Tour series in Colchester tonight

[Auntie Helen]

The Tour series is coming to Colchester tonight, the penultimate race, and I will go to watch it (and in fact to ride the route beforehand).

Thing is, I haven't a clue what I'm watching! Anyone got any hints? Will I recognise any famous names?

 

[RabbitFood]

I was watching this last night and looked good fun, very high tempo, but i think the best place would be finishing line or any good corners?

I put a post in CC rides froum to see if anyone wanted to go to Southend with me next thursday, bit dont look like anyone dose lol

 

[dellzeqq]

Ed Clancy and Rob Hayles (Olympic Gold Medallist) ride for the Halfords team - in orange jerseys. Hayles makes a point of getting to the front in the early stages of the race

.

My favourite is the Permatanned Playboy himself, Mr. Malcolm Elliott. I saw him win a couple of years ago at Crystal Palace, and he was 73 years old (well, not quite) then. He must be at least 105 now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Elliott

http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/sport/article/roa20090617-road-Tour-Series-2009--Stoke-on-Trent--0

 

[nilling]

One hour race plus 5 laps. There are also intermediate sprints - signaled by a klaxon approx every 15 minutes.

Ten teams with 5 riders per team selected from a squad of riders. Focus is on teams rather than individual riders.

It's up close and fast racing

http://www.tourseries.co.uk

 

[Aperitif]

He can't be 105 dell - more a Dura ble Ace

Have fun Helen...get your CycleChat jersey autographed / get a Rapha cap / bidon / tastefully formed bead of sweat etc. Weather looks good for a full-on CycleChat exposure fest!

 

[Auntie Helen]

I've looked at the map and I think I've found a reasonable vantage point which means I can also get home. I imagine the place will be packed with people, though, so who knows if I'll see anything!

All I've heard from the Colchester locals is moans that the roads are going to be closed and that they can't use their cars. Sigh.

 

[Losidan]

I went to the blackpool and Southport rounds...enjoyed them both. They are a bit flat to start but it builds up quite nicely as it progresses

Deffo worth a trip, might go to Chester too

 

[Auntie Helen]

Well I'm just back for a brief break (and some chocolate) before the race starts.

I went for the cycle round the track session, which was meant to be 45 minutes. 100 of us hardy cyclists lined up at the start with Colchester onlookers pointing at us and making witty comments (about my trike, about men with shaven legs, that kind of thing). Then off we went.

Colchester centre is surprisingly hilly, I now know. I had to slow down on some of the descents due to being behind a policewoman on a bike and not wanting to get a ticket. The consequent uphill was hard work. There are a couple of tough corners with rough road so should make for an interesting race.

We only managed two laps before they marshalled us off. Some muppet in the crowd had thrown a firework onto the track. This doesn't bode well for the race tonight

 

[Losidan]

what was all the handbags about at the finish line with those two riders?

 

[Auntie Helen]

Dunno about that but there's a fab series of photographs here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/veloshooter/sets/72157619951784076/show/

 

[Mike Rudkin]

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series-hope it includes Cardiff sometime.