Wakefield CC Evening RR #2

The second Wakefield CC Evening Road Race took on a special significance after the untimely passing of one of the clubs founder members Ian Mountain. Ian, who was 61, was on the Thursday club run on 4th June when he died whilst out riding. Those that knew and loved Ian will take some comfort from the fact that he got his wish, albeit far too early, that he would die on his bike. No one else was involved and his passing was painless.

His passion for cycling was simply incredible. Semi retired, Ian rode five days a week. The two days he was off the bike he spent working. At a local bike shop building and repairing bikes! The funeral was held on Thursday 11th June at Kettlethorpe crematorium and in keeping with the popularity of the man, many people had to pay their respects from outside, as the chapel and reception area were packed solid with hundreds of mourners. In lieu of flowers Ian's wife, Rae asked for charitable donations which were to be split equally between the Wakefield Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer Charity (who Ian had only weeks earlier been given the all clear from) £1,000.00 was generously given by those present.

Riders observe a minutes silence in memory of Ian Mountain.

Ian will be dearly missed by all those who were privileged enough to know him. Being one of those people I knew well, I know he would be much more interested in reading about the race than himself so I better tell you about that. Unsurprisingly, Wakefield CC Exponential had a large presence on the start line with six riders in a full field of 68, all of whom were keen to put in a good ride as a suitable tribute.

From the off, one of the Wakefield riders, Richard Siddle got away with James Thompson of SheffRec CC. However the break never seemed decisive and by the time they came around for the second lap Richard had been dropped, only to be replaced by another Wakefield rider, Glyn Watkins. This duo worked well together and steadily rode away from the bunch, never looking like being caught. They never were! It was a great ride by Glyn, a fitting tribute to Ian, but he was just beaten in the final sprint by the very impressive and worthy winner James Thompson who'd been off the front for the entire race.

Results:
1. James Thompson - SheffRec CC
2. Glyn Watkins - Wakefield CC Exponential
3. Lewis Jackson - Cottingham Couriers
4. Darren Harker - VS Cycles
5. Mark Buckingham - Huddersfield Star Wheelers
6. Alex Smith - Huddersfield Star Wheelers
7. Richard Siddle - Wakefield CC Exponential
8. Ian Chapman - Obrichoaching RT
9. James Farnaby - Crosstrax
10. Josh Cole - Sportscover