On a sunny and warm day in the middle of May, Committee Member, Dean Cummings made the familiar journey to Worcestershire to compete in the LVRC National C/D Road Race. This event attracts a quality field headed by former British Squad member Andy Eagers. One familiar face for Dean to pass the time of day with before the start was, former member John Hughes.
Given the quality of the riders it was no surprise that the pace was fast from the off, headed by Eagers. Ambulance driver Dean sat in the bunch in an attempt to conserve energy. The route followed the busy A443 trunk road before the riders took a sharp left onto the one mile climb. This split the field as they crossed the Start/Finish line and Dean was dropped by the blistering pace. Though he chased for the 11 mile lap he decided to pack at the next climb up the hill feeling the busy A443 was too dangerous for a lone rider. Andy Eagers went on to win with a solo break away. Though very disappointed with the result on the day Dean is looking forward to returning to the event next year.
For those of you who like to know these things Dean rode 22.5 miles at an average of 20.09. Maximum speed was 43.5mph and average power output was 225 with a maximum of 786. Well done Dean
Following his disappointment the previous week ex-policeman Dean Cummings retraced his steps to return to Worcestershire to ride the LRVC Sevale Road Race on the popular Welland circuit. As with all these route in the west of the county there are narrow country roads and hills which rise towards the Malverns. There is never an easy circuit. Dean turned up with high hopes to be able to compete in the sprint on a sunny but chilly day in May.
The 48.5 mile race was for Cats D,E,F,G. Riding strongly to keep a good position in the bunch Dean was able to cover all the breaks, though he felt that he did a little too much on the front. The race was all together on the long straight for the final sprint. Having given himself every chance of a good finish by working hard throughout the race dean was rewarded with 9th place in his age group, leaving him much happier on the return home than he had been the previous week.
Stats for the race 48.5 miles with an average of 23mph. output of 218 watts with a max of 808 watts.
