14th May 24 – P841r – results

Well, that was different. The forecast rain from the previous day & overnight cleared away earlier than expected. At one point we wondered if we could run the event as some roadworks appeared in Funtington, fortunately they cleared away very quickly. Checking the weather apps there was still showers all about. Still, it was dry as the signs were put out and riders signed on.

Out on the course, the strong easterly made me glad for changing that deep section front wheel out for something more managable. It was a quick rideout/warmup to the start. Clothing choices were tricky, it was going to be a hard slog into that easterly so very quick to get warm, however, generally it was a little too cool to warm up in just race kit. 13 riders lined up for the start ready to battle the elements.

The showers made themselves known before the last rider was set off, light rain, enough to dampen the roads and fog up visors. One rider felt he needed to stop and remove the visor so he could see, others managed. It certainly made reading the data output on the computer virtually impossible. Fortunately, the heavy showers avoided our course and we all rode without incident.

The tailwind on the return leg was most welcome following that hard slog out, although hardly noticable in the tree lined sections, it allowed a good speed boost in the open sections, partially countering the drag from the outward leg.

Well done to Matt for taking the win, showing that perhaps the rest of us need to reconsider our aerodynamics!

Many thanks go to the organisers & time keepers and caterers for the most welcome refreshments.