Tuesday 2nd August saw the first race put on by the relatively new club/team RVO racing. Many of you will be familiar with the kit due to two stalwart teacakers, Mick and Tim Rowson being members. The race was held up at the excellent Barlow triangle course, this time comprising of 15 laps.

We had four Rutland riders on the line, Simon Keeton, Nick Latimer, Steve Ellis (you’ll always be Rutland and you know it) and myself Danny Lowthorpe. A glance round the rest of the field showed it was more of a quality rather than quantity field with only about 30 turning out but some decent riders in the field.

The race started out a fairly brisk pace and after just a lap Chris Metcalfe decided to put in the first attack. After sticking his nose in the wind for about a lap he was joined by approximately eleven riders that would form the definitive break of the race. Luckily for us, three of our riders, Steve, Nick and Danny were safely tucked away in the break. Behind Simon put his brakes on hard and slowed the following pack.

Despite a few notable exceptions the whole of the breakaway worked smoothly together and despite a few attacks which came to nothing the group worked smoothly towards the finish. As the laps ticked by and the finish approached, the group began looking at each other and at this point James Thompson took his chance and attacked hard alone.

James remained in front for a few laps and built up a fair a lead. With three laps to go a reaction came from the group and it was again Chris Metcalfe who forced the pace with Mike (Surname pending) and Ben Kellett in tow. Danny managed to make this move too and before long they were working very smoothly together and quickly established a good lead. By the bell it became clear that the winner would come from one of these four.

There were a few break attempts on the final lap but three of the riders remained as the rounded the final bend. Danny kicked first with the finish line in site and gained enough of a gap to raise his arms and take the win.

Nick crossed the line in 10th after leading out the sprint. With Steve coming in one place behind in eleventh.

All in all it was a great night for the Rutland. Many thanks go out to RVO for a successful first promotion. And thanks to Andy Jones for supplying the following excellent photographs.