Gales at Goodwood- 15th May

Last night was another race in the Goodwood Gallop series.
I decided, after puncturing at Thruxton the previous night, that I would ride there and back for some extra training miles which ended up a story of three parts. The ride up to Goodwood aerodrome was windy but in glorious sunshine which was a perfect way to start the evening. Then just prior to the race the hailstones came down, falling almost horizontally as we looked out at the home straight of the circuit. This bought a huge temperature drop however the decision was made to run the circuit in reverse and remove the chicane for safety. Reluctantly riders began to attempt a warm up in what now felt like the middle of winter, before lining up on the start line soaked to the bone.
   Once again it was run in handicap format and the E/1/2 group quickly caught those ahead, I wanted to press on so immediately drove off the front pretty much just to stay warm and finish the race quicker so I could get home. Nothing came of the early attacks but midway through 3 groups had formed with a break of 3 up the road and myself in a strong group of 4 chasing them down.  We caught the leading trio to form a group of 7 which worked together to gain a large margin over the chasing bunch.  With 3 laps remaining the most notable attack came after I had pulled a strong turn into the wind which left me looking for someone else to pull a turn but no-one was willing and 3 went clear. Once again I found myself in a group of 4 working hard to bring back a leading trio however we had a sitter on from PedalHeaven RT who had a team-mate up the road. In the end the trio sprinted for the victory only metres infront of our group and I took 6th with legs like ice blocks, numb feet and hands.
   Finally the end of the race, but wait.... I have an hours ride home. JOY! So I put the hammer down and TT the 20 or so miles home as fast as I could to stay warm.  125km of training so not all bad, when will summer come??
   This was my first real test of the Focus Izalco in the wind, rain and on a slippery circuit and not once did I feel like I couldn't give it full gas because the bike couldn't handle it! Very impressed!

Safe riding
Phill

Photo courtesy of Glyn Durrant - Driving on the group of 7 into the headwind!