What the squirrel saw...

Well, my Sunday was spent sat in a hot Chief Commissaire's car at the Chas Messenger RR. Oh joy... Well actually it was...

Despite the decline of quality domestic road racing in the South of England, this was one race that can be held as an example of why we must continue the drive to keep RR as a viable aspect of cycle sport in this country.

The organisation was excellent, the racing was furious, fast and as professional as I have seen in this country for a while. The teams were well turned out; tanned and fit looking riders jostled for position in the early miles, running off descents at 55mph through the rolling Buckinghamshire countryside, cheating bends, snaking through country villages of thatched cottages, and pubs serving real ale, roads thronged with happy families, pleased to see the 'racing bikes'. The convoy impressive, with European style car horns and all, bespoke racks carrying the some of the grandest brands in the world.

Race radio, TV, many official press and photographers covering 4 hard hours of top class racing, culminating in a classic breakaway group - the selection, an uphill sprint, two deep at the finish, Downing takes it, the master of that type of run-in.

Road racing in the UK is stronger now than it has been for a long time. Let's hope the authorities also think so, before the races are all gone...