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2017 WECC RIDERS IN OPEN TIME TRIALS

Picture
Picture
Sussex Nomads CC Hill Climb
GH/90
Sunday 29 October 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Gavin Ash

5:11.1

20

Neil Crowther

5:23.6

22

-0:08.0

3

Tom Harrison

5:27.5

24

 

Our three riders up for this challenge on Ditchling Beacon were closely grouped on time and in the overall finishing positions.

​Congratulations to Neil Crowther : a prize winner as third placed vet on standard.
Picture
Picture
Brighton Mitre CC 25
G25/93
Sunday 22 October 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Neil Crowther

1:02:19

25

+4:32

 

Gavin Ash

DNS

 

 

A cool breezy morning reduced the 'fun factor' and resulted in slow times across the board (well what do you expect in late October?). A bug kept Gavin from starting, and Neil treated it as a training ride (albeit an unenjoyable one).
Picture
Picture
Velopace Hill Climb
GH/86
Saturday 14 October 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

Gavin Ash

DNS

 

Having done the morning ESCA Hill Climb Gavin decided that it was too long to wait for the afternoon event and opted not to start.
Picture
Picture
ESCA Hill Climb
GH/84
Saturday 14 October 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

Gavin Ash

4:39.5

11

 

Another super hill climbing performance by Gavin in a field of real strength and depth.
Picture
Picture
​Lewes Wanderers Grand Prix de Gentlemen
GS/838A
Sunday 1 October 2017

Rider

Time

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman and Allan Orman

48:06

+4:51

4

Chris Putnam and Harry Pask

52:57

-6:33

17

Nik Allen and Ken Wheeler

1:00:21

-5:50

18

Trevor Leeding and John Lucas

DNS

Phil Frean and Rick Hughes

DNS

 

​A Gentlemen’s Grand Prix is for teams comprising one veteran and one other rider. The veteran is paced round the course by his/her partner but may overtake 200 yards before the line. Two veterans may form a team but one must be pacer and one the nominated veteran. With the exception of fastest team on actual, all results are based on current CTT standard target time for the paced rider.

Report from Ian Cheesman:

So five pairs of WECC riders had entered the annual GP De Gents event run by LWCC. Whilst the temperature was warmer than usual it was very wet with a keen breeze and steady drizzle being the order of the day. Rick and Phil were DNS due to Rick's continuing health issues and Trevor and John were DNS as Sheila had sent a note to Trevor saying that he wasn't allowed to come out and play!! As a result Trevor, Paul Townsley, Rick Hughes and Tony Palmer attended to cheer the remaining three pairs on.

Nik Allen and Ken Wheeler posted a time of 1.00.21 coming third in the club but sadly Ken had a puncture which obviously slowed them down considerably. Second was a great ride for Harry Pask and Chris Putnam with a time of  52.57 given Harry is a novice at this type of event and has considerable youth on his side!! Cheesy and Allan took club honours with a 48.06 which they were pleased about given that Allan slipped a chain as the pair crested the hill after Earwig corner so had to stop to sort it out. This was good enough to get 4th in the Vet on Standard prize.

The fastest pair was Nick Dwyer and Pete Morris and first in the Vet on standard was David Shepherd and Ben Fielden.

As ever a nice fun event to finish the season off nicely.
(Thanks to Paul Townsley for the photos)
Picture
Picture
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP HILL CLIMB
GH/92
Saturday 30 Sept 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Gavin Ash

4:46.6

7

Tom Harrison

5:00.6

8

Nik Allen

5:02.5

9

+0:10.5

2

Neil Crowther

5:03.6

10

+0:05.4

4

Ian Newbold

6:05.3

19

-0:56.3

8

 

Excellent performances from our riders today, including our newest member Tom. The consistency of the rides meant that the club retained the team title that they won last season. Nik added to his prize fund with a fine second place in the veterans rankings (on CTT Target Time). ​Ian Newbold did well given that he was on a borrowed bike and was forced to stop mid ride by two motorists. How frustrating is that?!
Picture
Picture
VTTA Surrey/Sussex 25
G25/89
Sunday 24 Sept 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

1:03:53

37

+8:05

20

Ian Newbold

DNS

 

 

This turned out to be a disappointing last race of the season for Mike. "I was feeling a bit off before the start and it didn't improve with racing as I was unable to push anything like normal power. That was my slowest ride on any course for 5 years and I was at about the same pace that I did a 100 there earlier this season."
Picture
Picture
Paceline RT 10
P881R/10
Saturday 16 Sept 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nik Allen

20:14

33

+6:13

 

Mike O'Gorman

22:01

84

+6:13

 

 

A NEW CLUB RECORD
Today Nik Allen improved upon the previous club record of 20:29 that he had set earlier this season. A blistering 20:14 deserves huge congratulations.
Picture
Picture
ESCA 10 (SHORTENED TO 6.1 MILES)
G10/87 xxx
Saturday 9 September 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

Ian Newbold

14:42

20

 

​This weekend's East Sussex CA 10 mile time trial was shortened to 6.1 miles due to the appearance of temporary roadwork traffic lights. Ian Newbold came 20th with 14:42
Picture
Picture
SCCU 25
G25/54
Sunday 3 September 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nik Allen

56:11

5

+11:04

 

Nolan Heather

56:21

7

+9:52

 

Ian Cheesman

57:56

20

+9:42

 

Martin Booker

1:00:10

30

+7:40

 

Ian Newbold

DNS

 

Andy Haste

DNS

 

 

Cracking performances in this event. There were personal bests for both Nik and Nolan as both were extremely well placed in the overall standings. Ian Cheesman had yet another good ride with a new personal course record. The one surprise was previously in-form Martin Booker who, having recorded a string of personal bests in recent weeks, was disappointed to be over two minutes down with a 1:00:10 in his final race of the season.

The mood at the finish was sombre though due to John Marinko being injured after being hit by a van driver as he returned to the race HQ. The van driver did not stop at the scene.
Picture
Picture
Charlotteville CC 10
H10/8
Saturday 2 September 2017
Having suffered a broken chain last week Mike O'Gorman's luck continued in the same vein. A car/rider incident early in the event caused it to be abandoned early on. Mike's ride was called off as he approached the finish and on schedule to record a long 22.

​Colin Barton was pleased that he missed the whole thing, having previously indicated that he was a DNS(A).
Picture
Picture
Southdown Velo 25
P901/25
Sunday 27 August 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman

58:43

 32

+8:55

 

Martin Booker

58:53

 33

+8:57

 

Colin Barton

1:00:24

 48

+8:55

 

Allan Orman

1:05:27

 58

+9:09

 

Mike O'Gorman

DNF

 

Rick Hughes

DNS

 

Rome Bhamra

DNS

 

 

Cheesy took the bragging rights in a tight tussle with in-form Martin Booker. Cheesy's 58:43 was his second fastest 25 of the season. Martin was pleased with a course PB and, as he said, it would be ironic to be disappointed with a 58 min ride given that it's only three months since he achieved that landmark.

Allan Orman rode his first 25 of the season and it was a new LTS for him, being quicker than any time in recent years.
The P901/25 hoodoo struck Mike again. In this event last season he suffered a front tyre blow out going back up the hill out of Arundel. This time his chain broke after six miles of skipping randomly through the gears. At least he got a lift back to HQ. Injury prevented Rick from starting and he has now only ridden one 25 this season.

​The Vets on Standard makes for interesting reading with a really tight grouping of results. Well done to Allan.
Picture
Picture
Bec CC 10
G25/54
Sunday 20 August 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Martin Booker

57:57

21

+9:53

21

Mike O'Gorman

59:50

30

+12:08

10

Ian Newbold

1:01:56

44

+4:55

44

Andrew Haste

DNS

 

 

Martin Booker goes from strength to strength in 25's this season. Having started the season with a PB of 59:12 he has now produced a string of four new PB's in the past few weeks (58:41, 58:32, 58:20 and now 57:57). Absolutely brilliant!

Ian Newbold produced a season's best time (all of his three Open 25s this season have been on this course). Mike O'Gorman was relieved just to go inside the hour as the exertions of the past week caught up with him.
Picture
Picture
...a3crg 10
P883/10
Wednesday 16 August 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

21:52

42

+6:22

12

 

In the last of the season's midweek Open events on the A3 Mike was happy/relieved with a return of power and form in what was his second quickest 10 of the season.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
ESCA 100

   incorporating SCA 100 and
   VTTA Surrey/Sussex 100
G100/861
Sunday 13 August 2017

Rider

Time

 

ESCA
Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

ESCA
Pos

Mike O'Gorman

4:21:22

17

+56:07

1

SCA
Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

SCA
Pos

6

+38:52

1

+/-
VTTA Std

 

VTTA
Pos

+56:07

1

 

Due to the recent cancellation of the SCCU 100 this event incorporated several other competitions. Mike’s 4:21:22 is a new course record for him and brought a clean sweep of the Excelsior 100 mile Club Championship, the Sussex CA 100 Vets Title (improving on his existing record time), the East Sussex CA 100 Vets title and the VTTA Surrey/Sussex 100 Vets title.

​On scratch he came 17th in the ESCA event and 6th in the SCA event. The VTTA event is solely based on VTTA standards.
Picture
Picture
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 30
G30/91
Sunday 30 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Nik Allen

1:09:28

9

+8:54

10

Nolan Heather

1:10:53

11

+4:40

20

Neil Crowther

1:13:38

15

+3:36

21

Martin Booker

1:13:39

16

+6:28

12

Ian Cheesman

1:13:57

17

+5:35

15

Mike O'Gorman

1:15:10

19

+14:54

3

Ian Newbold

1:17:05

21

+0:09

27

Rick Hughes

1:17:54

22

+5:12

19

 

​Our in-form riders Nik Allen, Nolan Heather and Neil Crowther took the first three places in the WECC club championship (held within this SCA championship event).

The times of those three riders was more than good enough to secure the SCA team prize as they finished well clear of second placed Brighton Mitre. Nik’s time of 1:09:28 got him a fine ninth place in the SCA rankings. Although not a club record Nik’s was the fastest ever winning time in the club championship.

Martin Booker and Neil Crowther both achieved personal best times. Ian Cheesman exactly matched his PB from two years ago.
Picture
Picture
EPSOM CC 10
G10/57
Saturday 29 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nolan Heather

21:54

14

+4:10

 

Colin Barton

23:15

29

+3:59

 

 

An excellent time by Nolan on this course.
Picture
Picture
​...a3crg 10
P881/10
Wednesday 27 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

22:25

38

+5:49

13

 

Mike's view: "A reasonable time on a windy evening."
Picture
Picture
SOUTHDOWN VELO 50
P901/50
Sunday 23 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman

2:00:52

14

+18:17

 

Martin Booker

2:02:27

17

+17:07

 

 

Report from Ian:

"As the mist cleared and the roads dried in Fontwell, Martin and I made our way to the start of the Southdown Velo 50 Mile time trial. Breeze was a light westerly, the temperature was good and it was dry (albeit the roads were still quite wet from the heavy rain on Saturday).

Martin was looking for a PB at the distance and I was hoping for another sub 2 hour ride at the distance. All riders commented on how such a light breeze could be so sapping as we travelled from the turn at Arundel so I'm glad it wasn't just me!!

I was to be disappointed in not achieving the sub 2 hour but took club honours (and a course PB) with a 2.00.52. Whilst Martin may have been slower with a 2.02.27 he certainly was the star WECC rider as he took the best part of 4 and a half minutes off his PB for 50 Miles which is amazing. Both of us were pleased to place 14th and 17th respectively so rewarded ourselves with cake and sausage rolls at HQ.

The fastest riders were: 1st James Mapley (Blazing Saddles) 1.49.43, 2nd Stephen Williamson (...a3crg) 1.50.08 and 3rd Robert Drake (Addiscombe CC) 1.51.56."
Picture
Picture
SCCU 100
G100/61A
​Sunday 23 July 2017
Mike O'Gorman was the sole entrant for this (which also served as the SCA 100 and the WECC Club 100). Due to fog on the A272 at the start it was called off.
Picture
Picture
...a3crg 10
P881R/10
Wednesday 19 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

22:22

53

+5:52

12

 

The slowest of Mike's three 22 minute rides on this course this season (the others being 22:03 and 22:07)
Picture
Picture
Brighton Excelsior CC 25
G25/93
Sunday 16 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nik Allen

56:31

6

+10:44

 

Ian Cheesman

59:59

17

+7:39

 

Martin Booker

1:00:16

18

+7:34

 

Simon Atkinson

DNS

 

 

Another great report from Cheesy:

​"This morning was a contrast to the BECC 10 Mile TT in that three of the four riders started (Simon Atkinson was a DNS). Conditions were again favourable with a light breeze and temperature around 19 degrees. I was aiming to get back under the hour which I hadn't managed since 2014 and Martin has been so close so often so he was also hopeful. Nik (in another league) was aiming for a course PB. 

Nik took club honours with a time of 56.31 and whilst not a PB placed him 6th overall. I followed and managed to go sub hour - JUST, with a time of 59.59 placing 17th and Martin rounded the WECC trio with a frustratingly close 1.00.16 and placed 18th. Martin did have the consolation of a course PB. I also managed to place 4th in the combined weekend competition.

The podium was not a surprise with some great rides: 1st Jamie Pine with a 53.47, 2nd Howard Bayley with a 54.28 and Matt Peel rounding out the podium with a 54.49."


Picture
Picture
Brighton Excelsior CC 10
G10/97
​Saturday 15 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman

23:17

15

+3:19

 

Colin Barton

DNS

 

Nik Allen

DNS

 

Nolan Heather

DNS

 

 

Report from Cheesy:

"As I arrived at HQ to sign on I was eager to see how the other WECC competitors were feeling on what was a good morning weather wise. A light breeze and about 17 degrees should make for a good ride. Sadly, it was to be a lonely one as Nik Allen, Colin Barton and Nolan Heather were all DNS.

I had a good ride and unlike Thursday's ride had a clear run at all of the roundabouts. The ride felt good and I recorded a time of 23.17 which I thought was a little slower than the sub 23 I was aiming for but when I got back to HQ this was good enough for 15th place overall.

The winning trio were: 1st Chris Mcnamara 19.58, 2nd Simon McNamara 20.25 and 3rd was a young rider, called Joseph Martin,  aged 15 who posted a time of 21.53 so has a bright future ahead of him. A good morning's work and looking forward to the BECC 25 tomorrow and hoping for similar conditions."
Picture
BDCA 50
​(Burton and District Cycling Alliance)
A50/6
Saturday 15 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

2:02:33

 

+26:05

 

 

Mike travelled to Derby in an unsuccessful bid for the fastest 50 of the season. In similar fashion to the SCA 50 two weeks ago Mike faded part way through. He was over 8 minutes slower than his only previous ride on this course (albeit the J5/8 reverse ways round version) and is lacking power and endurance right now.
Picture
Picture
...a3crg 10
P881/10
Wednesday 12 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

22:36

40

+5:38

12

 

The slowest of Mike's four rides on this course this season (the others being 22:13, 21:55,  22:06)
Picture
Picture
EPSOM CC 25
G25/54
Sunday 9 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Martin Booker

58:20

22

+9:30

 

Ian Newbold

1:02:33

42

+4:18

 

Simon Atkinson

DNF

 

Trevor Leeding

DNS

 

 

Martin Booker continued in his rich vein of recent form by gaining a new PB. This is his third PB of the season so far at this distance.

Ian Newbold did well to finish just 26 seconds slower than his PB given that he had a slow puncture and ended up riding the last mile on the rim!

​Simon completed one lap (out of two) and then retired as he realised that he was well off the pace.
Picture
Picture
VTTA NATIONAL 25
E2/25
​Saturday 8 July 2017
Mike O'Gorman travelled to Newmarket for this National event and was due to ride as No 83. Unfortunately the event was called off whilst in progress and before Mike reached the start line due to rider No 45 being hit by a motorist and seriously injured (broken shoulder, broken collar bone, some broken ribs, a punctured lung and some nasty road rash). The event is expected to be rescheduled for later in the year.
Picture
Picture
CRAWLEY WHEELERS 10
G10/57
Saturday 8 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nolan Heather

22:10

15

+3:54

 

Colin Barton

DNS

 

 

An excellent time and placing for Nolan as his form continues to improve throughout this season.

Colin: "I was a DNS today. Decided some rest and a training ride would be better for me."
Picture
Picture
SOUTHDOWN VELO 10
P901/10
Thursday 6 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Colin Barton

22:31

20

+4:43

 

Neil Crowther

23:23

35

+2:55

 

Karen McGrath

24:16

38

+5:04

 

 

Very much mixed fortunes.

Pride of place goes to Karen McGrath who set a new Ladies Record of 24:16, breaking her previous record time of 24:30 set last year. Understandably Karen described herself as "chuffed". And with every reason too.

Neil Crowther was massively disappointed with his effort. He described it thus: "I had my slowest ever 10 on a TT bike. I've had an awful 5 weeks where my legs have been ** at recovering from anything and I've missed loads of training and races. And I think that my back wheel was rubbing on the brakes!!!."

Colin: "Nice warm evening, but with a bit of a headwind on the outward leg. My fitness has taken a dive in recent weeks, as various Summer distractions have kept me off the bike. Given that, my time of 22:31 and finishing 20th out of 49 was okay."
Picture
Picture
...a3crg 25
P884B/25
Wednesday 5 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

57:36

49 

+14:22

 22

 

Still somewhat off form right now Mike described this as a respectable time - but he had hoped for considerably better in what were great conditions.
Picture
Picture
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 50
G50/10
Sunday 2 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Martin Booker

2:07:08

11

+5:24

12

Mike O'Gorman

2:12:06

17

+18:09

3

Ian Newbold

DNS

 

Clive Patterson-Lett

DNS

 

Nicole Patterson-Lett

DNS

 

 

Martin does really well as he improves on his June 2017 time on this course (SCCU 50) by over a minute. This wins him the WECC 50 Championship for the season. Congratulations indeed.

Mike would rather forget his ride - his slowest ever 50 by over 3 minutes, and over eight and a half minutes down on this event last season.
Picture
Picture
BLAZING SADDLES 50
P885/50
​Sunday 2 July 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman

1:57:44

68

+21:25

53

Trevor Leeding

DNS

 

 

​Another of his goals for the season is achieved by Ian as he break through the 2 hour mark and improves his previous best time of 2:01:05 (from earlier this season).
​Unfortunately Trevor is still suffering from a longstanding virus and is unable to race.

Report from Ian:
"It was an early start to get the Liss for my target race of the season. 5 minutes prior to arrival at HQ the grey clouds arrived and it started spitting! A lonely affair as my partner in crime, Trevor Leeding, has been struck down by a virus and was unable to start so I felt a little more pressure being the only WECC rider to represent the club. Tom Glandfield commented on how still it seemed and we wished each other luck. Whilst warming up the drizzle started and continued until about half an hour into the ride so any roundabouts, corners etc would have to be treated with respect if I wanted to avoid emulating Valverde in the TDF 2017 opener.

I knew what I needed to do to achieve my season goal so set about the task in hand and keeping my pace steady to start would be crucial. As I began the first northbound leg it was apparent that the wind had got up so it was hard going and a few exciting side gusts kept me awake. A good measured ride with the first 25 in just over 59 Minutes so provided I didn't blow up I was on target. As I neared the finish line the marshalls were waving to slow down, presumably to avoid the stationary ambulance due to a rider coming off ( I did think it might be for me as I pretty much fell onto the grass having completely emptied myself!) 

A good days work - A PB and sub 2 hour achieved with a 1.57.44 which was good enough to place 67th (53rd Vet on Std). The top three produced inhuman rides: 1st Liam Maybank (Twickenham CC) 1.39.43, 2nd Gary Chambers (No PINZ) 1.41.19 and 3rd Mark Smith (Crawley Wheelers) 1.42.28.

As a bonus Mike pointed out that I have taken pole position in the Richard Shipton Trophy competition with the fastest 50 Mile TT by a WECC rider this year - SO FAR!!!"
Picture
Picture
REDHILL CC SPORTING 14
GG/198
Saturday 1 July 2017
I did the Redhill 14m Sporting today and after 4 miles I was down to one armrest. I stopped and picked it up and as such didn't have the best race. I finished in a 37:09 I think and the winner was a 32 something. It's a hard hilly course! 
Picture
Picture
Picture
...a3crg 10
P881/10
Wednesday 28 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nik Allen

20:51

15=

+5:36

7

Mike O'Gorman

22:06

33=

+6:08

3

Colin Barton

DNS

 

 

A stiff Northerly wind is exactly the wrong way round on this course and so it proved.

Nik was disappointed to be 22 seconds slower than his previous visit to this course at the start of May.
​Mike was 7 seconds quicker than the start of May but 11 seconds slower than a ride at the end of May - and did win a bottle of wine for 3rd place on Vets Standard.
Picture
Picture
OLD PORTLIANS CC 25
G25/93E
Sunday 25 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nolan Heather

1:01:01

13

+5:12

 

Martin Booker

1:02:14

14

+5:24

 

Ian Cheesman

1:02:25

15

+5:13

 

Jeff Blunsdon

1:04:05

23

+3:10

 

Trevor Leeding

DNS

 

Andrew Haste

DNS

 

 

Report kindly provided by Ian Cheesman:

"Circumstances conspired against competitors in the Old Portlians 25 Mile TT race in that the course has to be moved to the G25/93E which is much more lumpy and not helped but a fairly brisk wind that seemed to be in your face for most of the ride - A far cry from the conditions and course on Wednesday on the A3!

Of the six WECC riders, two didn't start in Andy Haste and Trevor Leeding( his first ever DNS and as Martin commented he must be ill as he'd paid his entry!!). WECC riders gave a good account of themselves with pretty close results, particularly on Veteran on std time:

Nolan Heather took club honours with a 1.01.01 (+5.12), followed by Martin Booker with a 1.02.14 (+5.24), closely followed by Ian Cheesman with a 1.02.25 (+5.13) leaving Jeff Blunsdon rounding out the quartet with a fine 1.04.05 (+3.10) showing increasing form. Most riders were pleased to have finished it given that it was hard going. The event was won by Pete Tadros (In-Gear Quickvit Trainsharp RT) with a most impressive 54.43, closely followed by Steve Dennis (East Grinstead) with a 54.49 and the podium rounded out by Pete Morris (Team ASL) with  a 54.58."
Picture
Picture
HORSHAM CYCLING 10
G10/57
Saturday 24 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nolan Heather

DNS

 

Ian Newbold

DNS

 

 

The challenges of combining work with cycling
Nolan:
"I was a DNS as I was still at work at 2 am dealing with an incident!" 

Ian:
"I was a DNS - long week travelling at work and alarm never went off so was too late for start time."
Picture
Picture
...a3crg 25
P884B/25
Wednesday 21 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman

55:18

39

+12:20

32

Mike O'Gorman

57:27

58

+14:31

16

Neil Crowther

DNS

 

 

Cheesy was hugely delighted with this performance. A massive PB saw him improve by over a minute from his 2016 benchmark of 56:26 (which was set on P885/25). It also took a large chunk off his ride on this course back in April when he clocked a 59:42.
This continues his excellent run of improving his 25 PB each year (2014 - 59:12, 2015 - 57:19, 2016 - 56:26). A measure of the quality of this ride is reflected in this being the second fastest ride achieved  by an Excelsior rider during the past 6 years.

Mike faded in the second half of his ride with the effects of Sunday's 100 still very much in evidence and was happy just to get a respectable time and to begin his recovery. Neil opted not to ride because his legs were tired.
Picture
Picture
ECCA 100
E2/100C
​Sunday 18 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

4:06:24

62

+1:11:05 

 

 

NEW CLUB RECORD
Having fallen just short last season Mike finally reached his goal of setting a new club record for 100 miles but it was certainly done the hard way:

"This was actually a tough event to get into. There were only 64 mens' places and I only just made the cut (with a previous best time of 4:10:56) which meant that I was the slowest rider in the field. I was reminded of that as a succession of fast men went by me at frequent intervals.

I was off at 5:39 which meant that I had to get up at 1:10 am and then drive 120 miles before tackling the event so not perfect preparation (staying overnight in a local hotel wouldn't have been much of an improvement). Having done a 54:43 on the 25 course earlier in the season I did set off with delusions  of going sub 4 hours but as it transpired that was never going to happen and ultimately I was relieved just to actually finish.

Despite the early start it quickly became extremely hot and it was over 30 degrees when I finished. This gave hydration and cramping issues which increased in severity as the event progressed. I was actually a tiny bit sick after only 20 miles and found refuelling most unpleasant. Saddle sores and aching shoulders late on added to the whole general misery. After 30 miles I wanted to give up (and resolved to never ever do another 100), and after 60 miles I was worried that I would be unable to finish anyway. It's a long time to dwell on things out there. It was just sheer bloody determination that kept me going. The 4 mile ride from the finish line back to race HQ was utter purgatory. My wife thinks that I'm a lunatic and on this occasion I have to agree with her.

Anyway the light at the end of it all was that elusive 100 mile record and it is in the bag. My post race reaction was one of disappointment that I hadn't gone faster but reflection and a look at the times of other 'mortals' has resulted in a more realistic appraisal of it all. A 100 mile time trial is brutal. Every one that I have done has been hard but each of them has been tough in its own particular way. I'm trying not to think about the upcoming SCCU 100 on its SPOCO layout right now."
Picture
Picture
FARNHAM ROAD CLUB 25
H25/8
​Sunday 18 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Dom Maxwell

56:25

19

+10:26

13

Martin Booker

58:32

32

+9:06

29

Neil Crowther

59:39

19

+7:12

13

Colin Barton

DNF

 

Nik Allen

DNS

 

Gavin Ash

DNS

 

 

Dom Maxwell had been hoping for a PB but the debilitating heat mean that he fell short of his target with a 56:25. Martin Booker with a fine 58:32 recorded a new PB for the second 25 mile time trial in succession. Neil Crowther succumbed to the conditions and clocked a disappointing 59:39 and Colin Barton withdrew after completing just 7 miles.

Dom: "My power was massively down by about 40 watts because of the change of position on the bike. I think that I may actually be more aero now though. I 'll probably do the 10 on Thursday and see what happens."

Neil: "I thought about packing it in after just 5 minutes. I was also a bit sick at 40 minutes and drained . The only positive was that I was not a DNF. I could hardly get back to the HQ afterwards as my legs had stopped working. A very very rubbish time."
Picture
Picture
ESCA 50
G50/90
Sunday 18 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Newbold

2:10:15

31

+7:11

 

 

An excellent performance by Ian as he improves his PB by over 4 minutes.
"It actually felt easier than the 50 a few weeks ago, no air just very hot and started cramping up with around 3-4 miles to go which cost me my target of a sub 2:10. Still I got the first 5 points on the ESCA league for WECC so it pulled us off bottom place now!"
Picture
Picture
PACELINE RT 25
G25/44
Saturday 17 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Karen McGrath

DNS

 

 

Picture
Picture
​​​...a3crg 10
​P881R/10
Wednesday 14 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

22:07

49

+6:07

8=

 

With warm conditions and much less wind than last week Mike was looking for a quick time. It just didn't happen and despite normal power and heart levels he was 4 seconds slower than last week. Perhaps splitting his head open on the rear door of his car just before the start wasn't the ideal preparation!
Picture
Picture
SOUTHBOROUGH & DISTRICT WHEELERS 25
G25/89
​Sunday 11 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Trevor Leeding

1:00:40

16

+7:34

16

 

"Well it went well considering, a slight navigation error, and being caught behind a slow car which was holding up a lorry and a van. For some strange reason there was a straight on CTT sign at a two exit round about, with a Marshall with their arms folded. It caught a couple of riders out. My fault, been nearly a year since l last rode the course."
Picture
Picture
BOURNEMOUTH JUBILEE WHEELERS 10
P415/10
Sunday 11 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Dom Maxwell

21:45

20

+4:33

 

 

Dom went off to a course not previously raced on by anyone from WECC in an attempt to improve his PB. Ultimately it was to prove unsuccessful.

"A bit of a wasted journey. Conditions were very still when I left the house at 5 this morning. But by the time that I raced there was  a very stiff headwind to slow times all round. I managed a 21:45. I think that it should be a PB course if the conditions were good. Actually I went to bed at 8 last nights as I was shattered. Bike wise not to bad as not been doing big miles.  Got an attempt at my 25 PB next week at Bentley in the  Farnham RC 25 . Hopefully the conditions will be better."
Picture
Picture
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 15
G15/93
Saturday 10 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Nik Allen

34:23

10

+4:31

14

Dom Maxwell

34:53

14

+3:44

16

Nolan Heather

35:33

19

+2:14

22

Mike O'Gorman

35:46

20

+9:16

1

Ian Cheesman

36:51

24

+2:55

21

Colin Barton

37:40

26

+4:30

15

Karen McGrath

42:24

35

+1:59

25

 

NEW CLUB RECORDS AND SCA RECORD
Nik Allen, in 10th place overall with 34:23, set a new Excelsior club record for the distance and secured the club’s 15 title for the season. Dom Maxwell (34:53) and Nolan Heather (35:33) provided great support to combine and break the club’s team record (3 man aggregate).

Mike O’Gorman rode well to win the Sussex 15 Veterans title and set a new county record. He now holds the Sussex CA record at all distances from 10 miles to 100 miles.
Picture
Picture
​​...a3crg 10
P881R/10
Wednesday 7 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

22:03

30

+6:11

4

 

A cold blowy night which led to slow times across the board, so Mike was pleased with this effort which won him a bottle of wine for his effort against handicap time.
Picture
Picture
SCCU 50
G50/10
Sunday 4 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman

2:05:53

23

+6:39

 

Trevor Leeding

2:06:47

24

+8:46

 

Mike O'Gorman

2:07:36

27

+22:39

2

Martin Booker

2:08:28

29

+4:04

 

Ian Newbold

2:14:21

40

-5:33

 

Clive Patterson-Lett

2:21:32

46

-5:59

 

Nicole Patterson-Lett

2:33:00

54

-15:31

 

 

Congratulations to Cheesy as he heads the pack for this challenging 50 which is very much a SPOCO course (although you wouldn't have thought so as Crawley's Mark Smith blasted round in a course record of 1:48:24). Ian's time is more impressive given that he was baulked by a slow moving van for the half mile long finishing stretch.

Neither Trevor nor Mike were happy with their rides. Trevor described it as "attritional", whereas Mike (with almost the slowest ride that he's ever done on this course) did at least have the consolation of the £15 prize for second placed vet. Martin improved slightly on his time in last season's SCCU 50.

Nicole was slightly down on last year's time. Well done to Clive and Ian Newbold for their inaugural efforts at this distance.
Picture
Picture
VTTA SURREY/SUSSEX 10
G10/87
Saturday 3 June 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Dom Maxwell

22:36

5

+3:42

6

Neil Crowther

23:05

7

+3:13

9

Paul Townsley

25:23

13

+3:19

8

 

Dom was pleased with his fifth place. It was his first time on this course, saying "There was a breeze. It's a really nice course. Not super fast, but only 1 roundabout to worry about."

Neil was less pleased despite a creditable seventh place, saying "Head not fully into the job today. HR lower. 4th TT in 7 days might explain it."

Paul was delighted to gain his first ever prize money, saying "​As it's my first prize money it's going in a frame under the heading "Break Only In An Emergency""
Picture
Picture
​...a3crg 10
P881/10
Wednesday 31 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Neil Crowther

21:31

27

+4:47

 

Mike O'Gorman

21:55

33

+6:19

 

Colin Barton

21:58

37

+5:16

 

 

A worthwhile trip in nice warm temperatures. Neil Crowther and Colin Barton both get PB's and Mike O'Gorman has his fastest 10 of the season.

Note to Colin - When riders are off at 30 second intervals it requires a very slick operation by the start marshals to get each rider into position and off. It's not a great idea to distract them and waste time by turning up and asking where the course goes!!! (Fail to prepare / prepare to fail)
Picture
Picture
HOUNSLOW & DISTRICT CC 25
H25/8
Sunday 28 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Trevor Leeding

56:58

31

+11:16

 

Martin Booker

58:41

52

+8:57

 

 

A good day out for both riders.

Trevor recorded his fastest 25 time for almost a year. He had recorded a 56:40 at the Farnham RC event on this course last June. His PB of 55:41 was set in 2014.

Martin improved his PB (previously 59:12) which coincidentally was also set at last June's Farnham RC event).
Picture
Picture
BRIGHTON MITRE CC HILLY 10
GS/995
Sunday 28 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Newbold

29:05

12

-2:47

 

 

Well done Ian for taking the tough option. Not really a 10 at all. More like a 9 and a half - with a savage hill climb at the end. (In fact it's not actually 10 miles either - which is why it's a GS course).
BRIGHTON MITRE CC 10
G10/97
Sunday 28 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Neil Crowther

22:26

9

+3:52

 

Paul Townsley

25:32

30

+3:10

 

 

Neil's report
Brighton Mitre TT this morning. Paul and I did the 'flat' course and Ian did the 'hilly' course. Paul did a 25.30 ish on his first try on the course. I did a 22.26 on my second go on the course. Ian hadn't finished when I left. Pretty happy with my time as I've not trained for a week - been on a rest week - and it was 43 seconds better than the SCA10 a month ago when I had an awful ride. There is a sub 22 on that course and I want it this season. First of five 10 mile TTs in 10 days.

Paul's report:
Real eye opener this morning especially on the return. I would ride it slightly different next time. Note to self - save something  for Bramber roundabout to the finish.​
Picture
Picture
BEC CC 10
G10/57
Saturday 27 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nolan Heather

22:24

15

+3:40

 

 

Nolan's report:
It was horrible another soaking wet ride! Thankfully it was warmer than the week before. I couldn't believe the rivers of water on the road. I did a 22:20 according to the Garmin but have not had the official result yet. I lost a fair bit of time on a few of the roundabouts as I just backed off on them, there's always another week! 
Picture
Picture
SCCU 10
G10/57
Saturday 20 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nolan Heather

DNS

Ian Newbold

DNS

 

Picture
Picture
WORTHING EXCELSIOR CC 25
G25/54
Sunday 14 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Neil Crowther

56:59

19

+9:52

13

Trevor Leeding

59:08

28

+9:06

18

Martin Booker

1:00:23

32

+7:15

29

Andrew Haste

1:00:57

39

+6:18

35

Paul Townsley

1:03:14

49

+9:56

12

Clive Patterson-Lett

1:04:53

57

+3:21

50

Phil Frean

1:06:00

60

+4:57

44

Joan Lennon

1:23:33

72

-7:32

58

Rome Bhamra

DNS

Rick Hughes

DNS

Ian Newbold

DNS

Mike O'Gorman

DNS

Gavin Ash

DNS

Colin Barton

DNS

 

What a shame for our annual prestige Open 25. The poor weather of the past few days continued as heavy rain made the roads slick and greasy, especially for the early riders. 43 riders opted not to start (including 6 of ours) and 1 rider slipped off at a roundabout.

​Several of our riders decided to take the risk and ended up being delighted that they had.

Neil Crowther gained another PB, beating his best of 58:41 on the same course earlier this year. Trevor Leeding had the fastest ride of his 4 25's this season. Andy Haste gains a new PB, beating his 2015 figure of 1:01:47. Other PBs were: Paul Townsley (beating his 1:04:37 set in the Addiscombe CC 25 last month), and Clive Patterson-Lett (beating his best of 1:05:20 set in the SCCU 25 last month).

Neil's ride was all the more remarkable as he had forgotten to bring his shoes and had to borrow a pair (with different cleat position) from Paul Townsley. So Paul perhaps can take some reflected glory in the speed of his shoes.
Picture
Picture
ELITE CYCLING 10
G10/42
Saturday 13 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nolan Heather

DNS

 

Nolan went down to the race headquarters and it was pouring down. Having then heard that some people had slipped off on the roundabouts he decided wisely to save himself the risk.
Picture
Picture
...a3crg 10
P881/10
Wednesday 10 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nik Allen

20:29

12

+5:54

9

Mike O'Gorman

22:13

37

+6:01

8

 

A NEW CLUB RECORD !!!!
An excellent performance by Nik as he knocks another 30 seconds off his PB and beats Guy Smith's 2015 benchmark by 5 seconds. In doing so he finishes ahead of some real quality riders.

​Mike's time was his fastest 10 of the season.
Picture
Picture
CHARLOTTEVILLE CC 50
H50/8
Sunday 7 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Trevor Leeding

1:59:23

58

+21:04

 

Ian Cheesman

2:01:05

66

+18:04

 

Mike O'Gorman

2:01:12

67

+27:26

 

 

​In the first 50 of the 2017 race calendar last season’s winner of the Shipton Cup for the club’s fastest 50 of the season, Trevor Leeding, put down an early marker in the Charlotteville CC 50 with a fine 1:59:23. Ian Cheesman just failed in his bid to go under the 2 hour mark for the first time but did have the consolation of improving his PB by 19 seconds.
Picture
Picture
NORWOOD PARAGON 25
G25/54
Sunday 7 May 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Martin Booker

59:42

27

+9:10

 

Colin Barton

1:00:48

32

+8:31

 

Rick Hughes

1:03:38

41

+4:00

 

 

Martin Booker (59:42) rode his fastest 25 of the season so far, going under the hour mark for the first time in 2017.
Picture
Picture
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 25
G25/93
Sunday 30 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Nik Allen

56:18

6

+8:32

12

Mike O'Gorman

1:01:14

20

+13:49

1

Trevor Leeding

1:01:21

21

+6:24

17

Ian Cheesman

1:01:33

23

+4:43

24

Martin Booker

1:02:23

28

+3:53

25

Karen McGrath

1:11:42

52

+2:16

51

Neil Crowther

DNS

Rick Hughes

DNS

 

Another super day for Excelsior in less than ideal conditions. Extensive newly laid chippings on the Partridge Green Road, plus a strong blustery wind, plus the Steyning Triathlon sharing the course made things tricky to say the least.

Nik Allen followed on from yesterday with an even more remarkable ride. A top six finish on scratch is impressive enough but he did this with a time that equalled his PB. To do so on that course is quite awesome.

Mike O'Gorman also completed a double for the weekend (somewhat surprising himself). He won the Vets 25 title, and the Horry Hemsley Cup, for the fourth season in a row. His +13:49 is a new SCA Vets 25 Record (beating his previous record set in 2015 by just over a minute).

Trevor, Ian and Martin all produced good rides ,and barely a minute separated them (and Mike). Very tightly grouped. Ian was particularly pleased to put in a good ride after being disappointed with his ride in yesterday's 10.

​Kudos to Karen for also completing a double ride over the weekend and she enjoyed the experience. Neil decided not to ride because his legs hurt after yesterday's 10, and Rick is still recovering from a chest infection.
Picture
Picture
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 10
G10/97
Saturday 29 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Nik Allen

21:12

5

+4:44

10

Nolan Heather

22:55

17

+2:16

30

Neil Crowther

23:09

21

+2:24

28

Martin Booker

23:39

29

+2:52

23

Mike O'Gorman

23:40

30

+6:21

1

Ian Cheesman

24:36

44

+1:55

34

Karen McGrath

26:34

56

+3:01

22

John Lucas

29:47

65

+2:17

29

 

An excellent day for WECC today.

Nik Allen produced a stunning ride to gain a top five finish and his first ever prize money (£7). Well done indeed - and surely more to come. He finished ahead of some big names today.

Nolan Heather also showed his rapidly improving form. Finishing ahead of Neil Crowther gains respect and it is clear that his ability to train more (due to changes in job work patterns) is seeing him returning to his old form.

Mike managed to win the Vets title for the fourth season in a row, albeit by just a single second and thereby won £20. His +6:21 was three seconds short of the SCA record that he set in 2015.

Martin was pleased to finish ahead of Mike on scratch (once again a single second differential). Neil was disappointed with his ride, failing to get power and heart rate up, and is looking forward to correcting that tomorrow. It was great to see 8 riders in the event for us, and well to to all. Six of the eight will be out again in tomorrow's 25 (plus Trevor and Rick).
Picture
Picture
ADDISCOMBE CC 25
G25/54
Sunday 23 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Neil Crowther

59:23

16

+7:16

 

Trevor Leeding

59:48

20

+8:26

 

Martin Booker

1:01:12

29

+6:26

 

Ian Newbold

1:03:11

39

+3:40

 

Paul Townsley

1:04:37

46

+8:33

 

Rome Bhamra

1:09:10

63

-1:08

 

Rick Hughes

DNS

 

A surprisingly tough morning with times down on those recorded in the SCCU 25 three weeks ago. Neil Crowther showed more evidence of his improving form (and actually produced more power than in the SCCU). It was Trevor's turn to be visited by the malevolent roundabout spirit as he was forced to wait at two (of the thirty one!!) roundabouts. Great to see newly transferred Ian Newbold racing in our colours again.
Picture
Picture
FARNBOROUGH & CAMBERLEY 25
H25/8
Saturday 22 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Colin Barton

58:05

56

+11:14

28

Mike O'Gorman

58:37

63

+13:21

6

 

An excellent ride by Colin as he improves his PB by just over a minute.
​
In Colin's words:
​
I was very pleasantly surprised when I saw the time! I think I got the best of the conditions late on. It was reasonably warm (by recent standards) and the breeze had died down a bit. My power was only a few Watts higher than normal, but very consistent over the whole race, which I’m sure helped. I’d also like to think that I’m getting used to holding my new aero position and maybe that had something to do with it, but who knows.

Seven weeks after the event Mike was pleased and somewhat surprised to receive a prize cheque for £20 for his Vets placing.
Picture
Picture
KINGSTON PHOENIX ROAD CLUB 10
G10/42
​Saturday 22 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Nik Allen

21:42

10

+4:41

 

Nolan Heather

23:34

23

+2:30

 

 

Good performance by both riders today. 
​​
Race report from Nik:

A new course for me through the lower Surrey hills with a few rolling gradual climbs and descents. Course profile looked similar elevation wise to evening 10 course, just involving shorter more frequent ramps. The sun came out though and took the edge off the north easterly wind for which I was very grateful.

The rough plan was to relax the first half if possible (wind assisted) and save energy for the harder return leg. After forgetting to put my visor down (school boy error) and fumbling it in to place. The afore mentioned plan was forgotten and I powered into the course. This went well, at the turn I was feeling good and concentrated on maintaining pace and position. All went well until the final climb. Starting to tire, I held on as long as possible and crossing the line was grateful for the finish.

21.42 was pleasing after Thursdays efforts and will look forward to another crack at this course. Good course markings and marshaling made it an easy course to follow and complete. Back at HQ, tea and cake was readily available as the results rolled in.
Picture
Picture
BRIGHTON MITRE CC HILLY 25
GS/999
Monday 17 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Newbold

1:10:59

12

-4:58

 

 

Well done to Ian - his first outing in Excelsior colours, having transferred from Eastbourne Rovers CC. A twelfth place and a win in his vets category is a great start. And he gets a whole photo gallery to himself.
Picture
Picture
...a3crg 25
P884b
Sunday 16 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

59:34

57

+12:24

15

Ian Cheesman

59:42

59

+7:56

43

Colin Barton

1:00:07

62

+9:12

 

 

A disappointing day for our riders on what they all hoped would be an opportunity to notch up a fast time. Cool temperatures and a breeze didn't help.

Cheesy was clearly still feeling the effects of his efforts just two days earlier (in the Crawley Wheelers Sporting 41.6). Although his power figures were okay, and he felt that he couldn't have given any more,  he found that he was unable to maintain his target speed and towards the end even had concerns that he might not go under the hour.

Mike found things surprisingly tough. He had done a 56:10 on this course last season and that was with a slow puncture so this race was a real let down. Both power and heart rate were down - and so therefore was the speed!

Colin was also disappointed although he did cheer up somewhat when he saw how close his time was to that of Mike and Cheesy.
Picture
Picture
BRIGHTON MITRE CC HILLY 10
G10/44
Saturday 15 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Neil Crowther

24:25

8

+1:48

 

Nolan Heather

28:26

23

-2:22

 

 

A great ride form Neil - and he won his age group.
​
Report from Neil:

Well that course was interesting! A very lumpy start, followed by one big hill and then a fast last 4 miles. I was determined not to go off too hard, which seemed to work as I was one of the fastest up the hill but I think I might have under-cooked it a little for a 10. HR and power were slightly down on what I was hoping for from my first 10 of the season but maintaining power on lumpy bits was tough and I'd never ridden that course. Definitely one to try again next year. Bring on the evening 10's now.
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CRAWLEY WHEELERS SPORTING 41.6 MILES
GS/196
Friday 14 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Trevor Leeding

1:48:13

32

+7:30

 

Ian Cheesman

1:49:33

35

+5:07

 

 

​Good Friday saw a seasonally bright spring morning with light breezes and moderate temperatures, so excuses would be limited to the riders!! WECC fielded 2 riders in Trevor Leeding and Ian "Cheesy" Cheesman, both of whom were looking to use it as a training ride for pacing, feeding and hydration for the upcoming 50 mile TT's later in the season but as always would give their best shot.

Both arrived in good spirits at HQ and got about their preparation. Cheesy was confounded how his turbo wheel had punctured whilst being in his boot overnight!! The start went well but an impromptu game of "avoid the pothole" was a secondary activity which Trevor won as Cheesy managed to hit one, heard a loud crack and feared he'd broken his carbon wheel. Briefly spooked and concerned he looked down to discover his water bottle had abandoned ship but was still aware of a knocking noise so feared spoke damage. This turned out to be his finish line sealant inflator. This followed the bottle shortly afterwards leaving his hydration plan scuppered!!

Both Cheesy and Trev had good rides on a gruelling course with nasty kickers towards the last 6 or 7 miles. Trevor took club honours with 1.48.13 and Cheesy recorded a 1.49.33. Both were pleased with their rides and all things considered it was a very good training ride for the 50's.
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SCA 2 UP TTT
GS/987
Sunday 9 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman and Martin Booker

1:07:33

7

+14:04

4

Paul Townsley and Spencer Kirkham

1:12:31

12

+15:52

3

Clive and Nicole Patterson-Lett

1:18:25

18

+8:56

6

Dom Maxwell and
   Chris Hewitt (Sussex Revolution)

1:05:07

4

+17:14

2

Trevor Leeding and
   Ian Leeding (Norwood Paragon)

1:08:39

8

+13:42

5

 

​Clive and Nicole Patterson-Lett won the mixed pair award in a time of 1:18:25.

Paul Townsley and Spencer Kirkham were over five minutes quicker than last season and their 1:12:31 gained them third place in the veterans category.

Martin Booker and Ian Cheesman were the fastest WECC pairing with 1:07:33 and this gained them a fine scratch placing ahead of the Leeding brothers.

​Dom Maxwell and Trevor Leeding rode in composite pairings.
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LEA VALLEY 25
E2/25
Saturday 8 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

54:43

94

+17:15

 

 

For the second season running Mike O’Gorman chose to travel further afield and to compete in the Lea Valley CC 25 at Newmarket. It is an extremely popular event which, despite a field of 160 riders, is difficult to get into. It attracts the fast riders from all over the country, and the cut-off for qualification was an LTS of 56:01. The conditions were almost identical to last time out, being warm and sunny but with a moderate breeze on the way out which meant that the out leg was 3 minutes slower than the return leg.

​It is a course and conditions that suit Mike as he was surprised (and hugely delighted) to be almost a minute quicker than last season and his time of 54:43 is a new personal best. It is the fastest 25 by a WECC rider since 2011.
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SCCU 25
G25/54
Sunday 2 April 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Nik Allen

56:18

10

+8:32

21

Neil Crowther

58:41

20

+5:12

31

Trevor Leeding

59:15

26

+8:30

22

Mike O'Gorman

59:40

28

+15:23

2

Martin Booker

1:00:44

33

+5:32

28

Colin Barton

1:00:46

34

+9:30

18

Clive Patterson-Lett

1:05:20

52

+2:25

43

Nicole Patterson-Lett

DNS

 

Nik Allen's stellar season continues with a fine top 10 finish in his first ever Open 25 event. His super quick time of 56:18 is all the remarkable for the fact that he had to stop (foot down) at two of the thirty-one roundabouts on the course.

In a similar vein Neil Crowther's rapid progress in form was once more apparent. He was the second quickest of our riders in just his fourth ever 25 (his results sequence being DNF /  1:00:11 / 59:35, and now 58:41).

Stalwart Trevor Leeding was third fastest with a good 59:15 (his 2016 time in this event was 58:49).
Mike O'Gorman finished with 59:40 (his 2016 time in this event being 59:35), and his +15:23 gained him the second placed vets prize of £20 for the second year running. Mike was just happy to get round safely, having slid off on diesel in the Autumn SCCU 25.

Martin Booker's finished just outside the hour with a frustrating time of 1:00:44, and this was a surprise given his excellent performance in last week's club event. In fact he had managed 1:00:02 in the Spring SCCU 25 last season and 1:00:18 in the Autumn SCCU 25 on the same course, so all very tantalising close.

Colin Barton made his debut for the season and his 1:00:46 was almost 4 minutes improvement from last Spring and a good time given his lack of recent bike time. Clive Patterson-Lett was highly delighted with his 1:05:20 which gives him a new improved LTS time (Last Three Seasons - as used by the CTT for qualifying/seeding).
click on photo to expand
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SCCU SPORTING 25
G25/44
Sunday 26 March 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Clive Patterson-Lett

1:16:45

35

-9:00

 

Nicole Patterson-Lett

1:21:10

42

-12:25

 

 

Report from Clive:
A tough but enjoyable race. Brilliant organisation by Robin as usual with great signage and marshalling.
Cold and windy but lovely and sunny so that helped. I got round in 1:16 but it was won in a 55!! (course record) which was amazing on that course with that wind. 


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FARNBOROUGH & CAMBERLEY CC 10
H10/8
Saturday 11 March 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Mike O'Gorman

22:37

38

+5:37

3

Charlie Foster

23:57

59

 

The first standard distance time trial of the season saw Charlie Foster racing for the first time at just 15 years of age in a field of 150 riders at Bentley. Using a road bike with clip-on aero bars he did extremely well to go just inside the 25 mph mark with a fine time of 23:57. This was actually bitter sweet as he is looking for a time of 23:56 as part of his A level marking for the year but it would seem that he will definitely find (at least) the extra second in the not too distant future.

Mike O'Gorman produced an almost identical as in the same event last season and took the third place vets on VTTA standard prize (again just like last year).
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SCA HARD RIDERS
GS/194
Sunday 5 March 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
CTT Tgt

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman

DNS

 

 

 

 

Truly awful weather with cold lashing rain and strong gusting winds meant that 16 of the 44 entrants opted not to start. Ian chose wisely.
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SOUTH DOWNS BIKES 33.81K
GS/989
Sunday 5 February 2017

Rider

Time

 

Pos

+/-
VTTA Std

 

Pos

Ian Cheesman

58:56

35

-2:31

16

Neil Crowther

59:56

38

-4:11

18

Joan Lennon

1:16:30

48

-13:11

24

 

Report from Ian
​It was a chilly 4 degrees on the morning of 5th February 2017, albeit it felt more like freezing with a chilling light easterly breeze. The course is a challenging undulating course with two significant climbs and a wet and slippery descent of Houghton Hill, with added gravel just to make it interesting, to negotiate. Three riders were in action from WECC - Ian Cheesman, Neil Crowther and Joan Lennon. Ian took club honours with a time of 58:56, followed by Neil who posted 59.56 ( an impressive time on a road bike) and Joan knocking four minutes off her PB for the course with a time of 1.16.30. A good early season tester to see how the fitness is coming along and dreaming of warmer and faster courses as the season begins in a few months!!
 
A very strong field with Chris McNamara posting a time of 48.44 which was only good enough for second place!!! Gary Chambers of NoPinz was 20 seconds faster.
The event featured in a full page spread in Cycling Weekly - and Cheesy gets his moment of fame
(as always - click to expand the image)
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