Stuff me! That was brilliant!
Sunday night saw the first Criterium racing in Crawley, organised by
Crawley Cycling Club and Crawley Wheelers.
This was the proper deal, closed roads, barriers, manic commentary,
sharp bends, prizes, crashes.
Prizes were presented by Sean Yates, who lives nearby and was also
competing in the Elite/1/2 race (got shelled out the back though).
The evening kicked off with Novice/Under 10/12/14, followed by the
Under 16. This was nailbiting enough, as the places were thrashed out
after Andrew Griffiths (Lee Valley Youth CC) went 30s clear.
I missed the 3/4/Women/Junior event as I had to pop home. But with
the racing only 5 minutes from my house, I was back for the top of the
bill Elite/1/2.
Malcolm Elliot (Pinarello) was first, snatching a win on the final lap
after the lead had been held for what seemed like forever by Tom Smith
(Prestige VC.com) and Jamie Norfolk (Giant Racing). My heart was in
my mouth as they powered down the home straight, my hands banging on
the barriers (just like on the telly).
Great stuff. If you get a chance to see crits in your town, take it.
Big thanks to the event sponsors (Evans Cycles, BAA) and Crawley
Borough Council. Oh and to Crawley Cycling Club and Crawley Wheelers
for getting it done.
Tim