Probably one of the biggest races on the Women's calendar, the Cheshire Classic always attracts a really strong field, and this year that was more true than ever, with 120 pre-entries for 70 spaces. 3 of the team were lucky enough to get selected to start (Karen, Iona and Brit), with regular guest rider Jo Blackburn (Team Swift) also riding in GB colours today.
After a bit of an 'oopsie' about the race start time by Karen, the team gathered at HQ shortly after 8:30. Rain was threatening, and it was cold and windy, but our spirits were not dampened. At 9:45 we lined up for the race briefing, then rolled out of HQ at about 9:55.
The neutralised section was rather jittery, but Brit and Karen managed to move their way to the front of the peloton without mishap, and when we got out on to the A49 bypass the flag dropped and we were off. The course comprises of an out and back on the bypass, then a short but steepish climb up a hill known locally as 'The Cliff'. It then loops round back over the bypass and drops back down to join it again. Naturally, the finish line is half way up the Cliff.
Brit and Karen held their positions at the front of the peloton well, never looking at any risk of losing contact with the first group. Karen had a couple of digs on the early climbs of the cliff, particularly when Sarah Byrne (Maxgear Champion Systems) came to the front. Jo and Iona were closer to the back of the peloton, and unfortunately lost contact half way through the race when the pack started to chase down a group of 6 who had got away after the prime.
It was all looking very promising for a good result for Karen, until a crash on the Cliff on lap 8 of 10 brought her tumbling to the ground, and unable to clip out, she floundered there for what seemed like an age as the peloton climbed away into the distance. A kind volunteer, and team photographer (and Karen's husband) Chris dashed to her rescue, and with good words of advice 'don't panic, you'll get back on', she was back on her bike and given a little push up the hill to get her going again.
It took a hard effort, but back round on the bypass the juncture was made, and Karen was back in the race. After 2 years of experience, she was smart enough to move through the peloton back to the front, and was comfortable enough going into the last lap.
The last lap was a fast and jittery affair, with everyone battling for position for the final sprint up the Cliff. By this time Brit was in survival mode at the back of the main group, but Karen was scrapping it out right at the front, and was in a good position going round the final corner and onto the hill. Strong legs did their job, bringing Karen through to an impressive 11th place, 4 places better than last years result, and agonisingly short of the prize money for the Top 10. Brit finished towards the back of the main pack in 45th place, with Iona about 5 minutes back in 52nd. The race was won in style by Karla Boddy, MG MaxGear.
Iona at Peterborough Crit
