Now I've never raced in Scotland, much the same
with England I thought? But looking down the start list for Stirling BC's Crit
on the Campus I was slightly concerened to see a selection of big hitters,
including Evan Oliphant of Raleigh GAC...
Lucinda was racing in the E1234 ladies race, and myself in the E123
mens race later. The numbers were pretty big, with 30 in the ladies race and
around 70 in the men's, I had no real idea about course, expect it was super
technical, abit like Crystal Palace (for my southern readers) but on acid...
The HQ was Stirling University, and I've got to say, it was stunning,
having grounds surrounds by mountains and having their own Loch was quite cool,
certainly a bit better than Sheffield Hallam. Running upto the event
@critonthecampus were very active, giving some useful insights and information,
such as Tunnocks provided upon registration. CPCRITS, take note... Facilities
were excellent, good selection of food, all you really needed. There were loads
of spectators around the course, heckling, shaking cow bells, it actually felt quite
like a cross race. Full race commentary on all the races meant the atmosphere
was great, probably one of the best Crits I've raced.
As the name suggests this Crit was run around a university campus, so
not a purpose made circuit. This made it tough, speed bumps, curbs and road
furniture all played a part, not to mention a varying degree in the quality of
surface. Looking at the map it was difficult to get a sense of gradient and
climbing, however upon seeing the finishing hill sprint i had a feeling this
was going to be pretty tough.
Lucinda's race was first. 40 minutes + 5 in what seems a pretty stacked
field, including local and national teams and clubs. I knew the hill finish
would work well for her and positioning was going to be key with this field. I
was watching from the side, on the final S bend before the hill finish, a good
location I, and many others, thought. Within the first lap the race had become
quite fragmented, clearly pace from the off was hot, the front group of 5
consisted of Shani Bloch-Davidov, Cha Joiner (Commonwealth Silver medallist)and
Sarah Bradford among others with a second chasing group of 7, of which Lucinda
was present. Over the next 15 or so minutes from leaders gap was growing,
albeit their group shrinking and now consisting of 1 breakaway and 2 chasers,
the other 2 had been swallowed up by Lucinda's group, now at 8 riders. 5 to go and
it was a lead group of 2, and the chasing group, still at 8 strong. Lucinda was
in a great position, looking very strong up the hill, so I fancied her chances
in the sprint, well, that was until the final S bend, on the penultimate lap
when a rider rolled a tub, hit the deck, along with two riders who fell on top
of her, including Lucinda. Nothing broken, bike ok, so she got back on and rode
the last lap, alone, but coming in 9th. Not quite the sprint finish she wanted,
but a great result non the less.
Now it was my turn for an hour of pain. 1 neutralised lap and a bit of napping meant I
rolled upto the start, right at the back. Think I need to sharpen my elbows...
Right from the off and because the course was fairly narrow and technical there
was 1 long line of riders. I moved up and continued to do so, going through a
few groups, riders getting shelled out the back at an alarming pace. 10 minutes
in and I wondered if I could keep this up? The lead group were off in the
distance now, and on every lap were pulling away, slightly disheartening seeing
this, but, all the same the group I was in worked well and certainly wasn't
easy! We continued to work together, picking up a few riders that had been shelled
from the front group. I was pretty pleased when the 5 lap board came up, I've
hung on. Penultimate lap and the leaders caught us, a small break away I think.
I rolled over the line 28th so mid pack, not great, but then not awful, and
skills to build on. The men's race was won by Joe Nally of Hardie Bike, 2nd
was Evan Oliphant of Raleigh GAC and 3rd David Lines of Wheelbase
Altura, so all in all a pretty strong field.
Thanks to Stirling BC for putting on such a great event, brilliant course and atmosphere, certainly one i’ll
be doing again next year, i’ll even try and bring some other riders from South
of the border.
You can find out everything you need to know here: http://crit.stirlingbikeclub.org.uk/
Photo credits to Andrew Gerrie: https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewgerrie
Come back for crit under the castle held in june in the city centre and get your legs shredded with the finish up the cobbles to the castle as used in the pru tour.
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