This is fast 145km race on rolling roads. With no real climbs to force selection it’s a tricky race tactically. Several strong breaks were reeled back in by the hard chasing bunch, before a 12 rider group finally escaped. This group had enough of the strongest riders in the field to build a 3 minute gap on the bunch. Unlucky timing saw Joe miss the final split (as he came back to the team car) as 3 riders got away, leaving Joe frustrated with an uncommitted chase group seemingly content to ride for 4th place. Joe managed to jump away and take 4th place. A good result,but the chance to win had frustratingly slipped away.
Joe raced the following day at The John Walker Memorial race in Bedfordshire. Another rolling/flat race, in windy conditions wasn’t ideal for Joe, but he finished 3rd, underlining his great form at the moment.
