George Samuel Memorial Hove Park Crits
Cat 2/3 Race
The sun started to poke its face out from in between the clouds as the near to capacity field lined up for the 2/3 race. The movers and shakers from the last couple of years were all ready and willing – the big hitters included Stuart Bettis (Southdowns Bikes), Phil Glowinski and Jules Birks (VC Londres). Throwing their cycling caps into the mix were Brighton strong men Mike Coyle and Ian Robbins. Paul Flynn (Pivot Boompods) was also ready to stake his claim on the series title.
From the gun Stuart Bettis showed a clean pair of wheels and indicated that his recent appearance at the Ras had given him some good form – he held the animated bunch at bay for a few laps until the strong guys brought him back into the fold. The pace was high right from the off with riders being blown out the back on the first couple of laps.
One of the highlights of the 2/3 races are the primes that are peppered throughout the night. These often blow the race apart as prime points count towards the overall series classification. This proved no exception tonight as Ian Robins (Brighton Mitre) took prime 1 ahead of Glowinski and Birks with the race behind splitting up as a result of the surge in pace.
Mark Smith from Crawley Wheelers enjoyed a brief moment of glory before the sprint for prime 2 saw the race step up yet another a gear. Once again Robins took the points ahead of Zak Corum-Haines (VC Jubilee) and Mark Smith (Crawley Wheelers). This trio tried to make the gap stick but the bunch wasn’t letting it get too dangerous and determined efforts at the head of the bunch saw riders burying themselves to bridge gaps or merely survive. Unfortunately Bettis had not recovered from his exertions at the Ras and called it a day. Ian Robins suffered his second puncture of the evening and also had to retire from the race.
Meanwhile Mike Coyle (Brighton Mitre) decided it was time to make his move and bridge the gap to join the small group of escapees which now included Daniel Tullet (Specialized Racing), Paul Flynn (Pivot Boompods) and Corum-Haines (VC Jubilee). This was set to be the race winning break with the rest of the bunch settling into survival mode as this group wasn’t coming back.
Prime 3 saw Tullett claim max points followed by Flyn and Coyle. Unfortunately for Flyn a wheel slip saw him come off and when he rejoined the race he was in no man’s land fighting for 4th place on the road.
With the 5 laps board about to be flashed up the bunch splintered yet again but there was no hope of the now leading trio being caught.
Tullet took a long one and flew up the drag towards the finish line to claim the win with Coyle not far behind. Corum-Haines secured third spot in an excellent display from the young and talented rider.
Paul Flyn held on to his 4th spot and challengers for the overall series title Glowinski and Birks bagged 5th and 6th position respectively.
There was no denying that this was a corker of a race and the gauntlet was thrown down by all the riders who want the 2014 series title. If the rest of the 2/3 races are like this then it will be a summer of action packed racing at Hove Park. We’re looking forward to race 2 in the series on the 9th May.
The organisers would like to extend their thanks to all the riders who came to support this event and also to all the volunteers who step up and help to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Finally, in response to a number of enquiries from female racers we have added a women’s only race to the series. This will take place as part of the evening’s programme on the 13th June. See you there!
Cat 2/3 Results
1. Daniel Tulett (Specialized Racing)
2. Michael Coyle (Brighton Mitre)
3. Zak Corum-Haines (VC Jubilee)
4. Paul Flynn (Pivot Boompods)
5. Jules Birks (VC Londres)
6. Phil Glowinski (VC Londres)
7. Jon Cannings (i-Ride.co.uk)
8. James Plumb (i-Ride.co.uk)
9. Mark Smith (Crawley Wheelers)
10. Jason Edwards (Private Member)
11. Jed Williamson (Brighton Mitre)
12. Luke Farren (Brighton Mitre)
13. Elliott Lipski (VC Elan)
14. Rupert Robinson (Crawley Wheelers)
15. Paul Barnard (Southdowns Bikes)
16. Ian Leeding (Norwood Paragon)
17. Matthew Reid (Sussex Nomads)
18. Barnaby Kennard (Sussex Nomads)
19. Simon Parker (Crawley Wheelers)
20. Douglas Fox (Crawley Wheelers)
DNF Sam Cheesman (ASL 360)
DNF Stuart Bettis (Southdowns Bikes)
DNF Alec Briggs (Rollapaluza)
DNF Matt Farren (Brighton Mitre)
DNF Will Thomas (Brighton Mitre)
DNF Ian Robins (Brighton Mitre)
DNF Daniel Clark (Brighton Mitre)
DNF Steve Willis (In-Gear)
DNF John Pears (Crawley Wheelers)
DNF Gareth Thyer (Lanhydrock Wheelers)
Overall Points Standings after Race 1
1. Daniel Tulett (Specialized Racing)……….21 pts
2. Michael Coyle (Brighton Mitre)……………14 pts
2. Zak Corum-Haines (VC Jubilee)…………14 pts
4. Paul Flynn (Pivot Boompods)……………..12 pts
4. Ian Robins (Brighton Mitre)………………..12 pts
6. Phil Glowinski (VC Londres)……………….9 pts
7. Jules Birks (VC Londres)…………………..8 pts
8. Jon Cannings (i-Ride.co.uk)……………….4 pts
9. James Plumb (i-Ride.co.uk)………………..3 pts
9. Mark Smith (Crawley Wheelers)……………3 pts
