Thursday night saw Stuart Quick and Nick Nixon back at Milton Keynes Bowl, representing the club in the men’s Cat 3/4 race. Conditions were warm, perfect for the twisty lumpy course.
The race kicked off to a ferocious start, with constant attacks, continually being brought back. Stuart got forced onto the grass in order to protect himself from crashing and subsequently ended up at the back. By the last lap only around 20 riders remained in contention for the win. Nick attacked with half a lap to go, negotiating the tight corners well to create a gap. After 30 seconds Nick broke clear and had plenty of time to celebrate across the line. The win also gave him the points needed to graduate to Cat 2.
The same evening, Poppy Kisley, along with Hayley Holland, was back again at the MK Bowl for the Cat 2/3/4 women’s race.
From the start the riders stayed pretty much together, with the various attempts at a breakaway getting immediately closed down. With 3 laps to go, it became clear that nobody wanted to be on the front and all eyes were on Poppy – one of the favourites – waiting for her to launch an attack.
Hayley leads Poppy in the early stages of their race
The final lap came down to a bunch sprint with Poppy, taking her second win on the trot, by a clear 10 metres.
Poppy also rode at Dalton Barracks circuit the day before. This was a Cat E/1/2/3/4 race, the 7th in the Abingdon Race Team Summer Series. So, a very competitive and mixed field of riders.
The weather here was not at all favourable, in fact it was absolutely horrific with standing water everywhere. A small group of four riders broke away, about halfway through the race, leaving Poppy in a chasing group. Poppy led that chasing group over the line to take an excellent 5th place. What’s more, to add to some great results for the club, second claim BSCC member, Lydia Watts took the win.
Three events, with three club winners – great results.