Well that was a cracking day out.
Engineering works meant that I was over an hour late at Blenheim, so I missed the CT timetrial and just saw the end of the British Cycling roadrace, held on roads in the grounds, but I was in good time for the main event of the day, the Brompton World Championships.
I wandered round inspecting the machines, but there was far more to see amongst the participants. The rules stipulate jacket, collar and tie, but that leaves plenty of scope for variation. Amongst the participants I saw:
- A gent in pin-striped jacket and waistcoat, and matching pin-stripe shorts, with above-the-knee turnups
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A Scotsman in a kilt- Someone with a bowler on his helmet
- A rider in a gorilla suit (with jacket, collar and tie)
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A chap in a superhero outfit who seemd to wheelie all his way round
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A Frenchman with chequered helmet, tie and knee-length socks.
- etc etc etc
My Bickerton caused a bit of interest, and several people took photos of it. I also met a fellow Bickertoneer, and other people reminisced with me about their Bickertons.
There was a huge difference in ability amongst the riders - it was only two laps but the fastest riders lapped the slowest. Nevertheless everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, including the dog who spent the ride in a box on the back of his master's bike. I think I heard there were about 450 starters. For the vast majority taking part was the thing.
There was a bit of a delay before the prize presentation (presented by the 11 Duke of Marlborough). Second place in the men's race went to
Roberto Heras - yes
that Roberto Heras, 3-time Vuelta winner - no wonder there was a difference in ability. The winner was Alastair Kay. The winner in each category won a Brompton.
I had a quick look round the exhibits, watched some bicycle polo, rode round the course, then rode back to Hanborough and submitted myself to the railway system and its replacement bus services.
If it's on next year (and I understand it might well be), I'd be tempted to buy a Brompton just so I can take part.
