HotChillee Circuit Races: Cat 3/4 report

Smith and Henderson take honours

Oli Woodman/BikeRadar.com

Published: July 10, 2010 at 4:55 pm

Category 3: Medway Velo finish 1-2

Medway Velo scored a 1-2 in the third category Hot Chillee Circuit Race, with Steve Smith winning from his clubmate Karl Strugnell in a bunch sprint.

The club dominated the 1hr15min plus five lap race, putting riders in breakaways - of which there were several - and then keeping things together for the final few laps to set things up for Smith.

"It was a team effort in the last few laps," Smith told BikeRadar. "Sam was on the front with one and a half laps to go, stringing it out to stop anyone getting away. Karl went early and I managed to get around him with 50 metres to go."

Karl Strugnell said his aim was "just to finish" but when he found himself at the front with 250m to go, he opened it up. Unfortunately for him it was a headwind finish and he was just pipped by Smith. Still a great result for Medway Velo.

Even though the race started at 5:45pm, it was still warm on the circuit. Smith: "I drank two bottles and I could have done with three or four!"

Category 4: Keith Henderson with late move

Keith henderson takes the win: keith henderson takes the win - Oli Woodman/BikeRadar.com

Keith Henderson wins it

Father and son and the chequered flag: father and son and the chequered flag - Oli Woodman/BikeRadar.com

Henderson with his son and the chequered flag

Keith Henderson won the fourth category Hot Chillee Circuit Race with a well timed late breakaway. He held off Dan Baines and Blair Morgan who led the bunch home just behind.

"It's brilliant," said the three-time winner of the folding bike race at the Smithfield Nocturne. "Especially as I only got my racing licence yesterday. I guess this might jump me up to the threes (referring to third category)."

The bunch was mostly content to stick together for the duration of the 50 minute plus five lap race. A few small moves were tried but it was difficult to get away on the tough, windy 1.2 mile Indy circuit. But Henderson didn't want to gamble on a bunch sprint, and tried his hand on the last lap.

"I came around the top corner in front but went wide because I didn't want to lead. Anther guy sprinted at the top and I caught his wheel. After the descent I attacked at the bottom of the hill. I didn't give up although despite the motorcyclist telling me not to, I did look around."

Henderson's move was just enough to keep him in front until the finish, although he had to work hard in the final 250m of headwind. He had enough time to celebrate his victory as Dan Baines won the sprint for second from Blair Morgan.

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