Takes Sotonia Heath Opener
Sotonia Heath Race 1, Tuesday 7th June 2011
Report & Images: Graham Robins
The first of a series of three races held at this venue through the early summer drew a full field of fifty riders on a warm, sunny but windy evening in the New Forest National Park just to the west of Southampton. The race was 5 laps with a total race distance of 50km.
The bunch rolled away from the start and on towards the first climb up through the finish line which they would have to climb 5 more times. It soon became apparent that the windy conditions were going to play a major part in the race results as it soon started to stretch the bunch out.
On the first lap a small group of five riders soon built up a lead of over 30secs, with most of the bunch still together at this point. The group contained James Cotty (Cannondale Racing) Tom Knowlton (VC St Raphael), Charles Rees (Raleigh RT) and Rob Edgell (Somer Valley). The fifth rider from this group was dropped when he had a puncture and with no service his race was over.
On the second lap the leading group of four now had a gap of 40secs over a little group of three riders who in turn were with the remainder of the bunch hovering around the minute mark. The three riders trying to bridge the gap were Stuart Thompson (Andover Wheelers), Karl Hind (Adeo Cadence) and Paul Whitfield a Private member.
The third lap saw the leaders extend their advantage to around the minute mark, with the chasers now down to two with Karl slipping back towards the bunch.
The fourth lap saw two riders pull away as the wind started to take its toll, and so it was Tom Knowlton and Rob Edgell who were the first to take the bell with the remainder of the bunch about 30secs behind and beginning to hunt down the leaders.
However, over the climb and out of sight Rob attacked Tom and got away and soon had a sizeable lead which he held for the remainder of the lap, and enjoying a very fine solo finish and only just managing a slight salute before having to get onto the bars as he was tiring very quickly from his efforts of the last lap.
Once Rob had finished the attention turned down the road to see the remainder of the bunch all together and sprinting hard for the minor places, at the front was John Hyde (VC St Raphael) who just managed to edge out team mate Michael Scott.
Provisional Result
1. Rob Edgell Somer Valley
2. John Hyde VC St Raphael @ 42secs
3. Michael Scott VC St Raphael @st
4. Carston Duke London Dynamo @st
5. Stuart Harvey i Team CC @st
6. Stuart Bowers Hargroves Cycles @st
The next round of this series is 21st June with the final round on 5th July. If you would like to race please contact Simon Knowlton 07554444983 - simonknowlton@hotmail.com
