Another regular event in the LVRC Calendar this 48 mile route is broken down into three laps of 16 miles. It is known as the Welland Circuit, after one of the villages on the course, which is in the shadows of the Malvern Hills. All the riders expected a fast pace but that was likely to take its toll because of the strong easterly wind. The course wends its way through agricultural countryside with hedges providing the occasional shelter from the wind. In other areas these same hedges would create “head-wind tunnels“ for the riders to contend with.
The first lap went well for retired policeman Dean Cummings and all riders were together after a few attacks were pulled back. As the bunch travelled along the open common road the cross wind caused a split in the Bunch. Dean chased back taking several riders with him and managed to get back on before the start of the 3rd and final lap.
The pace quickened and Dean knew he would pay for his efforts on the previous lap. As the final miles came he could feel the fatigue his legs. As the riders negotiated the final bend onto the common road into a now strong head/cross wind the bunch kicked. Digging in to stay with the front-runners Dean managed to finish 23rd for a second time. However, this put him into an excellent 10th in his age group.
For the “Statos” amongst the readers Dean completed the 48.58 miles in 2hrs 6min with an average speed of 23.1mph. His average power output was 213w with a maximum of 742 watts.
