Evesham Vale Road Race

Regional A, 16.03.2008
Location: Inkberrow Village Hall, Promoted By Evesham & District Whls CC

Report: Julie Stockdale | Images: Sally Maier

The race streams away from the start in very wet conditions

The cold, wet and windy conditions did not deter the 70 starters of the Evesham Vale road race. After 10 miles, 5 riders managed to escape the grasp of the main bunch. The conditions made it very difficult to forge a lead and they were soon brought back by the bunch.

The break battles on in foul conditions

Shortly after Ian Alexander (Cheltenham and County) attacked and was joined by 3 other riders. They were then joined by a further 4 other riders. They managed to work well in the tough conditions and built a lead of 30 seconds over the chasing bunch. As the speed increased, 3 riders lost touch with the breakaway, leaving 5 riders to contest the first prime which was won by Andy Eagers (Derby Mercury).

Rob Watkinson seals the win

With the break still working well, the second prime was won easily by Rob Watkinson (Doncaster wheelers). The break managed to pull its lead to 1 minute with a chasing bunch dwindling in numbers in the harsh conditions leaving the 5 breakaways to contest the finish. With Rob Watkinson (Doncaster Wheelers) the strongest in the break winning the sprint.

Results

1. Rob Watkinson Doncaster wheelers
2.  Andy Eagers Derby Mercury
3. Ben Eedy South Pennine RT
4. Ian Alexander Cheltenham and County
5. Paul Dring Team Echelon
6. George Atkins Pearlizumi Plant X High 5
7. Tom Martin Team Corley cycles
8. Phil Rayner Welland Valley CC
9. Steven Booth Banbury Star CC
10. William Penn Mammoth Lifestyle RT

1St 4th Cat Daniel Bill Stratford CC
1st Junior George Atkins Pearlizumi Plant X High 5