Gloucester City Cycling members have been busy racing over 25 miles and 100 miles around the Country.
In the BDCA 100 mile time trial at Derby Gerry McGarr competed to improve on his British Best All rounder Competition time and although not enjoying his best form at present improved by 7 minutes recording a time of 4:16:53. It was an extremely fast course and was won by National Champion Charles Taylor in 3:21:34, the second fastest time ever recorded over the distance.
The following day Gerry joined teammates Steve Brown , Ian Lindsay , Derek Dowdeswell , Darren Godden and John Murphy in the Port Talbot Wheelers 25 mile time trial. Over 240 riders assembled from all over the Country to race on this course in the Neath valley.
Ride of the team was done by Ian Lindsay who recorded his first under the hour ride with 56:06. Ian has only just started racing this season and the time was a great reflection on the work he has put in since joining the Gloucester City Club. He is extremely motivated to do well next season in all the distances.
The other ride of the day was also by a novice with Steve Brown recording 1 hour and just 4 seconds; so close to breaking the ‘magic’ hour barrier – especially hard to take when his personal cycle computer recorded a time just under!
Fastest time however was recorded by Daryl Godden with 55:48 – although disappointed as again not at his best form. Derek recorded 56:34 seconds, Gerry 58:23 seconds and John recorded 1:0:27 (his second fastest time of the season).
In the Stone Wheelers 25 mile event at Stoke –On-Trent Gerry recorded a 57:16.
On the road racing front Ali Kay, Anthony Lake and Oli Dammone competed in the 65 mile Cotswold League Race at Brinkworth . The 60 man field was a tight compact bunch for most of the race although a break of 6 riders had gained a lead of over a minute for 20 km although no ‘City’ boys got in the move . Tom Leach who used to race for the club was in it, but it got caught. In the last 5km Oli made a brave attempt for glory but the chasing pack would not let him get away and it came down to a bunch sprint –Anthony planned to lead Ali out in the finishing straight but got baulked and the City boys all finished just outside the top 20.
Anthony said at the finish,” It was a fast race. We all did well and bodes well for next season”