Bethany takes sixth for GB as 14 countries race at EDRCC

Redhill CC’s Bethany Brookes and Nicholas Mugridge, who some of the G6 riders will know as a guest rider, both attended the 8th European Deaf Road Cycling Championships in Eeklo, Belgium. Bethany and Nicholas were the only two riders from Great Britain competing against 14 countries and 80 riders, including some well prepared state-sponsored Eastern European teams.

 

The organisers had put on a corker of a course consisting of 1.2km of cobbles, a 4km straight over open farmland into a strong headwind as well as a mixture of wide and narrow roads. Throw in some farm yard residue from passing local tractors, and you have a typical Flanders race set up.  A recce the day before confirmed that the cobbled section wasn't as treacherous as feared, but still needed complete respect.  

 

The first few laps of the women’s race were a cagey affair, with riders adjusting to the windy conditions. After 3 laps, a lead group of 7 made up of  three Russians, an Italian, an Ukrainian, a Czech and Bethany had broken away from the others. This remained the case for the rest of the race, which became a huge learning experience for Bethany, who is still relatively new to racing.

 

She had to constantly fend off attacks by the Russians who had an advantage in numbers, whilst watching out for the damp cobbles and passing race vehicles. The latter was somewhat more challenging as race rules do not permit the wearing of hearing aids. As the race drew to a close, one of the Russian girls was simply too quick coming off the final corner and pipped everyone on the sprint to take a well deserved European title. 

 

Race result

1

Bondereva

Russia

1hr 35min 3

2

Topchanuik

Ukraine

same time

3

Remzova

Russia

same time

6

Brookes

 

+3 seconds

 

In the elite men’s 120km race, Nicholas was riding strongly in the front bunch hitting his best ever 20 minute power until a mechanical sadly forced his retirement.  Nevertheless, he gained some very valuable experience ahead of next year’s Deaflympics road race in Turkey, at which both he and Bethany hope to represent Great Britain.

 

Race result

1

Touboul

France

3hrs 08min 12

2

Prokhorov

Russia

same time

3

Rozanov

Russia

same time

 

[Photos by Wielerfotograaf Schietecatte Rudy

Event / Article Type
8th European Deaf Road Cycling Championships
Bethany intent in the lead group