The starting section up to joining the A1 was quite sheltered by trees - unfortunately once out on the A1, the headwind (which was quite a side wind) was quite apparent. I felt pretty good, though I found some sections quite a struggle. This didn't worry me too much, as I knew that the return leg is (overall) a descent, and with a tail wind should be quicker.
Over a few roundabouts I went, but after about 8 miles I felt the tell-tale bumping of a softening rear tyre. Sure enough, I'd punctured the rear tyre. I took this quite philosophically, I thought, with no ranting or grumping. I rode on on my softening tub, until I found a spot where I could safely cross the A1. Unfortunately, the tub was flattening quite quickly, and I felt I shouldn't ride on it (I have in the past wrecked a carbon wheel by riding on a flat tub). So I began pushing back towards Tempsford. Fortunately, I was rescued by one of the Team Sanjan Design supporters, which was good, as otherwise I'd probably have had to wait for Richard to finish and drive back for me. At least it wasn't raining.
From talking to those more fortunate than I was, it sounded as though the wind wasn't as much of a help on the return leg as one might have expected. Not that it stopped the winner from posting a 52:01! And Richard broke a spoke and had to stop to remove it - but at least he finished.
I've now stuck a new tub on that wheel (the puncture was due to a piece of glass), but frankly, I find clinchers are more satisfactory - at least they are easy to repair!