Andy Eagers, Paul Caton and Don Parry the winners of the three races held in snow and freezing rain at Husbands Bosworth in Leicestershire
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A/B Race
After some very aggresive racing, particularly from big Paul Belfield from Stone Whlrs, Andy Eagers made his move along with Belfield’s team mate Ian Holbrook and these two forged clear to contest the finish a minute clear of the pack. Eagers was clearly the strongest taking the win up the cruel finishing hill. Giles Pidcock predictably took the gallop for third from Jon Stevenson and ex milk race rider Mike Twelves.
A/B Race
1st Andy Eagers Derby Mercury
2nd Ian Holbrook Stone Whlrs
3rd Giles Pidcock. TeamChevin cycles
A Category
1st Ian Holbrook Stone Whlrs
2nd Paul Bell Peak RC
3rd Simon Cannings Twenty 3c
4th Wayne Lacey Stone Whlrs
5th Jeremy Honor Twenty 3c
6th Richard Barnett Stone Whlrs
B Category
1st Andy Eagers Derby Mercury
2nd Giles Pidcock Team Chevin cycles
3rd Jon Stevenson Team Jewson
4th Mike Twelves Team Jewson
5th Karl Moseley Stourbridge Velo
6th Steve Ferris Baines Racing.
C/D race
Steve Johnson made a brave solo effort only to be caught by the pack who seemed to be huddled together to get what warmth they could on a foul morning of only 3 to 4 degrees with persistent rain. The promoting club’s Steve Bunn attacked several times …in his own words ‘ just to keep warm’.
In the end however, a bunch finish looked likely and sure enough they all appeared together over the final horizon. Fresh into the C category, Paul Caton proved strongest on the final climb to the line, winning by three lenghs from Mick Davies and early protagonist Steve Johnson.
1st Paul Caton Anders TMG Horizon
2nd Mick Davies Pedal Power
3rd Steve Johnson Slipstream
C category
1st Paul Caton
2nd Mick Davies
3rd Steve Johnson
4th Keith Middleton VC Lincoln
5th Gary Gee Lichfield CC
6th Mike Koumi Cycleshack forme
D category
1st Steve Bunn Welland Valley CC
2nd Phil Evans Coventry CC
3rd Andy Coates Clifton CC
4th Les Liddiard Team Jewson
5th Pete Trotman unattached
6th Dave Robinson Alp Action/Ettridge CC
E/F/G race
Don Parry stamped his authority on the older riders race! Responding well to any attacks, he finally rode clear with a strong looking John Clarke and these two established a good lead to the finish where Don got the better of John! Chris Gunter meanwhile had escaped the clutches of the bunch to come home alone for third as did much travelled Peter Smith who also finished alone in 4th position.
The bunch sprint was taken by Clocky Smith .
1st Don Parry Team Corley
2nd John Clarke Wyre Forest CC
3rd Chris Gunter Team Virgin Active
E Category
1st Don Parry
2nd John Clarke
3rd Chris gunter
4th Peter Smith Condor RC
5th Gordon Smith New Brighton CC
6th Martin Hackley Team Jewson
F category
1st John Ginley Condor RC
2nd Bill Cotton Belper BC
G Category
1st Bob Richards Solihull CC
The organiser would like to thank all members and friends of the Welland Valley CC for helping out on such a cold miserable morning, and indeed thanks to all the riders who rode. We can forgive the northerly folk who did not make it to the event, with much snow and sleet reported on route.
A final, special mention and thanks to former World champion Colin Sturgess who attended and presented the prizes.
