Racing
LRNSC Race No1 Hayes Cycle Circuit 11th May 2008
Here, subject to the usual protests etc, are the results of the first race.
It was a really good race, with a high quality field turning up (at the last minute!), much augmented by the RAF and LRNSC's new European members.
It was notable for the fact that both distances were won outright by ladies. Judging by the fast times this was not the result of the men giving any quarter but of fine performances by the girls.
The weather played a part, with the temperature close to 30 degrees and a brisk wind aiding dehydration and resulting in quite a few realising that 7.5k was a better idea than 15k!
The lead bunch of 5 circled the track together somewhat tactically, aware of the NE headwind making it hard going up the long climb. Even so they were keeping up an impressive speed, close to 30k per hour. There was nothing between them until the final lap, when some small gaps opened up. In the closest finish for some time, Karolina Bicova, of LRNSC and Liberec, just pipped Adam Guzda, LRNSC's newest member, to the line. Close behind were Carl Carrier of the RAF and Ivan Gorbenko one of the club's Russian guests and Alan Eason, slipping in a quick visit to Hayes before heading down under for the winter.
The 7.5k race was won convincingly by Yvonne Jacobs, a relative newcomer to roller ski racing, from the Iain Ballentine stable. Second place also went to a female competitior (c'mon guys!) Annabel Bacon of the RAF, who finished just ahead of Jay Hanna, also RAF.
So it was a good start to the roller ski season. I look forward to an equally competitive double pursuit race on the 22 June. I have received a request to accommodate the RAF squad, who don't generally do classic so want to do an all skating race. We will work something out, watch this space.
Christopher
Results 11 May 2008
Leading group approaching the top of the hill at Hayes 11th May 2008, Karolina Bicova of LRNSC and Liberec in the lead followed by Alan Eason, Adam Guzda, Carl Carrier, and Ivan Gorbenko.
Ready to start the race Hayes 11th May 2008 (not all managed to finish!)
See the results of LRNSC skiers in WorldLoppet and Euroloppet races in 2008.
http://www.escnordic.org.uk/loppets/loppetchallenge.pdf
Race entry form for the LRNSC Rollerski Series 2008.
Results of Miyasama Ski Marathon - Biei, Hokkaido, Japan
February 2008