GLOUCESTER CITY CYCLING CLUB
RACE REPORTS 2009
All these are the tireless efforts of our racing secretary, Guy Preece. Racers - send your reports to him please, see below:
Please forward time/field position, plus winners name and time, any interesting points on your ride and event details for my attention, my contact details are as follows:
Home email: guyjpreecepreece@btinternet.com
Work email: guy.preece@messier-dowty.com
Mobile: 07799 347 275
Race Reports
August 2009
Pontypool RCC 10mile TT
08-Aug-09
Gloucester City CC rider Chris Udall was the sole racer to venture into the
former hot-bed of Welsh rugby to race the Pontypool RCC 10 mile TT. Udall put in
a respectable performance clocking 23:55 for 32nd place overall.
Cheltenham resident, Alan Warburton [Leisure Lakes RT], clocked
20:07 for
fine victory which was just short of 30-mph average. Welsh junior rider Rhys
Gravelle put in a great ride to clock 21:21 to win the junior event and finish
just inside the top ten. Also putting in a fine ride was Susan Shook [Bush
Healthcare CRT] who clocked 22:37 to take victory in the ladies event.
WTTA 10mile TT 08-Aug-09
Guy Preece was the fastest member of the Gloucester City Veterans team that took
part in the WTTA 10 mile TT, which included the WTTA Veterans Championship.
Preece clocked 21:54 for 7th place overall, and 3rd in the veteran’s
championship. Second City rider home was Andrew Shipton, clocking 23:19 for a
well deserved 15th place. Also riding for the City Team were Toby Wooldridge
clocking 25:12, Malcolm Grainger clocking 26:31 and Neville Lockwood who clocked
27:55 to round off the team’s performance.
Event winner was Ben Anstie [Chippenham & District Wheelers] who was the only rider to break the 21-minute barrier, clocking 20:49 for a fine win in good conditions on the rolling A38 course. The ladies event was won by Veteran Arja Scarsbrook [Team Echelon Spuik] clocking 25:18 for 26th place overall. The Junior event was won by Freddie Lewton [Newport Olympic], who recorded 25:07 for 23rd place.
Welsh Cycling Association 100 mile TT
09-Aug-09
Veteran
Gloucester City rider John Murphy belied his 69-years to clock 4:23:41 in the
Welsh Cycling Association 100 mile TT. Murphy, a National BAR top fifteen
finisher last season finished in the top half of the field in 44th
place. The event was won by Carl Ruebotham [Team Swift] with a time of 3:44:23;
with ladies event winner Lynne Taylor [Walsall RDS CC] just missing the 25 mph
average clocking 4:02:48 for a very impressive 12th place overall.
Severn RC Sporting 25mile TT 09-Aug-09
Completing a fine weekend's racing for the Chippenham & District Wheelers Club
Dr Jeff Jones won the Severn RC Sporting 25 mile TT with a cracking time of
53:44 to win by almost 2-minutes from Colin Robertson [Equipe Velo Ecosse]. Guy
Preece proved to be the fastest of the Rudy Project sponsored Gloucester City
riders, clocking 58:59 for 12th place overall. Just 4-seconds adrift of Preece
was GCCC team mate George Unsworth, coming home in 59:03 for 13th
place. Junior rider Aaron Preece rounded off the team’s times clocking 1:07:06
for 38th place overall and a well earned 2nd place in the junior
class.
The ladies event was won by Kirsti Robertson [BAD Tri] clocking 1:02:25 for a very creditable 23rd place, with Freddie Lewton [Newport Olympic] rounding off a fine personal weekends racing in Gloucestershire taking the Junior win with a time of 1:05:07 for 33rd place.
WTTA 100mile TT 16-Aug-09 [Inc. V.T.T.A National Championship]
A warm but breezy morning greeted the riders for the 6am start of the WTTA 100mile Time Trial Championship, which also included the National Veterans Championship and Royal Navy & Royal Marines Championship.
Fastest of the Rudy Project sponsored Gloucester City riders was Guy Preece, clocking 4:05:18 for 16th place overall and 6th place on time in the veterans championship. George Unsworth clocked 4:15:43 for a hard earned 30th place overall. Unsworth suffered severe cramp on the final 25mile circuit which resulted in him having to dismount to recover, loosing considerable time to his fellow competitors. The ever green John Murphy clocked 4:27:03 for 38th place overall and 1st place in the National 60-69 age group – a great win for Murphy and GCCC.
The event was won by James Wall [Stratford-Upon-Avon CC ] with a time of 3:40:15. Second place was taken by Dr Jeff Jones [Chippenham & District Wheelers] clocking 3:41:22, and third place by the fastest veteran rider on the day Mick St Leger [VC St Raphael] clocking 3:45:11.
The ladies event was won by Lynne Taylor [Walsall RC] with a great time of 4:01:09 and the team event by Chippenham & District Wheelers trio of Jones, Andy Cook and Dave Ballantyne with a combined time of 11:42:55.
The West Country also fared well in the National Veteran’s Championship with Bath CC’s Peter Wilson winning the 70+ age group. Bristol South CC’s Mary-Jane Hutchinson won the Ladies veteran Championship and Bath’s Team of Wilson, Derek Pierce and Alan Pickard collecting the Team Prize.
Gloucester City T.G. Hall 25mile TT 23-Aug-09
Dean Robson [Somerset RC] won the challenging GCCC 25 mile TT with a time of 56:47, 2nd place was taken by Dave Kiddell [Cavalier CC] clocking 57:21 and 3rd place by Stephen Price [Worcester St Johns] who clocked 57:57.
Fastest of the Gloucester City riders to navigate the Maismore to Ledbury and return circuit was George Unsworth clocking 58:54 for a well deserved 5th place. Simon Witts clocked a PB on the course of 1:01:49 for a fine 7th place overall. John Barnes clocked 1:03:24 for 11th place overall and round off a fine team win for the Gloucester Club.
Freddie Lewton [Newport Olympic] clocked 1:06:19 to win the Junior event; GCCC’s Aaron Preece clocked 1:09:13 for 2nd place in the Junior event. GCCC rider John Flint clocked a season’s best 1:05:05 to claim first place in the 50-60 age group.
The Ernie Clements 2-day race took place at Hanley Swan over Saturday and Sunday. The Prologue 1.4 mile time trial was won by Charlie Zanatachi [Leisure Lakes RT] in 3:47. Local rider John Barnes [Gloucester City CC] from Much Marcle finished 11th with a time of 4:12 – a good start to the event for Barnes.
Later on the Saturday the riders faced a challenging 42-mile road stage. This was dominated by a 5-man break away in which Barnes [GCCC] featured. The first road stage was won by ex-international rider Phil Rayner, with Barnes coming in a creditable 4th to cement a good overall position.
The following day in a 49-mile road stage around Welland and Upton-upon-Severn 3 riders broke away after 9-miles, working well together they soon established a 1:30 lead over the chasing bunch. Barnes again features in this move and worked hard all day with the other pair of riders to ensure the gap was maintained over the chasing field. The stage was won by Ian Fagan with Barnes crossing the line in 3rd position.
The three consistent rides and good tactical awareness to make the break in both road stages mean Gloucester City CC’s John Barnes came away as overall winner of the Ernie Clements Memorial Stage Race, in what was his first race win for 13-years and first ever stage race victory.
June
Corinium CC 25mile TT 07-Jun-09
A smaller than usual field started the Dursley RC 25 mile TT on the Cricklade bypass course. The size of field did not detract from the quality of racing with Alan Cook [Ross on Wye CC] taking a fine victory in 51:25; Rob Pears [Bath CC] a former event winner, was piped by the smallest of margins clocking 51:26 for second place. First host club rider home was Peter Hutchinson in a time of 54:48 for 9th place.
First Gloucester City CC rider home was Graham Denny, clocking58:49 for 27th place. Veteran John Murphy clocked 1:00:40 for 38th place, with third team member home Chris Udall clocking 1:02:17 in 42nd place. Fraser MacDonald [Corinium CC] won the Junior event in a time of 59:13, and Aileen Brown [Bath CC] won the Ladies event in a time of 1:11:03.
Dursley RC 25mile TT 13-Jun-09
A field of 110 riders started the Dursley 25 mile time trial on the Cricklade bypass course, Dr Jeff Jones [Chippenham & District Wheelers] and Mick St.Leger [Sotonia CC] blew the rest of the field away with a rides just outside the 30mph average; Jones coming home in a time of 50:49 for first place and St.Leger 50:56 in second place. Former National Junior champion Tom Yeatman [Glendene CC] came home in 3rd place nearly one minute down clocking 51:49.
First of the Rudy Project sponsored Gloucester City CC riders home was George Unsworth, clocking 54:44 for 21st place. Pushing Unsworth al the way home was team mate Andrew Shipton in a time of 54:57 for 22nd place. Veteran John Barnes had his best 25 mile ride of the season clocking 58:04 to round of the top 40. Ladies event winner Danuta Tinn [a3crg] clocked 58:26 for a fine 42nd place. Also enjoying a fine ride was brother of third place finisher Rob Yeatman winning the Junior event in a time of 58:35.
Gordon Johnston [GCCC] broke the hour for the first time setting a PB of 58:54, to confirm hi9s status amongst the fastest GCCC riders this year. Other GCCC riders who enjoyed the race in fine conditions were Graham Denny 59:11 in 52nd place, Chris Udall just missing the magic hour barrier in 1:00:31 and Nathan Monk in a time of 1:03:12.
Cwmcarn Paragon 25mile TT 20-Jun-09
A 120 rider field started the Cwmcarn Paragon 25 mile TT on the same course used for the |Welsh Championship even in mid May. Gloucester City CC had a strong 6-rider team represent the Rudy Project sponsored club in the event. Junior rider Aaron Preece, who vowed to make-up for an error in the Welsh championship event smashed his PB by nearly 8-minutes clocking 1:06:47 for 2nd place in the Junior event, which was won by Charles Wheatly [Llandovery CC] in a time of 1:05:35. Guy Preece, uncle or Aaron also recorded a PB for the event clocking 54:02 for 6th place overall and fastest veteran on the day. George Unsworth put in another consistently strong ride clocking 54:53 for 12th place. The ever consistent Derek Dowdeswell clocked of 59:08 for 41st place, and was followed home by John Barnes putting in another improving ride of 59:24 for 43rd place. John Murphy broke the hour barrier for the first time this season clocking 59:48 for a well deserved 47th place. The event was won by David Povall in a time of 51:54 with Claire Day clocking 1:00:39 to take victory in the Ladies event.
Gloucester City CC 50km Cotswold League Road Race 24-Jun-09
A good turnout of 60 riders started the 50km Cotswold League road race run by Gloucester City CC around the Course/Staunton triangle course.
The race starts with riders split into three groups based on their race licence category, at 4-minute intervals. The race quickly settled down, with the second group catching the first group of riders after three laps; with Andy Kirk [LVIS] winning the first of two sprint prime prizes at the end of the lap. The pace of the race built with a now larger 40 rider group sharing the pace setting, which made it harder for the scratch 3rd group of Scratch and Elite riders to catch the fast moving peleton. At the end of the 6th lap the second sprint prize was won by GCCC rider Graham Denny.
With just over 8 laps to go the Scratch group caught the peleton; then the inevitable attacks started. These were primarily driven by Cheltenham based club VC Montpellier, who had a big presence in the field. With some of the Elite category riders using their experience to rest in the peleton a small group of 5 riders took their chance and broke away.
With 5 laps to go the 5-rider group had a slim 2-minute margin over the peleton, which was also starting to lose riders out of the back due to the pace of the race and the very warm evening taking its toll. Two elite riders, Jon Pain and Wayne Coombs [both VC Montpellier] broke clear of the peleton to chase down the breakaway group. GCCC rider George Unsworth also tried to break away from the peleton and join the elite pair; Unsworth could never bridge the gap and get on terms with the pair who were working together, and after a good solo effort of more than a lap clear he fell back into the peleton.
With 3-laps to go the pair made contact with the 5-rider group, choosing to sit in for a few miles to earn a small rest before attacking for the home. With a couple of laps to the finish the pair of elite riders attacked again a created a 30-second gap, working well together they held of the peleton, including previous winner Kurt Green to fight it out for victory.
In a sprint finish Jon Pain held of his team mate Coombs to take a fine victory and, one- two for VC Montpellier.
The bulk of the peleton maintained its high pace to catch the 5-rider group in the finishing straight, with riders spreading across the width of the road for a fine group finish. Former Gloucester City CC favourite, Gerry MacGarr, now riding the in Diamond-HF.com colours produced a turn of speed reminiscent of bygone years to snatch a very well deserved 3rd place. First GCCC rider home was veteran Graham Denny in 7th place.
Corinium / Bristol South 50mile TT 27-Jun-09
Gloucester City fielded its strongest possible team in the first local 50-mile time trial of the season, held on the Cricklade dual carriageway course. The first three Rudy Project sponsored riders home all clocked PB’s for the event to take the team prize by 12 seconds from the much fancied Chippenham & District Wheelers team.
George Unsworth broke the GCCC 50-mile record that had stood since 1970, some 5-years before Unsworth was born. Taking the record was even more special for Unsworth as Phil Griffiths, the previous record holder; with a time of 1:48:29, provided the Pinarello race bike that Unsworth used to break the record, and is the owner of Yellow Limited who sponsor Gloucester City CC through the Rudy Project brand.
The three GCCC riders start in the last quarter of the field which, as the event unfolded and the air temperature dropped, helped the three riders maintain their focus and hold their speed as the race between the teams heated up towards the finish. Unsworth clocked 1:48:18 for 13th place, Guy Preece clocked 1:49:35 for 16th place and, Andrew Shipton 1:50:49 for 19th place, all setting new PB’s. At the race HQ after the event Unsworth, Preece and Shipton were extremely pleased with their personal performances, but even more pleased with the Team win in a very high quality field – A great result for the Gloucester City club.
The ever green John Murphy produced another sound ride clocking 2:03:48, Murphy suffered a mechanical issues with his Pinarello bike towards the tail of the race but persirvered to the finish. Murphy was convinced he would have broken the 2-hour barrier, but for the gear lever failure and he having to ride the final lap of the course unable to change gear.
Making his debut in the 50-mile event was Nathan Monk, who enjoyed the race clocking a respectable 2:14:12 for 96th [place overall.
The event was won by James Wall (Stratford CC) in a time of 1:42:57, in excess of 29mph, a great effort. Michelle Parsons won the Ladies event with a cracking ride of 1:56:50 for 47th place, one of a handful of sub 2-hour rides that will be put in by a lady competitor this season.
MAY:
Bath CC 10 mile
TT 02-May-09
Bath CC hosted its 10 mile open time trial on the fast Cricklade dual
carriageway course, and had a full 120 rider field start the event. Gloucester
City CC had a team of six riders represent the Rudy Project sponsored club, with
a further three former City riders also competing there was a good level of
representation from local riders in the high quality field.
A number of City riders posted PB's in fine racing conditions, fastest of the City riders was Guy Preece who broke the 21 minute barrier and posted a PB of 20:53 for 15th place overall. Splitting the first and second city riders home was former rider Darren Jewell (Team Swift) who clocked 21:24 for 24th place. Second City rider home was veteran Graham Denny who clocked 23:11 for 62nd place, a solid ride for his first open event riding a fixed wheel bike. Three places back was Chris Udall who broke his previous best time by a handsome 39 seconds, clocking 23:17 for a new PB. Coming home one place behind Udall was former City rider Gerry McGarr (Diamond-hf.com) clocking 23:20 for 66th place. In 75th place was Sally St Leger (a3crg) to win the ladies event with a time of 23.36.
Further City riders enjoying the fine conditions were John Murphy, clocking 23.55 for 80th place, Malcolm Grainger who clocked 25.27 reducing his PB by an incredible *** seconds for 95th place and Neville Lockwood timed at 26:00 who just missed on a top 100 place. Former junior City rider Rupert Denny (Team Swift) had to settle for 3rd place in the Junior competition with a time of 23:09; Rob Yeatman (Glendene CC) won the junior event clocking 22:39.
The overall event was won by Mick St Leger (VC St. Raphael), husband of ladies event winner Sally, with the only sub 20 minute ride of the day, clocking 19:45 to win by 18 seconds from James Wall (Stratford CC) 20:03, who was also 18 seconds clear of third place finisher Stuart Wright (M&D Cycles/Specialised) timed at 20:21.
Abergavenny RC
Handicap Road Race 03-May-09
Veteran rider Paul Loosemoore was sole Gloucester City CC representation in the
Abergavenny 40 mile road race. A reasonable field of 40 riders started the race,
which, after a false start, settled down to a reasonable pace, after
approximately 5 miles a group of riders made the break, which unfortunately
didn't contain Loosemore. After a few more miles had ticked past one rider
decided to bridge the gap to the lead group, Loosemore took his wheel in an
attempt to cross the gap in a sheltered position. It soon became apparent to
Loosemore that the rider he made the break with didn't have the legs to reach
the leading group so Loosemore decided to go it alone.
Having bridged the gap Loosemore settled in with the lead group which was averaging 24 mph into a strong head wind. The lead group weren't making the progress expected and the peleton finally brought the race back together after about 30 miles. With the miles fast dwindling the final push for the line was made, again a group containing Loosemore pushed slightly ahead of the peleton, with the pace push up to 36 mph Loosemore hung on to the lead group but didn't have the legs in the uphill sprint for the line and tailed in at the rear of the lead group, his reward with a top 15 finish in the race which was better than expected considering the high quality field.
Overall winner was Darren Lapthorne (Rapha Condor) who piped host club rider John Fitzpatrick (Abergavenny RC) for top spot; rounding off the podium was Ben Simmons (Team Wiggle).
Cheltenham &
County CC 23 mile Hilly TT 04-May-09
As expected former multiple national champion Stuart Dangerfield, fresh from a
win in Coventry CC'c 10 mile time trial on Saturday, won the Cheltenham & County
CC 23 mile hilly time trial. Dangerfield clocked 56:06 to take the victory ahead
of last year’s winner Ben Anstie (Chippenham & District Wheelers), who clocked
57:28 to beat another former national champion, Richard Prebble (Candi TV -
Pinarello RT) who clocked 58:01, the only three riders to break the hour time
for the event.
The event started in dry but breezy conditions, with the early starters, including Dangerfiled and Gloucester City rider Guy Preece, enjoying the best of the weather. Rain started to fall steadily after about thirty minutes which surely hampered the times of the later riders due to the tricky high speed descents on narrow roads. Richard Prebble probably suffered the most out of the fancied riders having to ride the entire event in wet conditions.
First of the Rudy Project sponsored GCCC riders home was Guy Preece who clocked 1:04:36 for 13th place overall. Former City rider Rupert Denny (Team Swift) won the junior event and finished 21st overall with a fine ride clocking 1:07:58. Veteran City riders John Barns and Graham Denny battled for personal honours with Barns clocking 1:09:48 for 27th place; one place further back was Denny senior clocking 1:10:49. The city team were unlucky to lose two senior riders prior to the start, with George Unsworth suffering a mechanical failure whilst warming up, and Derek Dowdeswell suffering from injury and unable to start the event. Making a rare appearance in local time trial events was Fran Osbourne (Tewkesbury Tri Club) who clocked 1:17:25 to win the ladies event.
Corinium CC 10mile TT 09-May
Corinium CC hosted a full field of 120 riders for its annual open 10 mile TT,
which was run in sunny but breezy conditions. Gloucester City sent 8 riders, its
largest team of the 2009 season to date, to represent the Rudy Project sponsored
club. Making his debut for the City team in 10 mile events was Junior Aaron
Preece, who enjoyed a successful first outing in the clubs colours clocking
26:35 for 96th place overall and fourth place in the Junior competition. Winner
of the junior event was Fraser MacDonald of host club Corinium who clocked
23:16, beating former Gloucester City rider Rupert Denny [Team Swift] into
second place by 12 seconds.
Winner of the event was Peter Kench [GWR Team] clocking 20:07, beating Ben Anstie [Chippenham & District] by 12 seconds, who in turn bettered Rob Pears [Bath CC] by a margin of 20 seconds to complete the top three. Fastest of the City team was Guy Preece timed at 21:05 for equal 10th place. Second City rider home was Derek Dowdeswell, who is still recovering from injuries picked up in a recent crash, clocking 23:02 for 41st place; with Graham Denny clocking 23:33 and Chris Udall who clocked 23:27 for 58th and 59th places respectfully. Completing the team were Toby Wooldridge, riding his first open 10 mile event of the season, who clocked 24:10 for 69th place, and Nathan Monk who clocked 25:34 for 85th place and Neville Lockwood clocking 27:03 to come home in the top 100 for 98th place.
Winner of the Ladies event was Danauta Tinn [a3crg] who had a splendid ride to break the 23 minute barrier clocking 22:56 for 40th place. Vicki Fleming (Oxford University CC) 24:18 and Arja Scarsbrook [Echelon - SPIUK] 25:00 completed the ladies podium.
Somer Valley CC 29mile Hilly TT 10-May
A bright and breezy day greeted the reduced size field for the 9 round of the
WTTA Hardriders Series, the field still contained most of the leaders for the
overall, veterans and woman's events, so the competition for points was a fierce
as ever. The battle for the overall win plus club pride was fought out between
Jeff Jones and Ben Anstie [Chippenham & District Wheelers] with Jones coming out
victor by 1 second after 29 miles of hilly racing. Jones clocked 1:06:17 with
Anstie trailing home by the 1 second deficit and previous event winner, Rob Lyne
[Giant CC] third clocking 1:07:44.
With George Unsworth unable to make the trip the sole Gloucester City rider was Guy Preece, who clocked 1:12:56 for 12th place overall, moving him into 7th place in the series. Jane Fox rounded off a good day for Chippenham & Dist Wheelers by winning the Ladies event with a time of 1:21:17.
Cheltenham & County CC 25mile TT 17-May-09
120 riders made the early morning trip to start the Cheltenham & County CC 25
mile event, being run for the first time on the Cricklade dual carriageway.
Riders in the first half of the field, which contained four Gloucester City
riders, started in very breezy but dry conditions, however as the event unfolded
the weather took a turn for the worse with riders in the second half of the
filed coming home torrential rain. George Unsworth put in a great ride for the
Rudy Project sponsored club clocking 54:58 for 7th place overall, with Guy
Preece also put in a good performance clocking 56:02 for 12th place. The best
ride by a Gloucester rider was by Chris Udall who improved his PB by *** to
clock 1:02:30 for 47th place. Fourth of the GCCC riders was Graham Denny who put
in a solid rider to clock 1:06:16 for 63rd place.
The event was won by Alan Cook [Ross on Wye CC] in a time of 53:07, to win by 2 seconds from James Heaton [Leisure Lakes RT] who was more than 1 minute ahead of team mate Chris Madge who clocked 54:25 for 3rd place. Rachael Hobbs [Evesham & Dist Wheelers] won the Ladies event with a time of 1:02:28.
Ogmore Valley Wheelers 25mile TT 31-May-09 Veteran John Murphy was the sole Gloucester City rider to make the trip into Wales to ride the Ogmore Valley Wheelers 25 mile Time Trial. Murphy again showed his class to break the hour, coming home in a time of 59:23, which saw Murphy finish in 95th place overall, but more importantly in 2nd place in the veterans standard completion. The event was won by multiple British TT champion Dr Michael Hutchinson (In-Gear Quickfit RT) in a stunning time of 46:29. The ladies event was won, also by multiple national ladies champion Julia Shaw (Utaga Yamaha) clocking52:46.
APRIL:
Bristol South 10m TT 23-Apr-09 A warm and breezy day saw 50 riders complete on the undulating A38 course south of Gloucester. The event was won by Dr Jeff Jones [Chippenham & District Wheelers] in a time of 20:50; the only rider to break the 21-minute barrier during the race. George Unsworth was first of the Rudy Project sponsored Gloucester City CC riders home in 21:54 for a fine 4th place overall. Second Gloucester rider home was Toby Wooldridge who clocked 25:22 for 28th place, with Nathan Monk, GCCC third team member, coming home in 26:52 for 25th place, 1-second back was ladies event winner Alexandra Zebedee [Speedwell BC] in a time of 26:53.
Warwickshire RC 10 mile Time Trial 25-Apr-09 Chris Udall was the sole Gloucester City rider to race the Warwickshire RC 10 mile TT. Udall, who has been steadily improving this season, put in another solid ride, clocking 25.10 for 35th place. Udall, like most of the field enjoyed a tailwind to the turn, but riding back into the headwind meant the time gains on the out leg were lost on the return leg, and any hopes of a PB were dashed. Event winner Stuart Dangerfield (Shorter Rochford) 20.33 and second place man Scott Povey (Warwickshire RC) 20.58 were the only two riders to break the 21 minute barrier. Top lady finisher was M. Drakeley (Concorde CC) who clocked 24.26 for a highly respectable 27th place. For the second week in succession Alex Hamer (Wyre Forest CC) was the pick of the junior field, clocking 27.56 for another top fifty finish in 48th place.
Newbury RC 10 mile Time Trial 25-Apr-09
One Gloucester City CC member and, one former member, made the trip to ride the
Newbury RC 10 mile Time Trial, run on what will be this years National 10 mile
TT Championship course. Nathan Monk was the penultimate ride off in the 87 ride
filed. Monk started well, but as with many riders suffered in the crosswinds on
both the outbound and return legs, and found the uphill finish especially tough,
clocking 26.52 for 59th place. Former GCCC rider Darren Jewell (Team Swift) was
unfortunate to puncture on the fastest down hill part of the course
approximately 1 mile into the event, Jewell retired to fight another day.
The event was won by Jimmy Wright (Preston Wheelers), one of a number of riders that made the trip to use this event to ride the National 10 course ahead of the big event in May. Wright was the only rider to break the 21 minute barrier, clocking 20.38 to win by over half a minute from James Perkins (Zenith CC). Ladies event winner was multiple National Champion Julia Shaw (Utag Yamaha) clocking 23.31 for 25th place. Winner of the junior event was the younger of the Yeatmon brothers, Rob (Glendene CC) , clocking 24.06 for 30th place.
Swindon RC 23.4 mile Hilly Time Trial 26-Apr-09
Round 7 of the WTTA Hardriders series saw a filed of 50 riders start in almost
perfect conditions for the Swindon RC 23.4 mile Hilly Time Trial. Rob Lyne
(Giant CC) came away with the victory, his first in the 2009 series, with a time
of 54.08. Just over half a minute behind winner Lyne was Gavin Poupart (Echelon-Spuik)
54.42 who came out top in an great battle for the runners up spot , one second
Poupart was Peter Kench (GWR Team) 54.43, who was only one second further ahead
David Kiddell (Cavalier CC) 54.44 in fourth place.
Guy Preece was first of the Rudy Project sponsored Gloucester City CC riders home, clocking 57.23 for 8th place, his highest finish of the hardriders season thus far. Graham Denny was second of the Gloucester riders home clocking 1.02.54 for 25th place. One place ahead in 24th was Rupert Denny (Team Swift), Graham's son, who won the Junior event with a time of 1.02.50. Michael Horsman continues to impress this season and had another fine rider for 32nd place clocking 1.05.01 for a PB on this course. Bringing the Gloucester riders home was Toby Wooldridge who clocked 1.05.29 for 34th place, in what was a good all round team effort. Winner of the Ladies event was Aileen Brown (Bath CC) in a time of 1.12.51, event Lantern Rouge was taken by Sarah Roberts (Gillingham & District Wheelers) in a time of 1.22.17.
April 2009
Diamond-hf.com 10-mile Time Trial 04-Apr-09
Six Gloucester City CC riders were to start in the 120 strong rider field to race the Diamond-hf.com 10 mile time trial on the Cricklade dual carriageway course.
Fastest of the team was George Unsworth, making his long awaited return to the clubs colours in open events. Unsworth clocked 22.03 for 49th place in his first event of the 2009 season. Chris Udall was second GCCC rider home clocking 22.47 for 73rd place, Udall was particularly pleased with his ride, just 4 seconds of his PB at this early point in the season. Third GCCC rider home was veteran Graham Denny in a time of 23.37 for 88th place. Other Gloucester riders enjoying this early season fast course event were Nathan Monk clocking 23.49 for 95th place and evergreen John Murphy who came home in 103rd place in a time of 24.03. Early started, Guy Preece, failed to make his start time due to a rear puncture whilst warming up, Preece was given a late reserve spot for the event and went on to clock 21.52, which would have given him a top fifty finish overall.
Winner was Steve Golla (Sigma Sport Pro Bike Shop) with an incredible ride in excess of 30mph average and the only rider to break the 20minute barrier with a time of 19.57. Trailing Golla by 7 seconds was James Stewart (Kinesis UK) clocking 20.04 and third place finisher was Barry Charlton (Lyme RC) who clocked 20.16.
Winner of the ladies event was Danuta Tinn (a3crg) with a time of 22.55 who came home in 74th place. Winner of the Junior event was Western District rider Fraser MacDonald (Corinium CC) clocking 23.46 in 93rd place.
Former Gloucester City riders Darren Jewell and junior Rupert Denny, now riding for Team Swift, enjoyed good rides with Jewell clocking 21.49 for 43rd place and Denny 23.53 to finish in second place in the Junior event.
WTTA Hardriders 30-mile Time Trial 05-Apr-09
A team of three Gloucester City CC riders started the testing Malmesbury, Wotton Basset 30-mile time trial, event five of the thirteen event Western Hardriders Time Trial Series.
Fastest of the trio was Guy Preece clocking 1.15.29 for 17th place, second team rider home was Derek Dowdeswell with a time of 1.19.30 in 26th place, with final team rider Mike Horsman clocking 1.20.13 for 29th place.
Event winner, his third from three starts in the series, was Dr Jeff Jones (Chippenham & District Wheelers) clocking 1.06.57, winning the event by almost 2 minutes from Chris Madge (Leisure Lakes RT) who clocked 1.08.41, well clear of third place finisher Chris Birch (East Street Cycles) clocking 1.09.08.
Winner of the junior event was Fraser MacDonald (Corinium CC) who clocked 1.18.44 for 23rd place; Ladies event winner Aileen Brown (Bath CC) recorded a time of 1.32.02 finishing in 42nd place overall.
Bristol South Cycling Club Charles Glenister Cup 25-mile Time Trial 11-Apr-09
Five Gloucester City riders made the short trip to ride the Bristol South 25 mile TT on the new U17 course. Veteran Guy Preece became the first GCCC rider to break the 1-hour barrier on this new course, clocking 57.53 for 7th place overall. Winner of the Charles Glenister Cup was Dave Kiddell (Cavalier CC) in a time of 55.42. William Moore (Shorter Rochford RT) was piped by 8 seconds clocking a time of 55.50, with 3rd place finisher Dave Keene (Bristol South CC) completing the rostrum with a time of 56.14.
Second Gloucester City rider home was Derek Dowdeswell, with his best ride of the season to date clocking 1.01.46. Third counter for the team event was Chris Udall, who enjoyed another improving ride, with a time of 1.06.34 to complete the Gloucester trio’s overall time for forth place in the Team Competition.
Malcolm Grainger and Neville Lockwood completed the group of GCC riders in the event, with Grainger clocking 1.10.21 for 43rd place and Lockwood, who just missed a top fifty finish, in a time of 1.14.03.
Winner of the Woman’s event was Bath CC’s Aileen Brown, who finished in 46th place overall clocking 1.10.46. Junior event winner Thomas Marshall (Chippenham & District Wheelers) had an impressive rider for 23rd place, clocking 1.02.45.
Chippenham & District Wheelers 2-up 10-Mile Time Trial 12-Apr-09
Multiple Gloucester City Cycling Club Champions George Unsworth and former GCCC rider Darren Jewell (Team Swift) formed a mixed club pairing to rider the Chippenham 2-up 10-mile time trial.
Unsworth and Jewell were the strongest pairing on the day, winning the rolling 10 mile event in a time of 23.13, a comfortable 3 minutes margin from V.C. Bristol pairing of Alan Cooper and Russell Boon who clocked 26.18. Third place team was taken by another mixed club pairing of Chris Marlin (Yeovil CC) and Ashley Martin (Chippenham & District Wheelers) clocking 27.25.
Paul Loosemoore was the sole GCCC entrant for the solo Chippenham 10 mile event. Loosemoore clocked 26.57 for 21st place overall. Winner was James Stewart (Kinesis KuK) with a fine ride in a time of 21.43, with second place being taken by Chris Birch (East Street Cycles.com) clocking 22.16 with a 14 gap back to 3rd place finisher Peter Kench (GWR Team).
Winner of the woman’s event was Marrianne Britten (Sever RC) who clocked 27.302 for 22nd place. Luke Davies (Chippenham CC), with a time of 32.03 secured the top spot in the Junior event.
Hereford & District Wheelers 25-mile Time Trial 13-Apr-09
Two Gloucester City CC riders made the trip to Weobley, Herefordshire, to ride the Percy Meredith Memorial 25-mile time trial event, which was run in bright but breezy conditions. First GCCC rider home Guy Preece clocking 1.00.46 on the challenging 25 mile course for 15th. Former GCCC Champion, John Barnes, making his return to open event racing, rode a strong race to clock 1.05.34 for 28th place. Barnes was pleased with his ride, although slightly disappointed with his finishing time, and is looking forward to getting more racing miles into his legs in the near future.
Winner of the Percy Meredith Trophy was David Barnes (Wyre Forest RC) with a time of 56.16, a winning margin of 17 seconds from Allan Cook (Ross on Wye CC) who came home in a time of 56.33. Third place was taken by visiting Welsh club rider Richard Harris (Cymcarn Paragon CC) clocking 56.48.
Winner of the ladies event was Sarah Lloyd-Stephens from host club, Hereford & District Wheelers, clocking 1.08.03. Fittingly the team event was won by the host club Hereford. The toughness of this event must have been emphasised by a number of racing parents to their sons and daughters, as no junior riders entered!
Wyre Forest CC 10 mile Time Trial 18-Apr-09
Chris Udall represented Gloucester City CC in the Wyre Forest CC 10 mile time trial, Udall who’s time are improving with almost every ride this season had another fine ride to clock 26.11 and finish in 40th place overall. The event was won by professional rider Andrew Tennant (Halfords Bikehut) in a time of 20.52, the only rider to break the 21 minute barriers of this open course. Ladies event winner Michelle Drakeley (Concorde CC) had a great ride to finish in 35th place, clocking 25.03. Star ride of the day was performed by 13 year old Alex Hamer (Wyre Forest CC) who smashed his way through the 30 minute barrier to clock 25.58 for a great 54th place in a field of 70 riders.
Dursley RC Hilly 27.2 mile Time Trial 19-Apr-09
A puncture a few miles from the finish in last year’s event surely scuppered Gavin Poupart’s hopes of a win. This year Poupart (Echelon-Spiuk) made sure of a win with a time of 1.20.00, just 3 seconds ahead of Rob Lyne (Giant CC) 1.20.03. Third place was secured by Chris Madge (Leisure Lakes RT) who clocked 1.20.41. Last year’s winner, and multiple winner this year Dr Jeff Jones, suffering from injury, still managed a fine 7th place, clocking 1.22.06. Fourth place rider Derek Smetham (Dursley RC) and Robert Gough (Chippenham) were the only five riders to average over 20 mph for this hardest of hard riders events.
Gloucester City CC fielded a six rider strong team for this most challenging of local events, which contained 864 meters of climbing around Dursley, South Gloucestershire. First GCCC rider home was George Unsworth, clocking 1.27.16 for 16th place, following in 17th place was veteran Guy Preece with a time of 1.28.43. John Barnes was third GCCC rider home in 19th place, clocking 1.29.36, giving the trio second place in the team competition, behind Chippenham Wheelers who had three riders in the top nine places.
Fourth GCCC rider home was Graham Denny in 1.36.19 for 34th place and, in 35th place was Derek Dowdeswell, clocking 1.36.53. Final Gloucester rider home was Michael Horsman rounding of the top forty in a time of 1.39.49. Winner of the junior event was former Gloucester rider Rupert Denny (Team Swift), son of Graham, with an impressive time of 1.32.24. The ladies event was won by Helen Bennet (VC Walcot) who clocked 1.38.29 for 38th place.
Acme (Rhondda) Wheelers CC 25 mile Time Trial 19-Apr-09
Veteran John Murphy was the sole Gloucester City entrant for the Acme Wheelers 25 mile TT. Murphy had outstanding ride to break the one hour barrier, and finish in 74th place. Former GCCC riders Gery McGarr (Diamond-hf.com) and Darren Jewell (Team Swift) had mixed fortunes during the event. McGarr was unlucky to puncture approximately 3 miles into his ride and didn’t finish, whereas Jewell enjoyed the bright and breezy conditions to ride a strong race, clocking 56.10 for 33rd place.
One of the rides of the day was performed by Walsall Roads CC Lynne Taylor, who won the ladies event in a time of 55:08, finishing in 21st place overall. Event winner was David Barnes (Wyre Forest CRC) who had a great ride to finish in a time of 50.30.
March 2009
Severn RC Open 25-mile TT. 01-Mar-09
This Western area opening event was won by Paul Dring of Team Echelon-SPIUK in a time of 58:16; at an average of 25.74 mph. Dring was the fastest of only three riders to break the 1-hour barrier for this, the first event on the new Severn Road Club 25-mile course. Local rider, Dave Rudland of Dursley RC, was second in a time of 58:35 with Dring’s team mate Daniel Bill rounding off the top three in a time of 58:40.
The sole entrant from Gloucester City Cycling Club was Nathan Monk who, riding his first event on his purpose built TT bike, finished in 16th place in a time of 1:11:58 at 20.90 mph.
Chippenham & District Wheelers 24.5-mile TT. 08-Mar09
The first event of the Western TT Association Hard Riders Series saw five Gloucester City CC riders take to the start line for this hilly event based on roads around Sutton Benger, Wiltshire.
The event started in bright but windy conditions with dry roads; the first six to seven miles with a favourable wind. As the event unfolded the conditions deteriorated to see the field riding the final seven to eight miles in torrential rain and into fierce head and side winds.
Many riders spoke of almost unrideable conditions in the final few miles, with the wind severely affecting the handling of their TT bikes, most of which were being ridden with three or four spoke deep section wheels.
The first Gloucester City Rudy Project rider home was veteran Guy Preece clocking 59.35, finishing in 17th place in a strong field of 80 riders. Second GCCC rider home was Derek Dowdeswell, riding his new Cervelo P2 Carbon TT machine for the first time in anger, who clocked 1.03.57 for 28th place. Other GCCC riders enjoying their first ride of the season were Mike Horsman; fresh from a week’s training camp in Majorca, with a time of 1.05.21 in 33rd place. Graham Denny, riding his second event of the season, after riding an early two-up event with his son Rupert, came home in 1.07.41 in 40th place. Final GCC rider home was Toby Wooldridge clocking 1.09.15 in 47th place. Ex-GCCC junior rider, Rupert Denny, in his second ride of the season riding for Team Swift finished second junior in a time of 1.06.58 for 36th place overall.
The event was won by defending WTTA champion Dr. Jeff Jones of Chippenham Wheelers in a time of 51.10 at 26.9 mph, who successfully defended his club’s own season opening time trial, by 34 seconds from Chris Birch of East Street Cycles.
Gillingham & District Wheelers Hilly 19 -mile TT. 14-Mar-09
The second round of the Western TT Association Hard Riders Series saw the riders take on a hilly 19-mile course around Gillingham. Sole Gloucester City Cycling Club rider taking to the start line was Mike Horsman, who finished in 22nd place clocking 53.38. Dave Kiddell riding for the Cavalier CC rode a fine race to take the win clocking 44.25 from Chris Madge, Leisure Lakes RT who clocked 45.43 in 2nd place. Rob Lyne, who was unfortunate enough to be involved in an incident during the previous Chippenham event, finished a fine 3rd place in 45.49. Ex-GCCC rider, Darren Jewell, riding for Team Swift was unfortunate to puncture during the event and didn’t finish.
Bath CC Hilly 23-mile TT. 22-Mar-09
The third round of the WTTA Hard Rider Series, the Bath Hilly 23, saw two Gloucester City CC riders take to the start at Maiden Bradley.
The event was won by Chris Birch (East Street Cycles.com) ahead of Dr Jeff Jones (Chippenham & District Wheelers) to gain revenge for the result two weeks earlier. Birch’s winning time of 57.48 bettered Jones by 43 seconds, who was a further 20 seconds ahead of third place man Gavin Poupart (Echelon-SPIUK).
First Gloucester City rider home was Guy Preece clocking 1.04.11 in 14th place. Mike Horsman was enjoying fine ride until he lost a crank arm in the final mile approaching the finish. Horsman, after a short delay, remounted with a temporary fix to finish in 39th place, clocking 1.17.56 for his ride.
The ladies event was won by the host clubs Aileen Brown, clocking 1.20.27 in 43rd place.
Severn Road Club Sporting 23-mile TT. 29-0Mar-09
Four Gloucester City riders started the Severn RC Sporting event, the fourth of the thirteen event series.
Strong winds made this loop of Castle Combe Racing Circuit and the South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire boarders a tougher prospect than normal for the 62 rider field. Undeterred by the conditions and, being race event organiser, Chris Madge (Severn RC), was the fastest rider on the day to win his first Hard Riders event of the 2009 season. Madge clocking 54.04 to beat Gillingham event winner Dave Kiddell (Cavalier CC) by 7 seconds, while third spot went to Bath’s Rob Pears clocking 55.03. Series winner in 2006 and 2007 Pears is riding into strong form after what can be considered by the Bath rider to be a slow start to the season.
First Gloucester City rider home was Guy Preece, who was disappointed to miss breaking the hour by 15 seconds, finishing in 18th place. Second GCCC rider home was Graham Denny in 30th place, who clocked 1.03.29. Mike Horsman finished in 33rd place clocking 1.04.29, making him lead GCCC rider in the series after four rounds.
Making his debut in the Hard Rider Series was Veteran Dave Buckle, who was pleased with his time of 1.11.47 finishing just inside the top fifty in 49th place.
GCCC Velodrome Success 2008 / 2009
After 34-years of racing Paul Loosemore won a track league title; Paul scoped the Newport Winter Track C League, which runs from October to Mid-March each season.
The events contain between 20 and 25 riders, a mixture of Vets, Juniors and Youth riders tacking to the line for a variety of events from a 4-lap 1KM scratch race to 25-lap point’s races.
Paul’s success was built on 13 wins, 11 second places and 8 third places to win the league by 18 points from Jim Roberts, of Whitten Timber. The last time Paul had any league success of note was as a 15-year old, taking second place in the Wessex Cyclo-cross Youth League... Paul certainly hopes further league success will come rather sooner than another 30-year wait! Well done Paul, in bringing Gloucester City CC success in the Velodrome, certainly the club hasn’t won a league title for the past 15-years, if ever in the clubs history.
A Vintage Season – 2008
The success of Gloucester City Cycling Club’s Veteran TT riders, at National and Regional level, deserves a well-earned mention in the spring edition of spokes-piece... Being one of the over 40s, and a beneficiary of standards times, my appreciation of what John Murphy and Christine Colquhoun achieved during 2008 are, to be quite honest, insufficient in journalistic terms. However, to do them justice within our club this article is a review of their achievements in 2008.
During events run over 25, 50, 100-miles and 12-hours John Murphy finished a highly impressive 13th place overall in the National Veterans BAR Competition. John’s clocking of 57.29, 2.04.15, 4.21.55 over the timed events, plus 229 miles for the 12-hour saw John finish with a plus of 6.068.
Not to be out done, and flying the flag for the fairer sex, Christine Colquhoun finished a creditable 60th place overall in the National BAR Competition; and an even more impressive 4th place overall in the Ladies National Competition. Clocking 1.08.58, 2.24.16, 5.04.27 over the timed events and 210 miles for the 12-hour event saw Christine finish with a plus of 2.540.
John and Christine’s time’s for the 25, 50 and 100-mile events saw them both finish in 8th place in the Men’s and Ladies 3-Distance Competitions.
In the National Veteran Club Team Competition the combined times of Christine, John and the writer finished with a combine plus of 339.41, taking 2nd place in the Competition, winners were the Yorkshire RC. Bring on 2009...
To conclude the National events round-up the trio’s times in the Fastest Aggregate competition over 25, 50 and 100-miles saw the writer finish in 25th place, John in 50th place and Christine in 120th place.
It doesn’t stop there for the intrepid pair...
John finished in 2nd place in the West Groups Veterans BAR Competition, but more importantly for the club, and John personally, he set a West Group Vets record for 100-miles at 68-years young – a great ride in 4.21.55 winning the W.S Lewis Cup.
Anything the boys can do Christine can do as well... Christine’s also finished in 2nd place in the West Group Veteran Ladies Competition – a great effort over the season.
A truly great season for Christine and John in the club’s colours; may we wish them well for an equally successful 2009 season.
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