Lune RCC's Aughton Road Race

Promoted by Lune RCC; Sunday 5th May 2008

Report and pictures by Ian McVety (www.ilm-photography.co.uk)

The typical Bank Holiday weather resumed to bring a damp and breezy Sunday morning at Aughton on this high and exposed course over looking the Lune Valley.
 
Above: Aughton Road Race

From the very first lap the promoting club set the pattern of the race with Scott Morley going clear to build up a 20” lead only to be caught by the chasing group. Lap 2 saw a more determined effort with Andrew Horrobin (Lune RCC) and Simon Lawman (Lancashire Road Club) gain a considerable gap from the Redwell climb and managing to stay away for the majority of the next lap, but were unable to sustain their effort.
 
Above: Simon Lawman (Lancashire Road Club) and Andrew Horrobin (Lune RCC)

The middle part of the race saw a slowing up of the peloton. The first two laps had been completed in 15 minutes but by now the pace had slackened to nearly 20 minutes. It was Lee Feeney (Lune RCC) who, with David Crawley (Keswickbikes.com) and Duncan Orme (Probikekit.com)  went clear on the gradual rise on the Halton Road. This was thought by many to be the winning break, but again a chasing peloton reeled them in.
 
Above: Lee Feeney (Lune RCC) and Duncan Orme (Probikekit.com) about to go clear.

On the penultimate lap Sam Dobson (Lune RCC) attacked on the Gressingham road and Jason Adams (Probikekit.com) decided to go with him. Over the next lap they stretched their lead to nearly 40”. In a rising wind and with heavy rain, Adams started to tail off from Dobson and as they turned the last corner it was Dobson who was sure to win. Adams however must have sensed Dobson’s cramping legs and managed to draw level with him only for Dobson to succumb to his lactic acid soaked muscles and cramp right at the last to watch Adams go clear for a well deserved victory.

Above: Jason Adams (Probikekit.com) beats Sam Dobson (Lune RCC) to win the Aughton Road Race 4th May 2008

RESULT
1. Jason Adams (Probikekit.com)
2. Sam Dobson (Lune RCC)
3. David Crawley (Keswickbikes.com)
4. Simon Lawman (Lancashire Road Club)
5. Ian Mitchelson (Hambleton Road Club)
6. John Brown (Activ Cycles)
7. Lee Feeney (Lune RCC)
8. Geoff Standley (Lakes Road Club)
9. Josh Hunt (ABC Centreville)
10. Andy Horrobin (Lune RCC)