Saturday we were near Leicester for the EMRRL RR, 145km on undulating roads.
After much attacking by the lads, Liam escaped in 10 rider break. The group worked well sharing the work. With 15km to go Jacob Tipper of Brother NRG and another Spirit Tifosi rider (3 in total) made it across to the leaders.
Tipper was the favourite to win if the group stayed together for a sprint. I instructed Liam to attack with 10km to go making sure 1 of the Spirit Tifosi riders went with him. This would ensure they wouldn’t chase.
Liam attacked but the move didn’t stick. In the final few kms the group lost 2 riders, but came down to a sprint. Liam was 5th, Charlie 10th, Joe 14th.
Sunday took us to Carlisle for The Hadrian’s Wall RR, 120km on constantly up and down roads. Joe won the race in 2016, so we were confident that even with the previous days race in his legs he’d do well.
An early move of 4 riders got away. I had told the lads not to go with any early moves unless they contained at least 8 riders. 1 of the riders was quickly dropped from the break. With only 3 riders and many strong riders behind it was not likley the 3 could stay away. However, inspite of 1 of the 3 losing contact, the now 2 leaders managed to hang on to the finish with a slender lead over a 7 man group lead by Joe. Joe finished 3rd, Charlie 15th.
Charlie rode incredibly well in support of Joe, showing how he has progressed the last 2 months after an difficult up and down season.
*photo credit S. Hooper.