Open 3/4

Matthew Pudduck (Portsmouth North End CC), Jack Bartholomew (Stolen Goat RT), and Noah Gould (TrainSharp Roman RT) fronting the 29-rider strong peloton.

It couldn't have been more than a fraction of a degree above zero at the start of the 3/4 race. Yet, neither riders nor spectators were deterred! Supporters dotted the velodrome steps, and kids cheering on their dads could be heard across the track. It created a fantastic atmosphere and proved that winter racing has its appeal. Everyone was eager for entertainment, and we got it.

Martin Gibbs (Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys) and Omar Malik (Southborough & District Wheelers) setting the early pace.

As the peloton warmed up, riders started to make their intentions known. Attacks soon followed.

Foreground, the attentive Chris Spencer (Paceline RT), consistently responding to any breakaway efforts. Riding the blue line Ethan Walsh (Wolfox CAMS Le Col RT) shone brightly early on with multiple attacks. Steven Nicholson (Portsmouth North End CC), in new club colours, finding the wheels.

Michael Stanley (Dulwich Paragon) seized an opportunity. Ethan Heather (Festival Road Club) attempts to close the gap.

With the peloton a little stretched, Michael Stanley made a solo move and glided off the front almost effortlessly. Behind, individual tactics began to change; no panic yet.

Noah Gould led the efforts, followed closely by a primed Rahul Fortesque Talwar, moments before an unfortunate mechanical. Well-positioned Omar Malik and Portsmouth North End CC teammates formed the pointy end of the peloton.

The difference a few laps make.

Within 15 minutes and after some strong laps, Michael Stanley had gained a lead of nearly half a lap.

Omar Malik taking a measured turn, leaving the solo rider dangling out front.

The gap between the solo rider and the peloton started to ebb and flow. The peloton, without any organised team work, began to close in, surge by surge.

Everyone has their own race objectives.

Simon Williams (VCGH) and Sam Crofts (Crawley Wheelers) working hard in the peloton

Time to go! It was a matter of when not if. Marek Shafer (Brighton Mitre) makes his move with 20 minutes remaining. The alert Chris Spencer, Cesare Masset (Brighton Mitre), and Richard Moult (Sussex Revolution) in tow, sensing a breakaway.

Race #1 winner, Marek Shafer, a rider to be watched, employed a different strategy this time around, perhaps mindful of his doubling up of races with the E123s. Perhaps, this time, it’s the fun of the chase! The tiring effort of a solo lead rider played to Marek's advantage, and the gap quickly disappeared. Within a lap, Marek was at the front of the race.

Jack Bartholomew, Noah Gould, and Omar Malik closing gaps.

Richard Moult (Sussex Revolution) and Nathan Cozens (Brighton Mitre), regular Preston Park protagonists, were animating the leading group, with Chris Spencer never far away. Michael Stanley was eventually absorbed by the leading group.

For some, not wanting to hold out for the sprint, the group was too big. Inevitably, the pace increased, and the attacks became frequent.

The breakaway forms. Rich Moult, Michael Stanley (using last reserves), Chris Spencer, Marek Schafer, and Omar Malik, take turns keeping the breakaway clear. Nathan and Jack (not pictured) were still in with a shout with a couple of laps to go.

In the final lap, Marek Shafer timed his sprint perfectly to secure his second win in a row, this time by a few seconds.

The sprint finish for 2nd was close, with Omar Malik taking it by a photo and with a chip time difference of 0.01 seconds! Chris Spencer claimed 3rd.
Nathan Cozens, Richard Moult and Jack Bartholomew sprinted for 4th, 5th and 6th places respectively, with Michael Stanley, after a solo break, could do no more, sitting up for 7th.
The fractured peloton scrapped it out for the remaing places in the top ten.

Provisional top ten:

Marek Shafer, Brighton Mitre
Omar Malik, Southborough & District Wheelers
Chris Spencer, Paceline RT
Nathan Cozens, Brighton Mitre
Richard Moult, Sussex Revolution
Jack Bartholomew, Stolen Goat RT
Michael Stanley, Dulwich Paragon
Harrison Clark, Southdown Velo
Martin Gibbs, Strada Wheel RT-Lucensys
Noah Gould, TrainSharp Roman RT

Open E123

George Cory (British Cycling Commissaire) briefing the E123 riders, and perhaps showing a little neck buff envy.

When there are 17 E123 riders on the start line at Preston Park, we know it will be the race of the day. When, after 64 laps, our race timing expert says 'We never do 64 laps!', we know it was fast!

If you want to ride fast, ride with fast people. Three riders doubled up from the 3/4's: first race winner Marek Shafer (Brighton Mitre), Omar Malik (Southborough & District Wheelers), and the resilient Ethan Heather (Festival Road Club).

No surprise—first lap, first attack. Race #1 winner Alwyn sets the mood, and it's not long before everyone wants to joins in.

Jacob James (Wolfox CAMS Le Col RT) made one of the many early moves in the opening laps. While no efforts stuck, it was only a matter of time before one did.

Isaac Wright (Strada Wheel RT-Lucensys) enjoying a peloton splitting effort.

Some of the main protagonists were caught slightly off guard, expending energy to get back on.

Jacob Arnell (Southborough & District Wheelers), a regular at the front, dishes out the pain. Rory Barrett (Southborough & District Wheelers), Isaac Wright, and Alwyn Frank are taking the punishment. Two groups are beginning to form as the lead breakaway starts to pull away from the scattered peloton.

Hang on if you can! A perfectly executed breakaway paceline with Preston Park regular Bob Lovett (Strada Wheels RT-Lucentsys) at the rear, a lap down, respectfully riding taxi.

Breakaway riders Jacob Arnell, John Tindle (Brighton Mitre) second wheel, James Summerfield (Trash Mile), Isaac Wright, and hidden among them Alwyn Frank raced through and off to gain ground on the peloton. When almost a lap up, they bided their time before riding through.