Event: Broome Heath Scramble   Add this to my calendar (Outlook etc.)

Date: Sunday, 20 December 2009

Promoter: VC Baracchi

Contact: Patrick Harbord 01502 562907 / 07717 311092 patrickharbord@yahoo.com

Location: Ditchingham Village Hall, Loddon Road, Ditchingham.

Photos: www.mphotography.co.uk

Video: www.youtube.com (MECcyclingUK)

Report: We were all made extremely welcome at the Broome Ski Village. Picking our way to the start line through the dogs which appeared to have no legs and speeding toboggans was great fun. There were a few new riders today, who certainly had a baptism of ice. We welcome you all to the Eastern League throng, and assure you that these are not normal racing conditions.

The Vets race was led by Rob Smith. Richard Jackson shadowed Rob throughout the race and briefly got past Rob on the final lap. Rob was having none of it when Richard tried in vain to take Rob in the final sprint – Rob was ready to stake his life on a win, and Richard had run out of energy. So you 40+ers – you were all beaten by 50+ers. It will be noted in your end of term report.

Anna Buick was first woman. Being sandwiched between Mark Wyer and Paul Driver probably kept her warm and protected her from the elements. Dad Madgwick had to keep the family flame going as both James and Matthew suffered mechanicals, and, having not an ounce of spare flesh on their bodies, were shivering as soon as they stopped. Eat more cake, boys. Joolz Halpin never stopped smiling as she led the rest of the women to the line.

Josh Hannan was on top form taking an easy win in the Youth race. Great performances by Alan Trolove and Lewis Parker weren’t enough to reel Josh in. Sean Dunlea was first U14 boy, and Imogen Buick increased the family prize haul as first Youth girl. Lucy Harper also rode well to be first U14 girl. After the race many snippets were overheard about the total lack of efficacy of brakes on the snow. Well I never!

Yet again Tristan Price romped home to win the U12’s. Callum Mackie and James Jackson chased Tristan all the way, but they were no match for the rocket propelled hamster. Sophie Holmes got double honours again being first U10 and first girl. I’m sure that in time she’ll persuade Diss & District CC to change their club colours to pink.

The kitchen was kept pretty busy all day supplying us with hot soup and cakes. Well done, guys. What? We’ve got to go back out into the cold to judge another race?

The Senior and Elite Vet race at Broome always has a serious edge as the winner also takes home the Joe Waller Memorial Trophy. As usual, we were honoured that Joe’s father, Mel, came to present the prizes. David Nichols was a worthy winner and held a commanding lead from the second lap. Shaun Aldous kept the chase alive and kept Richard Dunnett at bay. Ian Newby wore an extra white and blue layer to keep him warm, leading me to repeatedly think that he was Gavin Rumbles, who wasn’t even racing today. His doppelganger approach worked as Ian was the 1st Elite Vet . Matthew Cook was never seriously challenged as 1st Junior. Bruce Robinson, kept warm by his beard, held off Phil Buick to grab 1st Elite Vet 50+. Peter Aldred lamented his last place position as he was only 13 seconds behind his next rival, Charlie Haines. Pete: it’s too late moping in the tea room about what might have been. You have to give your all, and then some, out on the course. Commissaire, Chris Jillings, had to be taught how to ring the bell properly. Swizzling the clapper round the edge of the bell is not sufficient. Use your arm muscles and make a good ring-a-ding!

Results:

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