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