Apr 11, 2011
We arrived the day before, taking the caravan enabled us to book on the circuit, allowing us to take advantage of a pre-race reconnaissance of the 4 lap course. It was going to be both fast and tough with nowhere to hide. Our race plan was to stay near the front to keep an eye on any breaks.
In the early stages a break of 6 found itself away over the top of the longer climb, with Wayne plus 2 others joining us later. Post-race he mentioned that I should be equally aware of what was happening behind – with him chasing it was an opportunity for me to take it easy in the group, giving him an easier bridge across. Unfortunately the make-up of the group meant it was obvious we wouldn’t stay away – it was soon reeled in.
2 laps to go and a break of 7 created a gap, 2 members of each of the major teams (Wilier/Goselfdrive.com, UK Youth and Cyclepremier/Metaltek), plus me! This group built up a lead of 2 minutes, but the pace through the drinks station was high, I missed the opportunity to take on more water, which made the last quarter of the race very difficult.
In the final 7km the attacks kept coming with 1 of the UK Youth riders staying away. Being against such strong teams I was blown out the back, however fought back tenaciously to rejoin them 2km from the finish. With the final kilometre being a steep ascent it was free for all, despite my dehydrated state I clawed back for 5th place.
A tough day, good result bearing in mind the strength in number of the opposition. Wayne Coombs also came in the main bunch and achieved 1st Vet.
Junior Heffernan
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