Anfield_100TT

Alfie survives the mauling at Anfield - 100mile TT - not the other sport

The classic, 'sporting', Anfield 100 mile time trial was held,

as usual on the late May Bank Holiday Monday. Southport CC's sole representatives were Alfie Shaw and Richard Cary.

Don't be misled by the host title, the race is nowhere near the hallowed grounds of Liverpool FC - event HQ was in Shawbury, Shropshire. The course headed north towards the infamous Prees Raven café, back south to the Muller factory before starting four 17-mile laps from Shawbury, through High Ercall, Crudgington and to the Hodnet roundabout.

Another cold start (4 degrees) although temperatures gradually rose, as did the south-westerly wind, beating into riders at 20-30mph. The incessant hills and strong winds conspired to play havoc with my lower back. Deciding I was no longer in a race, I climbed off, having completed around 70 miles.

Alfie, however, toughed it out to complete the war of attrition in 5 hours, 37 minutes and 59 seconds.

Winner, with a remarkable 3:45:45 was former professional, John Tanner, beating pre-race favourite Andy Wilkinson by some 5 minutes. Doubtless, on a calmer day, the course record (about 3:42) would have been demolished.

A large field for a race of this distance (95 riders), and the tale of how tough the course and conditions were is revealed in some statistics - just 4 riders broke the 4 hour barrier, a total of 50 were inside 5 hours, and 26 riders were outside the 5 hour barrier, and another 10 did not finish.

Chapeau, Alfie.

Richard Cary 02/06/13

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