Brands Hatch Southborough Classic 09

Ian O’Hara and Mark Newton formed Team Sydenham for this event. There was a strong field of 71 riders. Mark was first off in the 3rd and 4th category riders led away from the start with a minute and a half lead over the Elites, 1st and 2nd Category riders including Ian in the customary Brands Hatch Handicap start style. However the Handicapped Elites, 1st and 2nd’s powered round and caught the earlier starting group on the 7th of 25 laps (50km).The group remained as one despite several attempts from various riders to escape clear. Small lead splits continually formed lap after lap around Clearways, which stretched the group as they chased with the favourable tailwind down the Brabham straight, and the sweep into and down Paddock Hill bend, only to regroup on the challenging climb up to Druids. The race finished in a bunch sprint led by Jason White (Cycling Bargains), Ian and Mark finished just behind in the pack