Wet and windy weather but the usual competitive racing from the countries best veteran racers. As it turned out it was a good day for the breakaways.

The Stratford Cycling Club League of Veterans Racing Club race was fully subscribed from months ago as the popularity of this event attracted a strong field from all over the country. The weather conditions of the day played a major roll in all the races, the wind made conditions hard for the bunch and even more so for lone riders. Heavy rain showers ensured that all the racers were given that spring classic look with mud spray from head to toe. As ever though the racing was intense and all places were hard fought.

Category A and B Race Keir Maris Trophy

On the first lap and worst of the weather David Kirby, Coventry Cycle Centre, attacked and went away to clean up the first 2 primes then on the third lap Geoff Giddings, Raleigh RT, attacked and bridged the gap. These two stayed away working well together with Geoff Giddings snatching a tight sprint at the finish. In the bunch numerous small attacks were quickly chased down and this resulted in a bunch sprint for 3rd won by Andy Webb, Kenilworth Wheelers, who was also first category B rider.

Category C and D Race Mick Green Memorial Trophy

The first 3 laps were ridden fast with numerous attempts at attacks which were brought back. On the last lap a bunch of 7 attacked and stayed away. On the last climb this group became 5 and a close sprint resulted in Robin Haigh, Seamore CC, winning. Second overall was Nick Yarworth, Epic Cycles – Viner RT, who said “This was probably the hardest race this year, due to the hard course and weather combined with the best riders in the country”, a prime prize however will have made this effort worthwhile. The weather played a large role. This gives Robin Hague an even larger lead in the series.

Category E and F Race

On the very first bend of the race in appalling weather conditions an with 10 riders went away, 2 were dropped at the end of the first lap leaving 8, one of these punctured leaving 7. There were numerous attacks then Bob Richards Solihull CC was dropped with 4 miles to go and Roger Iddles, Stourport CC, crashed but was unhurt. In a great display of sportsmanship and the camaraderie that this series of races are known for Les West, Afford Rentacar, and Richards sacrificed their races to wait with Roger until it was established he was okay, both finished in the end. The remaining 4 resulted in a 2 and 2 split with Alan Kemp, Weaver Valley CC, being the eventual winner and first E category rider from Don Parry, Team Corley Cycles.
First F category was Bob Richards who finished 5 on the line. John Dowel, CC portuense, won the category G race.

More Photos are available on Dick Priors website, follow the link at the bottom of this page then click gallery and then Stratford CC.

Results.

Category A
1st Geoff Giddings, Raleigh RT
2nd David Kirby, Coventry Cycle Centre
3rd Roy Sumner, Port Sunlight Wheelers
4th Andrew Jackson, Go Sports Spex RT
5th Richard Lewis, Kenilworth Wheelers


Cat B
1st Andy Webb, Kenilworth Wheelers
2nd Jon Stephenson, Team Endura
3rd Graham Payne, Whitfield RT
4th Martin Payne, VC Lincoln
5th Simon Day, Private member
6th Colin Payne, VC Lincoln


Cat C
1st Robin Haigh, Seamore CC
2nd Nick Yarworth, Epic Cycles – Viner RT
3rd Chris Davis, Team Halesowen A+CC
4th Steve Jolley, Bioracer
5th Jim Moffat, Sprit RT


Cat D
1st Tom Wilson, Mark Pickford Cycles
2nd Martin Hackley, Team Endura
3rd David Cumming, Macclesfield Wheelers
4th Dave Scargill, Birdwell Wheelers
5th Ivor Thomas, Solihull CC
6th Gordon Smith, Newbrighton


Cat E
1st Alan Kemp, Weaver Valley CC
2nd Don Parry, Team Corley Cycles
3rd Lance Ravenhill, Kenilworth Wheelers
4th Tony Taylor, Team Endura
5th Gordon Walters, Bush Healthcare
6th Kevin Wilson, Solihull CC


Cat F
1st Bob Richards, Solihull CC
2nd Ken Haddon, Bush Healthcare CRT
3rd Mick Ives, Team Endura
4th Les West, Afford Rentacar


Cat G
1st John Dowel, CC Portuense

Complete result(Zipped PDFs)