Sometimes you've got it, sometimes you haven't. In what was, without doubt, the hardest race in the Eastern Region this season, luck deserted James Jackson, and James Whatling just didn't have the legs on a disappointing day in the flatlands of Essex on Sunday 23rd September.
The rough and unmade roads of the Dengie Marshes were always going to produce some exciting racing, akin to that in Belgium or Holland, and the wind that steadily increased through the morning made the going even tougher. The pace was high from the start, with riders pushing hard to get to the front for the first time into the single track roads. Unfortunately, James Jackson never got to complete a lap as a puncture, and a 5 minute wait for service, ended his race in disappointment. James was the sixth rider to have punctured within half a lap but, despite this setback, he has had a fine season and can look back with pride at all he has acheived.
As the race progressed, the wind whistling across the marshes was blowing riders to the four winds. James Whatling found himself working hard to stay in contact with the front group and despite a big turn on the front of a group desperate to regain contact, he never quite managed to make the junction and settled in a group of seven other riders. With the narrow roads only allowing room for 4 to echelon, there was nowhere to hide and, with 3 laps to go, he lost the wheel in front and never got back on. In a race that should have suited his abilities, he just didn't have the legs but there is always next year.
A group of three riders pulled away from the bunch in the final stages to contest the win, with the experienced Roy Chamberlain (Team Corley Cycles) outsprinting Richard Sykes-Popham (Glendene/Biketrax) for the win, with David McClean (Heron Cyclesport) taking third place.
Results:
1.) Roy Chamberlain: Team Corley Cycles
2.) Richard Sykes-Popham: Glendene/Biketrax
3.) Dave McLean: Heron Cyclesport
4.) Andy Lyons: Heron Cyclesport
5.) Douglas Bradshaw: Cambridge CC
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