A beautiful summer morning meant perfect cycling conditions for one of RCC's 'set piece' events of the year - the Reigate Sportive. Staged wonderfully by Southern Sportive, this was a demanding course into Kent where even the mid route took on 4000ft of climbing. Nearly 40 RCC riders turned out and of these nearly 30 (TBC) came away with gold standards. Matt Knowles, GG Moroni and Chris Hall even squeaked inside the mythical three hour mark and crossed the line within the top five finishers but for a cruel puncture Brian, the leader of 'Team Costello', would have been among them.
It was always going to be a great morning... but perhaps no-one realised how great until the Southern Sportive computer started ticking up the times. It was warm but not hot and there wasn't a breath of wind in the air. RCC riders were congratulated on the start line for another fabulous turn out and as they swept out of Reigate College, there were some determined looks on people's faces.
Nathan C joined Team Costello for a meticulously well-marshalled bunch that managed to record the first 25 miles (before the hills) at an average of 21.5mph.... and that included Cormongers Lane where Nick Curran pitched his van to support everyone as he was prevented from work from riding himself.
Of those who joined the train all were certain to set a new standard for this event (the Platinum Standard) but Brian's puncture on Tilburstow Hill put paid to that and Nathan gallanted sacrificed his own place in the top five helping out.
Just outside the top 5, Stuart B came home 6th showing what a LEJOG in the legs can do for you.
Elsewhere in the event, some extraordinary things were occurring. Graham H and Mike Ormerod both recorded identical 3h36m times... given that the highest age band was 50+ years and both had some 20+ years on top of that but still managed to beat the gold standard for a 20 year old.
Only a handful of riders took on the long route - Olly and Lisa worked together but took easy golds for an 83-miler.
The list of other golds is too long to list... Graham T riding for the first time in over a month... Malcolm B with a 3h47m in the 50+ bracket... and a special mention to David B... a relative newcomer to the club who started out in G1 only six months ago and swept to a gold on his first ever sportive underlining what progress is capable under the G system pioneered by the man who took Team C to victory.
A few pieces of bad luck on the way... thoughts particularly to our Treasurer Sharon who was averaging strongly until a tricky puncture took nearly 20 minutes off her. Next time, Sharon! Also, to 'King Sportive' Barry G who DNF'ed after starting feeling unwell and wisely abandoned when feeling poorly en route (suppose it's fair to let at least one non-RCCer into the top 5, eh?)
An amazing turnout, amazing event and a day that most of us will remember for a long time. The stuff that tales during wet winter teastops are made of.
Well done all.