Star Bikes Circuit TT championship Event 9 – Tuesday 1st July 2008

Only 6 second separated the winner from 3rd place and I bet those on the lower rungs of the podium have been racking their brains as to where they could have made up the missing seconds. Neil returned to the top spot for the 1st time in a solo event since the prologue after a 4th, 3rd and two 2nd places. In second spot 3 seconds behind was Mark MCkeown who had his best result of the year and beat Paul Purdy the winner of the last few events by a further 3 seconds. This is probably the closest finish we’ve had for a long time.  Steve Macklin put in his usual solid performance for fourth and was only 13 seconds behind Neil, with Pete FS and John Askew both close behind

The top 6 were separated from the next batch of Nathan, Mark Summer and myself by a 30 second buffer but this gap was much closer than usual - the flat roads seem to prevent the stronger rider using the hills to open up the bigger gaps usually seen. We were all very close and it would have been interesting to see were Tim would have finished is he hadn’t opted to ride his road bike and concede a slight advantage to us.

In the ladies section Jayne once again proved strongest but Miriam wasn’t far behind.

It was a bit of chaotic night for me organising after I read an e-mail advising of gravel strewn roads when I got home from work. This necessitated a quick trip round the course in the car to establish the extent of the problem. Fortunately it wasn’t too bad and everyone got round without any problems other than John Ketley who rode despite puncturing a brand new tub whilst warming up near Yokefleet but he quickly changed his tyre and posted the best private time of the night

It was good to see several new members make the debut in club events together hopefully they enjoyed themselves and will come and ride again

Tonight’s result closes the gap between Neil and Paul slightly but at the moment Paul has ridden one event more so has a commanding lead. The next event could prove pivotal in deciding the overall winner of the series so I suspect both riders will be trying to gain a slight edge. In the veterans category Steve Macklin is in a very strong position and already looks to have the victory sewn up as does Jayne in the ladies section but with 6 events left to ride there’s plenty of scope for everyone to improve their positions

The next event in 2 weeks time is over the same distance but features the torture of Newbald hill – watch the gaps re-open between the skinnies and the not so skinnies – anyone like to bet who will win this one as by my reckoning at least 7 riders must be in with a realistic chance of victory. Meet at the usual spot just off the main road from Walkington to High Hunsley  - signing on will close at 6.40pm to allow me some time to warm up.

Result

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