Here comes summer racing

It's not just the sunshine and warmer days (note I didn't say mornings or nights as they are both still bloody chilly for lycra lovers) or even the tapping of the woodpecker that denote the start of summer. No, for me it's the opening race of the Crystal Palace circuit races that mean blazing suns and balmy nights are upon us. For 'tis this event that last year seemed to be the only way that you could guarantee a sunny day - every Tuesday, without fail the clouds of a crappy spring and summer would part to bathe the assembled cyclists in a warm glow and leaf dappled shadows that I only seem to have experienced on Balearic jaunts. Sure enough last night saw the same sunny weather and the great, good, have-ago's and poseurs assembled on the grassy knoll before taking flight.

I'm quite tempted to have a go myself but it's not the fear of failure that stalls my attempt, it's more the fear of being clipped (or even being the clippee) and thus damaging my pride and joy without any claim for insurance - quelle horreur!

Go and see for yourself - the first 10 minutes is utter pandemonium with elites, 1's, 2's 3's, 4's and women ('Don't be bullies, gents' warned the patronising commissaire) all hurtling 'round until they fade like the sun. All good fun and well worth a look.

Final mention goes to the grey ponytailed Look 585 rider who absolutely looked the business. Alas he ran out of steam by about lap 5. Chapeau, poseur, chapeau!


Hell for leather


They call this Dead Man's Corner but the way that some of them were cutting the shrubbery with their pedals perhaps they should rename it the Topiary Turn