Englishman In France, Clive Humphry-Bike Racer and Man of Liesure.
Another Year In France.
This was to be my second full racing season since I came to live here 3 years ago. The first year was full of new experiences. I had to learn the system here in France. Before being issued with a French licence I had to have a medical examination. The club plays more of a part here than in the UK, particularly with the racing calendar and enter the races on your behalf. I had to find the towns where the races were being held and sign on with very little in the way of well spoken French. However, I got through the year with some successes and only one or two disappointments. I had three wins, one of which was the prestigeous Departmental Championships.
2007 arrived, and I was going to use my new found knowledge of the courses, tactics and the strongest riders to watch out for. After a Winter's hard training, I arrived at my first race in March, only to see riders warming up on the course in the opposite direction to last year. This put pay to my pre-race plan. A disorganised group of riders formed a few yards away from the start line and I noticed some of them nudging each other and pointing at me. At this race the riders are called up to the line. I in turn was called up in number but announced as Anglais and the current Department Champion. Oh no! That one race had made me a marked man, my year of anonymity had finished. The course was harder to ride in the opposite direction, and started like a usual first race of the season. There were over enthusiastic attacks from the gun but I managed to get in the right break that went clear at about half distance. I felt that my turn on the front seemed to last longer than everyone else’s. I came fifth in the sprint, a reasonable result, but a wake up call.
The next few races had a similar pattern that saw me achieving a top ten finish in each event. Apart from seriously misreading the course for the Dept. Champs, ten kilometres and a pan flat, I was going to sit in and wait for the sprint. It didn’t work out that way, and the group split in two, with me in the back group, half-asleep.
I had planned this year to see if I could last the whole season. I did not want to ride myself into the ground, and be knackered by June like last year, when I grovelled my way through the second half of the season, fatigued, but still very enthusiastic. It worked out well with my best results coming in July and August. I ventured out of my area nearer Le Mans and had an enjoyable race at Ecommoy. Eight times around a five kilometre circuit with a one kilometre, twenty percent climb every lap. I finished second on the day.
My only win of the year came in bizarre circumstances. I was in the break of five riders, two minutes clear, and with one lap to go, the officials forgot to ring the bell. Was it the last lap or not? I shouted to my son Craig, spectating further up the road: “Is it the last lap?” We continued riding with an air of uncertainty. My son appeared, one kilometre from the line, shouting: “You're on the last lap dad!” The French did not understand the significance of this piece of English communication, and I sprinted clear to win the race ahead of my confused breakaway companions. Much gesticulating and raising of voices was directed at the race commissaire. I kept my head down and remained the winner. The prize giving was to take place after the following semi pro race, due to last two hours. I could not wait for that long, as I lived 100 kilometres away. I explained the reason for my departure, and said my goodbyes, leaving the Frenchman in second place to collect my winnings and quickly forget the absent Englishman who had just thrashed them. I drove home like a winner, and was arrested by the Gendarmes who promptly frog marched me to the nearest cash machine and relieved me of ninety euros for speeding. What a finish to the season. Life is never dull here.
Highlights of the Year2007
Will’s Wheels Cycling Club visit at the end of May. An enjoyable week but, boy, did I do some washing up!
One win, plus four podiums.
Twenty-five races and twelve thousand kilometres of training.
Promotion to departmental D2 category.
No broken bikes or bones.
Next year, I am going to do:
Less races and train longer miles, targeting ten races to do well in.
Also, I am planning to bring some younger French riders over to England for a week, ride some races, see some sights, go to the Velodrome and have an all round good time, some time in June.
Tour de France2008
The Tour comes very close to my house next year, with the first time trial being held in Cholet. There is also an arrival and depart the day either side of the time trial, making for quite a spectacle right on my doorstep. I am organising a guide week for visitors including airport collections, three days to see the tour by people carrier, guided rides, wine tasting etc. Adaptable for individuals, couples or small groups on a B&B basis/evening meal, all at sensible prices. I will be placing adverts in the cycling press in the new year, but members of Will’s Wheels will benefit preferential rates and have first option on the places.
Englishman in France,
Clive Humphry
Clive's Top Eleven Events for 2007.
25 Mars----Valenjou----5em.
15 Avril----Pelloailles Le Vignes----7em.
6 Mai----Dept Champs, Durtal----19em.
13 Mai----Lue et Beugeos----8em.
20 Mai----Soulanger----3em.
10 Juin----Jallais----12em
14 Juillet----Grand Luce----3em.
5 Aout----Montreal Bellay----4em.
11 Aout----Ecommoy----2em.
19 Aout----Requeil----1em.
19 points, move to D2 Cat.
17 Sept----Chace Verrains "Time Trial"----8em.