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SPONSORED BY  STAR BIKES - Results sheet for Prolouge-Weedley

10th April 2007

Purdy strikes back

Star Bike TT series round 4 – Prologue

Tuesday 10th April 2007 – Weedley - Skidby

It what must surely be the fastest average speed ever recorded in a HTRC club event Paul Purdy turned the tables on Karl Downes to take victory in event 4 in the much anticipated Prologue. His average speed of 35.29mph (56.46kph) is equivalent to all but the very fastest professional races. The winning margin was only 3 seconds over Karl but over such a short event the time gaps were obviously going to be smaller than usual. In 3rd spot was Andy who was 24 second behind the winner with Steve, Mark McKeown, Glenn, John Askew and Mark Dicconson all very close behind. With the next 5 riders all separated by a further 10 seconds it was an event were any time lost however small could drop you down the results sheet.

The winning time of 8 minutes 30 seconds for the 5-mile course surprised many riders but stories circulating in the few days before the event suggested that a time substantially below 9 minutes would be needed to win the event. Indeed on the morning of the event Paul had recorded 10 minutes dead on his road bike and at less than 100% effort. The previous evening Karl had recorded 9.23 on his lo-pro but again at reduced effort and remarked that beating 9 minutes was definitely achievable. In both case they were unsure of the exact start and finish points and had actually covered about 400 meters further than the course and I therefore was expecting the winning time to be well inside the 9-minute mark.

This was the first time that all of the championship favourites had been present together with only Neil missing due to a persistent chest infection. It promised to be a fascinating battle and the conditions were reasonably warm and the strong westerly wind was helping riders down the course. There were however 3 spots where the wind was slightly across the road. All where at points where speed was very high (40mph) and I can speak from personal experience when I say that a 4-spoke wheel was not a good choice as wheel wobble at this speed is not very funny.

Series sponsor Roy Irwin was watching the action on the corner of Ripplingham Road as rider swept round the fast bend at well over 35mph before the last 2 (flattish) miles to the finish and reported that the speed of the leading riders were very high and made for exciting action. My overall impression is that most of the people I spoke to after the event thought it was a good race and had enjoyed it. It certainly mad a change form many of the events were battling uphill and into the wind make progress seem interminably slow. It also demonstrates the excitement that pro-riders must feel when racing in a prologue, through built up areas, around corners and amongst a sea of people at these kind of average speed – awesome is the only word to describe it. Some feedback from other riders would be welcome, especially as to whether you think it should be held on an annual basis.

29 riders made up the entry including 5 private entries, this is better than the least event and it is hoped this continues for the rest of the season. I would however remind all riders that if you are not going to be present, at least send your apologises as it makes it much more awkward for all the organisational team if the start sheet is littered with “DNFs”. Thanks to Dawn, Cindy and Liz for looking after the timekeeping in Greame and Gils absence- the times were delivered quickly after the event to the usual excellent standard.

Finally could I also please make a plea to all riders to refrain from standing in the road near the start /finish areas. This is a real pet hate of mine and is a constant problem. Last night I must have asked at least 5 people to get off the road, some on more than one occasion. Unfortunately car drivers will not slow down and an accident is waiting in the wings unless people keep out of the way.

The next event is in 2 weeks time over the more traditional Skidby course and should see the time gaps return to their more usual size and average speed drop considerably. Will this be another 2-way battle or will Andy, Steve and the others find that extra bit of speed to stake their claim to victory. Watch this space to find out

How good was Chris Boardman?

Chris Boardmans Ultimate ‘Super-man Position’ Hour record set in 1996 clocked 56.379km, or 35.0378mph Average for a full hour on an indoor velodrome – at the same pace Chris would have recorded a time in our 5 mile prologue of 8:33 (equal to Karl Downes 2nd place ride). Now this was bettered by Paul Purdy with 8:30 which equates to 35.294 mph average, an amazing ride in itself – but I guess we should all be humbled by the fact that to approach the average speeds recorded by a true pro rider – we need all the aero gear and a down-hill course and of course a back-wind!!!!!

I guess we can only wonder what in his day Chris Boardman could have recorded in last night’s conditions!

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