Stage 1:
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Team on the front.

Paul writes; Firstly let me say that I am in no way having a dig at either officials or riders in this event. The guys that have turned up to race have made a commitment of five days and almost a hundred pounds in entry fees. I know that many have put an enormous amount of time and effort into this event, yet for some reason there were only thirty two riders on the start sheet (three of whom didn’t even start), which in itself is such a shame.

Understandably not everyone has the time and money to spare, but even so, compared to the last two years events this is a dramatic reduction in numbers. Considering that it is one of the longest stage races in the country at the moment, second only to the Tour of Britain, it seems strange that there weren’t many more “Teams” on the start line this afternoon…..
But, even so, the riders who were there made an excellent race of it.

Simon attacks.

An early break went away, including James Stewart, Ben Pochee, Gary Hand, Wouter Sybrandy, Matthew Higgins and Peter Williams, which caused the Sigmas and Wildsides to join forces to chase it down as neither team seemed to be represented. Such was the quality of the break that it took them almost forty miles to reel them in.
Once the opening break had been reeled in it was several more more miles before another formed. This was the one that went on to provide the winner of the Stage – Gary Dodd - who took the win ahead of Richard Cartland (Team Corley Cycles), Andrew Bye, who is riding for the Surrey League Team and Chris McNamara (Wildside RT). The main field followed in some five minutes later. This is only a provisional result as Glyn was still working away as I left.
One ride of note was by Matt Kitling (Kinesis RT) who snapped a gear cable whilst in the lead group. He was given a new bike by race service with a little over two laps of the finishing circuit to go and rejoined the leaders after a fifteen minute chase.
Back at the changing rooms shortly after the finish of the stage Debbie and Neal Coleman were hard at work providing massages for tired legs and as I left, still had several more to do before their day was finished............."

Chris writes The Wildside team consisted of Mark, Simon and myself, the first stage was at Alfold and was meant to be 100 miles but was cut to 90 as there were so few riders. This was really affecting our morale-5 days of racing is hard but with so few riders it was going to be a real challenge.

We thought it might start steady because of this but the race went like a rocket, there must have been around 30 attacks in the first 10 miles with the race lined out all the way. A break went which we had no one in but luckily neither did Sigma. I had a chat with Gary Dodd (Sigma) and we decided to ride together. We rode hard for the next thirty miles and eventually brought the race back together. We rode really strong as a team here and a big mention to Mark who rode really well when it wasn’t his ideal race plan.

There were loads more attacks until after 65 miles a break of 8 (including me) went and that was the race with all teams represented. We rode well until the bell when the attacks started and i punctured. I got really good service and got back on with about three miles to go,on the hill up to the finish Doddy caned it and i was in a tight sprint for the minor placing and came 4th,

simon was high up there in the next group and came 12th with Mark just behind,the average speed was 26 mph wich is going some.

I was really pleased with us as a team today, the weather forecast isn’t great over the next few days so we’ve got a tough time ahead!

Stage 1 result

August 17, 2007 - Surrey League Revolutions 5 Day - Stage 1 - Alfold Area - E/1/2/3 - 90 miles
Pos. Name Club Cat Time
1 Gary Dodd Sigma Sport RT EV 3:25:36 @ 0:00:00
2 Andrew Bye Surrey League 1 3:25:38 @ 0:00:02
3 Richard Cartland Team Corley Cycles 1 3:25:38 @ 0:00:02
4 Chris McNamara Wildside RT E 3:25:38 @ 0:00:02

 12 Simon McNamara Wildside RT 1 3:31:02 @ 0:05:26

 17 Mark Sussex Wildside RT 2 3:31:02 @ 0:05:26