Cycling report by Simon Foster - Andover Wheelers
Andover Wheelers Lee Gardner scored his first win in the recent 14th annual Stockbridge challenge. Gardner was one of four Andover Wheelers in the event held on the 7th of January 2001.
With a hard overnight frost leaving conditions icy and treacherous under foot it was always going to be dicey. With the 8 mile course consisting of muddy tracks, grassy fields and tarmac sections the weather was bound to play a part.
With the start in Stockbridge High street the intrepid riders faced a stiff climb past the Test Valley School, before the lungs had any time to wake up!
Gardner soon settled into his pace, and was surprised to be leading at the top of the climb followed by club mates, Gary Richardson, 4th, Lisa Baker 10th and Will Sawyer from Behind the Bikeshed in the pack. With the race now off-road passing was going to be difficult on the narrow, sticky and bumpy tracks.
By the time Gardner had reached Danebury Ring he had opened up a small lead over his nearest challenger. Unfortunately for Gary Richardson he was to suffer a puncture at this point along with two others who also borrowed Gary's tools. By now Will was making up places and Lisa was holding her own in the pack.
The next part of the course took the riders over Spitfire Lane and into Longstock. This was time for top gear and fast pedaling on the long descent. Before he knew it Gardner was in Longstock and one corner from near disaster. On the right hand corner outside the Peat Spade pub Gardner parted company with his bike, as he tried to turn sharp right the bike wanted to go straight on, dumping Gardner in the middle of the road. The problem was down to the fact that the road was covered in sheet ice! Gardner's first instinct was to save the bike, as it was on loan for the day from Behind the Bikeshed, most embarrassing though was that he crashed in front of five of his club mates who were spectating at this point. With enough time in hand he was able to re-mount his stead (albeit with sore butt, hip and grazed elbow) and hold his advantage down the Test Way and into Stockbridge to score a fine win in just over 33 minutes, with just 1 minute to spare over local rider Darren Chapple.
Despite his puncture Gary finished in 14th place just catching his partner, Lisa in the closing metres, (and all because the loser cleans the bikes!!).