Stainlands 7
Sunday September 5th.
Too many people had told me that this was the race they were going to pick-up the points they needed, I feared we were going to be disappointed. As soon as you left the M62 it became clear, as the organiser admitted with a grin, that 'undulating' was a euphemism. The first 11/2 miles was steep downhill, then, after a steady 4 mile climb, came two long much steeper hills until, finally, a gentle downhill finish. The reward for the 50 minute drive and the toughest race so far was, despite my forebodings, points; only 24 Wilmslow vests and no Group 1. Frustrating for Richard, who was there but injured
It was a bit of a pensioners' day-out; Andy was 9th , Mick 13th. and Tony 17th with the recovering Nick getting amongst them at 15th . Andy was first M60.
Names on the 2010 T-shirt and mug increased to 45; Mick Fairs, Pete Stock, Chris Watts, Patrick Grannan, Janine Ellis and Carolyn Hirons. The 2009 record of 49 looks sure to be beaten. At the same time Stuart Parrott, Trevor Morris, Bill Heaton, Jon Bale, Amanda Bradbury, Sue Strang and Carla Owen, were, with only four races left, eliminated.
Almost everyone who ran improved their score but few sufficiently to change the order. Mick is now on the leader-board at 7th. Nick overtook Clare but Pete jumped to one place above him at 14th. Christine expunged her 'no vest' at the Spring 5 climbing above Sarah and Kate to share third girl in the main table with Clare. Chris Watts jumped to 20th. Chris Cannon dropped Angela and Andrew with whom he'd been tied . Patrick jumped up to 23rd., Janine to 25th. and Carolyn to 45th.
The top 6 reads; Damian, Graham, Tom, Tony, Rob Gilbert and Steve Smith.
Louise 1st.F35, Nicky 1st.F50, Janine, Christine and Nina led the ladies. Louise thereby completed the mathematical formalities and is convincing 2010 champion.
Christine moves above Sarah and Kate into 4th. position. Janine, completing her qualifying races, is now 7th. Nina overtakes Sharon for 11th. Carolyn goes up to 17th.
The top 6 reads; Louise, Katy, Clare, Christine, Sarah and Kate.
Andy, Tony, Louise, Pete, Paul Norris, Ed and Paul Garnett led a large Group 3/4 contingent (there were no easy 3/4 points). The French were less well represented, George Livesey was the first finisher.
Pete and Chris, completing their seven races, jump to 9th. and 15th. Christine moves level with Clare at 10th. Patrick and Janine join Angela, James and Ian in the relegation zone.
The top 6 reads; Steve, Tony, Louise, Richard, Mathew and Gareth.
Owen's second 60 points of the Series edge him four points above Andrew and five above Penny in the League 5/6 title race but John is expected to be back for Gawsworth and 58 points will guarantee that he's in top spot in a week's time.
Chris was second then a brilliant sprint finish by Nina took her past Peter, who was prematurely relaxing, a good day's work, he thought, complete. Pete had his compensation, 1st.M65. Carolyn proved too strong a climber for Roy but he managed to shake-off the attentions of Gail. Elspeth and Kate completed the 24. Martin, a stone heavier, can't wait to be back amongst them.
The top 6 reads; Owen, Andy, Penny, Chris, Huma and Sharon. Rod is next (equal with Simon), he's hoping to get his pace-maker turbo-charged this week and re-join the fray.
Gawsworth should be an easier run but, with numbers likely to be nearer 40, for those already qualified eking-out any extra points might prove tougher than the Stainland hills. Rob Downs, Peter Bannister, Sally Gilliver, Jane Mulryan and Helen Crews are under the threat of the guillotine.
Ian
So I endured all that pain to move into the relegation zone!! I should have stayed in bed…..
I am struggling to walk properly today after those hills, but enjoyed the race a lot (in a really strange kind of way!)