The 3rd Lassen Race - 27 March 2011:

The morning started with a minutes' silence in respect of the passing of Michael Ramsey, while the weather was looking like it could clear up.


The roads were wet and the racing hot with Martin Atterbury doing his usual 1st lap attack, ending in the grass on the S bend at Vans'.


The circuit was great as usual with the 'crowds' shouting at every pass, especially at the line.


There were a few new faces that we didn't know and had to worry about as well as Martys group growing every race, but we would learn that no1 was going to hurt us like stronger Stander did in series 1.


Our team was missing a few members with Bryan Cusack taking his sick leave again at the Lassen (I'm wondering if some1 doesn't like this circuit), Julian Cox being upgraded to Com for the day and Leon (bigblade)Grobler hurting the lighties and ladies.


After numerous unsuccessful attacks came back, we were fortunate to have Emile Fouche away (with Mad Moolman). This gave Werner Venter, Mikel Viljoen, Andrew Reeves and Sean Merredew a chance to properly rest and watch the others chase. The break was almost brought back quickly when Rowan Tyler did a strong pull after resting for a lap at the line but someone quickly reminded him that you can't get a lap of grace on a 7km circuit (Good Tactic).


Sadly Emile Fouche didn't have a good day and came back to the group which forced Mike Viljoen and Sean Merredew to seriously conserve energy at the back with Andrew Reeves joining us occasionally to discuss our finish strategy.


With a lap to go we realized we will be having a bunch sprint which we had prepared for, with Andrew Reeves and Sean Merredew being well placed upfront, We also had a cousin in the form of Rourke Croeser who races for Mr Price Cannondale willing to assist in the leadout which went off perfectly, with us getting the win overall and a 3rd in our cat too with the rest in the group, except Emile who after he gained such tv time down in the cape, opted to do another solo entrance into the finish.


A great day was had under the Mr Price tents while watching the other race of the morning, unfortunately they weren't as lucky and had rain throughout their race, was good to see our Mr Price team dominate that race too, ride of the day has to go to Ryan who was determined to get away.


Thanks to Mr & Mrs Price, officials, marshals and the province for another super race on a circuit that always produces good hard racing.


Sean Merredew