The Surrey League Handicap Road Race on our familiar TT circuit down at Horne produced a result that sends a message out across the county: Redhill means business. RCC's Ian Leeding stormed to victory by a clear margin with a further three Redhill riders claiming places in the top ten and Stuart Greig a whisker away in 11th..
The race saw strong showings from Norwood Paragon, Addiscombeand other Surrey clubs but patience. co-operation and pace where it counts paid dividends for Redhill's riders.
In the final standings, Chris Batch - showing fantastic form in 2010 - came in 4th, followed by Tony Longhurst in 5th and Gavin Garrett in 7th.
Ian - a relatively new rider in RCC colours - looked calm and comfortable throughout showing excellent tactical judgement by attacking with a lap and a quarter to go, drawing two Addiscombe riders out to chase him, then escaping again in the final furlong to come home 50ft clear.
He said: "With a lap and a quarter to go one Addiscombe guy was coming across so I eased up a little to have a breather. We were working together well and then another Addiscombe rider joined us half way to the last corner. I sat in second place after the last turn before opening the sprint with about 120m to go, and luckily gapped them both to the line."
The evening saw one crash which may have slowed some riders but thankfully no RCC riders were involved and no serious injuries. Rupert - who is tapering down for the National 50 this Sunday - was on hand to ride out and check that all involve were OK.
Afterwards Ian Leeding paid credit to the work of Chris Batch and the other RCC riders who mixed up the chasing pack giving him a run at victory with Chris then taking control in the bunch sprint.
I haven't had the audacity to calculate the average age of RCC's three chasing top ten placings but suspect it would strike an equal note of admiration and concern among other clubs. Winning spirit and commitment - as England are so patently failing to show in the football as I type this - produced a result to shout about!
Ian, we're proud to have you in the club and this performance points to greater things to come... from a clear winner and RCC's other excellent racers.