Archibald ready for step up in class

Early signs of the strong team ethic that will be at the heart of Adalta CC’s team next year were on show at Sunday’s Regional A SERRL race at Rolvenden. With their Category 2 racing licences already secured, Wayne Beba and Keith Watson were happy to ride in support of Rod Archibald who was in search of the remaining points he needed for his Category 2 in preparation for next season. Rod’s brother, Doug, was also there to gain experience in his first race at this level. Despite several attacks from the front of the bunch by the team, the relatively flat nature of the course made it difficult for a breakaway to be successful. As the race drew to a close, the Adalta riders refocused their efforts to place Archibald in a strong finishing position. Three kilometres from the finish, Watson moved to the front of the bunch and put all his effort into maintaining a high enough tempo to keep the bunch strung out, which left Rod Archibald to take up a prearranged position on Beba’s wheel ready for the sprint lead out. Dropped off in sight of the line, Rod sprinted to the chequered flag and finished in a respectable sixth – the only Category 3 rider to finish in the points. The race was won by Stephen Cavey of Catford CC. Archibald said: “I’m happy with the result. The boys rode superbly in the final and I’ve got to be thankful to them.” The 12 points he gained leaves Archibald within seven points of his Category 2 licence, which will enable him to become an integral part of next year’s team. Another positive for Adalta was that Doug Archibald finished the race, no easy achievement considering it was his first attempt at a Regional A race. The next race for the team is at Horsmonden on Sunday.

Picture: Anthony Warne Rod Archibald of the Adalta Cycling Club