2019 WECC RIDERS IN OPEN TIME TRIALS
|
Southdown Velo : The Goodwood Classic
|
P911/28
|
Sunday 13 October 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
|
Ian Newbold |
DNS |
Ian wisely opted not to start and here's his report:
I went out on the course Saturday and rode it, frankly a mess, potholes, gravel, tractor mud and a couple of junctions full of standing water. Not sure I’d call it a TT course more early season hardriders!
I went out on the course Saturday and rode it, frankly a mess, potholes, gravel, tractor mud and a couple of junctions full of standing water. Not sure I’d call it a TT course more early season hardriders!
|
ESCA Hill Climb
|
GH/84
|
Saturday 12 October 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
|
|
Gavin Ash |
4:54.3 |
14 |
A rare non-road race outing for Gavin. A tough course and a strong field awaited him.
|
Lewes Wanderers CC 2 Up TTT
|
GS/838A
|
Sunday 6 October 2019
|
|
Riders |
+/- |
|
Pos |
Time |
|
Pos |
||
|
Dominic Maxwell & Paul Townsley |
+ 10:00 |
1 |
42:52 |
6 |
A fine performance by Paul and Dom as they take first place and the winners cheques.
|
SCA Championship Hill Climb
|
GH/92
|
Saturday 28 Sept 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|||
|
John McGrath |
5:05.4 |
4 |
+ 0:31.6 |
4 |
+ 0:19.6 |
|||||
|
Nik Allen |
DNS |
Just the one rider so we were unable to defend the team title that we had taken in the previous three years.
|
...a3crg 50
|
P881/50
|
Saturday 28 Sept 2019
|
Disappointment for Cheesy here as per his report:
Easiest report of the season and continuing in the theme of 2019, i.e. weather affected. The event was cancelled due to forecast gusting winds for safety reasons.
Easiest report of the season and continuing in the theme of 2019, i.e. weather affected. The event was cancelled due to forecast gusting winds for safety reasons.
|
Clonmore Inter-Club 10
|
P901/10
|
Sunday 22 Sept 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nik Allen |
21:16 |
1 |
+5:24 |
|||
|
Nolan Heather |
22:08 |
3 |
+4:09 |
|||
|
Colin Toppin |
23:33 |
8 |
+2:58 |
|||
|
Ian Cheesman |
23:34 |
9 |
+3:15 |
|||
|
Paul Townsley |
23:59 |
11 |
+4:59 |
|||
|
Karen McGrath |
24:42 |
14 |
+5:01 |
Race report from Cheesy:
Early on Sunday 22nd September 2019 riders from Bognor Road Club, Worthing Excelsior, Hampshire Road Club and South Down Velo met to contest the Annual Clonmore Trophy albeit this year’s version was re-scheduled and over 10 miles rather than the usual 25 on the P901 course.
All riders were hoping to finish before the forecast heavy rain. Conditions were good with reasonable temperatures and a light SE breeze and Worthing fielded seven riders in Nik Allen, Colin Toppin, Phil Frean, Paul Townsley, Karen McGrath, Nolan Heather and Cheesy.
All riders completed the ride, apart from Phil who mistakenly went to the 25 mile course start at Denman’s Lane and therefore recorded a DNS, but secretly I think he was hoping to get on the club run so as not to miss out on points for the trophy! Worthing riders won the event by just shy of 6 minutes and retained the trophy for another year. Especially impressive was that Nik won the event overall with a 21.16, despite having ridden the VTTA National 30 Mile Championship the day before in windy conditions. Worthing gave a great account of itself with four of our six riders placing in the top 10 of the field with Nolan rounding out the podium.
Next year we will aim to retain the trophy again especially as we are due to host it in 2020.
Early on Sunday 22nd September 2019 riders from Bognor Road Club, Worthing Excelsior, Hampshire Road Club and South Down Velo met to contest the Annual Clonmore Trophy albeit this year’s version was re-scheduled and over 10 miles rather than the usual 25 on the P901 course.
All riders were hoping to finish before the forecast heavy rain. Conditions were good with reasonable temperatures and a light SE breeze and Worthing fielded seven riders in Nik Allen, Colin Toppin, Phil Frean, Paul Townsley, Karen McGrath, Nolan Heather and Cheesy.
All riders completed the ride, apart from Phil who mistakenly went to the 25 mile course start at Denman’s Lane and therefore recorded a DNS, but secretly I think he was hoping to get on the club run so as not to miss out on points for the trophy! Worthing riders won the event by just shy of 6 minutes and retained the trophy for another year. Especially impressive was that Nik won the event overall with a 21.16, despite having ridden the VTTA National 30 Mile Championship the day before in windy conditions. Worthing gave a great account of itself with four of our six riders placing in the top 10 of the field with Nolan rounding out the podium.
Next year we will aim to retain the trophy again especially as we are due to host it in 2020.
|
Leo 30
|
E2/30C
|
Saturday 21 Sept 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Nik Allen |
1:04:12 |
29 |
+17:24 |
27 |
NIK HOOVERS UP YET ANOTHER CLUB RECORD
Nik has claimed one of the club records that he didn't previously hold. His time of 1:04:12 means that Richard Shipton's very long-standing 1991 record of 1:06:09 has finally been broken.
Race report from Nik:
With the possibility of a fast time in mind I made the long trip up to Cambridge area for LEO 30 TT. The weather was gonna be warm and sunny. The downside was a stiff SE wind on a SW to NE return course.
All prepared I headed off and within 2 miles, got blown across white line several times including a brief flirtation with the grass verge. Not 100% sure of finishing at that moment and erring on the side of caution. Too far to come without a time i thought and soldiered on. Making the turn in 32 mins, good time was still possible and I pushed on, legs tiring with every little rise. I was happy to see the last mile to the finish and emptied the tank. Elated to finish and set a new PB for 30 miles.
Even the 3 miles back to HQ was tough. A cup of tea softened the pain and set me up for long drive home.
With the possibility of a fast time in mind I made the long trip up to Cambridge area for LEO 30 TT. The weather was gonna be warm and sunny. The downside was a stiff SE wind on a SW to NE return course.
All prepared I headed off and within 2 miles, got blown across white line several times including a brief flirtation with the grass verge. Not 100% sure of finishing at that moment and erring on the side of caution. Too far to come without a time i thought and soldiered on. Making the turn in 32 mins, good time was still possible and I pushed on, legs tiring with every little rise. I was happy to see the last mile to the finish and emptied the tank. Elated to finish and set a new PB for 30 miles.
Even the 3 miles back to HQ was tough. A cup of tea softened the pain and set me up for long drive home.
|
Paceline RT 10
|
P881R/10
|
Saturday 14 Sept 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nik Allen |
19:46 |
23 |
+6:54 |
|||
|
Nolan Heather |
21:14 |
67 |
+5:03 |
|||
|
Colin Barton |
22:15 |
81 |
+5:13 |
ANOTHER NEW CLUB RECORD FOR NIK!!!
Race report from Nik:
Lovely day again, blazing sun in the sky and ESE light breeze was forecast. Learning from last week, pacing was thought about and plans put in place. Heading out, breeze had swung round and was now slightly against. Easing back was the plan to save some energy for the middle 5 and smash it home.
Going well at turn (25 secs slower than last week) I pushed harder to Ham Barn roundabout and rode hill as hard as possible. Legs still felt good, with a brief shift down to regain a little breath and energy. Last two miles were flatter and fast with wind assist. ‘Top gear with everything thing i had left’ was plan and it worked well. As flag appeared in the distance, i gave it all and flew across the line.
Looking down at the Garmin to see 19:46 and new PB. 6 weeks in the making and great to benefit from all the hard work.
Lovely day again, blazing sun in the sky and ESE light breeze was forecast. Learning from last week, pacing was thought about and plans put in place. Heading out, breeze had swung round and was now slightly against. Easing back was the plan to save some energy for the middle 5 and smash it home.
Going well at turn (25 secs slower than last week) I pushed harder to Ham Barn roundabout and rode hill as hard as possible. Legs still felt good, with a brief shift down to regain a little breath and energy. Last two miles were flatter and fast with wind assist. ‘Top gear with everything thing i had left’ was plan and it worked well. As flag appeared in the distance, i gave it all and flew across the line.
Looking down at the Garmin to see 19:46 and new PB. 6 weeks in the making and great to benefit from all the hard work.
|
ESCA 10
|
G10/89
|
Saturday 14 Sept 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Ian Newbold |
26:27 |
22 |
+0:04 |
|
Utag 10
|
P881R/10
|
Saturday 7 Sept 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nik Allen |
20:06 |
24 |
+6:34 |
|||
|
Nolan Heather |
21:47 |
67 |
+4:30 |
|||
|
Colin Barton |
22:25 |
79 |
+5:03 |
Race report from Nik:
1st of two consecutive weeks on P881R saw a NE breeze on course with lovely sunshine. Late afternoon start was busy with traffic and Ham roundabout became a lottery for riders. Heading out strong on downhill first half became an issue as pushing too hard was costly on return leg and time ebbed away even with strong final mile.
20:06 was fastest time of season but not what 6 week plan was aiming for.
1st of two consecutive weeks on P881R saw a NE breeze on course with lovely sunshine. Late afternoon start was busy with traffic and Ham roundabout became a lottery for riders. Heading out strong on downhill first half became an issue as pushing too hard was costly on return leg and time ebbed away even with strong final mile.
20:06 was fastest time of season but not what 6 week plan was aiming for.
|
Eastbourne Rovers CC 10
|
G10/89
|
Saturday 7 Sept 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Ian Newbold |
26:01 |
24 |
+0:30 |
|
SCA Sporting 25
(incorporating WECC SPOCO event) |
G25/49
|
Monday 26 August 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
|||
|
Ian Cheesman |
1:03:23 |
18 |
+3:52 |
13 |
+4:40 |
13 |
||||||
|
Nik Allen |
DNS |
Race report from Cheesy:
Monday 26th August saw the SCA 25 mile Sporting TT where Cheesy and Nik were the only two WECC riders entered. On what appears to have been one of the hottest days this year it was going to be a tough one. Nik, partly due to working night shifts but I suspect knowing that he had already wrapped up the 2019 WECC SPOCO competition decided not to race. Cheesy raced and set a time of 1.03.23 and was pleased on this course with two ascents of the short but biting climb at the top of the course. Nik's lack of attendance meant that Cheesy scored a full 20 SPOCO points putting him in 2nd place one point behind Nik and one point ahead of John McGrath.
The event was won by Simon McNamara with an amazing time of 53.35 with Howard Bayley second with a time of 56.09 and Matt Smith completing the podium with a 56.29.
Monday 26th August saw the SCA 25 mile Sporting TT where Cheesy and Nik were the only two WECC riders entered. On what appears to have been one of the hottest days this year it was going to be a tough one. Nik, partly due to working night shifts but I suspect knowing that he had already wrapped up the 2019 WECC SPOCO competition decided not to race. Cheesy raced and set a time of 1.03.23 and was pleased on this course with two ascents of the short but biting climb at the top of the course. Nik's lack of attendance meant that Cheesy scored a full 20 SPOCO points putting him in 2nd place one point behind Nik and one point ahead of John McGrath.
The event was won by Simon McNamara with an amazing time of 53.35 with Howard Bayley second with a time of 56.09 and Matt Smith completing the podium with a 56.29.
WECC 2019 SPOCO COMPETITION - FINAL PLACINGS
|
Southdown Velo 25
|
P901/25
|
Sunday 25 August 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
John McGrath |
54:41 |
10 |
+14:35 |
|||
|
Ian Cheesman |
59:12 |
37 |
+8:51 |
|||
|
Karen McGrath |
1:03:24 |
58 |
+12:04 |
|||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
DNS |
Race report from Cheesy:
Sunday 25th August was the setting of the SDV 25 mile TT and as it incorporated the District Championships there was expected to be a number of class and fast riders. Up to the night before WECC had four riders entered for the event, being John McGrath, Karen McGrath, Spencer Kirkham and Cheesy.
On the morning Spencer was a DNS(A) citing being "too lardy" having been on holiday in Wales and sampling lots of the local cuisine! The weather was good, albeit the ESE breeze was stiffer than expected making the return from Chichester to Arundel quite sapping but as some of the road has recently been resurfaced good times were expected. Both John and Karen were delighted to set new course and distance PB's by well over three minutes and Karen has set a new women's 25 mile club record. Cheesy was about 40 seconds short of his course PB but relatively pleased to do a sub hour 25.
The event was won by Sam Wadsley with a time of 51.48. Sadly the event was tainted by the news that Nick Dwyer appears to have been knocked off his bike by a motorist but thankfully he has sustained cuts, bruises and concussion and we hope that he makes a speedy recovery.
Sunday 25th August was the setting of the SDV 25 mile TT and as it incorporated the District Championships there was expected to be a number of class and fast riders. Up to the night before WECC had four riders entered for the event, being John McGrath, Karen McGrath, Spencer Kirkham and Cheesy.
On the morning Spencer was a DNS(A) citing being "too lardy" having been on holiday in Wales and sampling lots of the local cuisine! The weather was good, albeit the ESE breeze was stiffer than expected making the return from Chichester to Arundel quite sapping but as some of the road has recently been resurfaced good times were expected. Both John and Karen were delighted to set new course and distance PB's by well over three minutes and Karen has set a new women's 25 mile club record. Cheesy was about 40 seconds short of his course PB but relatively pleased to do a sub hour 25.
The event was won by Sam Wadsley with a time of 51.48. Sadly the event was tainted by the news that Nick Dwyer appears to have been knocked off his bike by a motorist but thankfully he has sustained cuts, bruises and concussion and we hope that he makes a speedy recovery.
YET ANOTHER NEW CLUB RECORD!!!
Karen's time of 1:03:24 beats her previous best of 1:06:43, set last year, by over 3 minutes for yet another new ladies club record.
|
SCA Sporting 10
(incorporating WECC SPOCO event) |
G10/45
|
Saturday 24 August 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
|||
|
Nik Allen |
23:16 |
8 |
+3:15 |
10 |
+3:24 |
7 |
||||||
|
Ian Cheesman |
25:10 |
21 |
+1:44 |
17 |
+1:39 |
17 |
Race report from Cheesy:
Today only two WECC were entered in the SCA Sporting 10 (incorporating WECC SPOCO points qualifying race), being Nik Allen and Cheesy. The weather conditions were all but perfect with almost no breeze and warm temperatures. Sadly the impact of the road surface for much of the route would nullify most of any advantage. Both riders were debutantes at this event so provided they both finished it would be a course PB for both!!
Nik took club honours (unsurprisingly) with a 23.16 placing him 8th overall and Cheesy was pleased to be within 2 minutes of Nik posting a 25.10. The event was won by James Boyman with a 20.51, followed by Simon McNamara with a 21.29 and the podium rounded off by Kevin Tye with a time of 22.06.
Nik and Cheesy are also entered in the 25 mile edition of this event on Monday so are looking forward to 2.5 laps of the same!!
Today only two WECC were entered in the SCA Sporting 10 (incorporating WECC SPOCO points qualifying race), being Nik Allen and Cheesy. The weather conditions were all but perfect with almost no breeze and warm temperatures. Sadly the impact of the road surface for much of the route would nullify most of any advantage. Both riders were debutantes at this event so provided they both finished it would be a course PB for both!!
Nik took club honours (unsurprisingly) with a 23.16 placing him 8th overall and Cheesy was pleased to be within 2 minutes of Nik posting a 25.10. The event was won by James Boyman with a 20.51, followed by Simon McNamara with a 21.29 and the podium rounded off by Kevin Tye with a time of 22.06.
Nik and Cheesy are also entered in the 25 mile edition of this event on Monday so are looking forward to 2.5 laps of the same!!
|
Bec CC 25
|
G25/93
|
Sunday 18 August 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Ian Cheesman |
1:01:43 |
11 |
+6:20 |
|||
|
Trevor Leeding |
1:02:41 |
12 |
+5:57 |
|||
|
Ian Newbold |
1:08:51 |
18 |
-1:35 |
Race report from Cheesy:
Sunday 18th August saw the running of the BEC CC 25 Mile open time trial on the G25/93 grippy course. A low number of entrants (28) was reduced further overnight by 8 riders being DNS, probably due to the heavy rain in the early hours and wet conditions. That said, Cheesy, Trevor Leeding and Ian Newbold took to the start line in reasonable conditions apart from the afore-mentioned wet roads and some surface water.
Cheesy took club honours with a 1.00.43, followed by Trevor with a 1.02.41 and Ian rounding out the WECC trio with a 1.08.51. Trevor continues to be out of sorts and has decided to call time on the 2019 season and Ian learnt a valuable lesson having picked up a glute injury due to adjusting his bike position the night before a race but took some consolation in receiving a £10 lucky dip prize! Cheesy was relatively pleased with his ride and had his best power for some time.
The event was deservedly won by the very popular Kevin Plummer with a 56.03, albeit a minute off his course PB.
Sunday 18th August saw the running of the BEC CC 25 Mile open time trial on the G25/93 grippy course. A low number of entrants (28) was reduced further overnight by 8 riders being DNS, probably due to the heavy rain in the early hours and wet conditions. That said, Cheesy, Trevor Leeding and Ian Newbold took to the start line in reasonable conditions apart from the afore-mentioned wet roads and some surface water.
Cheesy took club honours with a 1.00.43, followed by Trevor with a 1.02.41 and Ian rounding out the WECC trio with a 1.08.51. Trevor continues to be out of sorts and has decided to call time on the 2019 season and Ian learnt a valuable lesson having picked up a glute injury due to adjusting his bike position the night before a race but took some consolation in receiving a £10 lucky dip prize! Cheesy was relatively pleased with his ride and had his best power for some time.
The event was deservedly won by the very popular Kevin Plummer with a 56.03, albeit a minute off his course PB.
|
North Hampshire Road Club 25
|
H25/8
|
Saturday 17 August 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nolan Heather |
58:41 |
15 |
+7:59 |
|||
|
Colin Toppin |
1:00:57 |
22 |
+6:19 |
|||
|
Colin Barton |
1:01:37 |
28 |
+8:07 |
Race report from Colin:
Any hopes of super fast times were dashed yet again this year by blustery weather conditions on the H25/8 course near Farnham
A stiff head wind on the westbound leg of the course was enough to turn off a number of the 65 entrants, there being 16 DNS’s and a further 5 DNF’s
Still, all 3 of our WECC entrants braved the wind and all finished safely with Nolan Heather leading the way with 58:41, backed up by Colin Toppin with 1:00:57 and Colin Barton with 1:01:37
The event was won by Gareth Williams from Twickenham CC with a very credible 53:25.
Any hopes of super fast times were dashed yet again this year by blustery weather conditions on the H25/8 course near Farnham
A stiff head wind on the westbound leg of the course was enough to turn off a number of the 65 entrants, there being 16 DNS’s and a further 5 DNF’s
Still, all 3 of our WECC entrants braved the wind and all finished safely with Nolan Heather leading the way with 58:41, backed up by Colin Toppin with 1:00:57 and Colin Barton with 1:01:37
The event was won by Gareth Williams from Twickenham CC with a very credible 53:25.
|
Charlotteville CC 25
|
P885/25
|
Sunday 11 August 2019
|
Strong winds caused the cancellation of this event and dashed the hopes of Simon Steeles, Trevor Leeding, Ian Cheesman and Colin Toppin. All were hoping for good times on this fast course.
|
South Eastern Road Club 10
|
G10/42
|
Saturday 3 August 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Ian Newbold |
25:53 |
44 |
+0:38 |
A rare appearance by Ian in an open event this season.
|
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 30
|
G30/91
|
Sunday 28 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
|||
|
Nik Allen |
1:06:53 |
3 |
+12:39 |
7 |
+14:43 |
5 |
||||||
|
John McGrath |
1:11:04 |
8 |
+12:38 |
8 |
+12:14 |
8 |
||||||
|
Huw Williams |
1:15:18 |
12 |
+5:59 |
20 |
+7:00 |
14 |
||||||
|
Karen McGrath |
1:21:11 |
17 |
+8:53 |
14 |
+9:51 |
11 |
||||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
1:24:00 |
20 |
+7:24 |
16 |
+3:26 |
20 |
Nik took third place overall in the SCA Championship and first place in his age group. Karen took the SCA ladies title. The aggregate times of Nik, John and Huw won them the SCA mens team title.
As the fastest WECC rider Nik wins the 2019 WECC 30 Championship. His time beats the WECC course record that he already held.
Mike (as it turned out just a couple of hours after finishing) was struggling with an illness and that has ended his season.
As the fastest WECC rider Nik wins the 2019 WECC 30 Championship. His time beats the WECC course record that he already held.
Mike (as it turned out just a couple of hours after finishing) was struggling with an illness and that has ended his season.
A NEW CLUB RECORD!!!
Karen's time of 1:21:11 beats her old 2016 mark of 1:23:34 comprehensively for a new ladies club record.
|
Addiscombe CC 10
|
G10/42
|
Saturday 27 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nolan Heather |
22:56 |
18 |
+3:21 |
|||
|
Colin Barton |
23:00 |
19 |
+4:28 |
|
...a3crg 15
|
P884B/15
|
Wednesday 24 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
34:52 |
52 |
+8:07 |
32 |
Mike was delighted to hit his goal of a new PB. He was exactly one minute quicker than on this course four weeks ago (when he was 6 seconds short of his then PB of 35:46)
|
Southdown Velo 50
|
P901/50
|
Sunday 21 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Colin Toppin |
2:01:58 |
17 |
+15:51 |
|||
|
Trevor Leeding |
2:02:14 |
18 |
+18:26 |
Race report from Colin:
After the previous days strong winds, today was much improved with just a gentle westerly on the Fontwell/Chichester A27 course
A small field of 49 riders was reduced further by 9 DNS’s. We had only 2 WECC riders in Trevor & Colin...with our ally Martin Booker (Southdown Bikes) too
Trev felt the best in a 50 for a while and recorded 2-2-14 as first man off, Colin set 2-1-58, with Martin a on 2-5-22
Chris McNamara produced another storming first place ride to set a new course record with 1-42-12....how does he do it ?
After the previous days strong winds, today was much improved with just a gentle westerly on the Fontwell/Chichester A27 course
A small field of 49 riders was reduced further by 9 DNS’s. We had only 2 WECC riders in Trevor & Colin...with our ally Martin Booker (Southdown Bikes) too
Trev felt the best in a 50 for a while and recorded 2-2-14 as first man off, Colin set 2-1-58, with Martin a on 2-5-22
Chris McNamara produced another storming first place ride to set a new course record with 1-42-12....how does he do it ?
IMAGES COURTESY OF CYCLEIMAGES.CO.UK
|
Brighton Excelsior CC 25
|
G25/93
|
Sunday 14 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Simon Steeles |
58:42 |
14 |
+8:58 |
|||
|
Nolan Heather |
58:42 |
14 |
+7:58 |
|||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
58:54 |
18 |
+9:32 |
|||
|
Trevor Leeding |
1:00:09 |
22 |
+8:29 |
|||
|
Ian Cheesman |
1:00:23 |
23 |
+7:40 |
|||
|
Colin Toppin |
1:00:23 |
23 |
+6:53 |
Race report from Cheesy:
Today saw the BECC 25 mile TT event on the lumpy G25/93 course. Conditions were good with the temperature being like Goldilocks porridge (not too hot and not too cold!) and winds were light albeit the usual lottery with the Wiston steam fayre and a car boot sale which could affect rides. WECC had six entrants with our second claim cousin, Martin Booker (1:00:42) also entering and sporting a foot injury which has prevented recent competition or any meaningful training of late. All riders were fairly pleased with their ride, especially Trevor who has also been suffering from severe toothache and wasn't sure if he would ride at all. Unusually, there were a pair of time twins in Simon and Nolan as well as Cheesy and Colin! Spencer, Nolan and Simon recorded course PB's but all were disappointed with the meagre cake selection at HQ afterwards!
Today saw the BECC 25 mile TT event on the lumpy G25/93 course. Conditions were good with the temperature being like Goldilocks porridge (not too hot and not too cold!) and winds were light albeit the usual lottery with the Wiston steam fayre and a car boot sale which could affect rides. WECC had six entrants with our second claim cousin, Martin Booker (1:00:42) also entering and sporting a foot injury which has prevented recent competition or any meaningful training of late. All riders were fairly pleased with their ride, especially Trevor who has also been suffering from severe toothache and wasn't sure if he would ride at all. Unusually, there were a pair of time twins in Simon and Nolan as well as Cheesy and Colin! Spencer, Nolan and Simon recorded course PB's but all were disappointed with the meagre cake selection at HQ afterwards!
|
...a3crg 30
|
P884/30
|
Saturday 13 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
1:11:37 |
26 |
+15:49 |
18 |
With a opportunity to ride on a favourable course and in good conditions Mike was looking to improve on his 2015 PB of 1:11:21 but he fell just a bit short of his target. He did have the consolation of beating his previous VTTA age plus (which was + 14:42).
|
Brighton Excelsior CC 10
|
G10/97
|
Saturday 13 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nik Allen |
21:00 |
6 |
+5:40 |
|||
|
Huw Williams |
23:47 |
12 |
+3:07 |
A surprisingly tiny field for an open 10. Just 22 starters (incl. one DNF).
|
...a3crg 10
|
P881/10
|
Wednesday 10 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
23:29 |
61 |
+5:01 |
41 |
A disappointing post-holiday ride for Mike as he recorded his slowest ever 10 on the A3.
|
Crawley Wheelers CC 10
|
G10/97
|
Saturday 6 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nolan Heather |
22:04 |
13 |
+4:13 |
Due to weather and it being the longer distance part of the season Nolan is the first WECC rider to compete in an Open 10 since late May. He produced a very good time and final placing; this despite the frustration of having a car turn in front of him and causing him to stop at the cement works (on the fast part of the course).
|
...a3crg Middle Markers 25 (>57 mins)
|
P884B/25
|
Wednesday 3 July 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Colin Barton |
59:23 |
17 |
+10:21 |
|||
|
Paul Townsley |
1:01:44 |
27 |
+11:58 |
Colin and Paul took advantage of there being a middle markers event on this popular course. Paul took full advantage and lopped 2:30 off his previous PB. Not bad at 70 years old!
(There was an overflow event for spare places. Just 10 got in and Nick Dwyer came last with 52:45. Could be a record time for finishing last!)
(There was an overflow event for spare places. Just 10 got in and Nick Dwyer came last with 52:45. Could be a record time for finishing last!)
|
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 50
|
G50/10
|
Sunday 30 June 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|||
|
Ian Cheesman |
2:04:23 |
11 |
+10:03 |
11 |
+15:04 |
|||||
|
Colin Toppin |
2:11:31 |
18 |
-0:51 |
20 |
+6:18 |
|||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
2:13:36 |
20 |
+18:46 |
3 |
+14:50 |
After last season’s disaster in this event Ian Cheesman was delighted to remain upright. Even more so as he was the fastest WECC rider and took the club’s 50 title for the first time.
The aggregate time for our three riders gained them second placed team in the SCA event and the legendary Robin’s wine as a prize.
Mike's third place in the SCA Vets category (on CTT target time) was sufficient for him to regain the SCA Vets Middle Distance BAR title (10, 25, 50 miles) that he held in 2014/5/6/7.
The aggregate time for our three riders gained them second placed team in the SCA event and the legendary Robin’s wine as a prize.
Mike's third place in the SCA Vets category (on CTT target time) was sufficient for him to regain the SCA Vets Middle Distance BAR title (10, 25, 50 miles) that he held in 2014/5/6/7.
|
Hampshire Road Club 25
|
P881/25
|
Sunday 30 June 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nolan Heather |
55:15 |
|
+11:25 |
|||
|
Simon Steeles |
56:03 |
|
+11:37 |
|||
|
Trevor Leeding |
57:46 |
|
+10:52 |
|||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
DNS |
Race report from Simon:
A cooler start in blustery conditions for the Hampshire Road Club 25. The first Worthing man home was Nolan Heather with a PB of 55:15, Simon Steeles shaved 5 seconds of his PB with a 56:03 and Trev Leading completed the proceedings with a 57:46.
A cooler start in blustery conditions for the Hampshire Road Club 25. The first Worthing man home was Nolan Heather with a PB of 55:15, Simon Steeles shaved 5 seconds of his PB with a 56:03 and Trev Leading completed the proceedings with a 57:46.
|
...a3crg 15
|
P884B/15
|
Wednesday 26 June 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Nik Allen |
32:00 |
10 |
+8:05 |
14 |
||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
35:52 |
39 |
+7:07 |
19 |
For the first Wednesday in a while rain did not cause the cancellation of the event. It wasn't all good news though as a savage gusting NE wind made things 'interesting' and leg from the bottom turn to the top one was a real grind.
Nik produced another quality and Mike fell just 6 seconds short of his PB (although he did have the consolation of beating his previous VTTA age plus (which was + 6:52).
Nik produced another quality and Mike fell just 6 seconds short of his PB (although he did have the consolation of beating his previous VTTA age plus (which was + 6:52).
|
Blazing Saddles 50
|
P885/50
|
Sunday 23 June 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Trevor Leeding |
1:55:39 |
44 |
+25:01 |
28 |
||||
|
Ian Cheesman |
1:55:54 |
47 |
+23:33 |
34 |
||||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
1:57:47 |
50 |
+22:04 |
38 |
||||
|
Colin Toppin |
2:01:18 |
63 |
+16:31 |
46 |
||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
2:03:27 |
67 |
+24:59 |
29 |
A NEW CLUB RECORD!!!
Trevor, Cheesy and Spencer's combined time of 5:49:20 beats the 1992 mark of 5:53:32 (set by Paul Toppin / Richard Shipton / Jeremy Wootton).
Trevor set a new LTS (his PB of 1:55:27 was in 2015). Cheesy and Colin both got PBs, albeit Cheesy had ridden considerably faster in this event last season only to have it nullified due to the course being short. Well done to Spencer on his first ever 50.
Trevor set a new LTS (his PB of 1:55:27 was in 2015). Cheesy and Colin both got PBs, albeit Cheesy had ridden considerably faster in this event last season only to have it nullified due to the course being short. Well done to Spencer on his first ever 50.
|
...a3crg Summer 25
|
P884B/25
|
Wednesday 19 June 2019
|
The event was clearly misnamed as the interminable bad weather continues and this event was called off. Mike O'Gorman was particularly disappointed to miss a chance at his favourite 25 course. Four of his last scheduled five TTs have now been cancelled due to the prevailing conditions.
|
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 15
|
G15/92
|
Saturday 15 June 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|||
|
Nik Allen |
32:14 |
1 |
+7:14 |
2 |
+7:51 |
|||||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
35:16 |
16 |
+5:23 |
13 |
+5:16 |
|||||
|
Nolan Heather |
35:22 |
18 |
+2:58 |
29 |
+4:15 |
|||||
|
Simon Steeles |
36:19 |
22 |
+3:27 |
26 |
+3:53 |
|||||
|
Huw Williams |
36:42 |
25 |
+3:57 |
23 |
+3:50 |
|||||
|
Ian Cheesman |
36:46 |
26 |
+3:35 |
25 |
+3:40 |
|||||
|
Colin Toppin |
36:56 |
28 |
+2:15 |
36 |
+3:03 |
|||||
|
Rick Hughes |
39:16 |
36 |
+2:54 |
30 |
+1:52 |
|||||
|
Paul Townsley |
39:36 |
37 |
+7:07 |
5 |
+4:06 |
|||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
40:01 |
38 |
+5:41 |
12 |
+2:58 |
|||||
|
Karen McGrath |
40:04 |
39 |
+4:58 |
17 |
+7:10 |
TWO NEW CLUB RECORDS!!!
Nik Allen, Spencer Kirkham and Nolan Heather set a new WECC 15 mile time team time trial record of 1:42:52 (beating the 2017 mark of 1:44:49 set by Nik Allen, Dom Maxwell and Nolan Heather).
Karen McGrath set a new WECC ladies 15 mile time trial record of 40:04 (beating her 2016 mark of 41:23)
Karen McGrath set a new WECC ladies 15 mile time trial record of 40:04 (beating her 2016 mark of 41:23)
Due to roadworks this event was held on a decidedly SPOCO emergency course created for the occasion. Somewhat frustratingly the roadworks were removed just before the event but it was too late to switch back.
Nik Allen completed an impressive double by winning the SCA Championship 15 (as well as the WECC Club Championship therein). Nik was also second in the Vets rankings, and Paul Townsley did extremely well to be in 5th place in the Vets rankings. Karen McGrath took first place in the SCA womens event (helped a bit by being the only female starter).
Nik Allen completed an impressive double by winning the SCA Championship 15 (as well as the WECC Club Championship therein). Nik was also second in the Vets rankings, and Paul Townsley did extremely well to be in 5th place in the Vets rankings. Karen McGrath took first place in the SCA womens event (helped a bit by being the only female starter).
KAREN & NIK WITH WINNING BUBBLY
|
...a3crg Summer Ten
|
P881/10
|
Wednesday 12 June 2019
|
The weather strikes again with heavy rain causing a cancellation. Nik Allen and Mike O'Gorman were due to ride.
|
NATIONAL VTTA 25
|
E2/25
|
Sunday 9 June 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Nik Allen |
54:05 |
35 |
+13:23 |
50 |
||||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
56:59 |
68 |
+11:16 |
85 |
||||
|
Trevor Leeding |
58:12 |
77 |
+10:26 |
96 |
||||
|
Paul Townsley |
1:03:41 |
116 |
+10:01 |
102 |
Race report from Nik:
Saturday 8th of June and the WECC TT boys are off on their jollies to Suffolk. Due to the distance and a 6am start, it seemed a good idea to stay over locally and save time in the morning. A cold 8 deg SW wind greeted us as we started our warm ups. Sadly the rolling opening few miles with stronger than forecast wind sapped strength and speed all the way to the turn.
Paul went off first for WECC and had a great ride leaving everything on the course. Bringing a smile to his face (after a quart of Red Bull) upon his return to the sanctuary of Team WECC base camp in 1:03:41
Trev was off next. Fully warmed up and ready to go, had a few minutes spare and proceeded to break 2 skin suit zips in quick succession...... Grabbing pins (possibly some flesh) Nik and Spencer pinned him up from navel to chin. “Whomever the rider” that's gonna unsettle you and flying home in 58:12 was just reward indeed.
Nik went off next and had ‘one of those days’. No rhyme or reason, just flat and disappointing. (54:05).
Spencer was our last rider off. Warmed up and enduring the worst weather conditions (😂😂😂😂😂😂) . He set off into the course with a frenzy and came home in 56:59 (probably best WECC ride of the day) mentioning ‘that headwind’ as we all had upon finishing.
Whilst the results we went for weren’t forthcoming it was a very well organised event and enjoyable none the less.
Saturday 8th of June and the WECC TT boys are off on their jollies to Suffolk. Due to the distance and a 6am start, it seemed a good idea to stay over locally and save time in the morning. A cold 8 deg SW wind greeted us as we started our warm ups. Sadly the rolling opening few miles with stronger than forecast wind sapped strength and speed all the way to the turn.
Paul went off first for WECC and had a great ride leaving everything on the course. Bringing a smile to his face (after a quart of Red Bull) upon his return to the sanctuary of Team WECC base camp in 1:03:41
Trev was off next. Fully warmed up and ready to go, had a few minutes spare and proceeded to break 2 skin suit zips in quick succession...... Grabbing pins (possibly some flesh) Nik and Spencer pinned him up from navel to chin. “Whomever the rider” that's gonna unsettle you and flying home in 58:12 was just reward indeed.
Nik went off next and had ‘one of those days’. No rhyme or reason, just flat and disappointing. (54:05).
Spencer was our last rider off. Warmed up and enduring the worst weather conditions (😂😂😂😂😂😂) . He set off into the course with a frenzy and came home in 56:59 (probably best WECC ride of the day) mentioning ‘that headwind’ as we all had upon finishing.
Whilst the results we went for weren’t forthcoming it was a very well organised event and enjoyable none the less.
NB Trevor doubled the WECC 2019 zip failure count (adding to Nik and Mike's experiences earlier in the season).
|
Fareham Wheelers 10
|
P881R/10
|
Saturday 8 June 2019
|
Colin Barton and Mike O'Gorman were due to have a crack at this popular fast course on the A3 - but the event was rightly cancelled due to the weather conditions.
|
Portsmouth North End 25
|
P881/25
|
Sunday 2 June 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Nik Allen |
51:42 |
11 |
+15:46 |
4 |
||||
|
Simon Steeles |
56:08 |
53 |
+11:32 |
38 |
||||
|
Trevor Leeding |
56:32 |
57 |
+12:06 |
35 |
||||
|
Ian Cheesman |
57:09 |
60 |
+10:54 |
44 |
||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
59:37 |
75 |
+12:50 |
30 |
||||
|
Colin Toppin |
59:39 |
76 |
+7:37 |
65 |
A NEW CLUB RECORD!!!
Big congratulations to Nik Allen (51:42), Simon Steeles (56:08), Trevor Leeding (56:32) at the Portsmouth North End 25 this morning. They have set a new club team record of 2:44:22, beating by 20 seconds the time set by Nik, Trevor and Neil Crowther on the same course last season. Nik equals his PB, and Simon sets an impressive PB in only his third 25 mile time trial.
Cheesy was happy with his time, and Mike was relieved to be inside the hour and 90 seconds quicker than this time last year. Colin felt that he would have been quicker had he ridden the course previously.
Cheesy was happy with his time, and Mike was relieved to be inside the hour and 90 seconds quicker than this time last year. Colin felt that he would have been quicker had he ridden the course previously.
|
Brighton Mitre CC 10
|
G10/97
|
Monday 27 May 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nik Allen |
21:11 |
5 |
+5:25 |
|||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
24:23 |
27 |
+4:07 |
Nik was a bit disappointed with the quality of his ride. However he did finish in an excellent fifth place behind some top quality riders. Mike, too, was disappointed as his power was well below par and his time was virtually identical to earlier this year on this course in the SCA 10. Mike did have the consolation of a bottle of wine for an age group win.
Nolan Heather had intended to ride this event but made the mistake of entering the road bike version instead.
Nolan Heather had intended to ride this event but made the mistake of entering the road bike version instead.
|
VC St Raphael Middle Markers 10
|
P881R/10
|
Saturday 25 May 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Trevor Leeding |
21:36 |
16 |
+5:27 |
|||
|
Nolan Heather |
21:47 |
22 |
+4:30 |
|||
|
Colin Barton |
22:35 |
45 |
+4:53 |
|||
|
Simon Steeles |
22:45 |
49 |
+3:55 |
|||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
22:50 |
51 |
+5:40 |
|||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
DNF |
Our riders were looking for quick times on this popular 'reverse' course but the gusting wind proved to be more problematic than anticipated with the outward leg being particularly challenging.
Trevor made light of this though with a superb ride that was only 5 seconds short of his all time PB. Nolan also produced his quickest time of the season so far, being just 12 seconds off his PB.
Colin added to a succession of similar times with his four Open 10's this season now being 22:44, 22:28, 22:43, 22:35.
Simon and Mike were closely grouped with Colin.
Spencer suffered the disappointment of a mechanical due to the free hub on his disk seizing solid.
Trevor made light of this though with a superb ride that was only 5 seconds short of his all time PB. Nolan also produced his quickest time of the season so far, being just 12 seconds off his PB.
Colin added to a succession of similar times with his four Open 10's this season now being 22:44, 22:28, 22:43, 22:35.
Simon and Mike were closely grouped with Colin.
Spencer suffered the disappointment of a mechanical due to the free hub on his disk seizing solid.
|
Farnham Road Club 10
|
H10/8
|
Saturday 18 May 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nolan Heather |
22:03 |
25 |
+4:14 |
|||
|
Colin Barton |
22:43 |
30 |
+4:45 |
|||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
DNF |
The weather was a huge improvement on what has been experienced so far this season. The virtual absence of wind plus warmish temperatures provided much cause for optimism. And rightly so (mostly).
Nolan recorded a course best. His previous 2 rides (both in 2018) were 22:14 and 22:41.
Colin was delighted with his course best, albeit it is a while since he has ridden here. His 2016 times were 23:08, 22:54, 22:55. His 2015 times were 22:58 and 23:11.
This was Mike's 18th ride on this course with his best being 21:31 in 2015. Today's ride was a strong one and although not going to be close to that personal course best he was well on the way to being 3 minutes quicker than here 2 months ago. But with the fast 2.5 mile downhill stretch looming up a complete puncture wrecked it all.
Nolan recorded a course best. His previous 2 rides (both in 2018) were 22:14 and 22:41.
Colin was delighted with his course best, albeit it is a while since he has ridden here. His 2016 times were 23:08, 22:54, 22:55. His 2015 times were 22:58 and 23:11.
This was Mike's 18th ride on this course with his best being 21:31 in 2015. Today's ride was a strong one and although not going to be close to that personal course best he was well on the way to being 3 minutes quicker than here 2 months ago. But with the fast 2.5 mile downhill stretch looming up a complete puncture wrecked it all.
|
...a3crg Summer Ten
|
P881/10
|
Wednesday 15 May 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Colin Barton |
22:28 |
42 |
+5:00 |
36 |
||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
22:30 |
43 |
+6:00 |
14 |
A close thing, and season's bests for our two riders.
Mike at the start line
|
Worthing Excelsior CC 25
|
G25/93
|
Sunday 12 May 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Simon Steeles |
59:21 |
6 |
+8:19 |
8 |
||||
|
Nolan Heather |
59:43 |
8 |
+6:57 |
13 |
||||
|
Trevor Leeding |
1:01:12 |
15 |
+7:26 |
12 |
||||
|
Colin Toppin |
1:01:58 |
18 |
+5:18 |
19 |
||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
1:03:23 |
21 |
+9:04 |
5 |
||||
|
Rick Hughes |
1:05:28 |
23 |
+3:48 |
20 |
||||
|
Phil Frean |
1:08:04 |
25 |
+3:20 |
22 |
Better conditions led to a series of improvements over the times on this course last week. Simon improved by 1:24 for an excellent sub-hour performance; this being the first time that he has done so. Nolan was the other sub-hour rider. Trevor's effort was his first 25 of the season. Colin improved by 2:34 and Mike improved by 1:34 from last week. Phil's ride was his first 25 since 2017.
|
Hampshire Road Club 10
|
P881/10
|
Saturday 11 May 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nik Allen |
20:09 |
8 |
+6:27 |
|||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
22:11 |
51 |
+4:43 |
|||
|
Colin Barton |
22:44 |
61 |
+4:44 |
|||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
22:53 |
68 |
+5:37 |
A warmish evening, certainly by recent experiences, albeit with a tricky stiffish northerly wind. One again there was a classy ride by Nik. Spencer had the problem of having forgotten his shoes and then borrowing Nik's pedals and shoes for his ride. Colin produced a good time in his first open 10 of the season. Mike was pleased that, before the race, he had spotted the flaw in his front tub. He switched to a clincher for his fastest 10 of the season so far, plus £10 prize for 1st in age group. In fact all four riders achieved season's best times.
|
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 25
|
G25/93
|
Sunday 5 May 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|||
|
Nik Allen |
55:12 |
8 |
+10:35 |
10 |
+12:16 |
|||||
|
John McGrath |
58:47 |
18 |
+10:58 |
8 |
+10:16 |
|||||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
59:34 |
20 |
+10:48 |
9 |
+8:41 |
|||||
|
Simon Steeles |
1:01:45 |
30 |
+4:31 |
32 |
+5:55 |
|||||
|
Ian Cheesman |
1:01:49 |
32 |
+5:26 |
27 |
+6:14 |
|||||
|
Colin Toppin |
1:04:32 |
37 |
+0:46 |
40 |
+2:44 |
|||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
1:04:57 |
38 |
+11:13 |
6 |
+7:30 |
|||||
|
Nolan Heather |
DNS |
|||||||||
|
Trevor Leeding |
DNS |
Bitterly cold conditions greeted the riders with it being 2C at the start.
Both Mike and Trevor suffered punctures before the start. Trevor's was the more traditional tub failure resulting in a DNS. Mike's however was to his car and it had to be left out on the road. Nolan opted to miss the arctic conditions.
The results were largely as expected with some impressive times. Simon did well in his first ever 25 and Cheesy was delighted to have recovered his form after yesterday's 10.
The Club's 25 Championship was held within this event and so Nik retains his title. And - just for something to do - he won the Handicap classification once again and so retains the John Clapshaw Trophy.
Both Mike and Trevor suffered punctures before the start. Trevor's was the more traditional tub failure resulting in a DNS. Mike's however was to his car and it had to be left out on the road. Nolan opted to miss the arctic conditions.
The results were largely as expected with some impressive times. Simon did well in his first ever 25 and Cheesy was delighted to have recovered his form after yesterday's 10.
The Club's 25 Championship was held within this event and so Nik retains his title. And - just for something to do - he won the Handicap classification once again and so retains the John Clapshaw Trophy.
|
SCA CHAMPIONSHIP 10
|
G10/97
|
Saturday 4 May 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|||
|
Nik Allen |
21:32 |
8 |
+4:47 |
11 |
+5:04 |
|||||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
23:07 |
23 |
+3:59 |
19 |
+3:47 |
|||||
|
Nolan Heather |
23:28 |
27 |
+2:05 |
38 |
+2:49 |
|||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
24:22 |
36 |
+6:06 |
2 |
+4:08 |
|||||
|
Ian Cheesman |
24:25 |
37 |
+2:29 |
37 |
+2:24 |
|||||
|
Karen McGrath |
27:19 |
58 |
+2:42 |
32 |
+2:24 |
|||||
|
John McGrath |
DNF |
In keeping with the weather for most of this season damp cold conditions with a tricky northerly wind awaited our competitors today. It was not going to be an easy ride and so it proved.
Nik rode very well, being 10 seconds faster and 7 places better than last season's effort. Nolan also put in a good effort despite having arrived at the start line only to spot a worrying bulge in his front tyre. Mike's mind was clearly elsewhere as he was stopped from setting off to the start by Mark Smith who kindly pointed out that Mike had forgotten to put on his helmet! Mike's time, fractionally quicker than last season in good conditions, was enough to secure him £20 for second place in the Veterans competition.
Cheesy was hugely disappointed with his ride saying that "I had good power but couldn't seem to keep the average speed up this morning and my cadence was very low at average 79! It's normally 85 to 90."
Karen improved her placing from last season. John unfortunately punctured and became the third WECC rider to DNF in as many races. Let's hope that this run of bad luck stops right now.
Nik rode very well, being 10 seconds faster and 7 places better than last season's effort. Nolan also put in a good effort despite having arrived at the start line only to spot a worrying bulge in his front tyre. Mike's mind was clearly elsewhere as he was stopped from setting off to the start by Mark Smith who kindly pointed out that Mike had forgotten to put on his helmet! Mike's time, fractionally quicker than last season in good conditions, was enough to secure him £20 for second place in the Veterans competition.
Cheesy was hugely disappointed with his ride saying that "I had good power but couldn't seem to keep the average speed up this morning and my cadence was very low at average 79! It's normally 85 to 90."
Karen improved her placing from last season. John unfortunately punctured and became the third WECC rider to DNF in as many races. Let's hope that this run of bad luck stops right now.
|
VTTA National 10
|
G10/41
|
Sunday 28 April 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Nik Allen |
21:45 |
5 |
+4:51 |
6 |
||||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
23:45 |
22 |
+3:09 |
28 |
||||
|
Nolan Heather |
24:09 |
31 |
+2:08 |
39 |
||||
|
Paul Townsley |
DNF |
Race report from Nik:
The first VTTA national in the county for a while was graced with a chilly NW wind to test the skin suit clad warriors. The pile of clothes at the start showed how chilly the wind felt for most. G10/41 is a rolling course on the Surrey border with several small punchy ramps and a gradual climb up the eastern side of the course. Then with a 2.5 mile rolling downhill finish aiding a fast finishing time.
WECC had a good showing of entrants and positive thoughts were resonating before the off. This was soon sadly jinxed; Spencer threw caution to the wind off the start line and sadly his Garmin mount couldn’t handle his ‘ferocious’ power and off fell the Garmin. Unperturbed he carried on and finished well whilst riding ‘technically’ blind. Then the race to find his Garmin unit started...
Paul set off strongly and was making great strides when a puncture ended his solid ride and forced him into a much unneeded 2.5 mile walk home.
Nolan had a good ride and featured well in the ‘winning team’ for Sussex/Surrey district.
Nik rode well after a faulty valve had put doubts in his mind over a possible puncture after warming up. That said he was very pleased with his ride, finishing strongly on the ‘forgiving’ finishing 2 miles.
WECC grouped together well and won the Sussex/Surrey region Team award and claimed the ‘ Wilf How’ cup.
The first VTTA national in the county for a while was graced with a chilly NW wind to test the skin suit clad warriors. The pile of clothes at the start showed how chilly the wind felt for most. G10/41 is a rolling course on the Surrey border with several small punchy ramps and a gradual climb up the eastern side of the course. Then with a 2.5 mile rolling downhill finish aiding a fast finishing time.
WECC had a good showing of entrants and positive thoughts were resonating before the off. This was soon sadly jinxed; Spencer threw caution to the wind off the start line and sadly his Garmin mount couldn’t handle his ‘ferocious’ power and off fell the Garmin. Unperturbed he carried on and finished well whilst riding ‘technically’ blind. Then the race to find his Garmin unit started...
Paul set off strongly and was making great strides when a puncture ended his solid ride and forced him into a much unneeded 2.5 mile walk home.
Nolan had a good ride and featured well in the ‘winning team’ for Sussex/Surrey district.
Nik rode well after a faulty valve had put doubts in his mind over a possible puncture after warming up. That said he was very pleased with his ride, finishing strongly on the ‘forgiving’ finishing 2 miles.
WECC grouped together well and won the Sussex/Surrey region Team award and claimed the ‘ Wilf How’ cup.
|
Charlotteville CC 50
|
H50/8
|
Sunday 28 April 2019
|
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
|
Pos |
||
|
Ian Cheesman |
2:05:32 |
40 |
+13:55 |
26 |
||||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
2:10:26 |
52 |
+18:00 |
19 |
||||
|
Colin Toppin |
2:11:01 |
55 |
+6:48 |
37 |
||||
|
Trevor Leeding |
DNF |
A cold strong gusting wind combined with a very poor quality road surface made things tricky for riders at the Charlotteville CC 50 mile time trial. Fast times were not expected and this proved to be the case. In his first race at this distance since crashing badly in last season’s Sussex 50 Ian Cheesman did well to be the fastest of the Excelsior riders with 2:05:32. Also making a comeback after a problematic 2018 Mike O’Gorman finished with 2:10.26. Colin Toppin was close behind with 2:11.01. Trevor Leeding unfortunately suffered from mechanical difficulties and withdrew after 38 miles. Mike was relieved to have brought a spare skinsuit as (like Nik earlier in the season) he suffered from a zip failure before the start.
Martin Booker (second claim and riding for South Downs Bikes this season) rode a 2:07:09.
Martin Booker (second claim and riding for South Downs Bikes this season) rode a 2:07:09.
Mike (in spare skinsuit)
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||||
|
John McGrath |
1:02:25 |
9 |
+6:38 |
TT Bike Event |
||||
|
Karen McGrath |
1:19:13 |
14 |
-3:45 |
Road Bike Event |
Race report from Karen:
Great course with good conditions and just a bit hilly - not least the killer "wall" up to the finish!
A day that course records fell - Simon McNamara won in 56.27 and Hayley Simonds sliced 9 minutes off the women record to finish in 1.02.06.
John was chuffed to win the 55-59 category with 1.02.25, which was also 3 mins quicker than the vet 50, despite misjudging the turn at the Upper Beeding roundabout. The Easter egg prize was demolished quicker than the ride - but probably not a course record :-)
Karen opted for the road bike event and was pleased to hold 20 mph average until the last two miles, finishing in 1.19.13.
Great course with good conditions and just a bit hilly - not least the killer "wall" up to the finish!
A day that course records fell - Simon McNamara won in 56.27 and Hayley Simonds sliced 9 minutes off the women record to finish in 1.02.06.
John was chuffed to win the 55-59 category with 1.02.25, which was also 3 mins quicker than the vet 50, despite misjudging the turn at the Upper Beeding roundabout. The Easter egg prize was demolished quicker than the ride - but probably not a course record :-)
Karen opted for the road bike event and was pleased to hold 20 mph average until the last two miles, finishing in 1.19.13.
JOHN ON THE INITIAL DESCENT FROM THE START
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nik Allen |
23:17 |
6 |
+3:19 |
|||
|
Nolan Heather |
27:40 |
17 |
-1:23 |
Race report from Nik:
A warm day......
In 25 deg heat this course is a brute, bar Fox hill it looked a rolling course with fast finish into Wisborough Green. How wrong!!!! The first 3 miles (terrible road surface) sucks the breath out of you as you climb and fall several times over punchy climbs. Then Fox hill appears, oh joy as the mph cling onto the ‘teens’ if you're lucky. Crawling over the crest I rejoiced in the fact my legs would turn no faster for 200 yds as I sucked in much needed oxygen.
Thankfully the last 4 miles roll up and much further down to give you a chance to recoup a little time that you hemorrhaged for the first 6 miles. After a brief lie down on Wisborough green, considering taking up tiddly winks I limped back to HQ for a cup of tea. I like sunshine, just not when I'm wearing a jet black TT helmet.....
I would mention I forgot my Garmin but don't think i could handle the mickey taking, so i wont!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂
NB Despite Nik's comments this is actually a seriously good time on this course, beating the likes of Dave Shepherd.
A warm day......
In 25 deg heat this course is a brute, bar Fox hill it looked a rolling course with fast finish into Wisborough Green. How wrong!!!! The first 3 miles (terrible road surface) sucks the breath out of you as you climb and fall several times over punchy climbs. Then Fox hill appears, oh joy as the mph cling onto the ‘teens’ if you're lucky. Crawling over the crest I rejoiced in the fact my legs would turn no faster for 200 yds as I sucked in much needed oxygen.
Thankfully the last 4 miles roll up and much further down to give you a chance to recoup a little time that you hemorrhaged for the first 6 miles. After a brief lie down on Wisborough green, considering taking up tiddly winks I limped back to HQ for a cup of tea. I like sunshine, just not when I'm wearing a jet black TT helmet.....
I would mention I forgot my Garmin but don't think i could handle the mickey taking, so i wont!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂
NB Despite Nik's comments this is actually a seriously good time on this course, beating the likes of Dave Shepherd.
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Ian Cheesman |
1:46:35 |
23 |
+8:27 |
|||
|
Trevor Leeding |
1:50:02 |
31 |
+5:59 |
Race report from Cheesy:
Good Friday 2019 was the date for the annual Crawley Wheelers Sporting (Hilly) Time Trial race. This year saw unseasonably warm weather with a gentle breeze and promised to be a fast one and Mark Smith was confident that the course record would be broken today. There was a strong field with some very fast riders taking part.
Only Cheesy and Trevor from the mighty WECC were entered and both have little racing in their legs due to the poor start to the 2019 season resulting from poor weather and cancellations caused by roadworks. Both have entered the Charlotteville 50 next week so were keen to see what their pacing and form was like. As usual pacing is everything because the back 10 miles is pretty much up hill for most of the way. Cheesy posted a 1.46.35 (a course PB by over 90 seconds) and Trevor posted a 1.50.02. Both riders were very pleased with their rides.
The event was won by Liam Maybank posting a 1.31.38 with Pat Wright second and Simon McNamara rounding off the podium and all riders broke the course record (albeit Pat and Simon only for a matter of minutes!!)
Thanks to Mike O'Gorman supporting the riders and hopefully getting some good pictures of them in action.
Good Friday 2019 was the date for the annual Crawley Wheelers Sporting (Hilly) Time Trial race. This year saw unseasonably warm weather with a gentle breeze and promised to be a fast one and Mark Smith was confident that the course record would be broken today. There was a strong field with some very fast riders taking part.
Only Cheesy and Trevor from the mighty WECC were entered and both have little racing in their legs due to the poor start to the 2019 season resulting from poor weather and cancellations caused by roadworks. Both have entered the Charlotteville 50 next week so were keen to see what their pacing and form was like. As usual pacing is everything because the back 10 miles is pretty much up hill for most of the way. Cheesy posted a 1.46.35 (a course PB by over 90 seconds) and Trevor posted a 1.50.02. Both riders were very pleased with their rides.
The event was won by Liam Maybank posting a 1.31.38 with Pat Wright second and Simon McNamara rounding off the podium and all riders broke the course record (albeit Pat and Simon only for a matter of minutes!!)
Thanks to Mike O'Gorman supporting the riders and hopefully getting some good pictures of them in action.
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Spencer Kirkham |
57:16 |
21 |
+10:59 |
|||
|
Nolan Heather |
59:50 |
44 |
+6:50 |
|||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
1:00:13 |
47 |
+12:14 |
Bitterly chilly conditions and a stiff adverse wind at the Farnborough & Camberley CC 25 mile time trial posed a challenge for Worthing Excelsior riders at the weekend.
In his first event of the season Spencer Kirkham was the fastest of the trio with a fine 57:16.
Nolan Heather finished with 57:50 just ahead of Mike O’Gorman. Mike’s time of 1:00:13 gained him first place prize in his veterans’ age category.
Martin Booker (second claim and riding for South Downs Bikes this season) rode a 1:00:27.
In his first event of the season Spencer Kirkham was the fastest of the trio with a fine 57:16.
Nolan Heather finished with 57:50 just ahead of Mike O’Gorman. Mike’s time of 1:00:13 gained him first place prize in his veterans’ age category.
Martin Booker (second claim and riding for South Downs Bikes this season) rode a 1:00:27.
|
SCA 2-Up TTT
|
GS/987
|
Sunday 7 April 2019
|
Disappointment for our pairs as the event had to be cancelled on the night before due to the appearance of traffic light controlled roadworks at Partridge Green.
Those affected were:
Paul Townsley/Dom Maxwell on road bikes, Colin Toppin/Simon Steeles, Spencer Kirkham/Trevor Leeding,
John McGrath, Nik Allen, Ian Cheesman/Martin Booker (South Downs Bikes)
Paul Townsley/Dom Maxwell on road bikes, Colin Toppin/Simon Steeles, Spencer Kirkham/Trevor Leeding,
John McGrath, Nik Allen, Ian Cheesman/Martin Booker (South Downs Bikes)
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
57:33 |
104 |
+14:54 |
Race report from Mike:
I've ridden this event for the past three seasons and was looking to see where my current form is at. As it turned out it was a tough event to get into this time as all the fast boys turned up. My LTS of 54:43 only scraped me in as third fastest reserve! So I was pretty well the slowest rider on the course.
The conditions were interesting once again, being cool and blowy but with the wind the opposite way around to usual. So, like many others, I set Strava PBs all the way out to the turn at 12.5 miles and then grovelled back.
My newly returned power meter was giving false readings so I had to ignore that and ride on feel and speed. A post ride review of my data showed that my heart rate confirmed that I had really gone for it. It felt quite good and certainly better than last year. The field strength was demonstrated to me after 8 minutes when I had averaged 29 mph and was caught by my minute man.
I did make my usual start of season TT errors which would have cost me the odd second here or there. So room for improvement I hope. My previous rides on this course have been 58:00. 55:34, 54:43, 59:43 so taking everything into account I'm more than happy to have put down a reasonable early season marker.
The conditions were interesting once again, being cool and blowy but with the wind the opposite way around to usual. So, like many others, I set Strava PBs all the way out to the turn at 12.5 miles and then grovelled back.
My newly returned power meter was giving false readings so I had to ignore that and ride on feel and speed. A post ride review of my data showed that my heart rate confirmed that I had really gone for it. It felt quite good and certainly better than last year. The field strength was demonstrated to me after 8 minutes when I had averaged 29 mph and was caught by my minute man.
I did make my usual start of season TT errors which would have cost me the odd second here or there. So room for improvement I hope. My previous rides on this course have been 58:00. 55:34, 54:43, 59:43 so taking everything into account I'm more than happy to have put down a reasonable early season marker.
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Nik Allen |
23:19 |
4 |
+3:17 |
|||
|
Nolan Heather |
25:47 |
21 |
+0:30 |
In a high quality field of 75 starters Nik and Nolan put in great performances and claimed some notable scalps. Very well done indeed.
Race report from Nik:
A testy little sporting course with a few short ‘punchy’ climbs and a steady drag up the eastern side of course. A nice day with very little wind (for a welcome change!!!) and some sunshine made for a pleasant ride. Breaking my skinsuit zip, pre-race did break the good mood a little though. Several safety pins later and we were ready to go. Good run, tiring late on producing a pleasing result for early season. Back to the training and onto the long season ahead. Very well organised, marshaled event i would highly recommend to others.
A testy little sporting course with a few short ‘punchy’ climbs and a steady drag up the eastern side of course. A nice day with very little wind (for a welcome change!!!) and some sunshine made for a pleasant ride. Breaking my skinsuit zip, pre-race did break the good mood a little though. Several safety pins later and we were ready to go. Good run, tiring late on producing a pleasing result for early season. Back to the training and onto the long season ahead. Very well organised, marshaled event i would highly recommend to others.
As it happens - it's not no pins!!!
|
Rider |
Time |
|
|
Nik Allen |
DNS |
|
|
Ian Cheesman |
DNS |
|
|
Mike O'Gorman |
DNS |
Race report from Cheesy:
Today saw the SCA hardriders event take place on a challenging course in Handcross and this was the first year that WECC were going to incorporate the same event. Three brave souls had entered in Mike O'Gorman, Ian Cheesman and Nik Allen. Weather was not looking good with Storm Freya forecast and in attendance.
Mike obviously looked out of the window and decided to go back to bed. Nik and Cheesy arrived and signed on but Nik didn't feel that he wanted to risk the conditions and decided not to start. Cheesy warmed up on he turbo and was determined to race having been out for so long. This soon changed when he was hit at least four times by crosswinds en route to the start line and decided to inform the starters personally that he wouldn't be starting and promptly returned to HQ to dry off, warm up and have a piece of unearned cake!
All three WECC riders posted DNS as did over half the field and even Liam Maybank, a potential race favourite, decided to not start after his journey to the start line. Most riders that actually competed did so on much more stable road bikes. No idea of the results as Nik and Cheesy opted to go home and sadly Cheesy still had to clean, dry and lube his bikes!
Not the best result to start the season but the only one in terms of safety.
Today saw the SCA hardriders event take place on a challenging course in Handcross and this was the first year that WECC were going to incorporate the same event. Three brave souls had entered in Mike O'Gorman, Ian Cheesman and Nik Allen. Weather was not looking good with Storm Freya forecast and in attendance.
Mike obviously looked out of the window and decided to go back to bed. Nik and Cheesy arrived and signed on but Nik didn't feel that he wanted to risk the conditions and decided not to start. Cheesy warmed up on he turbo and was determined to race having been out for so long. This soon changed when he was hit at least four times by crosswinds en route to the start line and decided to inform the starters personally that he wouldn't be starting and promptly returned to HQ to dry off, warm up and have a piece of unearned cake!
All three WECC riders posted DNS as did over half the field and even Liam Maybank, a potential race favourite, decided to not start after his journey to the start line. Most riders that actually competed did so on much more stable road bikes. No idea of the results as Nik and Cheesy opted to go home and sadly Cheesy still had to clean, dry and lube his bikes!
Not the best result to start the season but the only one in terms of safety.
|
Rider |
Time |
|
Pos |
+/- |
||
|
Mike O'Gorman |
25:45 |
37 |
+2:45 |
Tough conditions for Mike's return to competition after a nine month absence. A brutal headwind on the outward leg, combined with low power output, meant that the finishing time was a very slow one.
