Bude Lead At Roadford Races

Thanks to Jan Keats for sharing this round up of the first Roadford Races fixture of the season.

The Roadford Races winter series kicked off in style as unexpectedly calm weather appeared to turn the surface of the lake into glass, setting the stage for a day of thrilling racing.  Bude Pilot Gig Club members arrived early to prepare the course and ensure the ever-popular tea, cake, and BBQ stalls were ready to fuel competitors and supporters alike. With locally produced burgers and an impressive spread of homemade cakes, energy levels were high before the first boats even touched the water.

Twelve gigs took part in the event, representing clubs from across the region and beyond including Midland Cornish, Tamar and Tavy, Torridge, Clevedon, Port Isaac, Barnstaple, Bude, Boscastle and Crackington, Appledore, Porlock Weir and newcomers to the event, Avon Corinthians. With conditions perfect and spirits high, Round 1 promised to be an exciting start to the season.

Photo credit: G&B Gig Photography

The day opened with the Junior race, which delivered some of the closest and most spirited rowing of the entire event. Barnstaple’s Philippa J showed impressive pace off the start and held a commanding line to take first place. Close behind came Tamar and Tavy’s Birlanda, who pushed hard in the final stages but couldn’t quite reel them in. Bude’s young rowers in Tregeare rounded off the top three with a determined and energetic row. The enthusiasm from these young crews created a buzz on the bank, giving spectators a glimpse of the talent rising through the ranks.

The Novice race followed with a bumper turnout of nine boats – clear evidence that gig rowing continues to grow in popularity. Despite many crews being new to the sport, the standard of rowing was impressive, with tight-packed racing all the way to the finish. Boscastle powered ahead in Valency to claim victory, demonstrating a composed rhythm that belied their novice status. Appledore’s crew in Verbena put in a strong chase to secure second, while Bude’s Tregeare fought hard to take a well-earned third place.

The Women’s Masters race saw Appledore’s Verbena ahead from the outset with Birlanda chasing doggedly in second and Valency holding off pressure from behind to take third.

In the Open Masters race, Champ from Torridge delivered a steady and powerful row as they pushed clear of the pack. A declaration from runners up Ladye Bay adjusted the standings, promoting Valency to second and Bude’s Tregeare into third.

The Women’s Super Vets race saw a commanding performance from Appledore, with Verbena once again taking first place. Valency kept steady pressure on throughout for second, while Birlanda rowed a calm, consistent race to secure third.

The Open Super Vets race was hotly contested, with Bude’s Tregeare putting on a powerful display to take first place. Avon Corinthians in Revenge produced a brilliantly executed middle section to hold onto second, while Champ finished third after a declaration from Ladye Bay. The determination of these crews was evident in every stroke.

The B races brought some exciting mid-pack battles. In the Women’s event, Valency managed to edge ahead early and held their lead with a strong, steady rowing. Bude’s Tregeare stayed uncomfortably close behind, finishing second after a spirited chase. Barum Bobby, rowed by Midland Cornish completed the top three with a great row.

Photo credit: G&B Gig Photography

The Open B race saw Appledore’s Verbena ahead with the other crews unable to match them. Barum Bobby fought off pressure from Valency to secure second, with the Boscastle crew settling for a competitive third.

The Women’s Vets race drew loud support from spectators as Tregeare continued Bude’s strong showing with another first-place finish. Champ crossed in second, while Valency completed the podium after a well-timed push in the final third of the course.

In the Open Vets, Tregeare again demonstrated excellent form and discipline, taking first place despite determined challenges from Champ, who finished second, and Ladye Bay, who claimed third.

The final races of the day did not disappoint. In the Women’s A race, Bude capped off a brilliant day with a victory, the crew established an early lead and responded to every challenge thrown their way, eventually finishing ahead of Appledore’s Verbena in second, with Valency securing third after a strong sprint home.

The Open A race was equally competitive. While Bude again claimed a strong first place, Valency pushed hard to secure second, holding off a determined surge from Ladye Bay who took third. Every crew pushed their limits, making for a thrilling end to the first winter league round.

After an exciting day of racing, five first place wins put Bude in Tregeare at the top of the leader board with 35 points. Boscastle and Crackington Haven in Valency placed second with 40 points and in third with 54 points, Torridge in Champ.

The event would not have been possible without the dedication and professionalism of the safety crews and starting teams, who worked tirelessly throughout the day to keep the racing safe, fair, and flowing smoothly. Thanks also go to all the clubs who travelled, their enthusiasm and sportsmanship helped create a fantastic atmosphere both on and off the water, and special thanks go to the clubs that were generous enough to loan boats to other clubs to enable them to compete.

A special thank you to G&B Gig Photography for capturing outstanding action shots throughout the event. Their images are available to view on their Facebook page – see if you can spot yourself on the water!  And for those who want to relive the excitement, James from Bude has uploaded fantastic footage of the event which you can watch here.