Records tumble in France

TWO podium placings and two new Guernsey records were reward for fine showings from Guernsey riders at the Duo Normand. Eight local pairs travelled to compete in one of the biggest cycling events on the calendar.

Teams of two set off at minute intervals in a race against the clock around the town of Marigny. The first pair headed away at 8am and the last at 5pm.

'The course could be split in half, the first mostly flat and fast, the second hilly and extremely tough,' said Ann Bowditch.

'Those who have paced their race badly will suffer on the hilly section. A race of this nature requires the riders to decide on a strategy, particularly if the pair are not evenly matched.'

Riders often train and race together leading up to the main event so that they can assess each other's strengths and weaknesses and form a plan for the race.

'It may also be necessary to adjust the strategy throughout the race, if one rider feels particularly strong or weak.'

The Guernsey riders put in some good performances and came away with two podium placings.

Paul Brehaut and Terry Wright took third in the Regional One category and, in doing so, set a new Guernsey record for the course.

Notably, the strong team finished 20 seconds up on Mike Harris and Steve Greig, of Jersey, who have been competing in the UK for much of this season.

Bowditch and Chris Le Page also set a new local record when placing third in the mixed category.

Although more than 30 seconds faster than in 2002, this was not quick enough to retain their title. However, both riders were pleased with their effort.

Three times Duo Normand winner Dave Gallienne formed a new partnership with Mick Garnham in the veterans' category to take sixth place in an impressive time of 1hr 22min. 29sec.

In the non-licence category, which comprised more than 130 teams, Lars Persson and Carl Thomson were the top local performers, placing ninth in a time of 1hr 24min. 20sec.