Dan Bigham (HUUB WattShop) stormed to a solo victory at the DAP CC Road Race (Sunday 25 May), blowing the race apart in the windswept lanes of north Suffolk in what was his first domestic road race appearance since returning from Andorra.
Dan Bigham (HUUB WattShop) stormed to a solo victory at the DAP CC Road Race (Sunday 25 May), blowing the race apart in the windswept lanes of north Suffolk in what was his first domestic road race appearance since returning from Andorra.
Featured image: Emma Wilcock
Report
Held on the 15.2km Ringsfield circuit, one of the flattest in the country with just 60m of elevation per lap, the race covered eight laps for a total of 122km. Despite its modest profile, the exposed terrain and crosswinds ensured a fierce and selective race from the gun.
Bigham – better known for breaking the UCI Hour Record and masterminding aerodynamics for WorldTour teams – had clearly done his homework. “I recced [the course] on Friday,” he told The British Continental afterwards, “so I hit it hard and aero along [the crosswind section].”
After a flurry of early attacks, Bigham launched a searing move in the exposed section, bridging to Monte Guerrini (Le Col RT) who was already away solo. Callum Laborde (Private Member) and Frank Longstaff (DAS Richardsons) joined to make a front quartet that quickly forged clear of the field.
Image: Emma Wilcock
For the next five laps, the group rolled hard and stayed out of sight on the course’s long straights. “I’m not sure what the gap was as time checks were few and far between,” said Bigham, “but we couldn’t see the bunch.”
With the wind still howling and legs beginning to fade, the cohesion began to crack. “Frank was on a bit of an off day,” Bigham said, “and Monte and Callum were giving him some stick for sitting on.” With just over two laps to go, infighting among the trio handed Bigham a 10-metre gap – all the invitation he needed.
“I promptly took it (although I would’ve preferred a lap less solo) and just sent it,” he quipped. With 7km to go, the commissaire informed him the gap had ballooned to 90 seconds, giving him time to ease up slightly before crossing the line alone, arms aloft.
It was a fitting return to domestic road race action for Bigham, who last raced regularly in the UK prior to his three-year stint living and training in Andorra. Reflecting on the state of the scene, he was both grateful and candid:
“The organisers did a top job of putting the race on, especially with a relatively small field. It’s been shocking to see the changes in the domestic race scene since returning… Hopefully we can collectively support local races and figure out how we can work to grow the sport back to its best.”
Image: Emma Wilcock
He also hinted that this wouldn’t be a one-off cameo: “I’ll be racing domestically here and there when work and family life allows. On that note, if anyone is up for a full gas crit, I’ll see you at the Tuesday night Lotus Crits.”
An aero engineer, time triallist, and now race-splitter-in-chief – Bigham’s versatility continues to impress. And if today is anything to go by, the local peloton would do well to keep a close eye on him whenever he lines up again.
Dan Bigham (HUUB WattShop) stormed to a solo victory at the DAP CC Road Race (Sunday 25 May), blowing the race apart in the windswept lanes of north Suffolk in what was his first domestic road race appearance since returning from Andorra.
Featured image: Emma Wilcock
Report
Held on the 15.2km Ringsfield circuit, one of the flattest in the country with just 60m of elevation per lap, the race covered eight laps for a total of 122km. Despite its modest profile, the exposed terrain and crosswinds ensured a fierce and selective race from the gun.
Bigham – better known for breaking the UCI Hour Record and masterminding aerodynamics for WorldTour teams – had clearly done his homework. “I recced [the course] on Friday,” he told The British Continental afterwards, “so I hit it hard and aero along [the crosswind section].”
After a flurry of early attacks, Bigham launched a searing move in the exposed section, bridging to Monte Guerrini (Le Col RT) who was already away solo. Callum Laborde (Private Member) and Frank Longstaff (DAS Richardsons) joined to make a front quartet that quickly forged clear of the field.
For the next five laps, the group rolled hard and stayed out of sight on the course’s long straights. “I’m not sure what the gap was as time checks were few and far between,” said Bigham, “but we couldn’t see the bunch.”
With the wind still howling and legs beginning to fade, the cohesion began to crack. “Frank was on a bit of an off day,” Bigham said, “and Monte and Callum were giving him some stick for sitting on.” With just over two laps to go, infighting among the trio handed Bigham a 10-metre gap – all the invitation he needed.
“I promptly took it (although I would’ve preferred a lap less solo) and just sent it,” he quipped. With 7km to go, the commissaire informed him the gap had ballooned to 90 seconds, giving him time to ease up slightly before crossing the line alone, arms aloft.
It was a fitting return to domestic road race action for Bigham, who last raced regularly in the UK prior to his three-year stint living and training in Andorra. Reflecting on the state of the scene, he was both grateful and candid:
“The organisers did a top job of putting the race on, especially with a relatively small field. It’s been shocking to see the changes in the domestic race scene since returning… Hopefully we can collectively support local races and figure out how we can work to grow the sport back to its best.”
He also hinted that this wouldn’t be a one-off cameo: “I’ll be racing domestically here and there when work and family life allows. On that note, if anyone is up for a full gas crit, I’ll see you at the Tuesday night Lotus Crits.”
An aero engineer, time triallist, and now race-splitter-in-chief – Bigham’s versatility continues to impress. And if today is anything to go by, the local peloton would do well to keep a close eye on him whenever he lines up again.
Results
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