No Seale Sunday runs from now on.

In the spirit of Christmas, goodwill to all men, one love, world peace etc. the Seale and Fleet clubruns will now come together in one big happy clubrun from the shop at 9.00. The slower ride will not now go from Seale. However there will be the option for a  slower group to form and make its own way while those wishing to get some training miles in at a faster pace carry on.

As some of you will know, Andy Milner (who has been organising the Seale clubruns) has had a lucky escape from the Grim Reaper but won't be doing any organising for a while. Plus with various riders going on training camps and other stuff, two separate clubruns will probably spread things a bit thin. So 9.00 at the shop.

Xmas extra rides

If you're looking for more riding over Christmas there will be rides on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Since these are Wednesdays they'll both start from the shop at 9.00 as per normal. Ken "Big Ring" Ruffel should be offering one of his mystery tours on the 24th and Craig Wilson is keen to ride on the 31st (so expect this one to start a tad after 9).

09 Clubruns

With the end of the year fast approaching everyone is asking "In the new year where will I be able to find a slightly more demanding clubrun on a Sunday with a traditional but exciting destination each week?"

Well thanks to Warren and Craig W the answer is 9.00 sharp at Cycle Kingdom. Destinations and leaders as follows:

28th December Lapland S. Claus

4th Jan Winchester Craig P/Warren

11th Jan Henley Warren

18th Jan Petworth Craig W

25th Jan Chichester Steve R

1st Feb Stockbridge Ciclisti Vecchi

8th Feb Perfs   tbc

15th Feb Dorking tbc

21/22nd Feb Brighton w/e (tbc)   Jamie

The 9.30 ride from Seale will continue as normal.

Finished by Mario Vaz

After two trips to deepest, darkest south-east London, Brooks and Addison managed to furnish themselves with matching track bikes courtesy of the enigmatic Mario Vaz of Vaz Finishes.



Operating from a curious workshop near Lewisham, Mario's trade goes back several years and includes spraying frames for a roll-call of cycling luminaries over the years. The resurgence of single-speed riding and retro frames has been good for business and Mario is very busy.



With a track appointment at Newport already arranged, Mario pulled out all the stops to get our frames ready quickly and the results were fantastic. Colin's sad looking all steel affair that had languished un-loved in the loft for the past 15 years was returned resplendent in pseudo Banchi liverey, while Keith's Dolan track frame also looked the part in matching Sky Blue.



Mario can be contacted via his webpage at http://www.cycle-finishes.com/

Winter Hillingdon Placings

Eager 4th Cats looking to move up to 3rd Cat status and race with the big boys on the open road next year would be well advised to follow the path of Mark Ottaway.
Mark raced the 2nd round of the winter series at Hillingdon at the weekend and secured a fine result in horrendous conditions.



Mark told us he came 5th but the offical results have him listed as 4th - Ssshh - I'd keep quiet if I were you Mark..

Next round of the series is on Saturday 20th December
Series information here http://www.cycleweb.co.uk/newsite/n_imp0809.htm

The South East Champs De Crown

The crown has gone but this will only make me hungrier for next year.

After a cool night and hoping for a dry fast/frozen course.
When arriving to the course in Dartford - the conclusion was not quite a shit fest - more clag mile. Look after the equipment, don't use big gears tickle the changes. Mud tubs straight away. It's great going to a race with a Jetwash - borrowed from Andy Dilkes (cheers mate). Two bikes - 5 pairs of wheels, 2 children, 1 wife and the dog. Try and get that lot in a Porsche!!!

Keith "Pitbitch" and I were discussing the team tactics - maybe a bike change every couple of laps. Luckily I have a loud tone so was able to instruct Keith on my intentions through the race.

The race started well I put the hammer down from the gun - Eelmore style.
The only way. My first lap was my fastest 6 mins 11. Had I gone to fast to - err yes.

Good gap on main rivals from Artic. My main buddy Jody Crawforth chooses not to enter or I "forget" to tell him when the closing date passes.
A tactic I had learnt when I rode elsewhere- he is terrible in entering races!!
So I had Matt Holmes and Darren Barlclay (last years silver medal) to race instead for the title.

Matt seemed to be a little off the pace - but Darren was going well. I heard a rumour he was riding a bank where I was choosing to run. I should brush up on my skills - no doubt!!!

I had a good 20 sec gap. Then a stumble - Darren catches up. Then as I try to get back on terms. A rear puncture - luckily tubs - you can ride on rim ok and the pits are only a few seconds away. Keith was blasting the crap off my spare bike when I "enquired" about a change of machine.

I few seconds lost on the slow speed of the puncture was all the motivation Barclay needed. The hammer went down my legs screamed this was it- race on.

Cross races are only 1 hour and they are full on - No gentle "I will pick off rivals later" - you go as fast as you can, blow and then hope you get to the finish.

Darren was holding me at 20 secs - I was giving it everything. Keith was doing a wicked job looking after me in those pits. Cross is a two man race - rider and bitch. The guys with only one bike and no helpers are at such a disadvantage when it get shitty!!


I could not get back on terms. The time was running out and my legs were exploding. Where was third? - just don't look round. The title was gone - silver does not look as good! That's the best I can get today.

Thanks to all - Keith did a great job, although I hope he comes back from France - the jeans are wrecked and the boots - well trodden!!.
Jules for letting me get away with the 3am feed sunday so I could "rest up".
Andy for the jetwash - we need to work on a dustbin with a plug!!!

Cross its great - I am going to do another one this weekend in the midlands, you should try it!!!!

Jamie
- ex South East Cyclo Cross Champ 2005 and 2007 - maybe 09 could be my year again

Thanks to London Cycle Sport and John Mullineaux for the pictures. (currently at www.cycleweb.co.uk)

Latest Winter News

Details are still sketchy but Jamie was narrowly beaten into 2nd place in the South-East Cross Championships on Sunday after a puncture in the 2nd half of the race cost him the lead and vital seconds.

On the track there were two forays over the weekend to Newport on friday night where Keith showed three other VCM newcomers how to ride the boards and to Calshot on saturday where Andy Grant and Bob Moore represented. Bob had a nasty high speed crash unfortunately and may have a broken rib - more news as it comes in....

Liege-Dunsfold-Liege

Ben's Liege-Dunsfold-Liege Sunday club run (starting at 9:30 from Seale) is re-scheduled for Sunday 14th Dec after yesterday's frosty roads scared away all but the hardest revellers.

Puncheur Sportive

The Puncheur Sportive is an early-season Sportive starting and finishing in Ditchling, East Sussex on Sunday 1st March 2009.

A rolling course of 67 miles with feedstation at 33 miles and pasta meal after finishing on Ditchling Beacon.




Entries limited to 300, circular route, electronic timing - more details and online entry at http://www.puncheur.co.uk

Seale clubruns update

Andy Milner updates on the Seale Tearooms rides:

Starts 9.30 covering about 50 miles or just over three hours riding, usually but not always with a coffee stop. Until the new year this is designed as a slightly easier ride - more clubrun than training ride - than the run from the shop, with frequent re-grouping and nobody being left behind, and no 'winner'. Each ride will have a volunteer leader. Upcoming rides are:

23rd November, Phil Masters "One lump or two?"

30th November, Colin Addison "Climber's Delight"

7th December, Ben Macland "Liege Dunsfold Liege"

Volunteer your ride now to andrew.milner@h-i.com

Jamie Keeps Producing

Putting child production on hold for a while (will he stick at 2?) Jamie Newall has returned to his second love ( or is it his first?) and has taken 3 wins from 3 starts in this winter's Cyclo-Cross campaign.

After winning his season opener on 26th Oct at Chainhurst, Kent.





Jamie followed up last week with a clear victory in round 8 of the London League at Lydden Hill, finshing over a minute clear of the next contender.





Then last weekend it was a switch to try out the Wessex League event at Basingstoke and tougher competition in the form of Tim Dunford. After a race long battle, where the lead was switching between Jamie and Tim throughout, Jamie finally broke clear with only yards to go and took the win.



Jamie says next stop is the South East Champs on Dec 7th at Wilmington in Kent - where he is hoping to retain the title he won last year.

He has also entered the National Trophy event on 14th December at Oakham in Leicestershire, which will be the one and only he does this this year due to family commitments. (bottle feeding, nappy changing, dog walking, bike selling etc.)

Jamie says he was just outside the top 10 in National events last season - so a top 15 would be a good day.

Bring on the mud and rain - helpers would be much appreciated for the Divs on 7th December. Jamie says he can provide wellies & coats, but would prefer bikini-clad babes who enjoy getting a bit dirty to help operate his powerful jetwash.
- auditions to be held at the club dinner on Friday!!!

For anyone in the club who fancies a local try out at the sport of kings, there is a London league event being held at Dunsfold Airfield on Decmber 21st. Nice and flat.
(photo credits to londoncyclesport www.cycleweb.co.uk , www.grahamrobins.net

For Sale - BMC MTB

Where does he get all this kit from ? - Jamie has a brace of tasty MTB's for sale - see below ...

It's that time again for a bargain BMC beauty ..


BMC TEAM ELITE 02 ALLUMINIUM HARD TAIL 18INCH


BMC ALLOY HARD TAIL AS USED BY TEAM BMC
FULL SHIMANO XT
DISC BRAKES 180MM ROTORS
ROCKSHOX REBA TEAMS
DT RIMS ON XT HUBS
FIZIK GOBI SADDLE
EASTON EA70 FLAT XC BAR 110MM STEM AND SEATPOST
CANE CREEK ERGO BAR ENDS AND GRIPS
£2000 NEW USED FOR TWO RACES THIS SEASON
IN GREAT CONDITION OFFERS £1100



I also have a second exactly the same as this but with a riser bar instead of a flat bar - same price - contact via phone (below) / email or comment on this post
MOB 07899 894 964 HOME 01276 24536

Bob says 'Ride the Boards'

Bob Moore encourages everyone to test the Track ....

It was in March earlier this year that I had the chance to go to Newport for a track taster session with the High Wycombe CC, it seemed an opportunity not to be missed.

I had ridden at Calshot a couple of times in the mid 70's but I couldn't really remember the details, I was a 'tester' back then so the 'Pangbourne Lane' had much more interest to me.

At Newport I was a bit apprehensive for a few laps but every lap seemed to bring a bit more confidence and enjoyment.
Before long you'll be circling at the top of the track, skimming the barriers and swooshing down the banking.
I can't describe how brilliant it feels to be ripping around the track in a string of riders, it is fantastic!

Basic rules for safe riding are the same as riding on the road, avoid overlapping wheels, look behind before pulling out, point out the pot holes.... I made the last bit up... and just go for it.

Since then Andy Grant and myself have both been down to Newport for a couple of Vets training sessions and are totally hooked on the 'boards', and just when I thought it couldn't get any better I went back to Calshot, 33 years after the first visit.
Imagine a Pinball Machine, pull back the spring and fire the steel ball bearing straight up the guide track, the ball bearing shoots around the curve at the top and, ...... thats what Calshot feels like, but twice every lap!!

Andy is organising a track session with coaching at Newport on Saturday January 10th and he has a few spaces left, it could be just the boost you need to kick-start the 09 season... to miss it will be to miss out!

To get the most from the hire bikes it may be worth fixing up a pair of road shoes with Look Delta shoe plates(old style).Newport Track hire bikes have Delta pedals but they do not allow pedal removal for other systems.
The alternative is trainers and Newport Tracks toe clip attachment that fixes to the Delta pedals

Bob

Top Result - Jo wants no fuss

We're still waiting for Jo's report on this ride from back in September so we decided to nick the write-up from the BC website

"Jess Booth - West Midlands WRT won the final event in the season long Women's Team Race Series in a lunge for the line ahead of Jo Munden - Surrey League and Corrine Hall - Twickenham CC to bring down the curtain on a very good season for this popular series."

"After a fast start in the gorgeous sunshine the race settled down for the next few kilometres; with Surrey League leading the Team series by just 71 points from Twickenham CC it was expected that the race would see these two teams taking the lead in the action and it was with 20 kilometres covered that Surrey went onto the attack over the main hill on the circuit, which meant a few riders lost contact with the race."

"This attack was countered by Twickenham but Surrey again attacked on the downhill section some 6 kilometres later but chased by London Phoenix; another attack was countered by Sara Cramoysan - Team QCP. With 50 kilometres covered a serious attack went with Charlotte Blackman - Surrey League, Kate Calvert and Dorothea Cockeril both of Twickenham; they gained a maximum of 21 seconds but were hauled back after 4 kilometres of freedom by the active bunch."

"Calmness descended on the bunch for a few kilometres but with a long season behind them it was obvious that the depleted bunch would now wait for the final sprint. With 3 kilometres to go the final lunge for the finish was taking shape as the speed went up past the Lount Nature Reserve; over the hill and into the left hand corner the leaders in the bunch went for the line with Jess Booth the stronger."


Pictures here too (Jo is in white)

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/roa/EventReports2008/20080921_womens_team_series.asp

Final Women's Team Series Race - Coalville Wheelers:

1 Jess Booth West Mids WRT
2 Jo Munden Surrey League
3 Corrine Hall Twickenham
4 Dorothea Cockerll Twickenham
5 Marianne Britten Fat Birds Cycling Club
6 Sarah Cramoysan QCP
7 Kate Calvert Twickenham
8 Tracy Fletcher Fat Birds Cycling Club
9 Eryn Nolan Surrey league
10 Cassie Gledhill www.agiskoviner
11 Charlotte Blackman Surrey League
12 Ruth Middleton Surrey League
13 Penny Rowson www.agiskoviner
14 Sarah Reynolds Swift RT
15 Rohan Battison www.agiskoviner
16 Samantha Lea Nottm Clarion
17 Linda Hubbard Welland Valley
18 Jeanette Caldicott Team Luciano
19 Naomi Anderson www.agiskoviner
20 Jackie Garner Team Luciano
21 Charlotte Blackman Surrey League
22 Claire Leonard Surrey League



FINAL TEAM SERIES STANDINGS
1. Surrey League 1354 points including sprint points
2. Twickenham CC 1187 points including sprint points
3. Fat Birds CC 1073 points
4. Team Luciano 1039 points

Winning the series - not a bad result for a team who registered a team as a bit of a giggle! :o) says Jo

Pete gets the points?

Ottershaw Series - Round 1 - Sunday 19th Oct 2008 - 63 Miles

Pete Wager reports ...

It was a typical October morning for the first round of the Ottershaw series with grey and overcast conditions and the threat of rain. Approx 50 riders lined up for 7 laps of the rolling Lyne circuit followed by 6 laps of the smaller Kitsmead finishing circuit. There were 4 VC Meudons lining up, myself, Dave Larcombe, Duncan Hards and Mike Knight. It was going to be a tough race with some strong Elite riders including Martin Smith, Lewis Atkins, Simon Brooks and the strong testers Steve Golla and Paul Holdsworth.


Out of the neutralized zone and the attacks started - with most people chasing points, me being one of them, everything was covered. Martin 'the machine' Smith was constantly on the attack be it alone or in a group. I managed to get away with 3 others for just short of a lap but we were closed down. As soon as we were caught Martin Smith attacked over the climb of Knowle Hill taking with him all the riders I was trying to mark. Duncan and Dave appeared to make the cut so I sat in letting everyone else do some chasing. Within half a lap it was all back together and we headed onto the finishing circuit. Dave had a few good digs off the front with Martin Smith and Steve Golla both of which had potential to stay away but each time the gap was closed out. 2 laps to go and Dave offered to help me in the final lap but had to eat a banana first....not sure where he was keeping it but it was causing some discomfort.


Final lap and the bunch sprint was on....not ideal for me but I had points to get and it had to be 8th place or better to get the 1st Cat. 1km to go and I'm perfectly placed beside Martin Smith and behind Lewis Atkins. Coming to the 90 degree left turn into Kitsmead lane and Steve Golla gives it the large one down the outside and skips through the bend with the rest of us chasing hard. Martin Smith did most of the work but soon realised he had a long line of riders behind him - Steve Golla didn't look round and kept on it. Into the last 200m and I could sense the line was re grouping so the sprint was opened up - locked onto Martin Smith's wheel I gave it everything.....Steve held on for a well deserved win, Lewis Atkins almost catching him on the line. I managed to swing passed the National Masters champ and get a good 5th place, 14 points and 1st CAT secured.


Next race will be the final round to help Mr Larcombe.....

Wilson Series Winner

Craig Wilson completed his season long campaign to win the LVRC Tricot Jersey Series on Sunday in the final race on the Walliswood circuit - here's Craig's race report ....

The Ciclisti Vecchi (CV) team lined up for the 50 mile race at Walliswood. The 8th and final race in the South East Veterans Race series had double points on offer so the pressure was on to protect individual positions in the overall.
Prior to the race the overall had Gianluca in 3rd in the As (youngsters) and Craig Wilson and Keith Jarrett 1st and 3rd overall respectively in the Bs (less young but not really old!).

The race saw frantic activity from the start with the CV team managing to infiltrate any breaks. With non working CV passengers in most moves the breaks failed. Any dangerous move without a CV in it was promptly pulled back by the blue and green train of Tim Costello, Rob Cranstone and Colin Addison whilst Jarrett tried to wear the main B threat, 2nd placed Martin O’Grady, down by jumping away and forcing him to chase.

With 2 laps to go Colin McDermott jumped away with another strong rider. No threat to the CVs they let the break go without realising that McDermott threatened Gianluca’s third overall! Gianluca led the chase but paid for the effort on the drag to the finish.

With 2 still away the CV lead out team wound up the pace knowing that Wilson still had to beat O’Grady to win the series. Into the final 1km and Addison, Cranstone and Costello were on the front of the bunch. With 400m to go Jarrett, not worried about protecting his own overall position, jumped with the honourable aim of leading out Wilson. Into the last 200m and Wilson came from behind the 11 sprocket whirring Jarrett to take the bunch sprint from overall winner of the A series Andrew Meilak.
3rd in the race and 2nd B was enough for Wilson to take the overall with the rest of the CVs and Gianluca finishing close behind in the bunch.

The final placings in the overall are still being calculated but a big thank you to all the CVs who raced, supported and encouraged the team throughout the series. A great team effort and fun to be part of with team tactics and selfless riding to be proud of!

Autumn Clubruns

The Sunday clubruns have now started. 9.00 sharp from the shop, 50-60 miles, averaging 18/19 mph. Speak to Craig if you want to know more.

Bernie shows Boys the way

In one of her rare road race appearances Bernie Hards showed what aggressive racing can achieve in the Surrey league races at Chertsey on saturday. Going from the gun, Bernie found herself in a race-long two-up with Beijing Olympic bronze medalist rower Elise Laverick. The two shared the workload and built a sizable gap on the rest of the field. Dunc was on hand giving advice from the roadside, not that Bernie needed any.

Into the final stages and the strength of the full-time Olympic athlete proved too much and Laverick dropped Bernie, and went on to lap the field. Bernie maintained her 2nd place to the line finishing over 4 minutes ahead of the next rider. And that's without any road training, unless you count the 150 hours per week spinning she does..

Brilliant ride Bernie!

In the mens races we had loads of representatives in all the events but could do no better than Roger Morgan's 11th in the E12 race.

Pete grabs some final points

Pete Wager reports from the Last Chance Points Grabber 08 (ERRL)

Sunday 28th September - It was clear blue sky and dead calm for the full field of 60 riders lining up at the Last Chance Points Grabber. I'm still chasing (chipping) my 1st Cat license so this was a must on the race calendar and also came as a recommendation from John W who won this event in 2005. His heads up on the course was, as always, invaluable!!

A full field rolled out of Whitwell village at around 0900hrs on the Sunday morning for 7 laps, primes on each, of rolling Hertfordshire roads. Most teams had only a couple of riders with the exception of Finchley RT who were riding for there man on form Edgar Madeline with 5 riders. I was the lone rider for VC Meudon. First 4 laps and the field stayed together with the occasional few chipping off the front to try and get a break going or just to get the prime money available each time through the finish - I won the 4th prime having been pipped on the line for the 3rd.

It was clear Finchley RT were controlling the race so any move that didn't contain Edgar was going get chased and anything that did then they would block the bunch - perfect. Each time up the long drag to St.Paul's Walden the pressure was applied and I made sure I was near the front or on the front. Just over 2 laps to go and Flavio Zappi (Oxford Uni CC) gave it a little dig over the top and dragged 7 others with him including me - sticking firmly to his wheel - a quick look round and we had 30 metres on the bunch and 2 Finchley Rt riders with us including Edgar - the break was ON!! We nailed it down the decent and along to the start/finish area with everyone pulling hard to extend the advantage. A couple of riders tried to bridge the gap but as soon as we hit the head wind section they lost any chance of making contact.

The 8 of us kept the pressure on and extended the lead throughout the lap and through to the bell with a comfortable 2 minutes over the bunch. Final time up the climb and the pace was steady but I noticed Edgar had dropped to the back. A few moments later he attacked with Flavio Zappi going with him - I spotted the danger and immediately bridged. The group did not chase deciding they could catch us on the decent. In the last 100m of the climb Flavio again turned up the heat and Edgar did not respond turning to me to chase - a few words were exchanged by which time Flavio had noticed the hesitation and given it full gas over the top and into the decent. We were left to chase and the group behind left to chase us.

At the base of the decent we turned left for the final 3km to the finish area - Flavio maintained a 15 second advantage - I was forced to do the lion share of the chasing as I was after the points more than the glory - Edgar sitting on in the last km completely. Up the ramp to the finish and he swung passed me but I was done and content with 3rd place and 21 points. The bunch, unable to catch us on the run in, coming in a further 20 seconds back . Flavio was a worthy winner - he was a Pro in the 80's with results that include 12th at Milan San Remo 1984 plus 2nd in the Mountains Classification in the 1984 Giro !!! Someone to watch out for next season now he's a 1st CAT :)

Goodwood circuit race and the Ottershaw series to go!!

see you there
Pete W

Six Ride the Picardie

Not even car breakdowns or tunnel fires could stop the intrepid 6 reaching the start line in Abbeville for a fantastic day of fine weather and great riding in the french countryside.
Results of noteworthy rides in 187Km and 131km events below:

Pos No - Name - Cat Time Country
1 - 237 - AUDOUX BEN - D - 04:48:46:000 - FRA
22 - 639 - ROSHIER COLIN - E - 04:54:49:000 - ANG
61 - 17 - MARIE THIERRY - E - 04:58:10:000 - FRA
79 - 587 - WOODCOCK TONY - G - 05:08:32:000 - ANG
86 - 745 - WILSON CRAIG - E - 05:08:33:000 - ANG
106 - 230 - COLIN ADDISON - E - 05:09:35:000 - ANG
240 - 539 - BROOKS KEITH - G - 05:24:25:000 - ANG
323 - 702 - CLARKE ALAN - F - 05:54:27:000 - ANG
349 - 548 - GRANT ANDY - F - 06:09:02:000 - ANG


Pos No Name - - time - cat - Country
1 - 262 - TRIBOUT BART - 03:24:40:000 - C - BEL
72 - 541 - COPPOLA DERICK - 03:44:39:000 - E - ANG

Glorious Cutmill Races

Warren's Surrey League Cutmill races went ahead in fine style with great organisation, great weather, great racing and worthy winners. Thanks to all the helpers and especially Mrs Warren who was magnificent in the kitchen!

In the 3rds a lone sole breakaway rider held out until 1 lap to go when Sebastian Ader of A3CRG burst through the field to secure an impressive solo victory. Our own Russell Scott was unlucky to break a spoke on the last lap but still rode on to finish.

I can still picture Ben's face as he realised the class of field that was preparing to contest the afternoon E12 65miler. With Dave Clarke (Team Lacuna), Alex Higham (fresh from his unfair disqualification in the ToB), Betts, Dodd, MacNaTwins, Gower, Atkins, Pickup et al the race was sure to be hard.
Martin Hulbert started proceedings with his trademark early attack that saw him form a 3 man break with Roger Smith and Chris MacNamara but after a couple of laps that was neutralised until Dave Clarke surged the climb to take a solo lead which he held and extended to the line for an impressive win. Power-rider Paul Holdsworth made a rare reappearance on the road race scene and finished a fine 2nd. Of the VCM team Stephen Richards rode well for 10th, with Ben riding strongly and Roger riding on will power to both finish in the bunch. Dave Creegan was a DNF with seizing brakes (although it took him a few laps to realise!)

Gorrick 12hr race report

Warren reports ...

Myself, David Creeggan and Steven Richards competed in Saturdays 12hr MTB race held on a new course in Minley.

In typical Gorrick manner the course was a true mountain biker's one ‘lots and lots of twisty single track and bumpy sections’ with not a lot of opportunity for us roadies to exploit our pure ‘power’ We had good intentions especially with Jamie headlining as our captain but it was not to be, so we had to make do with 3 of us, Jamie was still on hand to offer some advise being a 24hr veteran himself. The main thing was eat and drink, keep warm and keep the bike clean! This was all well and good but the deluge of rain meant we were in for a muddy 12hrs. In fairness to the course it was all rideable.

I was nominated to set us on our way and came in at the end of the first lap in 3rd place setting up Steve for his maiden lap, about 10 mins in though I received a call on my mobile, his chain had snapped! In these events you are supposed to fix any problems yourself but seeing as we all had the same numbers on our bikes I went and found him and gave him my bike to finish his lap on! Dave then set off on his lap we were down in around 8th place now in the teams race so had our work cut out especially as pretty much all other teams had 4 riders.

By the time the night set in we had clawed our way up to 4th place with not much chance of getting any higher but plenty of opportunity to slip back down. We thought we had used our bad luck but approx 1.5miles from the end of my 4th lap my derailleur wrapped itself up and I had to run to the finish. By now the average lap time was up about 10 mins longer than the daytime laps but we were all pretty consistent. I managed to get my bike into surgery and it came out hanging on and was able to give me one more lap.

All in all good fun, we were all pretty battered as we are all soft roadies and had various aches mainly in the upper body regions but was certainly worth doing and we ended the night in 4th place in the teams, again not a bad effort, with Jamie on board I reckon we could have challenged for 3rd easily.

I have learnt that I wouldn’t want to do a 24hr version and that there are some mental people around especially the ones that want to ride these things solo.

Warren Jesse

Report from our 55year old Pro in Spain

Another update of Martin Rutherford's 2008 season in Murcia, Spain.
After a 3 week rest at the end of June ( it gets a bit hot to race then - what a shame! - Ed) , the races in the area re-started end of July for me with a 70k circuit race in Almoradi (Alicante region). 95 riders on a 4k per lap. Started off very fast – one long line for 3 laps, unable to move up, just hanging on to the wheel in front, small groups of 4-5 riders trying to get away but coming back with the constant pressure of the peleton. Three laps to go, group of 5 are away with one of my team-mates in it, the rest of our team are on the front of the bunch to slow things down (only problem is our man in the break is no sprinter). Final lap and as predicted our man is 5th. I come in at front end of the peleton (32nd). Our team are all in the prizes, our man in the break collapsed at the finish and taken to the local hospital, the reason for this as I forgot to mention was the race started at 6pm and the temperature was 38!!!

August….Monday, normally a holiday time for Spain but there are plenty of races but quite a bit of travelling. The temperatures are up to 40+ and next race is Callosa de Seguro (Alicante region again). Big race this, as there are a lot of big teams from all over the South East including World Masters Champion and Graham Baxter back from his Tour de France trips….he said he wanted to win today as he has a bit of rivalry with the World Champion. Big field, 138 riders, 6k circuit, 85k. This is the first time in a race this year I have taken 2 bottles, because I have no team help on the side of the road this week, but I do have a race procedure. Before the races I eat one banana, small cake or bar, small bottle of isostar and half bottle of water. I’m “sloshing” around a bit for a couple of laps but am self sufficient if I have no helper on the road. Race starts at normal race pattern, first 3 laps at 55k per hour, not very eventful until last 5 laps when Baxter and World Champ and 10 others get away to fight out the finish. World Champ wins, Baxter 9th, me in bunch 40th. No prize this time for any of our team.

The following Wednesday the team move north to Alforrasi (Valencia region). The circuit is 8k round but so hard it’s a cross between Cutmill and Guildford Crit. 80 start, 75k, 38 degrees at 5.30pm. Not a good day for our Team as I puncture after 1 lap (thank god!), 1 rider crashes and the other 2 get blown out the back. 34 finish, Baxter second, World Champ wins again!

Still in August, most of the team have a weeks holiday so Martine and I move west to Roquetas de Mar (Almeria). The plan is to have the race and then spend the afternoon there on the beach and have dinner enroute home. It was a bit of a rush when we arrived as was told it started at 12.00 initially, but at sign on at 11.20 the start is now 11.30 !!! Not many riders today, but it was open to elite riders of Almeria. 42 riders, 85k, 3.5k circuit, 38 degrees at 11.30 – phew. After 2 laps, small group away of 8 riders. The main group is chasing hard and get within 4 seconds but 2 riders from lead group push on. This effort from the front group opens the gap, I try to jump across but don’t have the strength or leg power to close on them. I get to a handful of seconds with 4 other riders and then give it up. The main peleton have a few more attacks but in the end we line up for the sprint, 18th overall, no prize. Great afternoon on the beach and good meal in Mojacar on way home.

Pick up some more kit ready for the heavy programme of races at the end of the year and the following Sunday full squadra out for a crit in San Bartolome (Alicante). 5.30 start, very warm, still 40 degrees at 3pm when the van picks me up. Small twisting circuit this. I quite like it because Spanish riders are not the best on corners, 82 riders, 70k. Race is off like a rocket. One long line but bunching up on the tight corners and stretching out on the straights. Not much happening as riders go out the back every lap. I am suffering so much today that I get dropped with 3 laps to go, with 3 other riders and end up 27th…..LAST OF THE FINISHERS. Some 6 foot, 6inch Dutch rider wins on his own, looks like a 20 year old pro from Rabobank on some stuff, if you get my drift !!!!

All for now, next report end of October.

Late Report - Vets 2 Day 9/10 August

Keith Brooks and myself travelled up to the Malverns to contest the Ernie Clements Memorial 2 Day LVRC race.

An early start to get to the race on saturday morning involved missing the Olympic Mens Road Race and when we were greeted by low cloud over the Malvern hills & heavy rain, things did not look promising. Then more worries as we were faced with a changing room full of ex-Pros and Vets World champions (well 2 or 3 of them), all taking their warm-up for the short (1.3 miles) prologue very seriously.

Colin was first off and what had looked to be an easy ride on a downhill course actually turned out to be a slog into a block headwind and speed was hard to come by. Also using Craig's shop-Zipp 404's Keith met the same conditions and struggled to get the Colnago moving. Duly finishing 11th and 7th in our respective categories we were already languishing after stage 1.

A long wait, loooking out at more rain preceeded the afternoon Stage 2. Fortunately the weather perked up and the six laps of a grippy rolling circuit was more productive. Colin's race - the action came thick and fast in the ABC race, with yellow jersey, Nick Yarworth VC St Raphael and other GC contenders, jumping into every move for the first part of the race but eventually the continous accelerations took their toll and a 5 man break was allowed to go clear. They quickly built a 3 minute lead before the chasing resumed. I just managed to claw my way into a big split with 10 miles to go but the bunch returned to full strength as we started the last lap. With around 5 miles to go I attacked to test the water and instead of being chased down I was joined by 2 other riders and we worked well staying clear to the finish. I ended-up 8th on the stage, 30 seconds up on the bunch. Much to my surprise I was now 2nd on GC in category B. Keith's race - A similar race with plenty of hard racing but a field of well-matched contenders kept things together - It all built up to an almighty (and fairly dangerous bunch sprint) won by ex-Pro ( and thoroughly nice bloke) Graham moore - Bristol RC. Keith was up in the action but just out of the placings.


Sunday morning dawned and we passed all kinds of weather on the way to the HQ but again the rain held off for most of the stage. Sadly the wind did not and a fierce gale blew all around the circuit and slowed the race to around 10 mph up the finishing straight.

Colin's race report - With different people riding with different priorities ( one overall GC and 3 category GC's to contend) it was difficult to monitor all moves and work out which were important. Just like the previous stage, lots of attacks, lots of chasing until finally one was allowed some leeway. All the GC leaders thought it was safe to let them go, but none had accounted for the strength of one of the riders in there. With just 2 others for company, Simon Alexander (Wyre Forest CRC)( and 2nd in the Dartmoor Classic Sportive 2007) rode the remaining 2 hours of the race off the front, building a 5 minute lead at one point.

That struck fear into the other top 5 GC riders and a fast co-operative chase continued for the final 20 miles. I was content to sit in for the ride, knowing there was nothing in it for me to assist, but more to gain from shadowing Nick Yarworth who was 5 seconds behind me on GC. Into the headwind finishing straight and plenty of attempts to attack into the wind faltered, allowing me to slide up into 3rd in the sprint as the line approaced, for 6th place on the stage. Nick Yarworth pipped me for the 5 second 5th place bonus so I finished joint 4th on GC.

Keith raced the same long windy circuit over a 50 mile distance. Various attacks gained only small time gaps with plenty of category contenders happy to chase every move. Then finally, small bloke Kevin Shand - West Pennine got a small gap which he amazingly held over 2 laps to take the line 20 seconds clear and steal the overall.
Keith finished 9th on GC, which, with everyone in the E category finishing the road races together, was decided on prologue times and time bonuses.

Hearts First Bike Ride Haslemere Off-Road 2008

For anyone interested in an organised off-road ride ...

Date: Sunday 5th October 2008

Info on British Heart Foundation’s brand new off road event. The route takes in spectacular views around the Hampshire and Surrey counties. The distance is 26.6 miles with the possibility of doing an extra 4.9 mile extension. You may not consider the mileage challenging but the route involves lots of climbing, twisty, steep wooded single tracks and will require the rider’s full attention!

The extension offers a lovely long, high speed steep descent; you should really be an experienced rider to take up this added loop!

The ride starts and finishes at Bohunt School, Longmoor Road, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7NY

Entry fee for this event: £ 20.00

Online registration and route map here : www.bhf.org.uk/haslemere

Cycle Kingdom Series - Race 15 Results

Races held Wednesday 20th August 2008

Eelmore Finale Gallery

Two good sized fields, a barbie and about a hundred soldiers camped out around the course brought the 2008 revitalised Eelmore series to a fitting conclusion.

In the miserable weather conditions (with at least 20 punctures over the course of the evening) the 3rds race saw several attempts to forge a successful breakaway but came together up a lengthened final straight for the sprint, with Sam Sturgeon winning convincingly from Gareth Dickinson.
Andy Hibberd took the overall series in the final race by finishing 5th on the night, to round off a calculated masterpiece of gaining 51 points after starting the season as a 4th Cat.
Garry Buttery was first Meudon home in 4th and James Bracey and Mike Lancaster also got into the top ten.

In the E12 once a break went with an AWCycles, an Agisko, a Felt and
3 Meudons it was always going to stay away despite lots of (mainly
unsuccessful) attempts to get across. Tim Elverson continued his remarkable consistency to win the series overall but honourably sat back and let the predicted battle for 5th place develop with Tom Smith taking the long sprint ahead of Jamie Newall but not gaining enough points to steal 5th.
Of the other Meudons in the break Dave Creeggan came in sixth with man in form Dave Larcombe following up his 4th at the previous weekend's Older Man's RR with 7th.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the generous prize list and a chorus of Happy Birthday to Craig for his last year before getting a V on his licence.


E12
1 Tom Smith AWCycles E
2 Jamie Newall VC Meudon 1
3 Boyd Roberts www.agiskovinor.com 2
4 Tim Elverson Felt Racing E
5 Richard Mardle Felt Racing 2
6 David Creeggan VC Meudon 1
7 Dave Larcombe VC Meudon 2V
8 Justin Hoy Felt Racing E
9 Lewis Atkins www.agiskovinor.com 1
10 Darrell Pembroke www.agiskovinor.com 2
11 John Wager Felt Racing E
12 Robert King Reading CC 2
13 Wayne Coombs VC Mountpellier 1
14 Toby Neave Southdown Velo E
15 Alex Peterson AWCycles 1



Overall Classification

3/4
1 Sam Sturgeon Team Terminator 3
2 Gareth Dickson Agiskoviner 3
3 Gavin Morton Godalming Cycles RT 3
4 Garry Buttery VC Meudon 3V
5 Andy Hibberd Pedalon.co.uk 3
6 Mark Cracknell AWCycles.co.uk 3V
7 Paul Troughton Wheelbase/GoreBike Wear 3
8 James Bracey VC Meudon 4
9 Clive Jarvis North Hants RC 4
10 Mike Lancaster VC Meudon 3

Overall Classification

Stuart Morgan wins TT series

Stuart won the twelve week series of events organised by A3CRG, running every Weds from May 21st to 6th Aug. Here's his run down ...

Points were awarded every week depending on your finishing position plus a bonus of 5 pts for every series pb.
We lost a couple to bad weather, so it was your best 6 events that counted in the final tally.
I always hoped that one day mediocrity would rise to the the top.

Check out the scalps here !

http://www.a3crg.co.uk/points.php

Bronze for Hulbert in Nationals

Martin Hulbert finished a fine 3rd in the Veterans National Road Race champs for over 50's on saturday. A strong field competed the 60 mile race held near Rugby (up north somewhere)
Here's Martin's race report ......

In my usual way I soft attacked as soon as the neutralised section was over! this soon came back.
After half a lap and just before the main climb, i sneaked away with another guy and we went well for another lap on our own and was later joined by a group of 7. The nine of us worked well and put over 15 minutes into what was left of the bunch. There was no efforts to break up the group of 9 until i put a serious attack on the main climb, a group of 3 riders came across to me after a few miles and then the bunch after another few miles.

I attacked again on the next steep climb and John French and Gary Hill joined me. With 3 in front we gave it all and fought out the sprint finish between us.

John French 1st
Gary Hill 2nd
Martin Hulbert 3rd

2009 Cycle Kingdom Series - Race 1 Result

Races held Wednesday 22nd April 2009

E12
1 Daniel Duguid Sigma Sport 1
2 Simon Ernest AWCycles 2
4 David Creeggan VC Meudon 1
3 Sam Allen A W Cycle.co.uk 2
5 Tim Elverson Felt Racing E
6 Lewis Atkins Agisko Viner 1
7 Jamie Newall VC Meudon 1
8 Richard Mardle Felt Racing 2
9 James Millard PCA E
10 Martin Smith AWCycles E
11 Andes Christensen Cycle Kingdom Race Team 1
12 Tom Smith AWCycles.co.uk E
13 Pete Wager VC Meudon 1
14 John Wager Felt Racing E
15 Robert King Reading C C 2

Overall Classification


3/4
1 Chris Clark Bang& Olufsen 3
2 Clive Jarvis CC Basingstoke 3
3 Andy Hibberd Pedalon.co.uk 3
4 Jeremy Bishop GS Avanti 3
5 Mark Workman Festival RC 3
6 James Bracey VC Meudon 4
7 Gary Bullock Thames Velo 3
8 Johnathan Maher Sigma Sport 3
9 Mark Westwood Team MK 3
10 Gavin Spiers Reading CC 3

Overall Classification


Youths Race 1
1 Damon King Reading CC D
2 Dominic Day V C Meudon D

Youths Race 1
1 Joe McGuinness Palmer Park Velo E
2 Zac Elverson Felt Racing E

Jamie "King of Dunsfold"

In a fitting flourish to the Dunsfold season Jamie rammed home his dominance by winning the final race of the series despite being surrounded in the break by 3 rampant Wildsiders determined to steal his thunder. The break of 7 went clear following a surge in pace down the headwind section of the course, leaving Jamie and the resurgent Dave Larcombe to fight out the finish on behalf of VCM.


Pos Name Club/Team Cat Time Prime Points
1 Jamie Newall VC Meudon 2 1:14:40 8
2 Simon McNamara Wildside RT 1
3 Mike Hawkins Norwood Paragon CC 1
4 Ashley Holding Wildside RT 2V 8
5 Christopher McNamara Wildside RT E 3
6 David Larcombe VC Meudon 2V 5
7 Toby Neave Southdown Velo E 1
8 Jason Edwards Wildside RT 1 @ 0:35
9 Felix English Team Corridori YA
10 Ken Prince VC Meudon 2 1

French race invites British riders

Organizers of a race at Campagne les Hesdin in France (Pas de Calais; 1:10 from Calais) on September 7th invite british riders to participate. The event is for french categories 1-2-3 and Juniors. UK 1st and below are welcomed and Juniors too of course!

The race is composed of a lap of 24 Km and a lap of 88 Km. There are 7 "montains" and the 5 best climbers will receive rewards.

The 20 first of the scratch results will receive rewards (prices grid of 534 euros). The 15 first of the french category 3 and all Juniors will receive rewards (prices grid of 228 euros).

The 3 first of each category will receive rewards.

The entry fee is 5,50 € (app £3.90). You will need a letter of autorisation from B.C.

The organisation:
- 230 roadside marshals
- 20 old cars (post race)
- Neutral race service
- 20 motorcycle outriders.

Each rider will receive 2 bottles.

Each program is an entry to a tombola - 1st. prize is a mountain bike.
Full details on: http://www.ccbrimeux.com/La-Cantonale-2008.html

15 BC riders participated to La Cantonale and appreciated it. We appreciated too to receive them and would be very happy to receive more BC riders this year.

Ken podiums in Handicap

Ken Prince reports from last weeks SL Handicap at Kitsmead Lane ....

"It was the usual fast pace with the group myself and Mark were in working well together. The scratch group caught us, Dave (Creeggan we assume) was in this group and we continued to work hard to catch the groups in front. We only caught the front group on the last lap so it came down to a bunch sprint. It was getting quite dark and on the final long straight before the last corner it was the usual free for all as every rider wanted to be at the front! It was not for the faint-hearted! Mark was well positioned near the front most of the way down there from what I could see. Just before the corner I moved forward. There was a little group of riders just a bit off the front coming out of the corner which we caught on the first rise. Dave pretty much led out the sprint, I jumped on his wheel and Mark was just behind me. Dave moved over and only Darrell and Martin managed to get past me just before the line with Mark still right behind me.

Kitsmead Lane H'cap RR July 31, 2008
1st Martin Smith A W Cycles E
2nd Darrell Pembroke Agiskoviner.com 2
3rd Ken Prince V C Meudon 2
4th Andy Davies Fit- For 2
5th Mark Bremmer V C Meudon 2V

Cycle Kingdom Series - Race 13 Results

Races held Wednesday 6th August 2008

UPDATE - There are only 2 more races left in the Series and there are some close battles that remain to be fought for in the overall rankings.

The final race in the series on Wednesday 20th August is set to be a true sports-fest in more ways than one with the overall prize presentation being followed by a *** FREE BBQ *** for all racers, friends, family and helpers.


E12
1 Paul Pickup - Cycle Kingdom Race Team 1
2 Tim Elverson - Felt Racing E
3 Christopher Minter - Pedalon.co.uk 2
4 Scott Forbes - Pedalon.co.uk 2
5 Lewis Atkins - www.agiskovinor.com 1
6 Justin Hoy - Felt Racing E
7 Tom Smith - AWCycles E
8 John Wager - Felt Racing 1
9 Lee Smith - www.agiskovinor.com 1
10 Neil Cooper - AW Cycles 2
11 Boyd Roberts - www.agiskovinor.com 2
12 Darrell Pembroke - www.agiskovinor.com 2
13 Pete Wager - VC Meudon 2
14 Steve Richards - VC Meudon 1
15 Rob King - Reading C C 2




Overall Classification

3/4
1 Andy Hibberd - Pedalon.co.uk 3
2 Seb Ottley - VC St Raphael 3
3 Ian Hastings - North Hants RC 4
4 Garry Buttery - VC Meudon 3V
5 Richard Jerome - Willesden CC 3
6 David Butcher - DNA cycles 4
7 Dan Barclay - P.M 3
8 Mark Cracknell - AW Cycles.co.uk 3V
9 James Duwsbier - London Dynamo 4
10 Gavin Morton - Godalming Cycles RT 3



Overall Classification

Youths
not in yet !

Wager's Week

Hillingdon Circuits
Welcome to the Tony Gibb show! If you have not riden here then you should at least try it once. E123 race over 35 laps of the Hillingdon circuit. As usual the large field of around 60 riders rolled off the start line and straight into action. Immediatly found myself in a group of 15 riders including Tony Gibb and Colin Roshier. We managed to pull clear for around 5 laps before some of the group just sat up and the organisation went to bits - this allowed the bunch to quickly close in - as soon as they tacked on the back Tony Gibb and Colin Roshier attacked with no one able to chase on - that was the last time we saw them. Over the remainder of the race AW and Python racing team all worked hard to catch the lead duo - another group of 5 escaped including Jerome Walters - Sigma, Nigel Carpenter-Norwood Paragon, Tom Smith - AW, Nigel Williams - Python and Paul Crook - Beyond MTB - these guys managng to also stay clear to the end.

After a number of failed attempts to get moves away I was resigning myself to the ever dangerous bunch sprint - with 60% of the field sitting on all race they appear at this stage of the race to fight out the remaining few points and it's not a pretty site! 5 laps to go and some strong pulls on the front and we get a group of 10 away. There then followed some serious verbal encouragment from me :) at which point some of the group realised what work is and started pulling as well. Final lap and they all decide to watch each other until the final corner but I was just not game for a sprint and rolled over the line in a rather frustrating 18th position

Eelmore - CycleKingdom Round #12
With Portsmouth circuits finished for the season while they replace the track a visit to home turf was on the cards this week. Respect was shown for the passing of Chas Messenger before the evenings events got started. As expected the E12 race was full on from the gun with attacks coming from all the main teams. Nothing managed to stay clear for more than a few laps as all the top riders marked each other out. It looked possible it might hold together for another bunch sprint.

10 minutes and 5 laps to go and finally a group was away and it included some super strong riders - Hoy and Elverson from the ever consistent Felt Racing, Anders and Mr 'Power' Pickup, Lewis Atkins from Agisko, Martin Smith, AW Cycles and me Wager junior, the lone VC meudon. We got organised and started to roll through pretty well initially pulling clear of the bunch.

3 laps to go and the bunch was closing in with some strong riding from a handful of riders, some of which had riders in the break......you know who you are!!!.... it was finally closed and the stage set for a bunch sprint. Aware of this Paul Pickup and Martin Smith clipped away and maintained a 10 second lead all the way to the line with Martin taking the sprint.

The rest of us - Bunch sprint! Usual mayhem into the bottom corner and I was soon at the back of the bunch stuck in the 11 sprocket. Trying to get that gear going up the straight I was thankful Craig had lengthened the finish and managed to pull passed most of the bunch in the final 20 meters Zipp 808's letting them know I was approaching to a reasonable 8th place.

As it turned out the top 8 were pretty much the same as the group away with the exception of Tom Smith sneaking into 7th spot!

There is no 'I' in 'Team' :)

Check Nick Onslows video of the finish on facebook.

Stealth Larcombe and Dunsfold

This week vcmeudon.com catches up with stealth rider Dave Larcombe whose recent rides have somehow fallen below the radar. Cunningly disguised in a London Dynamo top until someone lent him a Meudon top to slip into at the last minute, Dave recently clipped off with two laps to go in the Dave Griffiths Memorial RR for 9th in his build up to the end of season races. He then slipped quietly out of the building before the prizes could be given out. This was followed up with an excellent 2nd in the (National B) Team Tor Circuit Races when Dave made a lightening strike into Somerset, getting - and staying - away with 1 other rider.

Meanwhile at Dunsfold a new twist to proceedings emerged with Glyn extending the handicaps. With some big  groups all working and a headwind, two sidewinds and a tailwind it looked like the E1 group would fail to contest the finish for the first time in living memory. But big efforts by Craig and Roger closed the gap at the end bringing things together with 200m to go. Jamie managed to find his way through the chaos just behind a couple of Norwood Paragons for third to consolidate his position in the series.

Cycle Kingdom Series - Race 12 result

Races held Wednesday 30th July 2008

E12
1 Martin Smith AW Cycles E
2 Paul Pickup Cycle Kingdom RT 1
3 Justin Hoy Felt Racing E
4 Lewis Atkins www.agiskovinor.com 1
5 Tim Elverson Felt Racing E
6 Anders Christensen Cycle Kingdom RT 1
7 Tom Smith AW Cycles E
8 Pete Wager VC Meudon 2
9 Jamie Newall VC Meudon 1
10 Nick Onslow Pedalon.co.uk 2
11 John Wager Felt Racing 1
12 Adrian Lansley Pedalon.co.uk 1
13 Rob King Reading CC 2
14 Darrell Pembroke www.agiskovinor.com 2
15 Adrian Goatley www.agiskovinor.com 2



Overall Classification

3/4
1 Andy Hibberd Pedalon.co.uk 3
2 Andrew Dilkes VC Meudon 3
3 Steve Smith Python RT 3
4 David Wilson Charlotteville CC 3
5 Seb Ottley VC St Raphael 3
6 Mike Lancaster VC Meudon 4
7 Garry Buttery VC Meudon 3V
8 Dainel Ahearn D H Cyclesport 3
9 Dave Faulkner Charlotteville CC 3
10 Ian Hastings North Hants RC 4



Overall Classification

Youths
Joe McGuiness Palmer Park E 1

Quick midweek round-up

At Dunsfold the frolics continued last week with plenty of effort and tactical mullarky all round. Fortunately Jamie at least had a good grasp of what what he wanted in his efforts to win the series and could be heard directing affairs in Godalming. This worked out pretty well with different Meudon riders popping up all over the place competing for the primes. The race ended in a bunch gallop with main competitor Jason Edwards 3rd, just edging Jamie out to 4th, followed by Gianluca in 5th and Ken in 6th. Fortunately Jamie's constant efforts for the primes mean he's now some way ahead in the series.

Over at Eelmore Ken Prince kept up his run of form with 8th behind a Felt 1-2. He says this is his best season and is sure to get his 1st cat by the end of the month. In the 3rds Andy Dilkes was 3rd and looking good for a high placing in the overall series while Gary Buttery has quickly started scoring points since moving up to 3rd cat, finishing in 4th.

In the handicap our best finishers were Ken and Mark B in 13th and 14th, with a group of 9 3rds and 4ths staying away till the end. After last night's Dunsfold, is there a new end of season trend - increased handicapping?

Cycle Kingdom Series - Race 11 Result

Races held Wednesday 23rd July 2008

E12
1 Justin Hoy Felt Racing E
2 Tim Elverson Felt Racing E
3 Lewis Atkins www.agiskovinor.com 1
4 Darrell Pembroke www.agiskovinor.com 2
5 Sam Allen I - Team 2J
6 Daniel Duguid Sigma Sport/Specialised/Sportfull 1
7 Anders Christensen Cycle Kingdom Race Team 1
8 Ken Prince VC Meudon 2
9 Neil Cooper AWCycles 2
10 Boyd Roberts www.agiskovinor.com 2
11 John Wager Felt Racing 1
12 Allan Ridler Army Cycling Union 2
13 Paul Pickup Cycle Kingdom Race Team 1
14 Tom Smith AWCycles E
15 Martin Smith AWCycles E


Overall Classification

3/4
1 David Wilson Charlotteville CC 3
2 Andy Hibberd Pedalon.co.uk 3
3 Andrew Dilkes VC Meudon 3
4 Garry Buttery VC Meudon 3V
5 Dave Faulkner Charlotteville CC 3
6 Gavin Morton Godalming Cycles RT 3
7 Mark Cracknell AWCycles.co.uk 3V
8 Toks Adesanya Addiscombe CC 3V
9 Martin Weinberger CC Basingstoke 3
10 Ian Hastings North Hants RC 4


Overall Classification

Youths
Joe McGuiness Palmer Park E 1

MTB National Champs

Deano reports from last weekend's National Mountain Bike Champs held near Ringwood.
Weddings and a pre-ride of the course cut the VCM contingent from 6 to 3, but we also had some travelling support that was much appreciated.

Deano reports:


Crow Hill has a very good selection of single track, short steep climbs and interesting little descents - but beware the roots - all in the middle of the New Forest, Ringwood.

Surprisingly, I was gridded on the third row so tucked in tight on the right hand side against the barriers. I waited for the start, Colin was a row or two behind so the Meudon were ready to pounce. Andy was still waiting to line up for his Grand Vets race.

Our race start had been put back 15 mins and eventually we started and we were off! Cleat collected the pedal and off I went, a bit of shoulder barging and a big effort and I slotted in behind the quick boys in about eighth place, which is where I stayed for a while until the first short steep grassy climb where I lost three of four places. I then settled into my pace and had a good little battle with Ross Porter, an old race mate. It pretty well stayed that way and I kept trying to drop him but he just had the edge on the descents. On the last lap he rode away from me and there was nothing I could do as I started to fade big time! Four or five riders caught and passed me and I just kept pedalling. I finished in 19th place and Colin came 36th. Andy came 21st in the Grand Vets. So a good day all round for VC Meudon.

Thanks also to the Meudon supporters on the day - it all helps!
Deano

LAP TIMES
Deano - 27:45 28:25 29:43 = 01:25:53
Colin - 30:50 32:30 33:29 = 01:36:49
Andy - 34:17 36:45 38:15 = 01:49:17
for reference
LIAM KILLEEN - 22:56 23:13 22:55 22:52 22:58 = 01:54:54 ( or 1:09:04 for first 3 laps !!)

After the race we were able to sit back and watch Liam Killeen demolish the field in a fantastic pre-olympics victory in the main race.

Bob Moore has some photos (we hope) but until then here are some links to Joolze Dymonds pics
Deano
Pic 1

Colin
Pic 1
Pic 2

Andy
Pic 1

Rewind to Smithfield

A little delayed but here's Pete's report from the Smithfield Nocturne

Smithfield Nocturne - June 7th 2008

Saturday night, sun is out, what should we do?? A few cold beers with my mates perhaps.yes! Except they drink the beer while I race around Smithfield market in the Cycling Weekly support race of the 2nd Rapha Condor Smithfield nocturne.



There were around 50 - (2nd ,3rd , 4th and Junior) riders lined up for the support race, which covered the 1km course for 40 minutes plus 10 laps. Taking the advice of my bro I battled to the front 10 riders and held position covering all the moves and letting the race behind split to peaces - the biggest split coming after a crash at the 90 degree turn at the bottom of the hill - it sounded painful!

After about 10 minutes the front group of 12 riders had formed and we slowly pulled away from the rest. Out of this group the attacks started. At this point I was just fighting to stay in the group and looking forward to the nice cold beer I could see my mates gulping down at "Smiths Bar" along the back straight whilst obviously cheering me on! It's actually just a blur of colours and noise when your racing but the boisterous beer fuelled crowds certainly made it an amazing atmosphere.

Doug Dewey and Ben Wilson managed to get a gap just before half distance and all 4 London Dynamos in the front group looked at each other and then at themselves in the passing shop windows before sitting behind the few us of that wanted to make a race of things chased.

The lead pair were pulling hard and increased the lead to a maximum of 45 seconds - at this point we started to get more organized but the we were now into the final 10 laps and it didn�t last long before the usual mucking around of looking, pointing and cursing resumed.

DING DING! Bell lap Ben and Doug battled it out for 1st and 2nd with Doug edging out Ben in the sprint. I led into the back straight looking for the Dynamos to launch - two riders went early and I followed. Screeching round the final bend with the carbon zipps clattering I gave it my best with a few getting passed just before the line - 7th place!

Looking forward to the next event in the series, which is in Salford, Manchester. Let's see what those northern monkeys have got say about all this cycling lark!

Saturday 30th August if you fancy it!!!

National Masters RR Championships

On a weekend where two sets of National Championships were held, Pete Wager reports from the Masters Road Race Championships in Hampshire.

Glorious sunshine, patchy clouds and a moderate wind greeted us lucky mortals that entered the National Masters RR Championships (30-34 & 35-39) last Sunday, July 20th. Just over 9 laps of the Small Morestead Circuit in Hampshire lay ahead of us and there was a rumour going round it was quite a tough 'rolling' course. The race had both age groups riding together with 15 Juniors including myself, the only Meudon with Justin Hoy, Felt Racing and then 25 seniors including Tim Elverson and my bro, John Wager, Felt Racing.

Out of the neutralised zone the road goes skywards and the attacks start and seem to never end. Tim Elverson, Martin Smith, Grant Bayton and the Team Corley duo all taking turns to make us all suffer. A few individuals made brave efforts to go it alone but nothing stuck and I was secretly hoping it might stay together. Coming towards the end of the 2nd lap and a few strong digs over the rolling roads created a split. I spotted the move but was boxed in the bunch and nearly hit the deck as I tried to get my wheel around the rider in front. Managed to pull my foot out and save a dive on the tarmac. Having regained my footing I went after the group of about 7 riders. Giving it everything up the long drag towards the finish area I managed to pull back some distance and had gapped from the main bunch but I was now well into the red. At that moment a red flash AKA 'The Hoy' went passed me swiftly followed by Grant Bayton and Andy Lyons - try as I could there was no way I could get on their wheels for a tow up to the now vanishing lead group.

Dropping back to the bunch and everyone just gave up - no one wanted to chase or get organised and we still had 7 laps to go!!!!

I managed to get away with Darrell Pembroke, Agisko, and we worked well for a couple laps getting around 30 seconds over the bunch but the time gap to the leaders was now going up and up - 8 minutes with 4 laps to go. Mark Jervis, Python Racing Team, joined us and then my brother John Wager got across on the 6th lap which added strength in numbers and looked like we might get something working but the bunch had other ideas and chased us down! But then promptly sat up!!!!!

Into the final laps now and the leaders were 16 minutes clear - one of the Python Racing Team had gone it alone and was followed by 'Mini Me' Dave Coulson, Sport Beans - Wilier. Mark Jervis, Python RT, then gave it a good dig going up the long climb and I was prompted to go after him by a big push from my brother and I'm glad I committed. We were joined by two others and worked all the way round the final lap pulling out just over a minute from the bunch by the finish. 4 up final sprint and I was in a world of pain but still managed to get across the line 2nd of the group and a rather encouraging 5th place in my age group and 16th overall, even if I was @ 17.07 behind the winner!!

Well done Justin for 3rd place in the juniors race - another medalion for the collection!

Pete

30 -34
1. Matthew HIGGINS Team Corley Cycles / Corley Cycles
2. Richard CARTLAND Team Corley Cycles / Corley Cycles
3. Justin HOY Felt Racing
4. Colin PARRY VC St Raphael / Waite Contracts / Hewitt Cycles
5. Peter WAGER VC Meudon
6. Simon SMITH John's Bikes RT
7. Scott WALKER Hinckley CRC / MW Technical Services Ltd /Bikes & Sports
8. Darrell PEMBROKE www.agiskoviner.com / Agiskoviner.com/For Goodness Shakes
9. Boyd ROBERTS www.agiskoviner.com / Agiskoviner.com/For Goodness Shakes
10. Jason HUMPHRIES Norwood Paragon CC

35 - 39
1. Martin SMITH awcycles.co.uk / Onefish Twofish/Giant Bikes/Fulcrum Wheels
2. Dan STAITE Python Racing Team/Smartest Energy/Ixia/Real 451/Push Print
3. Andy LYONS Heron Cyclesport / Green Jersey Design/Thomas Gunn/Schwalbe
4. Grant BAYTON Sport Beans - Wilier / Sport Beans/Jelly Belly / Wilier / Steele Davis
5. Nigel WILLIAMS Python Racing Team/Smartest Energy/Ixia/Real 451/Push Print
6. Tim ELVERSON Felt Racing
7. Simon WARREN Norwood Paragon CC
8. James SMITH Team Certini / Certini / Specialized
9. Mark WILLIAMS Python Racing Team/Smartest Energy/Ixia/Real 451/Push Print
10. Dave COULSON Sport Beans - Wilier / Sport Beans/Jelly Belly / Wilier / Steele Davis
11. Mark JERVIS Python Racing Team/Smartest Energy/Ixia/Real 451/Push Print
12. Justin CALLAWAY DHCyclesport.co.uk
13. John WAGER Felt Racing
14. Neil WHITE Bristol Road Club
15. Chris SMITH Python Racing Team/Smartest Energy/Ixia/Real 451/Push Print
16. Paul MACE High Wycombe CC / Cycle Care / Professional IT / Infastructure
17. Simon HALL Andover Wheelers

Team radios at Hungry Hill - the h'cap

It wasn't until Ken pointed out that there was a clue in "Hungry Hill" that I realised it was going to be a bit more rolling than normal. And so it proved with a long uphill drag before the flag. 

Going off in a group with Bob and Colin and adding a bit of interest to the race were three of the Halfords women's team complete with radios and team car. With the last two groups off merging early on, it took two laps of driving on led by the Norwood Paragon contingent to catch this group. Finally with one lap to go the 4ths and the lead car were in sight and a full field finish beckoned.

Then came the attacks with man on the comeback trail, Dave Creeggan going with about a kilometer to go. Dave was then swallowed up by more attacks before Bob Moore went at the bottom of the hill. This was then followed by Mike Hawkins and Gary Dodd. With our handicap specialist Mark B's words of advice about following Gary Dodd ringing in our ears Ken and I chased after him. At which point we remembered the bit about being lucky to get round him. I seem to remember Mike Hawkins putting his hands in the air to celebrate or at least shouting as I trailed in 4th with Ken just behind in 5th. Later back at the car park we discovered a lone 4th cat had been a minute up the road knocking us all back a place.

Jamie's Review - now listen up..

Hi Guys
Sorry for the delay in respond too many spams to filter through - why do I get so many!!!
My 1st Cat Licence
1st cat yep I got the paperwork through - very surprised how many chipper points I have picked up doing only a handful of races.
I might join Tim/Justin and race Portsmouth to get my Elite......only joking that is chipper!!
As long as I can do the 3day at Easter next year - it will be good.

Good luck this weekend at Nationals.
Pre ride sat - then plan race in your head at bedtime.
Go hard as nails for first 15mins - settle in and try and go just as fast for next few laps.
If it gets muddy don't be scared it can be your friend- mud warriors.

Eelmore 2 weeks ago.
Another Fuzy Felt victory.
We tried hard to break them, Anders having a good go to shale things up - we have missed him.
He still can make the legs scream.
7 away with only one Felt - Juzy - Lewis and Lee aggadoo
Martin Smith from AW always a tough guy and trained killer, I always remember that when I see others mouth off to him, when too hard turns or lack of them. Best to keep quiet he could kill!!! Chris Minter one of my MTB hard nut buddies always willing to work his socks off.
The evergreen Anders - missing Paul - although I am not sure he can hurt you even more than Anders.....
Myself, still a bit tired from Mayhem - 24hour races take so much out of you!!!

We all worked hard but could not shake the group - it was always going to Hoyboy - so so strong down that back straight.
Last lap Anders goes early - we all sit and wait - Chris chases - all latch on.
Great last corner by Lewis and Juzy then the big motors up the drag strip.
Justin all over - Anders dying 1000 deaths with Lewis and myself filling the podium places, just.
My £5 towards a shabby bottle of red wine from Offie on the way home for supper with our guest Chris Remnant.
I had to get Pizza as Mrs Newall could not be arsed to cook.
I think I need a hoilday in Devon - (rained every day at some stage- tops)

Dunsfold report from this week.
I arrived after hearing what 13 of the squadra performed last week.
Not best pleased.
I was throwing money and favours in the carpark for Anders and Paul Pickup to help the Newall out with the Light blue army.
They both agreed and we were going to rip the race to shreds!!!!!

Keith Butler started us at about 19.30 to try and catch the groups.
Bit windy down back straight 22mph - home straight 33mph - spinning the 12!!
When we caught the groups - a few missing stealing my primes - so need to work hard to get those boys back.

Eventually Anders did a monster turn shelling all the Wildsiders - sweet.
Paul, Anders, Captain Callard myself and a couple of rogue Brighton Mitre 3rds still hanging on.
I was in control lapping up those primes - 13 points in total - nice.
3 to go - Paul goes again with me and Callard.
2 to go Callard gets dropped or pulls up???
Last lap Paul and I duke out for the win.
He helped me get away and get all those primes.
Did I sprint for 1st - no bloody way.
2nd is good for overall and good to keep your allies close!!

Wildside only managed 9th and no primes
4 races left - Still bit to do but looks good.
Tuesday night Dunsfold - its a cracker!!!!

Jamie

Cycle Kingdom Series - Race 10 Result

Races held Wednesday 16th July 2008

E12
1 Justin Hoy Felt Racing E
2 Lewis Atkins www.agiskovinor.com 2
3 Simon Ernest AWCycles.co.uk 2
4 Tim Elverson Felt Racing E
5 Sam Allen I-Team 2J
6 Darrell Pembroke www.agiskovinor.com 2
7 Nick Onslow Pedalon.co.uk 2
8 Adrian Goatley www.agiskovinor.com 2
9 John Wager Felt Racing
10 Jamie Newall VC Meudon 1
11 Mike Cripps Army Cycling Union 2
12 Christopher Minter Pedalon.co.uk 2
13 Adrian Lansley Pedalon.co.uk 1
14 Ken Prince VC Meudon 2
15 Gianluca Coppelo VC Meudon 1V

Overall Classification

3/4
1 Martin Weinbeiger CC Basingstoke 3
2 Mark Westwood Team MK 3
3 Darren Parker Python RT 3
4 Andy Hibberd Pedalon.co.uk 4
5 David Wilson Charlotteville CC 3
6 Andrew Dilkes VC Meudon 3
7 Richard Jerome Willesden CC 3
8 Gavin Morton Godalming Cycles RT 3
9 Keith Brooks VC Meudon 3V
10 Paul Cooper Private Member 3V

Overall Classification

Youths
Joe McGuiness Palmer Park E 1

Buttery up.

Gary reports from Chertsey:

"After listening to all advice from fellow club members about "keeping off the front" and "do as little as possible" it has definitely paid off. With this advice firmly stuck in place I've moved to 3rd cat in two races at MOD Chertsey. Both races went according to plan apart from Saturday when I tried a loner with three laps to go and then got reeled back in (the exuberance of youth). I was ready for the sprint finish however inexperience again denied me a higher finishing spot. Thanks for the advice." 

Gianluca represents at Fowlmead

Only arriving back from a trip away the night before Gianluca made the trip down to Kent as our lone(?) representative in the Fowlmead LVRC races. Here's his report ..
"As for me in the end I went to Fowlsmead. I only decided in the morning as I got back from Phoenix the evening before.

It was roughly 80 km race and after several attempts I have eventually managed to break away with Meilak, Bates (both cat A) and Malcom Whitehead.
We did half of the race away.
At the sprint I was feeling tired (jetlag, no training whatsoever during the week, lack of sleep etc) and Andrew Meilak has beaten me fair and square.
Bates got 3rd and Whitehead 4th (1st of his category). The bunch was probably 2 minues behind."
- Well done Gianluca for consecutive 2nd places and a move up the overal rankings in the A category.

Thankfully Whitehead was the first B Category finisher preventing Craig's overall lead being eroded too much. But that will tighten up affairs just behind in the race for the minor places.
More detailed results when we get them...

Oakley Village Road Race

Ben, Bob, Keith and Alan Clarke rode the Oakley Village Road Race for 2/3's on saturday
Keith reports ....

"…carnival atmosphere with village fete, Mick Clarke doing commentary from the stage, music etc but it was flat, narrow, terrible road surface and very fast..thought I was going to be dropped for first 2 (of 6 ) laps but hung on to finish…amazingly a small group, including the animator of the day, 16 year old Chris Legg, who won the senior event at this year's Guildford Crits got away at the end and just hung on from the 55 up bunch….Ben and Bob got stuck in for the sprint, Ben got 9th,a creditable result. What I couldn’t understand is that it was the hardest race I’ve done for years yet no one was dropped!!!

Gibbo rides the Marmotte

Gibbo's brief report....
"Despite nearly killing me I loved it. It was going okay until I got cramp & 'hot foot' a few Kms from the top of the Galibier. I had to stop, take my shoes off and rest and at this point, barely over 1/2 way I thought I'd DNF. After a rest I struggled over the top and a 25m descent helped me recover. Once I found myself at the foot of Le Alpe I was determined to finish even if it killed me. It nearly did. I had cramp in so many places, had to take another shoe-off break but eventually made the top after 9hrs 6mins of pain! I'm going back next year, lighter, fitter and with lower gears (I forgot to mention being overgeared, and the back & neck ache).

No.10 did a brilliant ride and nearly caught me. Trevor finished a bit later but did very well to get around.

No more racing for me this year. I'm taking a long break.

For another Marmotte experience read about Andrew Bye of Sigma Sport riding for 9th
http://andrewbye.blogspot.com/