The weather was great when I left the house, but by the time I got to Mondello there were very dark clouds blowing in and spitting rain. There was a good turn out across all the categories. The A4's headed off and the commissionaire gave them at least a minute, which seemed a lot considering how short the course was, but we headed off at a good pace. Of the 20 to 30 odd A3 riders I'd guess about half wanted to make a real effort to stay away and we pushed the pace on, but very quickly we could see the A1/A2 group catching us. I could tell plenty of riders just sat up at that stage as they probably felt that it was only a matter of time before the cruised up to us. I was optimistic (read, foolish) and continued to push on the front, wasting a lot of energy in the process.
Heavy rain started falling at this stage and despite the concern that the track would get treacherous, it remain surprisingly grippy on the corners and I don't think anyone took a tumble.
Then the A1/A2 group came through at (what I thought was) full pace. My fellow A3's all scrambled and grabbed the nearest wheel they could find and the enlarged group got completely strung out. Unfortunately for me I had pushed things a little too hard and could not grab a single wheel, and before I realised it the train had left the station without me on it! It was quite demoralising watching the group gradually move away from me down the main straight. I kept it going for a few more laps before realising there was no chance for catching them. I decided to pull in at that stage as all I was was going to catch was a cold!
But while it lasted the racing was good craic so I'll be back more determined in early August for the next race. Race data below:
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