Totnes Town Centre Circuit Races

Jun 2, 2011

I love town centre racing… it rocks! Mostly, local road racing is a million miles away from the Tour de France image we want it to be. Typically it’s about chugging about on windswept deserted airstrips, performing to a crowd of one confused man and his dog who rather than coming to see a bike race, is actually waiting for a bus or indeed death… whichever comes first. But town centre racing is all about bringing the race to the people; about tight, exciting and often aggressive racing, with the added joy of cheers and genuine crowd interest. For an hour and 2 laps we could dream the pro dream!

This was my first crack at Totnes, and I was really impressed with the event. For the second time in eight days Jake Durant and Mid Devon were at the head of affairs and once again it was a considered and impressive show. From the hotel headquarters strategically located on the key corner of the course (including outside seating/drinking area), to the high street finish, road closure and full barrier protection; this was a class set up. Shame the weather decided it wasn’t really playing ball, but I guess it thought a bit of moisture on the cobbles could only add to the occasion.

It was quite a field that showed up too, including a comprehensive Felt contingent, boasting rampant race winner and BC point scorer Justin Hoy and Ex National Circuit Race Champion James Taylor amongst their team of six. Sigma Sport Specialized had Daniel Duguid present, Grant Bayton represented Wilier, Hargroves under 23 TT champion Luke Gray was there and to really spoil the local crowd, some continental professional flair with a rare UK showing from James Spragg. Yep there was some flair on show.

With a decent clutch of competency on display, this race was going to take some winning. Circuits like this are always best ridden from the front, so from the start I made my way towards the head of affairs where I could stay out of trouble and see what was going on. It was a good, stiff pace from the start as people took turns testing the mettle of the bunch. A damp surface made for some interesting cornering as we all sought to find grip levels on the tricky final cobbled corner; whilst at the top of the high street double manhole covers meant lines had to be carefully considered. The other bend was where it was most interesting to me; downhill, slightly off camber and offering almost limitless lines… much fun could be had by all.

After some exploratory moves from the likes of Spragg, Junior Heffernan (Pendragon), Phil Borrett (Team Tor 2000), Duguid and James Smith (Primal Europe) a pattern was starting to emerge. You could seemingly get a gap on the bunch OK, but nothing could really get established. I had a crack myself and immediately it became obvious what was going on. As you turned right at the top of the hill you were presented with a mighty headwind for the downhill section to the fast corner. If you’ve jumped away on the climb, you have to bury yourself into the headwind only to start it all again for the next lap; there was simply no rest. Comparatively, because of the wind, downhill and corner, those in the group couldn’t help but get a nice chunk of recovery every lap. With that in mind, this was going to be raced from the rear; more a case of who couldn’t hack it rather than who could force their hand on the front.

I’ll get straight to the sharp end of the race as on reflection not a lot happened in the meantime. George Pym (Exeter Wheelers) took the opportunity to fall off for the second time in 4 days, I (amongst others) had a puncture, and I’m sure some other stuff happened too, but really, everyone was waiting for the finale. It was actually the penultimate lap when the decisive action took place. I am not sure if it was Richard Mardle (Felt) or Adam Bright (Revo) who was turning the screw on the front, but crucially Luke Gray (Hargroves) let the wheel go and suddenly these two had a gap. Lee Smith (Felt) was next man in line and with his team mate rapidly scurrying away he wasn’t too keen on closing the gap. Bayton (Wilier) reluctantly took the reins and pushed it into the final lap, but at the top of the hill last lap, he knew that to push on into the headwind meant the end of his race, so the group stalled, and it would be a two way gallop for the win.

Taking top spoils and the opportunity to stick his arms into the air to an appreciative crowd was Adam Bright (Revo). Adam had raced well, always near the front, always looking on it; he delivered on the many hours of hard effort I know he put in last winter. I am hoping this will be a break through win for Adam as I believe there is a little diamond in the making there. Richard Mardle took a solid second place for Felt, but you couldn’t help think the men in black had come for more.

Behind, Spragg sacrificed himself to try and close the gap to the two ahead. In doing so he finally split the race that had previously stuck together so determinedly with a group of 7 sprinting out for the remaining podium spot. It was a tight sprint too, taken by Lee Smith (Felt) less than half a wheel from myself and Justin Hoy who were mighty close. So close in fact that from a photo taken 20cm before the line I was blatantly fourth, but by the line the judges unanimously had Justin in front. I am not entirely convinced but it didn’t really matter.

All told a great afternoons biking. Personally one full of ifs and buts, but really, the key take away was the question; why can’t racing be more like this more often? If Totnes can close a town for a race like this, surely other towns can too?  Thanks to Mid Devon for a brilliant promotion again.

James Williams.

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