Back on top of his game

Hitchin Nomads 25 - 04/06/2006 - F1/25B - Bedfordshire

After the disappointing windy conditions of the Saturday afternoon 10, Jon had an early start on the Sunday on Bedfordshire as he rode the tougher F1/b course in the Hitchin Nomads 25.

After the disappointment of Saturday, Jon was out to make a mends on Sunday and set about the task with some vigour as he headed South from Baldock towards the turn at the junction of the A1(M). Despite feeling a little stiff from Saturday, Jon was moving well pushing a big gear of 57x12. Coming out of the turn to re-join the A1 Northbound, Jon was on for a good ride as he exited the turn at 28mins. A bagging cross head wind didn’t slow Jon down until he reached Baldock Hill which reduced his speed to a crawl but he was soon back up to speed once over the top and heading towards Sandy. Jon reached the 20 mile point in 41 mins and then started to raise his effort as the finish came into sight. A group of onlookers where situated at the side of the road near the finish and Jon made an all out effort for the finish only to realise it was a few metres further on from where the onlookers were stood. Raising his effort for one final leap to the finish Jon crossed the line in a great time of 53.22.

The false finish cost Jon dearly as Rob English (AW Cycles) finished in a time of 53.21 to pip Jon to 2nd spot by a single second. Making a weekend double, event winner was Sam Barker (API Metrow) who was only 50 seconds quicker than Jon in a time of 52.32