Patten breaks into the big time at Pendle

Author: Dan Patten

I arrived in Pendle the day before the race and an afternoon and evening of heavy rain before the Tour of Pendle did not bode well for the next days racing. However, come the morning of the race it was dry, but very windy but it wasn't to remain dry for long though, as throughout the race there was a succession of heavy showers battering down on the riders.

Like the East Yorkshire Classic, the early pace was high and any bids for freedom were soon brought back. This was to stay that way until a little under half distance, when the decisive move came togther. Matt Stephens (Sigma Sport), Ben Greenwood (Rapha-Condor-Recycling) and Tom Murray (Pinarello RT) were just up the road when myself, Kit Gilham (Kinesis UK) and Will Bjergfelt (Felt Racing) bridged across and were soon joined by Rob Hayles (Halfords Bikehut) and Graham Briggs (Rapha-Condor-Recycling). We soon worked up a good gap and it looked like this could well be the winning move.

Rob Hayles continued to apply the pressure on the descents and it was on the long descent before going onto the finishing circuit that he made his race winning move. The group were still working hard at the front as there was a strong chasing group within a minute, when Hayles attacked from behind, catching us by surprise and making it impossible to get back onto him as he time trialled his way to victory over the last 8km or so of the course.

As we moved onto the finishing circuit, we were soon joined by Russ Downing (Pinarello RT) who had jumped away from the chase group. He attacked on the climb of the finishing circuit taking Greenwood and Bjergfelt with him. This split the group completely and I jumped across, sensing that the group would not reform again before the finish and made it Just as we went onto the descent. Everyone was playing it cautiously up the final rise until Downing attacked soon after the top. Greenwood was next to go and perhaps I jumped a little late as I never quite made it up to them and finished in 4th place. Will Bjergfelt followed me to take 5th, with the other breakway riders following soon after.

Result:
1.) Robert Hayles: Team Halfords Bikehut
2.) Russ Downing: Pinarello R.T.
3.) Ben Greenwood: Rapha-Condor /Recycling.co.uk
4.) Daniel Patten: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
5.) Will Bjerfelt: Felt Racing

The team finish as they started at Dunton

Author: Dan Patten

The 7th August was the final race of Team Economic Energy's summer series at Ford's Dunton test track and possibly the final race at Dunton, with Hog Hill nearing completion and the team wanted to round off the series with another good result.

Always on the offensive, it was a strong showing by the team with one attack after the other throughout the race. However, the bunch were in negative mood tonight and seemed intent on taking it to the finish as a sprint, with Heron Cyclesport working especially hard to set up the win for Adam Norris.

James Whatling gave it one last dig to try to pull away on the final lap but, as he was again closed down by Andy Lyons (Heron Cyclesport) it was clear that the final race would end in a bunch sprint. Adam Norris did his job well and took the win from Dominique Gabellini (Rapha-Condor-Recycling) with myself in third. Ian Franklin came in 7th, Martin Bryant 15th, Dan Kogan 18th with James Whatling rounding out the top 20 after his last lap effort.

Result:

1.) Adam Norris: Heron Cyclesport
2.) Dominique Gabellini: Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk
3.) Daniel Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
4.) David Bagdan: Glendene CC / Bike Trax
5.) Trevor Burke: Finchley Racing Team

7.) Ian Franklin: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
15.) Martin Bryant: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

The Dans take on the Belgians

Author: Dan Patten

The the 6th August saw me and Daniel Kogan racing togther again, this time in Belgium at the Lokeren Kermesse. This circuit had many sections of pave which saw a huge split in the bunch on the first lap, with 20 or so riders going off the front.

For the rest of the race it was a case of chasing down and trying to catch these riders and I attacked a few times going over a section of pave that led through to the finish line, which helped to split the bunch and get a bit of a chase group going. Not a fan of the cobbles, unfortunately, Daniel Kogan didn't make the split.

Even this chase group was getting whittled down and, as we got further into the race, we started pulling riders back who were in the early break. As we neared the finish the sprint for the line began over the final section of cobbles. I ended up placing 13th, finding out later that we had caught a lot of the riders that were away and the winner was less than a minute up the road come the finish, so what seemed like a race that was all over once such a big move had gone so early, was clearly not come the later part of the race.

Result:

1.) Guy Smet
2.) Adam Gawlik
3.) Bart Heirewegh
4.) Kurt Eeckhout
5.) Jurgen De Deyn

13.) Dan Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

The Dans work hard at the East Yorkshire Classic

Author: Dan Patten

The weekend of the 2nd and 3rd of August saw Daniel Kogan and I travel up to Beverley in East Yorkshire for the National Crit Champs and then the East Yorkshire Classic on the Sunday. It was always going to be a hard race but the first hour was especially tough, with many attacks but nothing really sticking. I went with a lot of moves that on another day may well have gone away but it wasn’t to be today.

When the decisive break did come myself and Dan Kogan were not in the position to get in it. The breakaway contained the likes of Russell Downing (Pinarello RT) and Dean Downing (Rapha-Condor-Recycling) and although the firepower was there to pull away, they remained dangling within a minute for some time, before the bunch finally stopped chasing. Throughout the rest of the race the bunch whittled down as the course and the early pace took its toll on riders.

Attacks out of the bunch came (including some from myself) to try and get away in another chase group, but it wasn’t to be. Still trying to get something out of the race, me and Dan Kogan hit the front and, with the help of one or two other riders, kept a strong pace as we headed back towards Beverley to try and pull the break back. What must have been 25km from the end I had a problem as my rear gear cable snapped and I was left with only the 53 or 39x12 for the remainder of the race.

Onto the two laps of the finishing circuit around Beverley and, as the crowds came out, the attacks started as riders tried to get away from the bunch. Into the last few kilometres and there was a decisve split in the bunch and I was there still in my 53x12. Unfortunately, Dan Kogan, missed the split and settled in with the second part of the bunch. As we came out of the final bend I began to pick off a few riders as I eventually got up to speed, but only enough to place 22nd. A good showing but disappointing result. Daniel Kogan finished soon after in 42nd.

Result:
1.) Russell Downing: Pinarello Racing Team
2.) Kristian House: Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk
3.) Dean Downing: Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk
4.) Robin Sharman: Sigma Sport, Specialized, Sportful
5.) Marcin Bialoblocki: Sport Beans - Wilier

22.) Dan Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
42.) Daniel Kogan: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

Thanks to Larry Hickmott/British Cycling: www.britishcycling.org.uk for the photos

Patten shines at the National Crit Champs

Author: Dan Patten

I might have dived in at the the deep end, but my first experience of racing an Elite Crit was the National Crit Champs. On what was a nice summer evening in Beverley, and with a good crowd watching, the atmosphere was good and I couldn't wait to start racing.

The speed was high from the start and dominated by the big teams. I rode most of the race at the rear of the lined out bunch watching riders go out the back as they were no longer able to keep up. I managed to avoid the crashes, including one in the closing stages which meant I had to work extra hard going into the finishing straight. As race reached the finale, I moved up in the closing laps to take 17th. This was a pretty respectable result for my first elite crit, but one i will definitely be looking to improve on a little later in the season. The race was won by Dean Downing (Rapha-Condor Recycling) who rode superbly to hang on to the win ahead of Rob Hayles (Halfords-Bikehut) and Tony Gibb (Plowman Craven RT).

Result:

1.) Dean Downing: Rapha-Condor-Recycling
2.) Robert Hayles: Team Halfords Bikehut
3.) Anthony Gibb: Plowman Craven Racing Team
4.) Peter Williams: Pinarello Racing Team
5.) Ian Wilkinson: Science In Sport - Trek

17.) Dan Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

Thanks to Larry Hickmott/British Cycling: www.britishcycling.org.uk for the photo

Dan Patten breaks the top 10 in Belgium!

Author: Dan Patten

Ingelmunster 1.12B Kermesse

In a race dominated by the WC Soenens-Germond Ingelmunster, who were racing in their home town, we were always going to be up against it and, from the start, the home team constantly put riders up the road. I managed to get away quite early on in a chase group and we pulled it back together. A lead group had now formed with about 20 or so riders and it wasn’t long before the Soenens team attacked again to try and split things up. This time three of their riders managed to break clear and were only joined by Logan Hutchings of Beveren 2000.

Myself and Dan Kogan remained in the second group before I attacked with a little over a lap remaining. After a few kilometres of effort I saw another rider coming across to me, and yes, you've guessed it, he also happened to ride for the Soenens team! Thankfully he was willing to work and we rode strongly together to stay out ahead of the next group and I placed 6th…my best result in Belgium so far! Dan Kogan was to come in a little later placing 24th.

Result:
1.) Joeri Clauwaert
2.) Clinton Avery
3.) Stijn Nauwynck
4.) Logan Hutchings
5.) Alexander Chamon
6.) Dan Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

The team shows it's strength at Dunton again.

Author: Dan Patten

With only James Whatling missing from the startline, it was a strong team lining up for the 5th of Team Economic Energy's Circuit Series at Dunton on 24th July, and with attacks from the start it wasn’t too long into the race before I was away.

Soon joined by Billy-Joe Whenman (Wilier-Sport Beans) and Andy Lyons (Heron Cyclesport) and the three of us worked to establish a good gap over the field. Billy-Joe and myself began attacking about 5 or so laps from the end but neither of us were able to drop the other. After messing about for the last lap we were joined by Daniel Kogan and Steve Skuse (Wildside RT). Daniel was unlucky enough to have snapped his gear cable but, despite only having the option of 39/12 or 53/12, he showed his strength by digging deep and bridging up to our leading group. Billy-Joe, however, was not to be denied as he made the jump in what was a short sprint to the line to take the win. I just missed out on the win but took second place with Andy Lyons coming in third.

Martin Bryant and Ian Franklin also finished well, taking 10th and 13th respectively.

Result:

1.) Billy-Joe Whenman: Wilier-Sport Beans
2.) Dan Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
3.) Andy Lyons: Heron Cyclesport
4.) Stephen Skuse: Wildside RT
5.) Daniel Kogan: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

10.) Martin Bryant:Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
13.) Ian Franklin: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

The Redbridge Road Race

At the Redbridge Road Race, the Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac squad field two of their riders, that being Ian Franklin and Martin Bryant. The race consisted of a 10 mile circuit which had to be completed 7 times before the finish and had an overall climbing height of 560m, over the 7 laps.

The race got underway from the word go with attacks flying left, right and centre. Ian was fast on the heels of the attackers in the chance that one of these early moves might stick, but no such luck came Ian’s way as the bunch weren’t keen on letting anything go. The first three laps carried on in a similar fashion to the first with an average speed of 27mph! Whilst Ian and Martin were hanging back to recover from the earlier attacks a move went up the road and by the time anything could be done it was gone. Ian and Martin worked with some of the other riders still left in the bunch to try and bring it back but when only 6 riders were trying to pull back the break with 50 riders tagging on their wheels the chase was short lived and the break stayed away, 9 men strong.

In the closing laps of the race 2 of the escapees came back to bunch making it 7 up the road, and therefore a sprint for 8th place. On the last lap Ian knew his only chances of a result were going to be in the bunch gallop after trying so hard earlier on in the race. With this knowledge Martin Bryant took to the front and kept things together for the finish. The bunch were led in by Marco Copolla (Gemini CC) at a very fast pace, Ian sitting in about 20th wheel was a bit too far back so had to go early to make up the places in the Gallop. Ian finished 5th in the bunch sprint to take 12th place and Martin, having done his important role, rolled in with the bunch.

Results:
1.) Digby Symons: Cambridge CC
2.) James Ward: Cambridge CC
3.) Joe Skipper: Lotto Olympia Team Interbike
4.) Shaun Aldous: Lotto Olympia Team Interbike
5.) Mark Jervis: Python RT

12.) Ian Franklin: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

Dan Kogan's Belgium dispatches...

With little in the way of racing at the moment, Daniel Kogan travelled over to Belgium on 14th July in search of some hard racing and he wasn’t disappointed! Staying for a week, the plan was to do three elite/under 23 races.

Monday saw the first race and Kogan’s first senior Belgium race. After racing as a junior there last year, he knew it was going to be flat and hard racing. A 3pm start and 75 riders lined up for the 120km race over 22 5km flat and twisting laps with high winds and a 500 metre section of cobbles. The race went off as usual at a ferocious pace and, with the bunch lined out, positioning was key as riders were continuously being fired off the back due to the unrelenting speed. Sitting too far back and with the roads making it hard to move up, Dan was playing a dangerous game. The warm weather was also taking its toll as picking up bottles when the bunch was lined out at 35mph proved tricky. With three laps to go, dehydration and the constant kicking out of corners had finally caused a split and unfortunately Dan was on the wrong side of it! Coming into two laps to go Dan was in a small group just off the back of what was left of the bunch. Through the finish again and his group were pulled out. Disappointed he may have been but Dan knew his positioning was to blame and although his first senior race was a shock to the system, he came away with a 37th place, a little prize money and a lot of valuable experience.

On Wednesday Dan headed over the other side of Belgium near to Blauberg where another 120km race greeted the riders. A later start meant 135 riders signed on. The circuit was much more suited to Dan as it was a 15km lap with a few drags. Keen to improve on Monday's result, as soon as the flag dropped Dan moved into the top 15 of the bunch and attacked up the main drag taking four other riders away with him. These included Guy Smet, one of the most successful amateur Belgians around with 40 wins last season, a Continental Pro in the form of British rider Matt Brammier and a guy from the Predictor Lotto feeder team. Riding hard, Kogan felt strong yet the break was short lived and soon everyone was back in the fold. Avoiding some big crashes in the group Dan stayed near the front yet somehow missed the winning break. It wasn’t to be today as soon the break had built up a healthy lead and it looked like the bunch was going to have a 100 plus rider sprint to the line. Not keen on mixing it up in the sprint and after trying the whole race to get away, Dan sat up and rolled in 64th. Although not the result he wanted, Dan was happy with the strength he had and the experience gained.

Friday came, and the final race of the week was to be the hardest. 110 riders lined up in Ingelmunster for the 118km race, which saw riders from the USA National team, the Rabobank under 23 team and Quickstep feeder team take the start. With lots of road furniture, tight corners and open roads it was going to be tough and sure enough, as soon as the flag dropped the pace rocketed as riders grappled for wheels. With a prime every lap it was bound to be fast but no one could imagine it would be that fast! Coming into the last lap and after two and quarter-hours of chewing the bars groups of riders were everywhere. Dan, still in what was left of the bunch, saw a USA national team rider attack and seeing his chance Dan went across and joined him. Soon five riders were away and working well together. Coming into 2km to go Dan knowing his sprint was not good attacked his group and created a small gap but it wasn’t to be today and, with 100 metres to go, his group were on him again. Coming across the line Dan claimed 43rd place out of 110 riders. With an average speed of just over 28mph Dan knew he had been in a race!

Horses on courses at the Southern Counties Road Race Championship

Author: Dan Patten

There was a fairly rapid start to the Southern Counties Road Race, held at Ockley in Surrey. The attacks were fast and furious, with many riders trying their luck on the first lap only to get brought back by the fast moving, strung out peloton. Our own Dan Kogan, keen as ever to race, was one of these riders who was aggressive early in the proceedings but at that stage the bunch were too attentive to let anyone escape.

Approaching the end of the first lap I began to make my way towards the front of the peloton. On doing so I found myself on the wheel of Toby Neave (Southdown Velo). Knowing Toby's attacking style of racing I sensed he was about to go and, sure enough, as we neared the front of the peloton he went and I immediately followed in his wheel. After a couple of hundred metres I took a look back and saw we were away. We worked well together and were out for the best part of a lap before being joined by a chase group. Surprisingly there were no Plowman Craven riders in this chase group and when the other riders made the junction we knew we would have to work hard to pull out the gap...that we did. We were a hard working group containing the likes of myself and Toby, Jon Tiernan Locke (Mid Devon CC), Roy Chamberlain (Team Corley Cycles), Wouter Sybrandy and Andrew Bye (bothSigma Sport) and we continued to apply the pressure.

We built up a nice gap and knew that the peloton would have to really work well together to pull us back. Unfortunately Wouter Sybrandy punctured from our group and, with the neutral service car behind the peloton, we lost one of the strongest riders in the group. Then into the last few laps an incident with a horse on the course caused a crash in the break, which took out both Jonathan Tiernan Locke and Roy Chamberlain. This was a bad accident and Jonathan Tiernan Locke come off the worse with what looked like nasty head/facial injuries. The rest of us continued but it changed the whole feeling of the race. On our next time round Jonathan was still in the road being seen to and we all felt for him and knew how lucky we were that it wasn’t us lying in the road. The crash caused disruptions in the peloton too and the gap went out further. There race was eventually cut short and we were left to fight it out for the win.

Andrew Bye and myself seemed to be the most aggressive in the last lap, with Andrew eventually getting away. Sensing that the others were also tired and would not be able to catch him I jumped and started the chase on my own. Andrew hit the final climb of Leigh hill still in front and took the victory, while I stayed away to take second place. I had to be fairly satisfied with my ride as I was still suffering with a chest infection, but I was oh so close to another win again! A mention must also go to Ben Thompson (Glendene/Biketrax CC) who was clear of the main field and riding for 7th but was not directed up the finishing climb by the marshalls...he was however given his rightful finishing place after the organisers realised their mistake. Dan Kogan defended the break all race and then rode strongly up the finishing climb to take a well earned 15th. All of our thoughts are with Jonathon Tiernan Locke and hope he makes a speedy recovery.

Results:
1.) Andrew Bye: Sigma Sport
2.) Daniel Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
3.) Andy Betts: Twickenham CC
4.) Toby Neave: Southdown Velo
5.) Thomas Crouch: Felt Racing

15.) Daniel Kogan: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

Fighting a virus at the London Dynamo Summer Road Race

Author: Dan Patten

Still feeling the effects of the virus I had picked up in Belgium I went to Staplefield to try and defend the race I had won last year. By now my chest was quite bad and certainly didn’t help over what is a lumpy circuit. I tried to ride in the bunch early on but, with the attacks going, I knew that I would end up missing the break by doing this. I managed to get myself into the main break of the day, which contained most of the pre-race favourites, but I still did not feel right and just made sure I did enough to stay there. We soon had pulled out a race winning gap and it was going to come down to the 9 or so riders that were in breakaway. On the final climb up to the finish Jonathan Tiernan-Locke (Mid Devon CC) went first and soon pulled away from Andrew Bye (Sigma Sport) and Chris McNamara (Wildside RT), taking the victory. I passed both McNamara and Bye to take second but ran out of road to make an impression on Jonathan Tiernan Locke whose win was well earned.

Results:
1.) Jonathan Tiernan-Locke: Mid Devon CC
2.) Daniel Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
3.) Robert Hurd: Sigma Sport
4.) Andrew Bye: Sigma Sport
5.) Chris McNamara: Wildside RT

Whatling hangs on at the Toachim House GP

On Sunday 6th July, the team lined up for one of the most lucrative races on the domestic calendar, the Toachim House Grand Prix. With Daniel Kogan managing to end up in Godalming, Surrey after one of the biggest map mistakes in history (the race was in Godmersham, Kent)!! and Dan Patten unable to ride because he was laid up with a virus in Belgium, it was up to Martin Bryant, Ian Franklin and James Whatling to fly the orange flag.

With a £1000 first prize, everyone was keen to race and the pace was high from the start. As early as the first lap, a strong looking group went over one of the hills and, with a strong head wind, the bunch wasn't keen on chasing. Sensing that the break contained riders capable of staying away, James Whatling jumped and time trialled it across the gap to make the select group that included Andy Lyons (Heron Cyclesport) Chris McNamara (Wildside RT), Martin Smith (AW Cycles) and Darren Barclay (Arctic/Premier RT).

The break set about establishing a lead and worked really hard for the first few laps, but the gap always seemed to be hovering around the minute mark. As the weather deteriorated, with the wind becoming more and more gusty and the rain falling steadily, the bunch started to split and the breakaway pulled clear. As the race moved onto the first of three finishing circuits, complete with a climb of the 3km White Hill every lap, the break held a gap of over two minutes and all of the riders were focused on the win and the £1000 first prize. When Chris McNamara took to the front and rode tempo up the first climb of White Hill, it was clear that he was on a good day and he proved this as he attacked on the next ascent of the hill and pulled clear. As the rest of the break chased McNamara, James Whatling fell back but kept the other riders in sight as he drove hard to reel them in on the descent and the flat before the final punishing climb.

At the foot of the final climb of White Hill, James nearly made the junction but then the attacks started and he was distanced again. Up ahead Chris McNamara was riding solo to take a well deserved victory, with Martin Smith winning the sprint for second from Darren Barclay. James Whatling dug deep to take a hard ridden 6th and Martin Bryant and Ian Franklin rolled in with the bunch.

Results:
1.) Chris McNamara: Wild Side Road Team
2.) Martin Smith: AW Cycles.Co.uk
3.) Darren Barclay: Arctic - Premier Racing Team
4.) Andy Lyons: Heron Cyclesport
5.) Roger Smith: VC Etoile
6.) James Whatling: Ciclos Uno/Plowman Craven/Isaac RT

Thanks to Paul J Wright for the pictures: www.pjwphotos.co.uk

Tour of Belgium number two: The Patten returns!

Author: Dan Patten

Kruishoutem Kermesse - 1/7/08

Two days after the National Championships and I thought I would have had tired legs....this was not the case. The 200km at the Nationals must have brought on some form because I had really good legs, was getting in all the moves and making some moves myself. With how I felt and how I was riding I just had a feeling I was going to have a good day. I got myself in the main break of 20 or so riders and continued to be aggressive. Into what I believed was the last couple of laps I attacked out of the break with about 12km to go. I built up a significant lead and what I thought was a race winning lead going into what I believed was the last few hundred metres. However, I was then told we had one more lap to go. Not long after I was rejoined by the chasers and it was going to come down to a sprint finish within the group. The teams with a number of riders in the break played their numbers well and began to attack going into the last couple of kms. As we hit the final bend I found myself out of position to be able to go for the win but ended up placing 9th in the sprint...a good result against a quality field again including riders from teams such as WC SOENENS-GERMOND INGELMUNSTER, WIELERGROEP BEVEREN 2000 VZW, ROCK WERCHTER-CHOCOLADE JACQUES C.T, as well as the Belgian National Amateur Champion (who I beat again). My best result to date out there...but oh so close to the win.

Results:
1.) CLAUWAERT Joeri: WC SOENENS-GERMOND INGELMUNSTER
2.) DE BACKER Bert: WIELERGROEP BEVEREN 2000 VZW
3.) PLANCKAERT Baptiste: WC SOENENS-GERMOND INGELMUNSTER
4.) COOMANS Björn: ROCK WERCHTER-CHOCOLADE JACQUES
5.) DEMEULEMEESTER Wouter: WIELERCLUB MARKE VERANDA´S CLOCHET

9.) PATTEN Daniel: CICLOS UNO-PLOWMAN CRAVEN-ISAAC RT

ASSENEDE Kermesse – 3/7/08

An evening race in atrocious conditions. Heavy rain, strong crosswinds and lots of mud from the farm roads we were riding along meant it was going to be an eventful race. Also thrown into the mix were wet cobbles as we twisted and turned our way back through the start/finish town each lap. Again I felt strong but I did miss out on the front group on this occasion. Nonetheless, after a number of attacks I did get away and help to form a strong working group of five riders that included myself and fellow English rider Steve Skuse. We worked well and pulled away from the bunch and even closed in on the front group. However we were left to fight it out for 14th. Steve Skuse and myself worked together with a number of attacks between us in the closing stages. Steve, taking one other rider with him was the one to finally get away only to be beaten and had to settle for 15th where as I jumped away from the remaining riders in our chase group to take 16th. An eventful nights racing...not quite the result I was looking for but felt strong yet again and rode well to get something out of the race. Unfortunately a couple of days after this race I came down with a virus and had to miss the weekends racing that I had planned to do in Belgium....unfortunately not what I had planned!

Results:
1.) DE SCHEEMAEKER Davy: AVB - CYCLING TEAM
2.) COCQUYT Nicky: ROCK WERCHTER-CHOCOLADE JACQUES C.T.
3.) STIEGELIS SANDER: ISOREX
4.) COCQUYT Patrick: JOHN SAEY CYCLING TEAM
5.) VAN SPEYBROEK Bart: SPORTING CLUB MEERSE – KLUISBERGEN

16.) PATTEN Daniel: CICLOS UNO-PLOWMAN CRAVEN-ISAAC RT

Patten so close again at Dunton

Author: Dan Patten

Wouter Sybrandy (Sigma Sport), Dan Staite (Python RT) and myself got away early on in the race and worked strongly to pull out a big gap on a bunch that didn't seem too keen on chasing tonight. Coming into the last few laps there was no chance of us coming back and both myself and Sybrandy put in a number of digs to get away, but always seemed to cancel each other out. Onto the final lap and it was coming down to a sprint. I rode the top of the bank around the final bend but Wouter and Dan Staite both remained on my wheel. As soon as we began to hit the straight I launched the sprint from the front, and held on until close to the line when I was overtaken by Wouter Sybrandy. A few other riders had got away from the bunch, with Martin Bryant leading the bunch home in 7th and Ian Franklin taking 9th.

Results:
1.) Wouter Sybrandy: Sigma Sport
2.) Daniel Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
3.) Dan Staite: Python RT
4.) Dominic Schils: Lotto Olympia Interbike
5.) Ian Randall: Essex Road CC

7.) Martin Bryant: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
9.) Ian Franklin: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

Getting noticed at the Nationals.

An unsettled weekend of weather was on the cards for the team as they arrived at Ampleforth in Yorkshire for the 203km National Road Race Championships. Arriving on the Saturday, the team for the weekend consisted of Ian Franklin, Daniel Kogan, Dan Patten and James Whatling. Martin Bryant unfortunately had work commitments so had to give the race a miss. Saturday saw the team embark on a pre race ride around the course, which comprised of two rolling circuits and numerous sharp hills. The guys knew the race was going to be one of attrition as the course was a mixture of tight turns and sharp hills ready to sap the energy.

Come race day, the team arrived at the headquarters and went about signing on, deciding on how much food to take and getting kitted up ready for the 9:20am roll out. The mood was one of apprehension yet there was also a buzz as some of the best riders in the world turned up. A very casual 9:20am arrived and riders began to meander to the start. 10km of neutralised greeted the riders as the team led the 156 rider strong peloton out to Dunscombe park where the official race was to begin. Arriving at the park the team positioned themselves at the front of the grid and at 10am the race was off as the relaxed group sauntered out of the park. This didn’t last long though as James Whatling launched the first attack as soon as the race was de neutralised. Sensing the danger all the major teams followed and Dan Kogan sensed his opportunity and jumped across as well. Soon there was a strong group of nine working well together. This group comprised of Simon Holt (Rapha/Condor/Recycling) , Neil Swithenbank (Sigma Sport), Daffyd Dylan (KFS-Special Vehicles), Tom Murray (Pinarello RT), Simon Gaywood and Alex Higham (Plowman Craven RT) and Daniel Kogan and James Whatling! Soon the pace along the flat was bordering on 40mph and the break looked good. Dan Patten, following wheels from the bunch, soon found himself in a chase group including James Sampson (Kinesis UK), Richard Sykes-Popham (KFS-Special Vehicles), Pete Williams (Pinarello RT), Warren Flynn (Isle of Man), Dieter Droger (Sportscover) and the ex national Champion Jeremy Hunt (Credit Agricole).

Soon the two groups merged but even with the two Dans driving the break, the group was now to big to work cohesively together. James unfortunately succumbed to the cold he had been suffering with all the previous week and he dropped out of the race. Ian was also feeling the pace in the bunch but dug deep and clung on as long as he could before being pulled out. This left the two Dans to try and keep the break away but after about an hour of freedom the break was reeled in the bunch led by defending National Champion David Millar (Garmin-Chipotle). The Dan's, having worked hard in the break, took some time to rest a little in the bunch as an another escape took flight, this time containing some of the most dangerous riders in the race, including Dean Downing (Rapha/Condor/Recycling), Rob Hayles and Tom Southam (Halfords Bikehut), Dan Lloyd (An Post) and Peter Kennaugh (100% Me). Sitting in the top half of the peloton, the Kogan and Patten were in a good position as the chase intensified and the pace shelled riders at an alarming rate.

Onto the second circuit and as the peloton hit the long drag for the second time, David Millar took to the front, driving hard,and a significant split occurred half way down the bunch. Dan Patten was able to make the front group in the split with Kogan unfortunately in the second group. Soon there were three significant groups on the road, the breakaway of four riders, Patten’s group of around 50 riders at around a minute behind and then Kogan’s group of around 30 riders a further two minutes back.

In the last 10km of the race, the groups had established themselves and with the rain coming down it was a tough last section. As the approached the finale the group containing Dan Patten were riding for 5th place and bearing down on the break yet disaster struck for Dan with 5km to go as he cramped climbing into Helmsley. Hitting his leg to get the blood flowing, Dan sat behind the team cars desperate to get back onto his group and, as the cramp subsided in the last kilometre, Dan managed to just get onto the back of the group he was in and pushed hard to finish 45th. Three minutes later the group containing Kogan rode in with Daniel taking 69th.

A tough five hours of racing meant just 77 of the 156 starters finished. With the bunch in one constant line for the 200km it showed just how fierce the race was and with none of the team having raced 200km before, it was always going to be a real test, but one which Dan Patten and Daniel Kogan were than a match for. Once again, the team showed their willingness to race and attacking spirit, showing some of the biggest teams in the UK and Europe the way for the early part of the race. In hindsight putting 3 riders in the early break may have cost the two Dans in the final part of the race yet the team can take a lot of positives away from the race and learnt a great deal about fuelling, saving energy and positioning in the bunch in a long race. The Dans deserve special praise for their efforts. The National Championships is the biggest race in the calendar and yet the guys weren't phased at all and rode strongly throughout, despite never having raced for 200 km before. Dan Patten could very easily have finished in the top twenty had he not been unlucky with cramp and Daniel Kogan could also have been up there if he had conserved a little bit more energy at the start. The Dan's should be proud of what they achieved in their first Nationals, as the team are certainly proud of them. All in all it was a steep learning curve but the there is a good base to work from for next years race and the team now know that they can compete on the biggest stage.

From all the riders we’d like to say thank you to Mr and Mrs Patten and Mrs Whatling for helping throughout the weekend. Roll on next year!

Results:

1.) Rob Hayles: Halfords Bikehut
2.) Peter Kennaugh: 100% Me
3.) Dean Downing: Rapha/Condor/Recycling
4.) Dan Lloyd: An Post
5.) Mark Cavendish: Team Columbia

45.) Dan Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
69.) Daniel Kogan: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

A weekend in Belgium for Patten.

After a knee injury set back Dan Patten's preparation for the National Championships on the 29th June, he decided to travel to Belgium to test his strength and hone his form over two day's hard racing, and capped the weekend with a fine 11th place on Sunday 22nd June.

Dan takes up the story:

Saturday 21st June: HAMME

133 riders started the race which was won by Guy Smet from a small group of five who had managed to pull out a 30 second gap over the bunch. Everything else came back together in the finale, apart from this small group which jumped away in the last couple of laps. I had much better legs than i thought i was going to have going into the weekend and spent the first 45 minutes riding close to the back. However, with the amount of riders in the race, it was a long way to get to the front when it was all strung out and, with riders starting to lose wheels towards the rear, i decided to move up the field. I got in some promising moves that, if it wasn't for the peletons efforts to keep it all together, would have been well away. After doing a good effort on the front, I found myself off the front on my own and when i was joined by other riders, once again it looked a very promising move but with a lap to go it all came back together once more. Five riders had managed to escape, but other than that it was a bunch finish with some twists and turns going into the town for the last time. I finished safely in the bunch, having had a good workout with an average speed of 43.8km/hr and some time off the front.

Sunday 22nd June: OOSTROZEBEKE

122 riders took to the start today and the race was won by Joeri Clauwaert. Again quite a large field turned out, including the Belgian Espoirs National Champion, and a frantic pace was set from the start. In what was a much windier day than previous it made for a hard race and about a third into the race the move of the day went clear and i could sense that this was going to stay away. I work hard to get myself into the group and despite the attempts of some of the riders in the group trying to take me out the back, i hung in there and rode some good strong turns. Keeping the pace high, the gap went out and it looked like it was going to be the winning move until into the last four or so laps, the riders began to attack from the break. I managed to get myself in these attacks but the rest of the breakway riders were not going to give it up that easy. With two laps to go, the definative attack came and it split the break. After all the effort i had put in to get to and to keep driving the break, i was finding it hard and felt that the chance of fighting it out for the win was slipping away from me. Over the last 10km i dug deep to keep ahead of the rapidly approaching chase group and with a gap of around going into the final 3 km, i though i might get caught. On the finishing straight i was dangling in the headwind and looking back i could see the group trying to get across to me, however fellow British rider Chris Mcnamara (Wildside RT) said after that he wanted to get across but without dragging the other riders with him. As the line approached, i could see that i wasn't going to get caught and crossed the line for 11th with the next group immediately behind.

Overall it was a good weekend's racing in preparation for the Nationals!

Shaping the race at the Giles Ree Memorial.

It was a rare cloudless sky that greeted the team on Sunday 15th June, the day of the Giles Ree Memorial. Held at Warninglid in West Sussex, the Giles Ree Memorial is something of a classic, and the heat of the day was more than matched by the quality of racing over a hard and hilly course.

A full field took to the start and with strong teams fielded by the likes of London Dynamo, Sigma Sport and the Wildside RT, the race was destined to be a fast, attacking one and it certainly didn't disappoint. As the field climbed out of Staplefield for the first time, a London Dynamo rider attacked and James Whatling, feeling strong and keen to break away, went with him, quickly gaining a 30 second gap. The breakaway pair worked hard over the rolling course and managed to stay away until the last of the larger circuits, when a group containing Dan Kogan, Paul Delahunty (London Dynamo) and Darren Barclay (Arctic-Premier RT) bridged across to them.

The group worked well together for about a lap but, when Darren Barclay punctured, some of the impetus left the break, despite the best efforts of James and Dan to stay clear of the chasing pack. As the race entered the first of five smaller finishing circuits, the race came back together, a shame for James who had been working tirelessly at the front for the majority of the race and deserved to stay away today. The fast pace of the race, despite the climbs, continued unabated in the final few laps, with riders attacking constantly to try and break clear before the end, but it was to no avail as the bunch thundered down the final hill with the finish, and a bunch sprint in sight.

Paul Delahunty (London Dynamo) capped a strong performance by taking the win from Steve Calland (Norwood Paragon) and Jules Birks (Kingston Wheelers). Ian Franklin, who had ridden sensibly all day, took 16th and the rest of the team rolled in with the bunch. Once again the Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team had shown they were not afraid to show their colours at the front and shape the race. The lack of a result was disappointing after all of the hard work but James Whatling did walk away with the Most Agressive Rider award, a testament to his attacking riding throughout.

Results:

1.) Paul Delahunty: London Dynamo
2.) Steve Calland: Norwood Paragon
3.) Jules Birks: Kingston Wheelers
4.) Gary Dodd: Sigma Sport
5.) Simon Lawn: Sigma Sport

16.) Ian Franklin: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT

The Dans achieve their goals.

The Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team's two Dans, Daniel Kogan and Dan Patten, achieved their major pre-season goals recently when they both gained enough points to upgrade thier licences. Dan Patten's fourth place in the Eastern Regional Championships gained him enough points for his Elite licence and Daniel Kogan's second place at the Beccles Road Race earned him his 1st Cat licence.

The team are really pleased that both of the Dans have achieved their aims so early in the season and are proud of the way they have gained the points they needed with an exciting, attacking style. With three wins and numerous podium places between them already this season, both of them have a promising future ahead.

Kogan so close at the Beccles Road Race.

Sunday 8th June dawned sunny and warm for the Beccles Road Race and, not only did it make a pleasant change for the team but it was also a perfect day to launch the fantastic new Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team kit. The new kit is a strong design in orange and blue, and will make the team even more visible in the peloton now!

A relatively small field set out from the picturesque village of Ringsfield, near Beccles, for the 83 mile race on a deceptively hard course. The team consisted of Martin Bryant, Ian Franklin, Daniel Kogan and James Whatling, with Dan Patten unfortunately sidelined with the injured knee sustained in his crash at The World University Championships. Even with a man down, the team were still confident of a good result and their attacking style was perfect for the rolling course. Kitted out in the new clothing, the team really meant business and, soon after the flag was dropped, James Whatling and Ian Franklin were at the head of proceedings, trying to split the race up. After one of Ian's attacks was brought back, Daniel Kogan countered and, keen as ever to attack and get away early, Daniel took three other riders away with him and, although not working as cohesively as they could, they managed to hold a gap of almost a minute.

Back in the bunch and Ian, Martin and James were very vigilant jumping on all the dangerous moves and controlling the bunch. James, on very good legs from a strong ride in the Regional Championships, was keen to bridge across to Dan in the break to bolster the move, but was hampered by some negative riding in the bunch who weren't prepared to let another Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team member escape. James was soon after hit by a catalogue of bad luck, which included three wheel changes and a broken gear cable but, although out of the race and suitably annoyed at wasting good legs and good form, he carried on with only two gears and got some useful training miles in.

Coming onto the end of the third lap, a group of six including Martin Bryant and the race favourite Phil Hetzel bridged across to the break but although this looked like a strong move, the ten rider group didn’t work well together and were soon brought back into the fold. Just when everything looked like it was back together, Dan Kogan picked his moment perfectly and attacked on the drag through the finish and pulled out a sizeable gap. Soon joined by Joe Skipper (Lotto/Interbike RT) and Kevin Chamber (API-Metrow), the three riders began to work well together with just fewer than 40 miles to go.

The bunch were held up by a train crossing and, seeming to lose interest in the chase afterwards, on the last lap the three escapees had pulled out two minutes on a lone chasing Phil Hetzel (Ipswich BC) and a further minute to the bunch. Keen to keep the pressure on, the three rode hard until about 3km from the finish when Chambers and Skipper decided to play the tactical game and let Daniel lead them out. Not able to get his breakaway companions to come through, the odds for Daniel weren't too good and when Kevin Chambers began his sprint, Dan slipped back a little. Joe Skipper came over the top of Chambers to take the win but Daniel dug deep, outsprinting Chambers to take second. Ian Franklin and Martin Bryant sprinted in with the bunch, taking 20th and 22nd place, after working hard to defend Daniel's position.

All in all it was a mixed race. James was very unfortunate mechanically, which put paid to his chances, yet he’s getting ever stronger and will definitely be one to watch next weekend. Ian and Martin showed well, mixing it up in the moves and helping their teammate Daniel by blocking. Daniel showed his strength in forcing both of the moves of the race and rode his heart out to make the podium and gain enough points for his 1st cat licence. Once again it was a strong team ride by the Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team, showing the ever growing strength and professionalism of the team. As a fellow competitor said after the race, “the future's bright, the future's orange”.......Ciclos Uno orange!

Results:

1.) Joe Skipper: Lotto/Interbike RT
2.) Daniel Kogan: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
3.) Kevin Chambers: API-Metrow
4.) Phil Hetzel: Ipswich BC

3 in the top 15 at the Eastern Regional Championships!

On Sunday 1st June, a full strength Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team lined up for the Eastern Regional Road Race Championships at Ashley, near Newmarket. Held on a tough course featuring two strength sapping climbs per lap, and with a full field of riders that all wanted to be crowned the best rider in the region, the Regional Championships are always hard fought and never fail to produce a worthy winner.

As ever, the Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team were in the thick of the action from the start and, as the race reached the end of the first lap, Martin Bryant got into a strong looking early move. The move soon looked even more promising as James Whatling and Dennis Van Gaveren (Lotto-Interbike) bridged across, and the group got themselves organised and started to work well together.

After five laps the breakaway was swelled when another group including Daniel Kogan bridged across. Daniel had been dealt some bad luck when, having punctured within a mile of the race and with no neutral service, he had to get a wheel from Dan Patten's parents (thanks Francis and June, you are complete stars!) and then chased back solo for seven miles. Of course, when you've been chasing hard for that long, what do you do? If you're Dan Kogan on a mission, you get in the first available break and get yourself to the front group!!

The leading group seemed almost too big now to work well but with James, Dan, Ben Thompson (Glendene/Bike Trax) and Dennis Van Gaveren consistently keeping the pace high and attacking over the hills, the group soon whittled down and a collection of willing riders remained. With time checks hovering around a minute to another chase group and the end in sight, the break upped the pace, but it was to no avail as they were caught with only half a lap remaining by a group containing Andy Lyons and Adam Norris (Heron Cyclesport), Dan Staite (Python RT) and Dan Patten who had spent the race defending valiantly and making few friends in the chase group in order to help his team mates up ahead.

With Lyons and Norris joining a hard working Ben Pochee, and Dan Patten joining James Whatling and Daniel Kogan, there were now three team members apiece for Heron Cyclesport and the Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team and, as the race neared the finale, the attacks came thick and fast. It was Adam Norris who made move of the day though, as he attacked over the penultimate climb and, with Ben Pochee and Andy Lyons working hard to cover any moves and block, rode strongly and stayed away to take the 2008 Eastern Regional Championships. The finishing climb took it's toll on many of the riders and Ben Thompson came out on top in the sprint for second place, with Dennis Van Gaveren taking third and a strong sprinting Dan Patten and James Whatling rounding out the top five. Dan Kogan overcame a puncture and an upset stomach to take 15th.

For the team to place two riders in the break of the day and then to finish with three in the top fifteen of the Regional Championships is a fantastic result for the team and, although the win eluded us, we will be back next year, stronger, wiser and ready for the challenge.

Results:

1.) Adam Norris: Heron Cyclesport
2.) Ben Thompson: Glendene/Bike Trax
3.) Dennis Van Gaveren: Lotto/Interbike
4.) Dan Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team
5.) James Whatling: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team

15.) Daniel Kogan: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team

Photos: Simon Gooderham: http://good.zenfolio.com

Patten gets back on the horse....and wins!

On a filthy wet Thursday evening (is there any other kind?!) at Ford's Dunton test track, four of the Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac Racing Team lined up for the second of Team Economic Energy's Summer Series. Sporting the wounds from his 55kph crash at the World University Championships, Dan Patten was back and racing again on home turf and was joined by Martin Bryant, Ian Franklin and James Whatling and, although the weather was doing it's best to dampen the spirits, everyone was looking forward to a good race....somehow we're learning to love the rain this season!

The race started in a more laconic fashion than usual, with everyone content just to ride tempo for a fews laps until James Whatling started hostilities with a typical attack on the back straight. The bunch, ever alert to the dangers of a breakaway at Dunton, quickly snapped onto James' back wheel and the chance was gone. That set the tone for the rest of the race as James, Dan, Ian and Martin took it in turns to attack and counter attack, only to be reeled back in by the ever more negative peloton, who seemed quite content to chase everything down and wait for the bunch sprint.

With five laps to go, Dan Patten finally managed to break the elastic as he made a move over the top of the circuit's small hill and, joined quickly by Dan Staite (Python RT), the hard working pair were never seen again as the bunch finally lost interest in the chase. Dan Patten crowned a brave comeback performance with his second (and the team's third) win of the season with Dan Staite taking second. Behind them, the inevitable bunch sprint was won by Dennis Van Gaveren (Lotto Olympia Team Interbike) with Ian Franklin sprinting well to take 8th and Martin Bryant rounding out the top 15.

Results:

1.) Dan Patten: Ciclos Uno-Plowman Craven-Isaac RT
2.) Dan Staite: Python RT
3.) Dennis Van Gaveren: Lotto Olympia Team Interbike
4.) James Jackson: Plowman Craven RT

Kogan leads the team at the SERRL Stage Race.

With Dan Patten riding the World University Championships and Ian Franklin opting to compete in the Reg Cogman Road Race, Martin Bryant, Daniel Kogan and James Whatling headed south of the river to compete in the 3 day, 4 stage, SERRL stage race over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Saturday’s stage was held at the Betteshanger circuit near Dover on a warm but windy day and, with 33 laps of the circuit totalling 120 km of racing, it was going to be a war of attrition. Although not a massive field, with 47 riders on the start line and a strong local team presence with Citihub, Norwood Paragon and Dulwich Paragon, the race was always going to be an interesting one.

The pace was high from the minute the race rolled off, as Daniel and Sport Beans/Wilier rider, Billy-Joe Whenman, hit the front trying to break the field. The first hill signalled the first real attack as Dan Staite (Python RT) clipped off the front and, always looking for an early break, Daniel Kogan followed. Soon the two riders had pulled out a sizeable gap and with James and Martin policing the bunch, the move looked as though it had a good chance, although with 32 laps of racing still to go, it was going to be tough work for Daniel and Dan Staite.

Soon another two riders in the form of Darren Barclay, (Arctic-Premier RT) and Robert Willcocks (Ajchva Limoux) jumped across to the break and the four riders worked well together until the pace proved too high for Willcocks and Barclay and they were both dropped. This left just Dan Staite and Daniel Kogan to plug away and, with their lead rising to over a minute on a chasing group of five, it looked like the two would indeed stay away. With just under ten miles to go Daniel began feeling the pace and decided to let Staite do the majority of the turns. Coming into the final lap with well over a minute's lead on the chase, Dan Staite attacked on the climb and soon put considerable distance into Kogan who try as he might couldn’t back on terms. Coming into the finish Staite took a very deserved win with Kogan coming across the line 45 seconds later for 2nd and the chase group led in by Mike Hawkins of Norwood Paragon came in a minute after that.

Stage one result:

1.) Dan Staite: Python RT
2.) Daniel Kogan: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
3.) Mike Hawkins: Norwood Paragon
4.) Billy-Joe Whenman: Sport Beans/Wilier
5.) Robert Willcocks: Ajchva Limoux

Stage 2

Stage two, at Chilham, was a 10 mile time trial and torrential rain on the way down to the start near Ashford was not a welcome sight. Yet with the first rider off at 11am the rain soon parted and thankfully the sun shone over the rolling out and back course, which included a difficult short kick to test the tired legs at the end. With James Whatling proving a very strong time triallist the team were quietly confident of another podium, but first up was Martin Bryant who clocked a very respectable 24.53 on his road bike with no time trial equipment. With 21 min and 22 min times filtering in James knew he needed to do a good ride and, despite feeling heavy legged after a good workout on the first stage, he rode well and chalked up a 21:49 to put him in 3rd place, just 2 seconds off second and 26 seconds off the winner. The penultimate rider to start, Daniel was also without the advantage of any time trial equipment but he rode his socks off to post a 23:10, leaving him safely holding second place on GC.

Stage two result:

1.) Matt Miles: Sydenham Wheelers
2.) Nigel Haigh: Sportscover
3.) James Whatling: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
4.) Robert Willcocks: Ajchva Limoux
5.) Dan Staite: Python RT

Stage 3

Stage three was a short sharp 80km, finishing at the top of the fierce 2km Whiteleaf Hill, and was always going to test the legs of those that had dug deep in the time trial. The stage was peppered with attacks, trying to test the resolve of Dan Staite in the leader’s yellow jersey. With the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team riding strongly on the front to pull back any escapees that would endanger Daniel Kogan’s second place overall, the race entered the final lap with just a pair of riders away from the bunch. With tired legs everywhere, a flurry of attacks went on the penultimate climb of the day and the alarm bells rang for Daniel Kogan as first Billy-Joe Whenman (Sport Beans/Wilier) and then Nigel Haigh (Sportscover) pulled away. Not wanting anyone to overtake his team mate on GC, and knowing that a hill finish suited Kogan, James Whatling took to the front and time trialled 5km to the foot of Whiteleaf Hill, stringing out the bunch and pulling all of the escapees back into the peloton in a powerful display of team riding. Daniel Kogan hit the foot of the climb in the lead but was shadowed by a very strong Billy-Joe Whenman and the leader Dan Staite. Whenman timed his attack to perfection and although Kogan and Staite were gaining on him in the final metres, Billy-Joe took the win from Steve Saunders (Kingston Wheelers) and Dan Staite. Daniel Kogan took 5th and, more importantly, increased the time gap on those wanting to overtake him on GC.

Stage three result:

1.) Billy-Joe Whenman: Sport Beans/Wilier
2.) Steve Saunders: Kingston Wheelers
3.) Dan Staite: Python RT
4.) Gareth McCullough: Medway Velo
5.) Daniel Kogan: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT

Stage 4

The fourth and final stage was held on Bank Holiday Monday on the Tenterden circuit in Kent and, along with most of the country, the weather was wet and windy making the final 130km a true test of the riders’ strength. With relatively small time gaps on GC, the race was always going to be a tactical one but the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team held firm, with James Whatling and Martin Bryant riding for long periods at the front, shutting down any dangerous attacks for Daniel Kogan. After many attempts to wrestle himself clear, Billy-Joe Whenman did get away eventually with Gareth McCullough (Medway Velo) and established a good gap, but the time was always managed by Whatling and Bryant who worked tirelessly to prevent the leaders from gaining too much on their man Kogan. On the last lap, with the pace increasing in the bunch, it looked as though the escapees might be caught but, with 5km to go, a fallen tree on the circuit put paid to the hopes of the break as they unwittingly overtook the lead car and were disqualified. It was bad luck for Billy-Joe Whenman who had ridden hard all weekend and deserved to win the stage. The bunch had a chat as they waited for the tree to be moved and then rolled off again, ready for a bunch sprint, which was taken by Meurig James (Citihub) from Kevin Knox (Dulwich Paragon). Daniel Kogan rolled in with the bunch to secure second place overall after a strong and gritty performance from start to finish. This was a fine display from the first year senior and to place second to an in form Dan Staite has to count as one of Daniel’s finest results and signalled his growing stature as a rider to watch. Dan Staite was imperious throughout the race and took home a thoroughly deserved victory.

Stage four result:

1.) Meurig James: Citihub
2.) Kevin Knox: Dulwich Paragon
3.) Malcolm Whitehead: Kingsnorth Int. Wheelers
4.) Simon Warren: Norwood Paragon
5.) Chaz Hollosi: Gemini BC

Overall General Classification:

1.) Dan Staite: Python RT
2.) Daniel Kogan: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
3.) Matt Miles: Sydenham Wheelers
4.) Robert Willcocks: Ajchva Limoux
5.) Mike Hawkins: Norwood Paragon

Despite not being able to field the full team, this was a very successful weekend for the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team with 2nd place on stage one, 3rd place on stage two, 5th place on stage three, Daniel Kogan's 2nd place overall, James Whatling's 13th place overall and the team prize....not a bad haul for a three man team!

There was also some sterling team riding from both James and Martin and the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team were without doubt the strongest team in the race. With next weekend's Eastern Division Championships on the horizon, and a full team entered and raring to go, things are looking very promising!

Dan Patten to represent GB in the World University Championships.

Fresh from a weekend where he took third place in the BUSA Championships and sixth in the Andrews Trophy Road Race, Dan Patten is off to Nijmegen in Holland as part of the GB Team racing in the World University Cycling Championships, on Sunday 25th May.

Dan joins a strong British team with team mates Pete Williams and Tom Murray (both Pinarello RT), Ross Adams (Red Kite Cycles), Mark Thwaites (Sport Beans/Wilier), Ash Brown (Sportscover), Richard Hepworth (Wakefield CC) and Hamish Batchelor (Sandy Wallace Cycles) as they compete over 160 km on a course scattered with short, treacherous climbs. The team will be directed by the experienced Paddy Hill.

For more information on the World University Cycling Championships logon to their website at www.wucc2008.com where you can see the participating countries, check out the results and watch a video clip of the road race course.

Ian's baptism of fire at the Hillingdon GP.

Saturday 17th May was a wet and cold one at the Hillingdon cycle centre, and Ian Franklin was the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team's lone representative at this year’s Hillingdon Grand Prix. All was going well and correct preparations had been made for Ian to have every chance of a good days racing until Ian repeated his bad luck at the Lincoln GP and punctured during his warm up laps. Having only noticed when waiting for the off, Ian was forced to take the first lap of 54 out to change his wheel.

Not the ideal introduction into the National Circuit Series, Ian then had to ride hard to get up to the pace of the bunch when they came around for the second lap. Once settled in the pace was very fast, perhaps not the ideal day for testing his new Isaac, and continued that way for the entirety of the race as the strongest teams took in it turns to send men off the front, forcing the other teams to chase them down. Just as the race seemed as though it couldn't get much faster, things really started to hot up as the Plowman Craven RT and Rapha/Condor Recycling took to the front for the last ten laps and forced the pace even higher to lead their men out for the sprint.

This increase of pace proved just a bit too much for Ian, as a newcomer to the National Elite circuit series, and he lost contact with the bunch, forcing him to drop out. Disappointed with the result, Ian can only improve as a result of the race and will take away important knowledge to build on his own experience, standing him in good stead for his next appointment with the National Circuit Series, at the Smithfield Nocturne.

The race ended in a bunch sprint, with Graham Briggs (Rapha/Condor Recycling) taking the win ahead of Tony Gibb (Plowman Craven RT) and Jon Mozely (Pearl Izumi RT).

Results:
1.) Graham Briggs: Rapha/Condor Recycling.co.uk
2.) Tony Gibb: Plowman Craven RT
3.) Jon Mozley: Pearl Izumi/Planet X/ High 5 RT
4.) Simon Holt: Rapha/Condor Recycling.co.uk
5.) Paul Crook: Beyond MTB

Thanks to Larry Hickmott/British Cycling: www.britishcycling.org.uk for the photos.

Two Dans in the Top 10 at the BUSA Championships.

Saturday 17th May saw the BUSA RR Championships take place in Harby, Leicestershire and the team were represented by our Loughborough University duo, Daniel Kogan and Dan Patten.

Just under 50 riders lined up for the 150 km race and a strong field included Pete Williams (York University/Pinarello RT) and Richard Hepworth, (Manchester University). Facing the riders was a 13 mile loop that would climb the mile long Harby Hill every lap for 7 laps. With a chill in the air and rain on the horizon the start was a cautious one but proceedings soon warmed up when a clear favourite for the win, Pete Williams, attacked half way up Harby hill. Knowing how dangerous this was Dan Kogan jumped with him and nullified the attack. 

With the severity of the climb taking its toll, the bunch was soon down to a mere thirty riders. With both Dans watching the moves it was clear Harby hill was to be the deciding factor in the race and, climbing it the second time, Dan Kogan attacked and pulled out a small gap on the steep slopes. Over the top a group began to form as Pete Williams, Richard Hepworth, Dan and two other riders slipped away. The bunch were still relatively strong at this early stage in the race and weren't ready to see the race go up the road yet, and within 4 miles the race was all back together again.

With a lull in the action Dan Patten tried an attack and when he was caught Dan Kogan countered and took Hepworth away with him. The two worked well together, sharing the load, and they soon pulled out a 50 second gap on the bunch. Seeing the danger Peter Williams soloed across and the three riders extended their lead to just under 2 minutes. Again though a chasing group of eight formed and after a good hour and a half in the lead Daniel Kogan's group merged with the chase group which then came all back together with the bunch where Dan Patten was biding his time.

Just when it seemed that hostilities might be suspended for a while, with the race coming back together, Pete Williams attacked again and soon was out of sight, his blistering speed not allowing anyone to get on terms. With the race looking like a lost cause and with two laps to go Dan Patten slipped away with another rider on the headwind section and applied the pressure, steadily pulling out a lead of what was left of the bunch. Coming into the finish Pete Williams came in over a minute clear, taking a well deserved win, with Dan Patten riding in an impressive 3rd and Dan Kogan sprinting in with the bunch to take 9th.

Both the Dans put in impressive performances and, although disappointed to have missed out on the win, they both rode strong races and represented the team fantastically with a podium place and both guys in the top 10.

Results:

1.) Pete Williams: Pinarello RT
2.) David Weir: Coalville Wheelers CC
3.) Daniel Patten PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
4.) Christopher Croxford
5.) Richard Hepworth: Wakefield CC-Exponential
6.) Jack Adams: Pendragon Sports
7.) Steven Guymer: Avila Rojas-Ceuta
8.) Lee Tunnicliffe: DH Cyclesport.co.uk
9.) Daniel Kogan: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
10.) Joshua Andjelkovic: Maxgear RT

Six minutes of TV time at the Rutland-Melton!

Cycling.TV recently aired their coverage of the East Midlands Cicle Classic (Rutland-Melton) on Eurosport and the British Cycling TV player, and the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team had logged their fair share of TV time thanks to Dan Patten's 120 km breakaway...and Ian's involvement in the pile up around Rutland water!

The team's sponsors benefitted from just under six minutes of exposure on television across the UK and Europe and you can guarantee that the team will be lining up in their forthcoming Premier Calendar outings aiming for more fantastic results and further positive promotion.

Watch the coverage for yourself on British Cycling's TV Player at: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid980097404/bclid987241992/bctid1552695113

Scant reward at Dunton.

On Thursday 15th May, Martin Bryant, Ian Franklin and James Whatling lined up for the first of Team Economic Energy's evening series at Ford's Dunton test track. The sunshine of the weekend at the Lincoln GP seemed a million miles away on one of the wettest evenings in a long time, and the field of 35 were soaked to the skin within a couple of laps.

The weather didn't dampen the ferocity of the opening laps though, with the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team and the other stronger riders driving the race to try and split things up. James was in an attacking mood and was well backed up by Ian and Martin on the counter attack, but the bunch were in an especially negative mood and always worked to pull back any moves.

With only about six riders prepared to make a race of it, it looked as though no one would escape, until James managed to get away with what was a strong five man group, including the hard riding Andy Lyons (Heron Cyclesport), Alistair Tullett (Arctic/Premier) and Graham Galvin (Team Economic Energy). With the break working well together for a few laps and Ian Franklin doing his best to police the bunch behind, it looked as though the grip of the peloton had been broken but, when Andy Lyons dropped back to pull team mate Adam Norris up to the break, the momentum was lost and the bunch made contact again. Whilst the break were away, Martin suffered a mishap, falling on the climb, and decided to call it a night.

The bunch had let a move escape once and weren't prepared to let that happen again, so when the bell sounded for the final lap and the field were still together, a bunch sprint was inevitable. Inevitable maybe, but Andy Lyons wasn't going to be part of it so he took his chance and slipped away just before the bell. The bunch stopped chasing, happy to sprint for second place.

Andy took a much deserved win as he was always at the sharp end of the race and clearly the strongest on the night. James attacked hard to try and pull clear over the last kilometre but the bunch were glued to his wheel and a bunch sprint ensued, with Adam Norris completing a Heron Cyclesport 1-2. Ian sprinted well to take sixth and James rolled in with nothing to show for his hard work on the night.

Results:

1.) Andy Lyons: Heron Cyclesport
2.) Adam Norris: Heron Cyclesport
3.) Glenn Smith: Maldon & District CC
4.) Matthew Carden: Team Quest
5.) Ed Graefe: Team Economic Energy
6.) Ian Franklin: PCA Ciclos Uno

In the heat of battle at the Lincoln GP.

On Sunday 11th May, the day of the Lincoln Grand Prix, something was wrong. Something was happening that the people of Lincoln weren't used to on Lincoln GP day, and that the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team have become completely unaccustomed to this season. The sun was shining and was going to add to the heat generated by the 148 racers ready to do battle around the centre of Lincoln.

Having ridden the course the day before and knowing what they had to do, the full team lined up on Sunday with the cream of British cycling, all fighting to be first to the foot of the fearsome Michaelgate climb. To be armed with the knowledge that you need to be at the foot of the 1 in 6 cobbled climb as close to the front as possible is one thing, but it is no mean feat when the whole field are all trying their hardest to do the same!

Ian Franklin rode strongly at the start and was very close to the front until a lot of riders took advantage of a missing marshall and slipped ahead of him, through some cones on a corner entering Lincoln for the first time. Some hard riding meant that Ian didn't lose too many places and hit the cobbles of Michaelgate about mid bunch, at almost exactly the same time as Daniel Kogan and James Whatling. Dan Patten was one of the riders luckily (and cheekily!) making the most of the marshall's absence and pushed hard up the climb a little closer to the front of the race as it lined out and split through the town. Martin Bryant, already suffering from a bit of a stomach bug, struggled with the early pace of the race and was to pull out soon after the first lap. Ian, never comfortable riding his spare bike, packed on the second lap but had acquitted himself well in early exchanges, just missing out as the race split.

With Dan Patten safely in the bunch, James Whatling and Daniel Kogan got their heads down and dragged themselves up to the safety of the bunch, with James pulling a big turn to get the pair back on just before the descent into Burton Village. With the field lined out chasing a break containing some of the best riders in the race, moving up to the front was getting harder and, as the bunch climbed Michaelgate for the second time, the race split once again. The Dan's found themselves in the chase group as James slipped back into a group riding hard to make contact again but slowly lost ground on the leaders, and his race was over when the commissaire pulled the group out of the race after the sixth ascent of Michaelgate.

The Dan's were both riding strongly in the heat but were unlucky when the race split once again and they found themselves on the wrong side of it. Always driving their group and pushing hard up Michaelgate wasn't enough to make contact with the next group on the road and their race was also ended by the commissaire with just three laps to go. It was a shame to have to stop racing so close to the end but the Dan's can take a lot of positives from their first experience of this tough race, having ridden their hearts out but ultimately being undone by their positioning in the first couple of laps. The Lincoln Grand Prix is a unique race and the experience will benefit them in the years to come.

Up ahead the big guns were firing and on the final lap Simon Richardson (Plowman Craven RT), Russell Downing (Pinarello RT) and Dean Downing (Rapha Condor/Recycling) were away and fighting it out for the win. The Downing brothers were first onto the final climb of Michaelgate, with Russell edging ahead of Dean to take the win in Castle Square.

Results:

1.) Russell Downing: Pinarello RT
2.) Dean Downing: Rapha Condor Recycling
3.) Simon Richardson: Plowman Craven RT
4.) Chris Newton: Rapha Condor Recycling
5.) Kit Gilham: Kinesis UK
6.) Tom Southam: Team Halfords Bike Hut
7.) David McCann: Giant Asia RT
8.) Rob Hayles: Team Halfords Bike Hut
9.) Malcolm Elliott: Pinarello RT
10.) Marcin Bialoblocki: Sports Beans-Wilier

Thanks to Larry Hickmott/British Cycling: www.britishcycling.org.uk and Eddie White/Pearl Izumi RT: www.pearlizumiracingteam.com for the photos.

Dan Patten is ECCA Champion!

On Sunday 4th May, the team lined up for the Eastern Counties Cycling Association (ECCA) Senior Championships at High Easter, Essex and were rewarded with beautiful weather, which has been something of a rarity this season!

After a long neutralised section the race got underway and straight away the attacks started, instantly stringing out the field along the Essex roads. Although the early moves were frequent, the bunch made sure they were unsuccessful, reeling in any attempts to break free. The PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT were ever present at the front of the bunch, working hard to make sure we were represented in all of the moves. Daniel Kogan got away in a what looked like a dangerous group, with teams such as Wildside RT being represented with Mark Daly. However, yet again, with the attacks from the peloton, it was not long before this was swallowed up. As the race headed back onto the main section of road towards Leaden Roding, Dan Patten punctured just as the attacks were in full flow. As Dan rolled back through the peloton Martin Bryant, team player that he is, offered a wheel but Dan told him to go on, and went back for neutral service. A mix up occurred as Martin also stopped and then found it hard to get onto the back of the car pacing Dan back up to bunch. As Dan made his way through the convoy, Martin just couldn't quite make contact with the bunch and his race was over, a real shame after his gallant gesture.

On the second lap, Ian Franklin made a classic counter after an attack from Dan Kogan had been nullified, and soon formed what would become the break of the day containing about 8 riders, including Stephen Skuse (Wildside RT). With Daniel Kogan and Dan Patten slowing things down at the front of the bunch, the break soon got a about a minute's gap. With the break seemingly established, Dan Patten decided it was time to join the leaders and took Mark Daly (Wildside RT) and a few other riders across the gap to the leaders.

With a large group of 16 riders at the front including Dan Patten and Ian Franklin from the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT, Chris Macnamara, Stephen Skuse and Mark Daly (Wildside RT), Kevin Chambers (API-Metrow) and Phil Hetzel (Ipswich BC). This was the move of the day, but with so many of the top riders in it, there were always going to be a number of passengers, so it was no surprise when, a lap later, the lead group was split under the attacks of Wildside RT. Knowing he had to be in any move that contained those riders, Dan Patten went with the break and found himself in the final selection with Mark Daly, Phil Hetzel, Matt Seaton (Rapha/Condor) and Chris Macnamara, and a few other riders who all worked hard to pull it out further.
Once away it became a hard working group with everyone tapping through and doing their turn. Ian Franklin, having done a great job making the initial break, was now in amongst the rest of the break which were later swallowed up by the bunch.

Into the last 10km and it wasn't long before the expected attacks came from the Wildside duo. Chris Macnamara was determined to get away and Dan tried to make sure he followed any attack from him or Mark Daly. It seemed as though Wildside had played it perfectly, with the other riders in the break seemingly more interested in beating Dan for the ECCA Championship than chasing the two from Wildside for the win. With about 2km to go, Chris Macnamara attacked again and, with no one chasing, it proved to be the winning move and he held out to take the win. Neil Chapman (Maldon CC) rider then attacked but went too early and Mark Daly and then Dan rounded him before the line to take second and third. It was a well worked Wildside RT 1-2, but with these riders not eligible for the Eastern Counties Cycling Association, Dan Patten took the title and becomes the ECCA Senior Champion 2008.

A couple of minutes later the bunch arrived, containing Daniel Kogan who had done a fantastic job policing the bunch, James Jackson and Stephen Griffiths (Glendene/Bike Trax CC) who had done a lot of work in the race to pull things back, but with numbers working against them, were unsuccessful in doing so. Ian Franklin, having worked hard throughout the race rolled in a little later, but pleased to have helped to form the shape of the race.

Results:

1.) Chris Mcnamara: Wildside R.T.
2.) Mark Daly: Wildside R.T.
3.) Daniel Patten: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
4.) Vince Divine: Finchley R.T.
5.) Edward Whitehorn: Glade C.C

Thanks to Simon Gooderham for the photos: http://good.zenfolio.com

The Dans go top ten at Mallory Park.

The 1st May saw the first High 5 Mallory Park Circuit Race of the Summer, and the PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT's Loughborough contingent were representing the team, with Dan Patten and Daniel Kogan keen to test their form before the ECCA Senior Championships.

With the race supported by one of their sponsors, Pearl Izumi were intent on a good showing in the race and they were on the offensive from the start to try and split the race. Dan Patten and Daniel Kogan worked hard, taking long turns on the front
to pull the breaks back and keep things together, but with riders not prepared to help out, a break of four succeeded and managed to pull out a good gap on the bunch.

The pressure on the front of the chasing pack meant that the race split into three groups with Dan Patten and Daniel Kogan in the chase group, but there was no consistency within the group to pull back the leaders, with Pearl Izumi riders disrupting the chase to allow their team mates to stay away.

With the leading group still were hanging out at about 80 seconds and with a lap to go, Dan Patten put in another attack going up the drag for the bell and managed to pull out a gap. Looking around to see a Pearl Izumi rider on the front trying to pull him back in, Dan put his head down and stayed away to take 5th place, with Daniel Kogan riding well for 9th. Good team riding kept the lead group away and Jeroen Janssen (Pearl Izumi) took the win from his team mate Stephen Adams.

Results:

1.) Jeroen Janssen: Pearl Izumi-Planet X-High 5
2.) Stephen Adams: Pearl Izumi-Planet X-High 5
3.) Andrew Stuart: Ashfield RC
4.) Robert Friel
5.) Daniel Patten: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
6.) Raphael Deinhart: Pearl Izumi-Planet X-High 5
7.) Stephen Dring: Team Echelon-Spiuk
8.) Matthew Charity: Go Sports Spex RT
9.) Daniel Kogan: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
10.) Richard Bellamy: Ashfield RC

Long break for Dan Patten as the team shine at the Rutland-Melton Classic

The PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team raced in their first UCI International event at The East Midlands International Cicle Classic on Sunday 27th April and signalled their intentions to grow as a team and to be able to mix it with the some of the best teams in the world. Not fazed by the quality of the field, in what would be the largest and most prestigious race any of the team members had ever competed in, everyone in the team dug deep and produced fantastic performances, topped off by a sparkling display by Dan Patten.

The East Midlands International Cicle Classic is one of the finest events promoted in the UK. Run over the tough rolling roads and narrow farm tracks of Rutland, this race it truly a classic and one that obviously captures the imaginations of riders and spectators alike, as the villages and towns along the route are packed with people cheering and creating a wonderful atmosphere. Thankfully the predicted rain didn't materialise and the field of 180 riders set off from Oakham on a warm day with 100 miles of racing ahead of them.

Unsure of each other and the camera motor bikes to begin with, it was a nervous field to begin with as the race took in the first of two laps around Rutland Water. With roundabouts and street furniture everywhere, the bunch was a pretty scary place to be and, after a few squeaky brake moments, someone touched a wheel on a 30 mph stretch of road and 20 riders went down. Unluckily for him and the team, Ian Franklin was one of them, but thankfully he escaped with scrapes and bruises. Not wanting to stop there, Ian dusted himself down, remounted and chased, with blood from a cut finger turning his bar tape red. He bravely made it to the back of the bunch just as they hit one of the climbs but, weakened by the fall and the chase, was dropped again and decided it was not to be today. He may have been disappointed with the outcome of his race but with his strength and speed, Ian has a lot of potential in races like this and will have many other chances in the years to come.

Martin Bryant was caught up behind the crash and, after picking his way through the bodies and bikes, set about reeling in the peloton, riding hard to make it back on. After that effort, crashes on the narrow roads and the first King of the Mountains climb didn't help his cause, splitting the field and leaving him with too much work to do to carry on. Martin had worked hard for this race, coming off a week's training in Majorca but, although he was unlucky today, the race will stand him good stead for the races to come.

Daniel Kogan and James Whatling, were riding strongly around Rutland Water and maintained their good positions in the bunch through Oakham before slipping back just a little too far as the race entered the narrow roads. Held up by the huge field and various small crashes, the pair were always chasing and finally lost contact with the bunch just after the first ascent of the Somerberg. Both Daniel and James found themselves in a tired, but hard working group, and they did their best to make contact with the large group just a short distance up the road. With about 10 kilometres to go it looked like their group would make the junction, but the interference of a team car put paid to that and James and Daniel rolled in together, outside the time cut but pleased to have finished this epic of a race. For a rider in only his first season as a senior, Daniel Kogan is on a steep learning curve but once again acquitted himself well, despite not always feeling comfortable on the sections of unmade roads. Through experiences like this at the Rutland-Melton Classic, Daniel's confidence is growing and this strong, tenacious rider will be a man to watch in the races to come.

Never one to be overawed by the occasion or the opposition, Dan Patten rode at the front of the huge peloton from the start and gave one of the best performances of the race, making the early break and then mixing it with riders such as Jan Bos (Ruiter DakkappelIen), eventual winner Ciaran Page and Irish National Champion David O'Loughlin (both Pezula RT) for 100 km. Perhaps only a missed feed prevented Dan from being there in the finale but he can feel very proud of himself, gaining masses of experience and a lot of positive coverage for himself and the team along the way.

Dan takes up the story, "I followed a little dig with a Plowman Craven RT rider along first stretch of road just to test it out, although it came to nothing. As we rode alongside the reservoir a small group of riders got clear including Ryan Connor (Pezula RT), Kevin Van den Eekkhout (Profel-Prorace) and Jan Bos (Ruiter DakkappeIlen). I was riding close to the front, trying to stay out of trouble and watching some of the contenders but a couple of kilometres later i decided to give it a little dig off the front and after taking a look back saw i was away, joined by Sierd Steigenga (Ruiter DakkappeIlen), Matej Vysna (Dukla Merida), and Matt Jennings (East Midlands Development). Working hard we soon found ourselves with 30 seconds or so over the peleton, but were still 50 seconds off the leading three. It took a whole lap to get onto the lead three, and as we approached the end of the second lap it looked as though it may have been all over with the peleton within 30 seconds
of us.

Not long after we were joined by Keiran Page, David O’Loughlin and Ciaran Power (All Pezula RT) and this added strength seemed to help us maintain the gap on the bunch. Back into Oakham for the first sprint and the crowds had come out en mass and as we passed through the busy streets the pace really hotted up and the gap on the peloton began to grow. Through the first couple of offroad sections the break stayed together, with Matt Jennings being the first to drop back on the first Owston Manor section. I ploughed on, but having not taken a bottle during the feed began to suffer as the Pezula riders
began to attack. I didnt have enough in the tank to go with them as it split. David O'Loughlin was the first to go, with about 50km to go, and the Pezula riders showed their class by allowing the gap to open and then bridging over, forming a strong quartet of O'Loughlin, Ciaran Power, Kieran Page (All Pezula RT) and Jan Bos (Ruiter DakkappeIlen).

I was glad to get to the next feed and take on some much needed bottles and it was on the ascent of Burrough on the Hill that i was joined by the chase group of about 30 riders containing the main British contenders. Riders were also being shelled out of this group one by one as the race took its toll.

As i recovered i found myself in a second chase group, which is where i remained for the rest of the race, finally starting to feel better again with 20 kilometres to go. As we hit the final descent back into Melton Mowbray riders began fighting for the best position to take the final right hander and the sprint for the line.......to a well needed Mars drink!"

The team enjoyed fantastic success at their first outing at the The East Midlands International Cicle Classic and will take everything that they have learned there into some of the big races to come. Dan Patten rode the race of the day and for a rider in only his third full season racing, to be making moves with seasoned professionals and National Champions says a great deal about his strength and his potential in the years to come. The PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac Racing Team all performed well and will be back to do the same next year.

Results:
1.) Ciaran Power: Pezula (IRL)
2.) Jan Bos: Ruiter Dak Kappellen (NED)
3.) Malcolm Elliot: Pinarello RT (GBr)
4.) Michael Berling Glud & Marstrand Horsens (DEN)
5.) Russell Downing: Pinarello RT (GBr)
6.) David O'Loughlin: Pezula (IRL)
7.) Rob Hayles: Felt Racing/Planet X/Halfords Mixed (GBr)
8.) Tobyn Horton: Mixed Team (GBr)
9.) Ian Wilkinson: Science in Sport (GBr)
10.) Roman Bronis: Dukla Merida Tren. (SVK)

37.) Dan Patten: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT

83.) Daniel Kogan: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT
84.) James Whatling: PCA-Ciclos Uno-Isaac RT

Thanks to Larry Hickmott/British Cycling for the pictures: www.britishcycling.org.uk