The Dorset Two Day this weekend, sponsored by “Local Riders, Local Races” has attracted a full field of 80 riders all hoping for a share of the £1000 prize fund. Race director Dave Wade has designed a course to test, should suit the true all-rounder and will produce a worthy winner. Saturday morning’s opening stage; a 1.5 mile hill climb prologue should do no more than shuffle the pack. Cocknowle hill in the Purbecks is a favourite for the local hard men on winter rides, the north facing slope often covered in ice. The weather should pose no problems in June but for those with ambitions on G C nothing can be left in the tank! Cocknowle will establish order but will not be decisive. Stage two, will shape the race. The 5.2 mile circuit based at Furzebrook includes ten climbs of East Creech, at just 47 miles the stage is short but the hill will come around quickly. Overall contenders will need to be at the front and attentive, the narrow road starts to rise shortly after the left hand turn on Grange road, those in the wrong position may waste valuable energy. The descent to the duck pond offers a chance to get back on but the climb is never far away, struggle early on and you may struggle all day. Sunday sees the racing move to Moreton, the pan-flat time trial on the TLI road race circuit will be no more than a chance to flush out tired legs for some. The three left handers will ask questions of cornering technique but little else. However those at the sharp end of the race cannot relax, a few seconds gained or lost here will indicate who is still “up for it” Stage 4 is a 20 mile loop deep in Thomas Hardy country, covered 3 times it has a real “Tour Parcours” feel about it. Rural roads winding their way through postcard villages, many renamed in Hardy novels. The famous poet was a renowned bike rider and the race will pass the entrance to his cottage birthplace in Higher Bockhampton. It may all come down to the finish in Affpuddle Forest, the long drag up to the line could be a feature or it may be a procession with the yellow jersey already decided! Riders to watch include, Seb Baylis (Madison Genesis) Alex Baskaya (Dream Cycling) and Al Murison (Equipe CMI). Murison heads the BC 1ST category rankings and his recent 4th place in the 84 mile Nick Clark memorial in Bedfordshire makes him one of the favourites. Baylis just missed the podium in the south west region champs finishing 4th and cane 11th in last week’s National Time Trial championships. Baskaya is coming into form nicely with two wins at the new road venue in Bath. Charles Coleman (Dream Cycling), Mark Perry (Dirtwheel Cycles) & Ashley Martin (Team Greenover) will not lie down easily, Coleman won in Dorset last year and will be looking for a repeat. Third cat Sam Gardner won the old Dorset 3 day Tour in 2010 but has been out of road racing for a couple of years competing in international triathlons. Youthful enthusiasm is something we don’t know we have till it is gone; juniors Tristan Robins (Cardiff JIF) & Mitch Webber (Primera-sports.com) will have no fear but have they got the strength? Older, wiser legs may win the day, Rowan Horner & Simon Brooks (VC ST Raphael/Waites Contracts) & Richard Cartland & Steve Dring (Echelon –Rotor) have the experience but are their best days behind them? Horner lacks miles but never heart, Brooks commitment is beyond doubt, former elite rider Cartland has proven class but has he the focus and Dring has local knowledge, can he recuperate for Sunday is the question? No doubt someone will come out of the woodwork to challenge the more established names, perhaps a local? Calum Croft (Mud,Sweat’n Gears), Tristan Grigalis (Southampton University RC) and Luke Gray (Trek) could spring a surprise. Race HQ on Saturday is at Furzebrook village hall with the first rider,Steve Dring off at 10:01
Due to late withdrawals from the event a few places are available, contact Dave Wade for entry details 07827 330615
The “Local Riders,Local Races” 2 Day is supported by:
DORSET TEA
PRENDAS CICLISMO
POOLE WHEELERS
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