SRC Winter Track League Round-up 2011-2012
Swindon RC riders Nick Mawson and Neil Rutter enjoyed success throughout the winter in the Newport Track Leauge. Each meet hosted a mix of traditional events alongside contemporary favourites made popular through the Revolution track series. Mawson raced two meets in the B Leauge, his first ever track races. Being in the middle of a block of base endurance training, Mawson lacked some of his tradmark zipp, but remained competative, growing in confidence and picking up several top 6 spots. Notably, Mawson adapted rapidly to the demands of the Devil, initially looking edgy but swiftly gaining the confidence to hold a possition and boss the race.
In the A’s, Rutter consistently enjoyed success across all six of the meets he raced, notching up 5 wins and a host of podium spots. In his last meet of the series, Rutter lined up on the fence alongside 2004 Paris-Roubaix winner Marcus Backstedt in the 15 lap scratch. Ramping the pace up and holding it at 34mph, Backstedt sat on the front for the whole race keeping the pace so high that no one could come round before releasing his team mate for the win. Not a good start. Rutter enjoyed more sucess in the Devil and Team Pusuit, but it was thanks to Backstedt sitting out the final race to take part in the Madison afterwards which provided the first true sniff of a Swindon result. In the 30 lap A/B scratch, Rutter attacked with one other rider after 6 laps. Joined for a time by a couple of others, the pair worked well, keeping the pace high to drop their companions and lap the field. Having made the junction, Rutter attacked again over the top of the group, taking his companion with him. Cagey looks were exchanged before Rutter opened an early sprint 300m from the line, taking his rival by surprise and winning with the length of the home straight in hand.
The Open Track season begins with the traditional Spring Omniums in March held at Herne Hill, London, where Rutter will look to expand upon his winter form. Herne Hill does not require track accreditation to ride and caters for A and B categories. It would be great if more Swindon riders with track experience were to take part if interested.
