Before his training camp in Mallorca, Dean Cummings travelled to Worcestershire to compete in his second road race of the season. The Echelon Cycles – Percy Stallard RR (British Masters) took place on the Welland course in the Malvern Hills, 3 circuits of a 16 mile course with 49 miles total distance. As with much of our Spring the temperature was cool but it was sunny with a light breeze.
The start was largely steady with a couple of early attacks, a rider from Nottingham riding of the front with no organised chase. Most riders were keeping a close eye on former pro-rider Mike Twelves, every move he made was quickly jumped upon by the pack. The peleton were still in a bunch at the end of Lap 1.
Further attacks of the front caused the peleton to string out towards the end of Lap 2, working hard Dean managed to stay with the main group as the peleton all crossed the line together. Keen not to be caught out by a surprise break Dean maintained a position at around 6th in the pack for the final Lap. A second rider took a chance and broke away on a lone chase and with 7 miles to go the leading rider had over 3 minutes on the bunch. Sitting in 6th or 7th position on the last left hand bend Dean maintained his spot, but with a sprint looming for 3rd position on the long straight drag on Castlemorton Common the pace increased to a full gas race to the line.
With thoughts of his Mallorca training camp coming up, Dean was wary of the dangers of the sprint and eased of with 20 metres to go. This was a well organised event eventually won by most people’s favourite Mike Twelves. Dean finished just seconds behind the bunch in a time of 2hrs 04mins for the 49 miles, an average speed of 24mph.
