The Isle of Man 2009 Road Series got under way this weekend. What a beautiful day it was too. The 'bling' was at its best with many new machines and both pelotons were glittered with swag!

It was Warren who showed his hand first. It seemed like déjà vu seeing the tall figure of de Warren exploding out of the peloton with his new streamlined overshoes to gain a small gap. The exact thing happened last year, but this year de Warren put last year's demons to bed.

It was Cookie and the experienced Van Gadger who saw an opportunity and both worked well to bridge the gap. Then the three created a gap of over a minute. Roche clocked the danger and jumped away from the peloton as if he was going to pick up the Sunday papers! The trio were delighted when Roche bridged the gap and all of them sensed this could be an early winning move, but there were still 6 laps remaining.  Everyone was sharing the work and words cannot describe the performance of Van Gadger. He defies his age and logic and made a bold statement to all - 'There is still loads of life in the old boy yet'.

 The ever decreasing trailing peloton knew the podium places were perhaps taken, but the strong Worrall and ever improving 'Big Tom' broke away from the peloton with 4 laps to go in an attempt to get back in the race.  At the same time Cookie who had ridden hard went bang in a big way, and probably left the Old School trio of Roche, Van Gadger and de Warren to share the podium. At the end of the Tosaby Straight, with one and a half laps to go it was Roche who showed his master class and jumped away on a solo break. He went on to win the race in style. He proved again, why he has been, and still is, such an inspiration to many of the Isle of Man's new breed of cycling talents. This includes the likes of Cavendish/Bellis and Kennaugh. If any one of us needs reminding then Roche has drawn a line under it again and is still one of the best in the business.

De Warren and living legend Van Gadger worked the last bit of the race together and although Van Gadger's little ring was screaming out on the last lap, he ignored it and kept it in the big ring and kicked, to beat the cramping once '20 fags a day man Warren'- made it to the podium. An old school trio in front of all their biggest fans!

Brian and Shirley toasted success with Warren's entire family entourage, delight showing on their faces.  Big Tom went solo on the last lap to beat Worrall to fourth.

One of the rides of the day had to be the strong Darren Bell, who on his debut bridged the gap between the pairing of Big Tom and Worrall, from the remaining peloton, including his proud Dad Andy. Andy yet again rode strong.  So, young Darren Bell's superb ride has now put another question up for debate.  Mark or Andy?  You decide.  Who is the Daddy now??

Dooles who had covered his team mates early move, kicked hard to win the gallop easily from the smashed peloton.

Round 2 soon.