Auld Yins and Ladies, Balfron, August 23rd

[cthomas]

The women usually race with the V50+ but we were given our own race with 16 on the start sheet. It is a tough circuit with not wind protection. On the first lap there was a crash behind me so the 4 riders (including myself) in front of the crash made the decision to wait. It was foul weather and really windy so I was glad to ride in the group.
On the final lap there was another crash and the 5 of us up front decided to move on. I organised our group and we went though and off into. After the Abergoyle roundabout, it was uphill into a headwind and I made the decision to attack in the small chainring- a hill and strong headwind mean tI couldn't go into the big chainring. Only one rider, Claire McCauley was able to react and she sat on my wheel for age. I had a word and realised that she was not able to come through. I allowed her to sit on my wheel before attacking in the final mile. I had a large gap and came over the line with no other women in sight. Claire McCauley had a gutsy race and ended up getting 3rd when a London rider broke way from the peleton to storm home for 2nd.

[calumm]

Really sorry I didn't see you today Claire.  Well done.  It WAS indeed a soaking day - as my report confirms!!!