CQ22-Digital

them described, due to them being
made by Kalas), while others go
for the more traditional ‘layers’
approach, topped off with a rain
jacket. McLay appears to be wearing
every single item of kit issued to him.
That’s experience right there.
We roll out of ‘Donny’ and within a
few minutes of the flag dropping the
weather has already gone biblical
on us. The heavy rain rebounds from
the sodden Yorkshire tarmac, which
reflects the headlights of team cars
and race motos alike. It feels more
like dusk than the middle of the day
and an ark may have been a more
appropriate means of transport.
Barely out of the neutralised zone and
before we can settle into the race, the
words “CHUTE, CHUTE!” are heard
on race radio. Within seconds we
overtake the incident where a couple
of riders have gone down hard to our
right. By the look of the Euskadi guy
his race is done. I recognise the tell-tale
manner in which he’s sat on the ground
nursing his arm. It’s a classic broken collarbone injury for who I later
confirm was Spaniard Mikel Aristi. My pity for him at lasting but a few
minutes into a four-day stage race is tempered by my relief that it wasn’t
one of ‘ours’. We press on, as the race inevitably does, leaving the medics
to mop up the unfortunates behind.
The race immediately goes to plan as Joe Nally and Sean Flynn of GBCT
both get themselves into a small break of just six. They are joined by
former GBCT academy man and winner of 2017 Gent-Wevelgem U23
Jacob Hennessy, now of Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes and fellow Brit
Dan Bigham of Team Ribble. Jesper Asselman (Roompot-Charles) and
Kevin Vermaerke (Hagens Berman Axeon) complete the sextet.
Matt checks with the second GBCT car to confirm who is carrying the
spare bikes for our two lads in the break. The consensus is that it’s us.
There then follows one of the most exhilarating things you can do in
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