Banbury Star Cyclists’ Club members Richard Santhouse and Nick Nixon finished an excellent first and second at the closed road circuit races at Milton Keynes Bowl on Saturday.
Both entered the Cat 3 race in the popular early season Spring MK Bowl Circuit Series of races. The race was for a duration of 50 minutes, about 20 miles in total, covering multiple laps of the circuit, with a maximum field of 40 riders competing. Apart from a headwind on the back straight, the dry conditions were generally good for some close racing.
Almost a dead heat – well done
Richard and Nick had hatched a plan for the race, the idea being for the pair to try and make a breakaway with about 20 minutes to go. The first half of the race they wisely didn’t attempt to chase any breakaways, which were all duly caught. Then, with the planned 20 minutes to go, they attacked up a slight incline and made their breakaway. They then rotated on the front well, making sure no riders were able to follow. Applying a lot of power to stay away, they managed to hold the charging pack behind, crossing the line almost as one, with Richard being credited with first place.