Weston Beach Race

'Fast Ed' wins 2005 Weston Beach Race

23^rd ACU Weston Beach Race @ Weston-Super-Mare, UK.

In front of thousands of spectators and competing against over 800 riders Honda Racing Fast Eddy PAR Homes rider Paul Edmondson topped the 23^rd running of the annual Weston-Super-Mare Beach Race. In doing so Paul claimed his first ever Weston victory having finished as runner-up on four separate occasions.

Lining up on the inside of the start straight Edmondson managed to avoid troubles as he rounded the first turn and exited the wide left hander just inside the top 20. Passing numerous riders over the first six dunes Paul was comfortably inside the top five half way around the first lap and settled into his race pace behind two-time le Touquet winner Jean Claude Mousse, Jordon Rose and Tyla Rattray. Following the few riders ahead of him across the remaining dunes of the opening lap Paul then moved to the runner-up position on lap two before proceeding to the front of the race mid-way through the event.

Stopping twice for fuel Edmondson returned to the track in the lead after his second stop and maintained his advantage during the closing stages of the three-hour competition. Not wanting to make a mistake that might cost him victory Edmondson rode extremely cautiously during the final hour and despite a few close moments with lapped riders started the final lap of the race in the lead.

Knowing that anything could, and often does happen, in the latter stages of the Weston Beach Race, Paul slowed his pace considerably, used extreme caution when passing slower riders and claimed his first ever Weston victory ahead of Brad Anderson and Jason Thomas.

Paul Edmondson: "It’s a great feeling to have finally won the event. I first finished second to Dave Thorpe back in ’88 and again last year I was the runner-up to Stefan Everts so to have won is awesome. I can’t believe how well the race went for me – I was really lucky and didn’t have any big crashes or any bike problems. In fact my bike ran perfectly all race and never missed a beat.

"I was about 20^th out of the first turn and worked my way up inside the top five not long after that. From there everything went well in the race. I followed the riders that were ahead of me for the opening lap and then found myself behind Brad Anderson on the second lap. I made two fuel stops, one at the end of the first and one at the end of the second hour. I passed Brad shortly after my first stop and then had a good battle with Tyla Rattray for about three or four laps.

"I had a few near misses in the last hour of the race but I slowed my pace to make sure that I didn’t make any mistakes. I was really nervous during the last few laps because so often something silly happens at Weston, which can cost you the win. Thankfully it didn’t and to win is great."

No official results were available at the time this press releasse was issued.

Report: Jonty Edmunds

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