Northants Cycle Racing Association Spring Handicap Series
by Dave Birch ( Race Organiser)
It was fine and sunny for the first race of the Northants Cycle Racing Association Spring Handicap Series. A full field of 60 riders contested the 30 mile race over three laps of the Middleton circuit. A strong scratch group reached the head of the field on the last lap and a group of 20 fought out the final sprint with the winner being Elite rider Raphael Deinhart of Cyclepremier-Metaltek RT. Third category rider Paul Bennett of Melton Olympic was second and 2nd category rider Brett Harwood of I-bikes RT in third place.
Result
1. Raphael Deinhart, Cyclepremier-Metaltek RT
2. Paul Bennett, Melton Olympic
3. Brett Harwood, I-bikes RT
4. Duncan Thorp, Team MK,
5. Mark Botteley, Bourne Wheelers,
6. Phil Rayner, Welland Valley CC,
7. Matt Barrett, Team Raleigh Avanti,
8. Tom Sexton, Welland Valley CC,
9. Dave Palmer, Cycling Bargains.com RT
10. Paul Lilley, Fenland Clarion CC.
With a strong Welland Valley contingent enjoying the days racing Ray Taylor and John Taylor made a brave bid for victory with 6 miles to go. Their attack was nullified as the chasing pack gathered speed as the finish approached.
Phil Rayner, Tom Sexton, Vic Barnett and John Taylor contested the final dash for the finish line.
Close behind was Andrew Ayears, Alex Fry, Paul Rothe, Martyn Brown, Ray Taylor, Nick Horder, Stuart Dawkins, Nick Clarke, Lawrence Cox and Mitch James.