Close but no cigar.

I'm beginning to get miffed at failing to make it to any more of the Hillingdon Winter Series. This week I was robbed of my opportunity by some urgent swing pushing for my 3 year old.

Patrick is yet to be troubled by such obstacles and once again just hopped in his car.

He really is proving his form is coming along, but was let down tactically and perhaps by a lack of confidence. He missed the decisive break, which is so often fatal at Hillingdon, but remained comfortable near the front of the pack.

Towards the end he was a break away group, and when the others faded, launched a bid for the line. Sadly, he'd left himself a little too much do and was caught near the line and passed by 7 riders, robbing him of his first points of the season by one place.

Much like myself after the MOD Chertsey race back in October, he is kicking himself for not going a little earlier and with more determination from the outset. I think we can all learn from this lesson, no matter when they arise, you have to grap your opportunites with both hands and hold on with all your might.