Back in the day when I used to race - probably around 97 or 98 I rode the track nationals at Manchester. I entered the pursuit, kilo and points race. I took it too easy in the pursuit, but I had a plan for the points race: Id move up with 6 or so laps to go and get amongst the sprint. Hmmm...
I put quite a big gear on - 94", more I think because my chainset wouldnt take campag rings and that was all we had. The race was fast and split up. I was on the wrong side of the split, but towed - of all people - future olympic gold medallist Paul Manning back up to the bunch.
With 6 or so laps to go I was getting nervous. But then Steve Whitcombe and Phil West appeared alongside me. Great! I thought - Ill get on their wheel, Steve'll want to get into the final, itll be a great leadout. The speed wound up, but we were going nowhere. The bell rang and we sat at the back. It was an easy ride but didnt they want to qualify.
Rolling over the finish line I discovered the truth: they'd actually lapped the field whilst I was grovelling at the back. And there endeth my nationals career: the year after I broke my collar bone again weeks before the event putting paid to the rest of my cycling hopes. I could have been a contender you know....
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