I write after what can only be described, as a dramatic race…picking up number 13 at sign on should was a bit of an omen.
It all began with a 40-min drive to Plougoumelen for The Trophee Daniel Breton race. It was a 1/2/3 affair with some big hitters such as the Pole, Zalinski (VCP Lorient and former Skil Shimano rider) and Chopin (Hennebont Cyclisme and former Credit Agricole stagiare), both two of the best amateurs in Brittany.
So arriving at sign on and again only 50-60 riders but as I said some high quality riders. As the race was near the coast and we were in Brittany it was bound to be windy and it didn’t disappoint. A 7km lap to be completed 14 times. So a pretty short race and a kermesse like course with just a drag up to the finish and a few quite sweeping corners…oh yeah and lots of wind!
So 3pm and we were away. After a good warm up I was feeling good. Surprising after the last few races feeling rubbish at the start. So away we went and following the wheels I made sure I stayed in the top 15 or so riders and made sure the big names were in eyesight.
Not sure exactly when but soon a break had formed off the front with two of my team mates in it and none of the pre race favourites. The bunch rolled along quite uninterested and soon the break of 8 had a minute. A few laps later and after following the wheels and hydrating well on what was still a warmish day, I was feeling ok.
Soon the pace started to lift as Hennebont Cyclisme had missed the move and were chasing to bring it back. Before long the break was back and it was all to play for again. A few laps to go and the elastic started to break.
Soon a break had formed and even though feeling pretty strong I had missed it! Silly mistake. 8 riders had gone including Chopin. A chase group of 10 or so had formed with fellow Brit Sam Allen in it and I had crept away from the bunch in a group of 6.
This six were on a mission though and we were soon working well together and closing the gap on the chase group. If it wasn’t hard enough the wind suddenly picked up and a full blown storm unleashed itself. Hail, rain, wind the lot. All with 14km of racing to go. Head down I made sure I was first into the corners as the roads were becoming slippery. The chase was in sight and by the last lap we had bridged to them. Now going for 9th.
But something wasn’t right. The group sat up. What was going on!? After a bit of pointing and the word “chute” being used a lot I realised there had been a crash. Not any crash, a crash involving a van coming onto the circuit and hitting Sam Allen and a Lanester rider. This was in the last lap. I was surprised I hadn’t seen it as the group was in sight. We did see a van half out into the road but no riders or evidence of a crash. Very strange.
Still the chase group decided it was not racing and we rolled across the line. Was on for a good result today and best I’ve felt since racing in France, but all that is meaningless as riders health comes first. Still to my amazement we were given placings surprisingly (19th although more likely 15th). So not a good end to an otherwise good race. Sam is now in hospital with a suspected broken shoulder. So awaiting more news.
Next up is Moustair AC tomorrow-another 100km or so race. Hoping for good legs like today and hopefully an incident free race for all involved/
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