Bowditch defies the odds

ANN BOWDITCH reflected with mixed emotions on her best-ever finish in the British Time-Trial Championships held in Penistone, South Yorkshire. Fifth place in the women's race looked to be a large jump from last year, when the Sarnian was eighth, but a puncture ruined any chance of a podium finish.

Bowditch was quickly into her rhythm and was enjoying a fast technical downhill section of the course, reaching speeds in excess of 40mph.

Firstly, the Sarnian caught Charlotte Colclough who started two minutes in front of her and she had the competitor who started one minute ahead firmly in her sights when disaster struck.

Not wanting to end her race so early, Bowditch spent nine minutes riding up the steepest parts of the course on a deflating front tyre and a non-finish looked inevitable.

She came to a total standstill when every last gasp of air had been dispersed from the tyre.

Having dismounted, Bowditch started looking for a possible lift back to the event headquarters, when a spectator offered her a spare wheel.

Not familiar with the phrase 'give up', Bowditch quickly changed the wheel and continued around the course.

The Guernsey Velo Club rider spent nearly one-and-a-half minutes without turning a pedal stroke as she stood by the road side. Coupled with the time she spent riding on the flat tyre, it was difficult to guage how much time was lost in total.

On finishing, Bowditch explained how difficult it had been.

'It was a mentally challenging day out for me. It all went wrong, starting with some gear slippage, the puncture and a traffic hold-up. I knew it wasn't going to be my day,' she said.

'On days like this I remind myself that these types of events will make me stronger. I'd rather it all went wrong in one event and hopefully that means I've had my share of bad luck for a while.'

Not one to miss an opportunity, Bowditch travelled back via Ramsbottom where she will defend her National Hill Climb title in October.

'This proved invaluable. I had a 90% effort up the hill on somewhat tired legs but it has helped me decide on my gear selection for the main event,' she said.