Location: Shaftesbury CC Hall, Shaftesbury
Event: 4 September 2011
Report: Ralph Mullen

A beautiful sunny day greeted the riders on the undulating Thaxted course in Essex and after the significant neutralised zone early efforts to split the pack could be seen from numerous riders.

One attack from Darren Cainey (East London Velo) did succeed after two laps and gained a critical mass of about seven riders for the rest of the race holding a lead that stabilised at 1:30 for the remaining laps. Patrick Schils was the main protagonist in attempting to bridge the gap and a group of three riders formed in the no man's land between the lead group and the main field but never really threatened to catch them. All that was left was for the race to run its course and the lead group of what was now six riders to battle it out for the honours.

A long clear straight indicated the finish zone and there was much position changing and wheel sucking before Robert Parnell (Cambridge University CC) proved the stronger and pipped Daniel Young (Glade CC) and Robert Moore (London Phoenix) for top spot. This was Roberts's maiden victory on the road and the pleasure was evident in his face at the end. Shaftesbury CC would like to thank to all who helped with the organising of this successful and enjoyable event.

Results