The time trials have kicked off and on Tuesday 17th March it was the start of the road race program for Hull Thursday’s Racing Team at a cold and damp York Sport.

There were two races on offer with a 4th cat race including Shaun Nicholson, Matt Johnson and Josh Ravn, who was entering his first ever road race. This was to be followed by a 2/3/4 with Will Thomas and Danny Posnett. On soigneur duty was me (Mark Walker) and Neil Dean.

As it was his first race, the nerves were evident for young Josh. I felt I had to ring him the day before to help calm the nerves down and assure him he’d be just fine. Its completely understandable of course, as I was just the same when it was my first race all those years ago.

We arrived slightly later than planned due to traffic but still had a good 3/4’s of an hour to prepare. Josh had to get his gears sorted due to the restrictions imposed on juniors. Unfortunately the top gear he had set was just agonisingly too big, meaning he had to reset the gears there and then. He eventually got his gears sorted and was out on course to warm up.

4th Cat RaceJosh was then joined on the course by Shaun on his sparkling new bike and Matt, who was racing in a bunch for the first time since his nasty accident last July.

 

 

 

After a briefing from the commissaire, the race was on and for the first few laps the team impressed. Shaun was in about 5th wheel with Josh glued to his wheel and Matt not far behind. Matt was clearly on fine form as he attacked around the midway point after crossing the start and finish line. I think the attack was as much an attempt to get some good video footage for his coursework as it was for a race-defining move. Whatever its intention, it was impressive and he instantly gained a gap on the bunch.

Unfortunately the bunch weren’t willing to play ball and reeled him in. No more attacks at this point, but the boys were still close to the front.

However, nearing the finish all 3 where at, or very close to, the rear of the bunch. I was gesticulating for them to move up, as was Will (with much more effect I must say) who was watching in advance of his race. Matt and Josh did move up a few places but Shaun was struggling. There was then a split which looked to have caught out Matt and Shaun. Matt recovered well to gain his place near the front, but Shaun couldn’t quite make it and was dropped with just 5 laps remaining. He carried on valiantly though and didn’t give up.

Now we were onto the last lap and Josh was in a decent position but still a tad too far behind. Matt had a lot of work to do if he was to challenge for the win, but he was up for the fight. Overtaking a number of riders to get himself back up to Josh with half a lap to go.

 

When the sprint came there was a group of two who had pushed on with the rest about 5 seconds in arrears. Josh, on the right hand side, snuck through passed a number of riders to take what we thought was 11th place. Matt wasn’t far behind in around 20th position.

 

However, when the official results came out Josh was told he had come 10th and in the points. It was a fantastic achievement seen as it was his first race and in such hazardous wet conditions. Unfortunately this wasn’t the end of the matter. Josh had not signed on properly, due to him only signing one of the two forms, and his points position was in jeopardy. It was an easy mistake to make and how was a junior who’d never raced before expected to know to sign two forms if no one had told him!?

 

Fortunately common sense prevailed and a kind-hearted BC commissaire allowed him his position and the result stood. Josh had taken HTRT’s first point of the season. A month ahead of schedule in comparison to last year.

 

 

 

2/3/4 Race

 

After the drama of the 4th cat race, came the 2/3/4. The big guns of Will and Danny took part looking to follow on from the success in the earlier event.

 

Unfortunately for Will, success was hard to come by, as his chain snapped only 3 laps into the race causing him to fall. No-one else came down with him and he was able to get up relatively unscathed. Unfortunately his new team kit, only purchased the Sunday before, was in a bit of a state and his bike had a few scratches. It could have been worse, however.

 

That left just Danny from HTRT in the race. Unfortunately Danny’s a little low on confidence at the moment with his cornering due to a recent fall. This, combined with the wet surface and technical nature would cause him some problems. However he defied all of this to move right to the front and lead for a lap or two around the midway point. He seemed to be grasping the corners better too. But no sooner was he at the front then he was at the back again. The nature of a circuit like York invites some kamikaze riding in the corners and with bigger objectives up ahead I’m sure Danny thought it wasn’t worth the risk.

 

In the end the event was won by two 3RT lads who absolutely dominated the event. They won by attacking early on and just team time trialling there way round. It was impressive to watch them lap after lap. In the end you could only tell who was who by their helmet choice. So when they split it was the rider wearing the Giro Air Attack helmet taking victory ahead of the rider with the Specialized Evade – not a good advert for Specialized I must say as all there other equipment matched.

 

Danny trailed in at the rear of the bunch in what was a strange race for him. I knew this race wasn’t a big target for him in any shape or form, but I think he thought that he should of done better once the race started. He shouldn’t beat himself up about it, as circumstances made it difficult for him and a fall could have ruined everything. I’m certain now i’ll be reporting a win from him in the not too distant future. You heard it hear first folks.

 

So overall a mixed night for our riders, but the final thought should be reserved for Josh. He’s been a breath of fresh air since he joined late last year and he’s just getting better and better. His 10th place was no less than he deserved & now he’s got the confidence, and a bit of experience, I can’t wait to see how he fares in the next few events.

 

Mark Walker
HTRC Road Race Secretary