Nationals Road Champs

114Km race over 4.5 laps.

Nothing much to say about the first small lap. Just sat in. Second lap still hanging around the back of the bunch. Chris G did put in a bit of a effort up the climb and I followed him... Did not come to anything though. There was a break away including Manu early on that no one payed too much attention to...

The third lap and I tried to do a bit of work but nobody else really interested so sat back. It was funny how often I ended up on the front though doing nothing... Up the climb Scott A put in a bit of an effort this time and I passed him towards the end of the climb but still nothing came of it... everyone back together just after the top.

On the forth lap there was a bit of interest in closing down the break away. We did it quite easily in the end once I started the effort and close it down in about 5km. Up the climb it was my turn to but the gas on. Got a small gap and pushed it over the top although all back together a bit further along. Was taking some bigger turns on the front when I got attacked by Paul B. Not much fun. Quite a few attacks went in at this point. Up to the finish Scott A put down the hammer and things got really unpleasant. Thankfully all OK by end of lap.

Last lap there were plenty of attacks over first 10km. I think Scott A, Chris G - which I tried to go with - someone from Morrinsville, and Counties-Manukau... it all settled down for a bit. Then someone from Counties attacked, I was close to the front but there were two Counties guys too and they just let him go. No one else was interested either. I tried lapping it out a couple of times and getting people interested in the chase but to no avail... We turned the corner and with about 15Km to go headed up a gradual climb. I came through for my turn but instead of pulling over to the right just stayed to the left. No one jumped on my wheel and I just quietly rode off the front... Very strange after a couple of minutes I looked back and still no one. I just slightly increased the effort and slowly got further ahead. Then I put in a bigger effort to catch the guy in front. Caught him just before left turn and down to start of main climb. Nailed the next climb nearly dropping the Counties guy, and we carried on not daring to look back... The pace really went on and I was struggling to hold it. Deon N (as it turned out to be) was in good shape on the flat and was able to take a couple of bigger turns to help me get back. I took some turns and we stayed away! Amazing! The last 2Km was the start of gentle climb up to finish. I took the lead and tried to drop Deon N, it nearly worked but I just did not have enough... Deon N got the sprint... Oh well, but really pleased we managed to stay away. :) GREAT RACE one of the best.