Bal Tab Road Race 2nd Sept

Despite the need, due to road works, to shift this road race, from the original Hougue Bie course to the Bal Tab circuit at the last minute there was a good turn out in both races. Ali Cann won the bunch sprint in the combined Div 1 & 2 with Craig Meredith chalking up his first road race win in Div 3 in a close fought sprint, just managing to hold off a charging Adrian Rowland. Apologies to any riders who turned up at Hougue Bie, we did our best to let all riders know of the change.... for the future suggest a check of both web sites would make sense if you don’t join the Saturday rides.

On a flat course like Bal Tab it is always hard for individuals or small groups to break away and this race was no exception in both categories. Numerous riders opened up small gaps only to be quickly reeled in by the peleton determined not to see any one disappearing over the horizon. As the end of the race approached for each leading group riders could be seen jockeying for position readying themselves for the inevitable dash for the line with the sprinters relishing the opportunity to show their strength. 

Great to see Adrian doing so well on his new Scott and the 4 ladies battling it out in their own race with Mary winning the sprint just ahead of Jo. Young Sam did a brilliant job hanging on to the main group for 3 laps and then having his own race with Pete Jolley; surging ahead in the last few yards. It would have been better if there had been a few more div 1 to allow them to race on their own but the organisers decided that it made good sense to combine 1 & 2.  

Thanks to Harvey Brookfield, Rob & Mick for organising, Gemma, Ian, Laura’s partner and Jims dad for doing an excellent job marshalling. Finally a big thank you to Sam Carney (and family) for providing bacon & sausage butties, and coffee after the race...just what the doctor ordered.  

DIV 1 & 2 (7laps) 

 DIV 3 (6laps)