Sunday February 7th.
Alsager has never been the most popular race. At this time of year those who are not concentrating on London are focused on Wilmslow, everyone wants mileage. In the past the requirement to put out teams for the Grand Prix has driven-up numbers but in the major re-jig this year Alsager is one of the traditional races to be excluded. In addition the combination of a quality field and a tight start has resulted in fallers and last year, I understand, it was more like the Grand National than a Grand Prix.
My trip down the sewer cost me four weeks running and the Four Villages, so I needed a race and I'm travelling in the fortnight prior to Wilmslow, so mileage is not my priority.
Wilmslow vests were thin on the ground. It was still and dry, the sun had threatened to break-through but gave-up, a cool 3o.
The start looked to be clean, I saw no fallers, and, once you are away, this is a fast course.
138 Mick Fairs 30:45 1st.M60
373 Ian Ashcroft 36:29 15th. M60
428 Mathew Atkinson 37:47
458 Owen Ashcroft 38:30
949 finished
Mick was reasonably happy, if not excited, by a performance down on last year. Near the finished he was overtaken by a runner who, also, did not look to be in the first flush of youth, so Mick gave everything in a sprint finish. The results show his efforts were rewarded; first M60 by one second. A superb performance in a quality field. Owen and I were disappointed by our times. Matt is racing regularly but is not yet back to his early promise.
Vocal support from Nina and Paul much appreciated.
Ian