The Croft Summer Series 2026 kicked off in spectacular fashion this year with an expanded field of 80 riders and a Yellow leaders jersey up for grabs.

Little Al was representing LRC after last racing here in 2024, however this time solo after his teammate Richard Dixon was unable to attend.

Al was a tad apprehensive without his ‘lead out man’ after a contract was supposedly agreed between them in 2024, however it has been alleged that Richards absence was over an unshared prime sprint money win from their last outing. 

Al refrained from making any comment regarding the prize money due to ongoing litigation filed although did refute such allegations as unwarranted, unfounded and slanderous against his virtuous character. 👀

To say the race was a disaster was an understatement. As the bunch merged midway the pace was high due to the Cat 1 and Elite riders present. The strategy of initially keeping in the final half of the bunch was what he thought to be his best laid plan. However when a huge surge kicked, exposure to the high winds and those who he chose to tag onto exploded, in the blink of an eye the bunch was too powerful and the gap too big to bridge.

I’m sure the LRC ‘Old Crows’ will be taking note and any further faux pas will no doubt result in a summons to the board with a discussion on a Improvement Action Plan (IAP) 🧐👨‍🎓👩‍✈️👨‍🎨

If there was a sliver lining two points and 2nd place in the second prime sprint were gained, but more significant (in Al’s eyes 🤦‍♂️) was placing ahead of Andrew Cavendish, Marks brother who had previously placed ahead of Al and won the first prime sprint. 

Although this may have no bearing whatsoever when drawing parallels to Andrews sibling , I’m sure in years to come this will be transformed into a legendary story, that takes an hour to narrate, on some random Friday night in The Farmers Arms in Ulverston. 🕺😊