Archer Junior Road Race 1 April 2001
 

With an 8.10 a.m. start for the neutralised ride to the 48 mile race circuit, Jon Mulholland, Phil Roberts and Peter Graham were up earlier than a time triallist on the A34. Thankfully, the weather was forecast for bright and mild conditions and it didn't disappoint. After last week's retirement, Jon was feeling less than confident, and Peter's phenomenal 22.40ish in a windy 10 mile TT the day before put Phil in the driving seat for this one.

The course was dominated, and I mean dominated, by the small matter of Gore Hill, ridden five times from the Amersham side. As the completion to each lap, Gore Hill would prove decisive. On the first ascent all three riders survived any selection and the field stayed together for the bulk of the second lap. However, the second ascent of Gore Hill split the field down the middle. Fortunately Jon made the selection by bridging a gap of 100 metres or so, but Peter and Phil found themselves in the second bunch. Realising the significance of the gap the second bunch applied themselves and the field came back together within a few miles.
On the third climb of Gore Hill Reading's crack road squad lived up to its name - it cracked! Jon was well positioned near the front but managed to derail his chain, climbing off his bike to rectify the problem. As the bunch disappeared Peter and Phil passed Jon as they had been dropped on the climb. Jon remounted and joined Peter and a Finsbury Park rider for the chase-down of all chase-downs. Phil, not feeling his usual self, retired. The three chasers spent the next 7 miles catching the group, closing a gap of over 30 seconds (it might not sound like a lot but believe me...) in the process.

Report by Jon Mulholland

They rejoined with Gore Hill looming again. Jon remained safely within the now depleting bunch whilst Peter dropped off the back, feeling the effects of the previous day. Again showing his awesome rolling strength, Peter reattached himself shortly after the summit.

Final lap and the nerves were showing. Nobody was willing to commit themselves and it was to be decided on the final climb. Half way up Jon was surprised to find himself on the second row but as the sprint mounted was unable to stay with the front runners. He finally crossed the line in approximately 15th. Peter had fallen off the pace up the climb but rolled home in a very respectable position.