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
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