Cycling: Road race to thrill crowds
The thrilling spectacle of cycle road racing comes to Redgrave tomorrow.
The annual event, which is on the same day as the start of the famous Tour de France, brings continental-style racing to the lanes around the village.
At 3pm the colourful group of 40 riders will assemble outside the Cross Keys pub ready for the start.
The Knoll in front of the Cross Keys is the best place to view the whole race, which is over six laps and passes the Knoll five times before finishing 50 yards from the Cross Keys.
Bernie Cresswell will be doing his usual entertaining commentary, and if the day is fine there will be a wonderful party atmosphere.
Almost every year there is a very fast and nail-biting sprint finish to the race.
This year there are seven local riders, including father and son Ian Newby and Luke Newby from Garboldisham, Richard Dunnett and Trevor Holmes from Diss, Trevor Banham from Pulham, Tom Fitzpatrick from Kenninghall, and Robert Hunt from Yaxley.
Hunt carries the number one signifying that he is a previous winner of the race.
During the first lap the bunch of riders normally stays together, but on the second lap attacks develop and riders try to get away to be first over the line to win an interim prize, known as a prime prize.
After that all of those who are at the front try to stay away from the rest.
But that rarely succeeds, and there is a continual and thrilling battle of riders getting away then being caught back until the last lap.
Sometimes one or two get away towards the end, but it is never certain who will win until the final strength-sapping half-mile rise up to the finish.
The race is a community activity with nearly all of the marshals and helpers from the village, as well as Redgrave Rangers Football Club.
Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the exciting free cycle road race.
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Weather for Diss
Thursday 02 September 2010
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
