VB Crit League Race Report – Round 7

With the threat of redundancy I remembered to take my meds for this round and have an inkling as to what actually happened in the races for Round 7, so here goes…

Despite AI Bas predicting a schorchio, he did fail to mention the day would start with a very light dusting of rain. So once the Women and Open 4 racers made it past the golf parking gestapo, they were treated to the trickiest conditions of the day. This did make for a nervy start and unfortunately we had a couple of people down in the early part of the races – nothing serious although Haus faves Denman destroyer and Smiley Smith will both need to visit the bike shop for some repairs. 

As the conditions improved, the pace picked up and we were treated to some very impressive bunch sprints from both groups to seal the win. it was like watching prime Jans Ulrich as Emyr Truleove sprinted for victory in the Cat 4, leaving the bunch in his wake. Fasted from the group was Jordan Bailey with Liam Gual from Liverpool Bonk Squad rounding out the podium. Our scouse friends deserve a special mention not only for making the trip, but this was their first race as a team and they got 3 riders in the top 10. 

The Women’s race was a closer affair with Genny Billington (Bromsgrove Olympia) delivering the best bike throw to pip series leader Abbie Taylor (Jadan Vive le Velo Glasdon) and bombing Bella Butler of Team Boompods.

By the time the 3/4s started, the sun was out and everyone had long forgotten about online entry system closing early 😉 With Noah Inman who was 3rd in the series out sick, could a new contender emerge from the 3/4 field…

The attacks were ferocious and constant, but no team was able to snap the elastic from the pack and we were treated to another bunch sprint. You may have been forgiven if you thought you were watching a repeat, but it was again the 3 stripes of Abergevenny RC’s Emyr Truelove cresting the ‘hill’ first and steaming towards the chequered flag.  

Sprint specialists Paul ‘you only lose it if you stop’ Thursfield (Graham Weigh Racing) and Yaaw mate Josh Williams (Clee Cycles) had the wattbombs to deliver 2nd and 3rd respectively. Special mention to Richard Gill (22nd) and Ollie Humphreys (10th) who are now sitting 3rd and 4th on the VB Crit League overall. 

The last race of the day with points contributing to the league was the always rapid E123. Josh Horsfield (Reflex no pins) was second coming into the event but with Abbie’s 2nd place, he had to win to make up some ground. Rising to the challenge like bond coming out of the sea was debonair team mates Lui and Dom to help. I think everyone was just glad that Emyr had to head back to Wales. 

Unfortunately for Josh, the day was dominated by a masterclass from rival team, Das Richardson, who made the decisive move, getting two team mates up the road with Tobias Barlett of Doddington Cycling Club. 

Not even dasher of dreams, John Archibald along with other notable chasers were able to bring them back leaving Michael Gill to sprint to first, with team mate Peter Cocker coming second and Tobias joining the orange dominated podium.  

If anyone is still reading, you probably need to get out just as much as me, but i’m afraid i’m not finished just yet. The final race of the day was a bit of a test in prep for next year which consisted of an Open 34 race for 40+ only.. So far it’s proved popular so we’ve included it again for Round 8 and could be something we introduce next year if the 34 numbers continue to swell. 

Despite the grey hairs, racing was again fast and the pack did dwindle down throughout the race resulting in a reduced bunch sprint for all the marbles. Fastest on the day was our very own Haus plant Ollie, sneaking ahead of Damion Guest (Wolverhamampton Wheelers) and Matt Hay from Velo Bavarian debuting his sexy new whip. 

Full results below, along with all the links for videos and pictures in case you’ve missed them. I will say we’re expecting big numbers for the final round 8 and would encourage everyone to book their spot as soon as possible to guarantee entry – click here for details.