Age Categories: A = 40>44, B = 45>49, C = 50>54, D = 55>59, E = 60>64

12 riders faced the timekeeper’s 5.4.3.2.1 GO ! at the first East Devon ‘Evening Ten’ of the year on the Honiton Club Course. A gentle southerly wind neither helped nor hindered the riders, and the chilly air made for a not overly fast night.

Elite local roadman George Kimber (Spirit), off at number ten, gobbled up many a rider who started ahead of him, and ran out winner on 21.37. Not far off that time was newcomer to the area Luke Osborne (Banbridge CC), riding his first event in the south-west after a recent move here, on 21.51. Luke is going to be feeling his way into the local TT scene in the weeks ahead; his 3^rd place in the Ulster TT Championships and 8^th place in the Irish National TT Championships give some idea of his pedigree.

Top Exeter Wheeler on the night was James Greenaway, with a good ride of 26.27.

Thanks go to Exeter Wheelers volunteers Sally Hutter, Mike Rose, Ann Owens, Didier Lebatteux  and Aaron Lawrence for running the event.

The next in the series will take place Wednesday 15^th May, when CS Dynamo will be the organisers (thank you CSD).

“Here’s a question for the experienced bike racers at EWCC.  If you were entering your first criterium as a 4^th cat at the tender age of 50-something, would you pit yourself against the youngsters in the 3rd/4^th cat race, or the seasoned riders who might be 2^nd cat or even higher in the Masters race?  Would your answer depend on the race being at Torbay Velopark?  That was the question I faced as I entered the Shutt Velo Rapide Hitters Crits Rd1 last Saturday, 27^th April.  The reputation of the hairpins at Velopark precedes them and I reasoned that I would be safer in a seasoned bunch, and I also thought the pace of the Masters race might not be as frenetic.  So, seeking the advice of no one so that no one could talk me out of it, I took the plunge and went for the Masters race.

 

I was right on one count, and it was the critical one.  I’m honestly surprised to say I didn’t get dive-bombed once, and I think that was down to the consideration of the other riders, so kudos and thanks to them!  If you’re considering crit racing and older like me, I would say that the Masters race is the way to go.  I was wrong on the count that the speed of the Masters race was actually higher than the 3^rd/4^th cat race.  The younger riders were visibly playing more cat and mouse, and all credit to them for that.  But for me, the pace and flow of the Masters race were definitely a huge part of the thrill.  I’m definitely planning to take the plunge again.”