The NORA British Cup this year has been extended to 4 rounds and is always a highlight of the race calendar. The first round being at Landrake and this did not disapoint for Rafe Symons.
Having only had surgery on a broken thumb less than 5 weeks prior, the plan was to edge back into racing slowly and gain points at Landrake with a view to concentrating on the other rounds.
During his recovery Rafe was expertly guided by Coach Robb who advised on exercise and nutrition to aide the recovery process. Rafe also worked hard to maintain his fitness, both at home and in the gym.
Fortunately, Rafe was able to squeeze in some bike time on Saturday before the event, to blow away the cobwebs and gain confidence away from a national event.
Arriving at a sunny Landrake, the pits were busy with the sound of humming generators, children playing and an air of excitment for the 2 days of racing ahead.
Sunday morning soon arrived and the team headed out for a track walk with team coach, Joe Clayton. With advice on how to tackle the track and full race gates.
Rafe went out for qualifying, taking it slowly to begin with, his thumb felt good, the fitness was there, but unfortunetly, with 40 riders on the track, getting a fast lap in was difficult, this showed in the results, qualifying 16th.
With the opportunity to win prize money, Rafe wanted to be ideally inside the top 10 and was really dissapinted. Looking at the positives, the thumb was not giving him any issues, which was good news.
Joe Clayton was on hand to give advice and boost Rafe’s confidence. Race 1 quickly came about. Rafe choose his gate and lined up ready, the gate dropped and his instinct clicked back into place, he shot up the start straight and rounded the long conner with the front group.
Rafe settled into his ride with ease, like he had not been away, confident, consistent and smooth, running 5th for most of the race, a rider was able to squeeze past. Rafe crossed the finish line in an amazing 6th place. What a perfromance, what a ride, well done Rafe.
Race 2 – OK Rafe, you got this! Can you do the same again please? Same gate, another top start, Rafe soon settled into his rhythem, maintaining a good pace and attacking forward. Fautless ride, crossing the line in 7th place.
Fantastic end to a top day, excited, yet nervous for day 2.
Rafe started the day with a track walk with his team and Joe Clayton, afterwards he headed out for a run to wake the body up and get the blood pumping.
Race 3 – Rafe was feeling good, pleased with his results from day 1, he knew what had to be done. He headed down to the start line with 40 other riders, choose his gate and focused himself ready for the race a head. Another cracking start, exiting the first corner in 4th Rafe settled into the race, after a few laps he dropped back to 6th place, but was pulling away from the pack. A fallen rider, meant Rafe had to change his line, allowing a rider past, Rafe crossed the line in 7th.
Race 4 – Last race of the day, another good result would mean a top 10 finish and the possibility of winning some prize money. Confident and calm, Rafe headed to the line. WOW, another great start. Rafe settled into his race, attacking forward, the rider in front was holding the race line, making it tricky for Rafe to get past. A block pass on the rider meant Rafe got in front and went into 6th place. Rafe began to put some distance between him and the riders behind him, taking the pressure off a little. A yellow flag meant they were able to catch him and another fallen rider meant Rafe had to take evasive action to prevent a crash, allowing a rider to nip past. Rafe crossed the line 7th.
5th Overall! We could not have hoped for more. Well done Rafe, a well deserved finish for a top ride.
