Chris adds twins (one of each) to his expanding family. Well done Mrs Day and congratulations from all of us.
The crazy costume didn't appear to "hamper" santa's progress on Boxing day, and freshly fueled with brandy and mince pies, our Christmas Caper King rode a "cracker" to place another top ten at Hillingdon.
Willing helper Rudolph Ottaway placed a respectable 15th.
Obviously Tim "Elve"erson, St Nick Upshall, and Justin Ho! Ho! Ho! Hoy found the weather a "trifle" cold and decided give the race a miss.
ps New comedy writers required, please apply in writing...
Member expulsion notice.
We have been asked to post this notice by club officials in line with club rules. A recent meeting of the club disciplinary committee decreed that (with some regret) Nicholas "Mint" Upshall shall be expelled from VC Meudon and shall cease to represent the club from today's date nor wear club kit at any time in public. This follows an incident in contravention of club rule 12 (part b) - matters relating to taste. The afore mentioned transgression (see photo evidence) was not undertaken as a commercial exercise and the defendent's claim that "It is a bit of fun, I'm going to drive across Europe with a friend whose car has an identical sticker thing" was rejected as a pisspoor excuse.
SE cross - What the papers say.
Our intrepid reported K. Brooks reports from the pits:
"Despite being huddled together discreetly in the corner of the 1970’s styled diner that Ipswich Witches Speedway supporters call their clubroom we still could not escape the sharp eyed papparazi as an elderly gent with a full grey beard, NHS glasses, Farnborough and Camberley style oversize woollen tracksuit top and woolly hat slid up to us and boldly said to me “were you the winner?”. Now I know I don’t always look my age but with both Dilksey and Newall either side of me I think it was pretty clear that it was more likely one of them.
Stepping quickly back and pointing out Jamie to the guy he introduces himself as a member of the press and produces from somewhere under the oversized top his clip board and pen….”can I ask you a couple of questions” he sez which is not the correct thing to say to Jamie who starts to tell the man from the press his life story, how he got into ‘cross, his training methods, who he works for, details of his new car, how the race went and some family background. The man from the press made some notes, not exactly copious but I did see at least three words. “I don’t normally do this but I was at the Tricycle Association agm yesterday in
He thanked Jamie and wandered off looking for other stars telling us that his full report will be in the Ipswich Evening Star this week (not available in
We endured the prize giving, the guy presenting the prize had more money filled envelopes than
Oh the glamour of ‘cross!!!!!!!!!!!"
Looking fwd to Majorca
How long until we go to Majorca? Not sure, but check the pictures on this page to remind yourself of what is to come .... is that McEwan?
http://www.readshotel.com/index.php?sectionid=250
Lanzarote - training camp scoops
While we're grovelling around the mucky Surrey lanes spare a thought for the likes of Jenson Button and Cav who have been enjoy sun and shorts weather in Lanzarote over the past week or so ....
pictures from www.lanzaroteinformation.com
The Hillingdon Winter Series recommended.
The Hillingdon Winter Series has just started again and runs throughout the 'off-season'. There are races for E12s, plus separate 3 and 4th cat races. It's run on an off road circuit in West London and last week 4 Meudons (Ashley Holding, Mark Ottaway, Jason Edwards and Gianluca Capello) all took part. Ashley Holding reports: "Providing it’s not taken too seriously and used as a bit of a work-out it’s surprisingly good with bigger fields than you often get during the ‘race season’ and a good atmosphere. It’s all about getting in the break; there usually is one; and if you do make the break then it’s real hard. If you don’t make it then come the end of the race a bit of self preservation does not go amiss and sitting up is quite often the sensible thing to do at Hillingdon (Jay last week). It’s quite fast and helps maintain some bike handling skills, Jay and I meet at the Ottershaw car park and ride in leaving at 12.45 and arriving 10 minutes before the race start and then ride back – that’s about 65 miles with a race in the middle! If you fancy a Saturday winter work out then you could do worse. Anyone fancy it? (I only go if the weather is ok)."
Pictures of Jamie's Win
Great pictures of Jamie's win in the sun yesterday
Do you think he started celebrating early enough ?!!
http://www.mphotography.co.uk/
Jamie wins SE Regional Cyclo-Cross Champs
With a lead of more than a minute and a half, Jamie was victorious in today's East and South East Regional Cyclo-Cross Championships.
Report and photos to come
but for now here's a link to report and video of Jamie's win at Oxford last weekend.
http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/cyclocross/article/cyx20091129-Report--Oxonian--Cross-0
Senor Rutherford wins in Spain
Spanish VCM exile Martin Rutherford won an over 50's race at Puerto Lumbreras on Sunday.
2010 Incentives
While VC Meudon remains a traditional racing club and not a sponsored team, the renewal of our sponsorhip deals and the replacement of those not renewing means that as well as promoting multiple races each season we can offer some help to younger riders and those representing the club at a higher level.
In 2010 the young rider scheme will continue with free membership for anyone under the age of 23 as long as you race for the club at least once at any level. We will also reward youths and juniors with £1 per BC licence point up to £150 for the year (the bonus pool for this will be limited to £1000). Any u23 upgrading a category during the season will get the cost of a jersey refunded.
New this year to offer some small support are bonuses for riders showing promise or already representing the club at a high level. Anyone upgrading to a second cat licence will get a free pair of shorts or jersey while anyone holding or upgrading to a 1st cat or Elite licence will get a free jersey and shorts. We may also give ad hoc. support via kit items to younger or promising riders where appropriate.
Any parents who have not claimed their bonuses for their children who have earned points this season please email or phone us and we will send a cheque.
New kit and kit evening. When, where, how much.
The new club kit has now been delivered to Cycle Kingdom. However please note that the kit is not being sold by the shop but by the club - it is just being handled by Craig from the shop. This means that you can't just pop into the shop and ask Theo to help you into a pair of shorts of a Saturday morning. Ideally you should check with Craig first (ring him or the shop) to check he's there and that the timing works for trying stuff on etc.
This also means that you have to pay by cheque or cash - no credit/debit cards.
To make things easier Craig will be having a kit evening on Tuesday 1st December between 4.00 and 8.00. You will be able to try the kit on and buy one of each item only. However you will be able to order further items for our second delivery of kit. Costs have obviously been kept to a minimum and the kids kit properly subsidised.
Prices as follows:
Long sleeve top £43
Short sleeve top £36
Bib shorts £39
Tights £51
Mitts £17
Gilet £40
Kids top £10
Kids shorts £10
Showerproof wind jacket £57
Jamie 3rd in Hargroves Grand Prix
The cross season is in full swing and VC Meudon riders continue to score highly in top class races.
Despite the torrential rain recently, VCM fielded a 5 man team in last weekend's Hargroves Grand Prix round of the Wessex Cross league at Southampton. In 2 weeks time the Southern Championships will be held on the same course so despite the weather there was a big field eager to get some practice on the championship course.
As the race start time approached the wind blew the rain clouds away and the sun may have even shone briefly. The car park was a semi-pro affair with vans packed with top quality bikes (not mine) jet washers, mechanics, helpers etc
Jamie Newall, Andy Dilkes, Robert McCarthy, Fraser Kennedy, Colin Addison + our good friend Tim Costello were all busy fine tuning their bikes, checking tyre pressures alongside Stuart Bowers, Jody Crawforth and Ian Field.
Jody Crawforth and Ian Field were a class aprt and quickly distanced the field to contest a race-log duel that saw them riding within 10 metres of each other for the whole race. Jody nipped the win by leading into the final corner and winning the sprint. The VCM team rode well with Jamie fending off a spirited challenge from talented youngster Dan Maclay to secure 3rd place. Robert and Andy fought well for 23rd and 24th, Tim was close behind in 29th, while Fraser was unlucky not to finish with his bike succumbing to the glue-like mud. I was making up the numbers, but having fun, especially when lapped twice by the top four riders.
... must mention the support of Hannah who worked tirelessly in the pits providing fresh bikes every lap for Jody, Jamie and Andy. I looked across longingly each time I passed the pits by with my bike getting heavier each lap.
Here's Jamie's "brief" race report...
Very hard race yesterday - very tired today body aching all over.
That was a real cross - shame Ian and Jody were too fast.
More training for me otherwise 17 year olds will be beat me.
Oxford saturday??
Jamie x- must go to bed!!
Haven't heard from Andy yet - perhaps he's lost for words?
Other reports/photos/video from the race can be found
here
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/main.asp?sitepages=news
here
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/431999/crawforth-wins-battle-of-the-field.html
here
http://www.londoncyclesport.com/Features/Features/Just_Add_Waffles.html
and more photos here
http://www.grahamrobins.net/photos/Hargroves%20Grand%20Prix%202009/
Help wanted for free points.
If you're looking to get your 3rd cat licence now and escape the early season 4th cat crashes or you'd like to help Mark Ottaway in his winter series points quest, read on for his report of the (off) season so far:
I have finished my 4th race today only 3 more left at Fowlmead, I raced at Hoghill yesterday and came 4th after a puncture, today at Fowlmead 2x puncture's !!!! and 4th again, I have 26 points towards winter series, which puts me in 2nd place and the rider with most points has 32, today the weather was shocking the worst I have seen, I know the winter series is not quite a summer series, but really would like to get a overall win, could you please ask if there is anybody who is a cat 2/3 who would be interested In helping me, I don't mind picking them up as i said there is only 3x races left at Fowlmead and they are all on Sunday's, and start in the new year, imperial winter starts soon hope I have had my bad luck of puncture's!
South East RR League Winter Series 5
Another popular day at Fowlmead with a total of 17 riders in 3 races…free points!!!!
The fifth event in the South East RR League Winter Series held at Fowlmead nr. Deal on November 22..
Cat 2/3s
1 Angus McAlister.
2 Shaun Duffield. Active Cycles
3 Mark Hill. ODLS.com
4 Mark Ottaway. VC Meudon
5 David Churchill. Bigfoot Bike Club
6 Dermot Kealty. Finchley RT
7 Steve Hambling. Active Cycles
Cat 4s
1 Sam Quinlan. Medway VC
2 Tim Ramsden. VC Deal.
3 David Mayes. Deal Tri
4 Mark Foulds. Deal Tri
5 Darren Tickner. Private member
6 Dan Clark. Deal Tri
7 Ian Ashton. Downlands
8 James Mantle. Deal Tri
9 Darren De-Berger. Private member
E/1
1 Gianluca Cappello
Big night out for Jamie, Colin, Keith and Ken
Once again the glamour and style of the UK cycling scene was to the fore when representatives of the South East of England's leading clubs and riders gathered together to celebrate another year of intense competition and the pursuit of athletic perfection at the Surrey League AGM and gala dinner.
VCM in the news
VCM hit the front page of the Cycling Weekly website this week with the Surrey League win.
Click on title to see story.
VCM - Surrey League Champions 2009
It took us all by surprise but at last night's "Gala Awards Evening" VC Meudon was announced 2009 Surrey League Champions in the closest fought season ever.
Well done to all who raced and contributed to the win!
Ken was there to receive the trophy on behalf of the club, while Jamie picked up his and Dave Creeggan's trophies for first and second in the Dunsfold Park Series.
09/10 Club kit quick preview
Due to the many requests for a look at the new club kit before it arrives - here it is [CLICK on the images for a larger view]. Hopefully this will answer whether it will go with your new frame, or which frame to get or if you will be forced to stump up for a respray.
The kit has been designed by Roger Morgan at designmyjersey.com and is being produced by Gianluca Capello at ProSport Distribution - both club members and both recommended. Details of how to get the kit will be available shortly as well as prices etc - if you want to know more get in touch with Craig at Cycle Kingdom.
Another quick one from Bob
Bob Moore reports from the big event at Blenheim:"Theres life after the age of 54! Blimey, after a season scrabbling around the south of England for 7 BC points my formhas come good for October and November. I rode the Blenheim Palace 100mile Sportive in October, although on the day I was placed 18thit has since transpired that the 17 riders that had faster times had only ridden the 100k event,which has moved me up to fastest rider on the day!"
Nationals glory for Bob and Andy
Bob Moore reports from last weekend's LVRC National Track Championships which he rode with Andy Grant: "Andy was 5th in the matched sprint I was 6th in 60 lap points race and 3rd in 40 lap scratch.Together we won the LVRC Team Sprint Championship Andy Grant was at the Velodrome early on the Saturday, warming up in preparation for his 200 metre flying start seeding round. His time of 13.13 put him sixth fastest and ensured a fair race in his first round. Andy’s first round match sprint pitched him up against Dave Smith (5th in last years worlds) who was looking supremely confident as they walked up the track to their bikes. As I held Andy up for the start I could hear the other 2 riders exhaling and snorting, Andy was looking across them and wondering if their carbon frames and Campag disc wheels shod with Dugasts would make a difference. It turned out that they didn’t as Andy rode a blistering and tactical race, Dave Smith had to dig deep to stop Andy from getting past on the line. ‘’That wasn’t as easy as I thought’’ Dave Smith was heard to say as he left the track. Bouyed up with confidence from his first round, Andy got back through the repecharge to the next round. A four up sprint, he was fourth at the bell and it looked like Andy was going out but 125 metres later he had moved up to third, then second as the track unwound and finally hurtled across the line in front, taking the long way round it was a classy win. The first semi final round saw a matched sprint of epic proportion, 4up including silver medallist from the European Championships Keith Williams and Mark Zashke. Andy rode a smart race but with only the winner going through to the final it was going to be tough. Andy led out and was high on the banking with Williams and Zashke watching each other a few lengths back, in an instant Williams jumped with Zashke on his wheel, they ripped below Andy who chased hard for 350 metres to get third on the line, only just off the wheels of 2 riders who have practised their track craft at world championship level. Andys final ride was in the Bronze medal ride off where Zashke showed his class for a confident ride to the podium. Finishing third, 1 length down put Andy 5th in the LVRC championship. A fantastic result from a year fraught with crashes, broken ribs, sore hips and enforced time off the bike. Andy and I rode the Team Sprint at last years LVRC Track Champs. Although it was the reason we started to ride the track together we weren’t well matched on the day. Fitness is important but track time and experience count for a lot, gearing is critical. Timing is critical as well, a slow start or too fast a start will wreck your ride. At the race last year I struggled for a whole lap to get on Andys wheel, so when he swung up for me to start my lap I was totally wrecked creeping round to finish in a disappointing 39.2 seconds. Cronshaw and Smith won in 35.6 seconds, we were a world apart. A year later we rode again, more track time and more confidence we hoped to get a 37 something. The Team Sprint is an amazing event for getting everything out of yourself. You find yourself in an intense zone of effort, like riding in a muffled tunnel, where you lose your hearing and some of your vision, only aware of the screaming lungs and legs and the image of the finish line in your mind. Andy led away from the whistle, out of the saddle for the first 175metres, I dropped onto his wheel as the first bend unwound and managed to hold his wheel all the way. Much better drilled than last year, I was starting to go through on the black line as Andy headed up the track at the end of his lap. This time I was on top of my 94’’ gear and further wound it up for the next three quarters of a lap, only fading in the last 50 metres. We had no idea what time we did and left the Velodrome at the end of Saturdays session. It was only at the end of Sundays racing that I was told that were missing from the Team Sprint presentation the night before. We had won the event in 36.56 beating the current champions Cronshaw and Smith team in to third place. Open mouthed in disbelief when I was told, I stood on the top step to collect both of our medals, LVRC Team Sprint Champions. It was a real shame that Andy wasn’t there on the day, he would have been 'speechless' (this is Andy Grant I’m talking about!!!!)"
Marshalling 2009 - The Movie
Click on the title above. Parental adisory: the above film contains explicit language.
Or go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5CJXvWXkK8
Club run fashion Autumn/Winter 09/10
Keith and Craig have both suggested that club kit should be worn (if you have it) for any of the clubruns. KB has supplied an image as an example of the coordinated look he has in mind. (Probably going to have to work on the national/world champion's jerseys bit). Obviously if you're new, waiting for kit, just trying it out, ride for the Felt Massive or any other club etc. etc. wear what you like, although I always think black is nice....
2010 Kit update
With the end of the previous sponsor deals there are a couple of new sponsors coming onboard and some existing ones extending. New kit has been designed and should be ordered shortly. With the success of the kids and juniors scheme this year there will be some other bonuses for licence upgrades to 2nd, 1st or Elite category (or just having a 1st or Elite category licence) which can be offset against the new kit.
The normal kit options will be available plus possibly a couple of extras inc. a top end helmet at severely reduced cost. Details available soon. If you are one of the juniours/youths/u23 (or a parent of) who earned money through the young rider scheme and haven't yet claimed your winnings get in touch now.
Autumn winter clubruns
Keith's update on the clubrun options for the coming weeks: If you need any other info you can ring Keith (01324 713986) or Craig (01252 624136) re shop runs. Meudon or Ciclisti Vecchi kit is preferred attire, the new Meudon kit should be available by December, details coming soon.
LVRC cliffhanger for Craig
It's the final double points round of the LVRC MS Tina SE series at Walliswood and Craig needs to beat Paul Caton to retain his Cat B (quite old but not that old) crown. Here's his race report:
"Punctured after two laps going down the Punchbowl descent and fellow Vecchi Matt (Scott) gave me his bike which turned out to have the wrong pedals. Got back on but it was another two laps before we managed to engineer a change back to my own bike. At this point with the help of lots of hard work from Fraser and Tim Costello I managed to get back on again. Then Andy Meilak and Guy Pearson (both As - old but young) clipped off and then in the sprint Caton beat me by a length - my legs were stuffed from all the chasing. Without the puncture it may have been different but the boy Caton done well. The team (Tim, Fraser, Keith J and Matt) were brilliant."
Woodburn & Day provide last road win of the year?
Capitalising on his much improved fitness the new more aero Chris Day teamed up with British cycling legend John Woodburn for the second year running to compete in the Grand Prix Des Gentleman Redman 2 up TT at the weekend. And like last year they came in quickest, recording 37.43 for the technical 15 mile course. For those of you who don't know John he's still recording 25s in the mid 50s at the age of 72!
For Sale 2007 Reynolds DV46 carbon clinchers
For Sale 2007 Reynolds DV46 carbon clinchers
- 16f/20r spokes
- Shimano fit
- stickers removed (for that "stealth" look!)
- Michelin Pro Race 3 tyres included and fitted
- All excellent condition and only lightly used (a few hundred miles)
- No skewers or wheelbags
Asking £750
Picture of wheels in the Pro peleton here
Winter Training in the Desert
Egypt's Sharm el Sheikh isn't just about scuba diving these days. 
BlackJackBike is offering guided mountain bike tours, taking in the Ras Mohamed National Park, the Nabq nature reserve and remote desert Wadis. The desert tracks in the Sinai offer all the pleasures of nature, combined with pure adventure.
Partly off-road, partly on sandy tracks, the experience here is one of a sparse, yet fascinating desert landscape that stands in contrast to the luxuriant vegetation in the oases and to the beaches on the Red Sea.
The emphasis is on tailored holidays for individuals and small groups, so you can ask BlackJack to design pretty much any kind of riding holiday, from
winter training to sightseeing. More information at www.blackjackbike.com
SRM Powermeter for sale
SRM Shimano Dura Ace Professional 2007 Power Meter. 175mm cranks with 53/39 chainrings. It is a wired system with all the sensors and has a Black Powercontrol V head unit. It also comes with the original box, manual, USB connection and charger cables. Serviced Summer 2009. Excellent Condition - only used on my TT bike this season.
Call Pete - 07831 761150
Micky Aycliffe TTT - Great Result - Great Report
- report by Steve Richards - photos by Deano
With a verbal agreement one Sunday training ride in June that four of us on that ride would be up for riding the Micky Aycliffe Surrey League 4-up Team Time Trial Champs, we eventually arrived at the start line many e-mails later with one training session together in our legs and a team consisting of myself, Dave Creeggan, Jamie Newall and Dan McCarthy. Sadly we could not quite pull together a second team, however it was good to know there would be willing replacements and for those there on that Wednesday evening beforehand, the experience of 9 riders riding through and off in full Tour de France TTT style was an experience in itself.
As the date approached the list of entries shown on the Surrey League website grew and grew as did the quality of the teams. On paper Sigma Sport RT undoubtedly looked the strongest with two of their riders having finished in the top 10 behind Bradley Wiggins in the British Time Trial Champs. Otherwise all the VC St Raphael riders had known abilities against the clock as did individuals within the (3) London Dynamo teams, whilst other clubs with good road riders such as Norwood Paragon also looked like they could cause problems. We however knew that we were a tight team with not too much difference in ability, just a mixture of different racing miles over the course of the year.
Conditions on the day were just about perfect with a nice temperature, not too troublesome wind and dry roads. The Alfold HQ was abuzz with exotic TT machinery and riders warming up on turbo trainers. We all got ourselves prepared with only Jamie perhaps leaving it a little late on the day as he set up his turbo with Dave and I to get a quick 10 minute warm-up in his legs. Two o’clock quickly arrived and Jo time checked us to ensure we all made the start line on time with no embarrassing late starts. All lined up as the seconds counted down Jamie was his usual upbeat self shouting encouragement whilst I dreaded knowing that within 30 seconds my HR would be through 170 and would stay there for the next hour and a quarter.
We were off, and after two hundred metres we had our first 90 degree bend and already Jamie was showing how seconds could easily be gained on such sections, and after this we just needed to settle into our formation and rhythm. This was easier said than done however as the section after Alfold was just so bumpy as well as twisty, that when you’re riding at close to 30mph on aero bars and inches away from the wheel in front it is quite hairy to say the least …. especially when you’ve broken your collar bone already this year. Eventually though we turned onto the Dunsfold road and were able to relax into our positions a little better and already had the carrot in our sight of the ladies team that had started in front of us. We passed them smoothly on the drag up to Plaistow and then had the fun of a tailwind section through the sweeping lanes, at times hitting 35mph before we got to the downhill on the Kirdford circuit where we hit 41+mph. The rest after this was just about smoothness, some communication and ultimately hurt as your turn on the front rolled around all too soon.
Heading through to the end of the first lap we had caught the remnants of other teams and clocked by my reckoning just inside 38 minutes which I knew would be a reasonable time given that in 2006 when we won, we did 1:17:48, and that in subsequent years the event had been won in 1:17s or 18s. Every year though, the field seems stronger and you never know until the times go up on the board. We also had our second lap to finish which is quite often where things can fall apart either through fatigue or luck. Fortunately though, neither really beset us apart from myself with a mile to go paying the price for not recovering properly after Jamie’s acceleration through the corner onto the Loxwood Road. I skipped one turn to see if I could pull back from the red that I had gone into, but that’s team time trialling …. you just don’t have the time or luxury to sit at the back. Approaching the Loxwood hill and realising that if the guys eased for me, or if I threw the formation, we would lose precious seconds, I shouted for them to ‘Go, Go, Go’ as I knew it was the time of the third rider that counted. Rather than roll in though, I kept them in sight and turned off my computer at the finish on 1:16:55 and so they must have clocked somewhere around 1:16:40. Already I knew we had a good time, it was just a case of seeing what others could achieve.
Back at the HQ Dan professionally warmed down whilst Dave was already talking about beer and Jamie was getting the low down from others experiences. He immediately found out that Sigma had lost a rider on their first lap with a mechanical and there was even a rumour that Wouter was riding a slow puncture. We also knew that VC St Raphael had lost a rider as we saw him riding back to the HQ whilst we were racing. So, in the back of our minds we even started to think we could be in with a chance of the win and for a long-time our time was the fastest on the board. Eventually though, Sigma’s time was written up and they had clocked a staggering 1:12:40 and so we knew we had been beaten by a great team. The pride of staying on the podium was therefore our next objective but it was a nervous wait seeing that London Dynamo had clocked a 35 minute first lap and that both VC St Raphael and Norwood Paragon had gone sub 38 minute on their first laps. Eventually though their final times were posted where both London Dynamo and Norwood must have fallen apart on their second laps to lose a lot of time, and VC St Raphael came in some 12 seconds behind us. Jamie’s crit riding of the corners was probably therefore what helped make the difference for us, even if I did pay the price right at the end!
All in all it was a really satisfying day as in a sport at a level where we all pay our own costs and have our own ambitions, it was great to truly do something as a team. Moreover, the team stretched beyond us four riders with the club paying our entry, Jo supporting as back up driver with wheels if we punctured, and even an official Meudon photographer in the form of Deano ‘Bailey’ Frost. Thanks All.
Additionally it was great to secure second place and therefore get the eight points that Dave needed to get his Elite licence, well done DC! I’m sure we will all definitely do it again next year and hopefully give Sigma more of a run for their money.
2012 Velodrome Progress
Interested in what's happening with the velodrome for the Olympics in 2012?
Follow this link for timelapse movie showing the progress so far - the sides are starting to emerge - the building will be impressive when finished.
A road circuit and MTB course will be added to the velodrome and BMX circuit after the games.
Cycle Kingdom Series - Final Race Results
Races held Wednesday 12th August 2009
1 - Lee Smith - Felt Racing - E
2 - Paul Pickup - Cycle Kingdom RT - 1
3 - Dave Creeggan - VC Meudon - 1
4 - Justin Hoy - Felt Racing - E
5 - John Wager - Felt Racing - E
6 - Lewis Atkins - Agiskoviner - E
7 - Pete Wager - VC Meudon - 1
8 - Boyd Roberts - Planet X - 1
9 - Scott Forbes - Pedalon - 2
10 - Tim Elverson - Felt Racing - E
11 - Daniel Duguid - Sigma Sport - 1
12 - Anders Christensen - Cyle Kingdom RT - 1
13 - Gavin Ryan - London Dynamo - 2
14 - Will Hayter - London Dynamo - 2
15 - Nick Onslow - Pedalon - 2
3/4 - Result
1 - Tim Cooper - Charlottevile CC - 3
2 - Sam Sturgeon - Team Terminator - 3
3 - James Bracey - VC Meudon - 3
4 - Dan McCarthy - VC Meudon - 3
5 - Andy Fowkes - Thames Velo - 3
6 - Robert Evans - PM - 4J
7 - Paul Bulter - SydenhamWh - 4
8 - Rob Thatcher - Sydenham Wh - 4
9 - Vaughan Luff - Team Dever - 3
10 - Chris Day - VC Meudon - 3
Dave, Jo and Jamie ride the Torq 12:12
Dave Creeggan, Jo Munden and Jamie Newall rode the Gorrick 12:12 TORQ in your SLEEP enduro last weekend. This is a 12 noon to 12 midnight endurance MTB race held at Minley Manor. Dave and Jo rode together in the mixed pairs as the "Tunnel Hill Trolls" , while Jamie rode with his friend Matt as "Team Acuto" in the male pairs.
Dave and Jo won came 1st in their event completing 17 laps for a distance of around 136 miles. ( a distance that would have placed them 7th in the mens pairs result!!)
Jamie and Matt came 2nd in the male pairs completing around 152 miles against 43 other teams.
Dave and Jo's report follows = Pics by Deano
Full results and lap times on this Timelaps results page
More pictures here of Dave and Jo by Joolze Dymond
and Jamie and Matt by Joolze Dymond
"Jo and I decided to ride the mixed pairs at the Gorrick 12:12 in Minley woods on Sunday. However I had to ride as an honary Tunnel Hill Troll as Jo had pre entered the female pairs and her partner had let her down. The tactics were that I would do the first lap and then we would alternate laps and see how things panned out. Luckily this plan seemed to work out. The course was dry, fast, bumpy and very sandy in places. We were fairly consistent and built a steady lead. The only mishaps were when I crashed on the first corner of the first lap, a couple of other minor spills, nearly missing Jo on one change over and I got lost in the dark. Apart from that it worked out well and we won by 10 minutes. The only down side was we missed the prize presentation as they did it earlier than advertised and we were enjoying a beer with Jamie. When I got home I realized how lucky we were as when I examined my old Stumpjumper the chain was missing 5 rollers and several others were split. I wondered what those strange noises were! I now feel like I’ve been hit by a bus after the battering I took around the course. Well done to Jo for putting in fast and consistent laps which made up for my lack of MTB skills."
Goodwood Photos from Deano
Plenty of sunny pics from Goodwood taken by Deano
http://www.flickr.com/photos/deanfrost/sets/72157622131803444/
KB 12th in over 60's National Champs
Keith's report ...
With 90 kms around the hilly Portsdown circuit on a hot day it was hard from the start. With over 4 miles of climbing each lap including a 200mtr 39x23 section in the last 2k and the drag up Portsdown it was a case of who could hang on the longest. Over 40 starters, it was down to just 25 after a couple of laps, then with 2 laps to go a group of 4 attacked on the steep section and although were held by the chasing bunch, now down to 14, they stayed away. Last lap bell and the break were 30 secs up, the bunch down to 10 and then 8 by the top of Portsdown. After 80k of “hiding in the wheels” I took a crafty attack of the front only to be caught on the steep section and to trail in last of the bunch in 12th place. Under 10stone by the time I got home!!
Goodwood Reports
From a bunch of races at Goodwood yesterday we have several views of the action in the different events
4ths - Nick Upshall
Had an interesting race....80 strong 4th CAT race..is their any chance of a separate 4th CAT novice race in that circumstance? Lots of first timers meant an interesting a twitchy bunch, I was doing my usual sheltering from the wind and twice took to the grass, cyclocross style. Tried a break (as planned) at lap 5, gunned it, took the lead for half a lap then blew totally to just about hang onto the back of the bunch for two laps recovery. Then tried my second big effort with 4 to go up the slight rise at the back of the circuit...I lasted about 500 metres with zero support....blew again. Sat in then to recover for the sprint. With half a lap to go I was moving up aiming for a big dig, when major 4th CAt wobbles all around me (me included) took me and a few others to the grass with 400 to go....got back on the circuit at the back to see a pile up in front of me. So, packed at that point to help the injured rider on the deck. He was well beaten up, fortunately the chap who took to the grass with me was a police medic and took full control of the situation (on-track first aiders were about as qualified as me). He lived anyway. So, all in all another tall story of woe ending in another DNF! Bring on 2010.
3rds - Colin Addison
Confusion and lack of ambition defined the 3rds Race at Goodwood on Sunday. Nobody seemed to know what time the race would start and the lap board remained on "3 to go" for 3 consecutive laps towards the end, but far worse was the current 3rd Cat trend of urgently chasing down any semblance of a break. Frustrated was how VCM's participants of Addison, John Aldridge, Andy Grant, Deano and Jim Orr all felt whilst strong riders of other clubs consistently sat on the front dragging the bunch back to togetherness without ever chancing a spell off the front themselves. Credit to triers like Graham Wood who was also relentless in trying to get away. The end result was a fast 2 hours followed by the inevitable hairy sprint ( Oh yeah we had grass riders too, including one who tried to rejoin across the chicane rumble strip). Bring on some hills and crosswinds!
from John Alderman
About 3/4's of the way down the back straight a swarm of riders, most of whom I'd not seen the whole race, appeared & it just got too silly for me to want to get involved.
It is always difficult to get away at Goodwood & even more so when windy but my feeling is it was a typically frustrating 3rd Cat race where no one wanted to give it a go & as usual it turned in to a final lap thrash for the line by those who'd sat in for 2 hours on a Sunday bunch ride. At least we Meudon boys tried to ignite it a few times along the way.
E/1/2 - Ben Macland
Murder for me. Small field full of Es and 1s, attack, attack, attack, close a gap, then someone attacks over the top and I'm group three, 6 of us 14 laps to go, through and off till the end. My legs hurt today, really hurt, not normal. Ken Prince was out the back early, Craig Wilson(12ish) managed to get in the second group with Pete Wager (going strong, 8thish) and Keith Jarrett was with me. Dave Creeggan was in the break and just blew and stopped. A painful day out.
Ken enjoys the downhill section at Goodwood!
Keith not quite so pleased with affairs
Medal for Martin in National Champs
Martin Hulbert won the Bronze medal on Sunday in the LVRC National Vets Road Race Championships
Race Report:
Nearly 60 "C" category vets (over 50) lined up for the 10am start
I just did a soft attack on first lap of 6 to see if they were awake! 4 others joined me and that was the race winning move.
(Reminded me of Dunsfold the other week, flat out for 50 odd miles in the wind and echelon's, so this practice came in useful )
The race was interrupted by three tractors towing great big trailers of hay, the break probably coping better with this, the lead car eventually stopped the break on commissaires orders to allow the bunch to catch back up. There was complaints from the break when we were told they would give us 30 seconds gap on the race re-start, when of course we thought the gap was much more.
Anyway we stayed away, last time up the finish hill all 5 of us were together, 2 dropping back on the climb and I was assured of a medal, could not match the other 2 in sprint though. No shame in loosing to Simon Day & Phil Thomas, both ex professional riders of the ANC Halfords team.
Bob Moore also did an excellent ride to get second in the bunch finish for 7th overall position.
Another Summer - Another Dunsfold Series for Jamie
In a fast and full-on handicap, 90 riders contested the final event of this year's Dunsfold Park Series. No-one had any answer to Lee Smith's power surge to the line, while Jamie and Dave rode well up to maintain their 1 and 2 overall.
Nick Allen held on through the melee of the final curves to take second in the sprint for the second week running.
Thanks to Glyn, Kristen and others for organising and judging. Let's hope we will return again next year or the midweeks will feel pretty barren.
Top 3 pictured below celebrating with a ReGo at the White Horse, Hascombe.
Report from our Old Pro in Spain
From Martin Rutherford in Spain - That's him on the left - looking mean!
Phew. The heatwave in this part of Spain has been here since the middle of May, 34 degrees. We are now end July and in the 40’s with temperatures of 50 being talked about for August!! The Murcian Regional Government has been giving out warnings. It’s a good job I love the weather, walking around in t shirts and shorts all day and training with the minimum of race clothing. The only slight drawback is the water in the bottles, after 10k you can make tea with it!
I did send loads of photos of tour of Murcia but for unknown reason, nobody is allowed to see them?
I have missed out one report as we had a number of friends and relatives over to stay and not had a chance to write it, so I will do a condensed version up to date.
I am back to good fitness now and able to put in some good rides, but two and a half months ago it was a different story.
May 17th. Roldan, Nr La Manga. 26 degrees. Flat, 70k, 183 riders, unable to hang on in last 15k as speed was up to 55kph (pictures of sprint finish attached).
May 24th. Torre Pacheco, 32 degrees, flat(ish). 75k, 175 riders. Able to hang on until the last small climb of the day so finished with a small group, 2 minutes back (so getting better).
May 30th …Pozo Estrecho, 70k, 195 riders, 1 big lap so it will be a bit of a Tour of South East Murcia. After last weeks race I felt a little fitter but still I reckon only about 75% fit. In all these races you have to be 100% fit and to get anywhere you have to have some form. So before the start I am on a hiding for nothing but I have to go through this to get any sort of race fitness. We are on the start line waiting for about 10 minutes. Then we’re told the ambulance had to take one of the riders to hospital before the start. The arrival of the ambulance signals the start. All OK for the first 20k because it’s flat, still fast but I can cope with it. No one able to get away because all the big teams are trying to consolidate their positions. This late in the Series I’m hanging in there but after about 40k we ride into a small town near La Union. Unfortunately for me there is a 2k climb, nothing steep but I’m a bit concerned as the speed is 40k at the bottom of the small climb. I ran out of gas about 100m before the top, this was good enough for me to be on my own until 2 other riders catch me on the long descent to the coast. We were going well and picked up 5 other riders on our way back to the finish. At the finish line we’re 8 minutes down (at least I finished with other riders so could be getting better).
Spanish Cup race next. Los Alcazares. June 7th. The course has changed from the last 2 years. It normally incorporates a very long hard climb of 5k at 10%, but this year because of roadworks, it had to be changed (what a disappointment…not). Lots of big teams from all over Spain in this one and with the temperature in the 30’s and a strong wind building up, this flatter course will be hard and fast. Just before the off we’re told the 75k is on 2 circuits. The first one is a 10k loop, taking in the town and coast road. The first lap is just fast with a few riders trying to move away. We go through the finish to start the second lap, on the fast section with a tail wind, 5 riders have 300mts. At this point I go off the front and put my head down to catch them. I know there are some riders behind me but I wanted to test myself. After going up with the leading 5 I ease up and look round. We only have 50mts on the bunch at this point. There is another attack which takes 4 riders away. The rest of us are joined by the peleton. The other 4 stay away until passing the finish for the 2nd time. Another 20 riders come out of the peleton and join up with the leading 4. With 2 laps done on the small circuit we turn onto a 50k lap, taking in some small climbs. Not too difficult but the side wind puts us in the right hand gutter in one long line all trying to hold position. The 24 rider front group stayed away for the sprint. Our main peleton came in 3 mins down with all the prizes gone.
June 21st. 5.30pm, 34 degrees. We are in Mazarron, my home town, for the Regional Championships (similar to divisional championships in UK). I was bronze medal over 50s last year when we had our own separate race, but this year the race is going to be raced as one for all category riders and sorted out at the end. Sounds a nightmare, but with video and photo equipment, they find it easy.The 85k started fast and on a small rise 7 riders move away. My team mate is in this group along with 2 ex master world champions and some good elite riders. Everybody knows this group is going a long way in this race so the chase is on. It’s not a hilly circuit of 6 laps but there are a few long rises (its very strange racing on roads I normally just train on, with the added bonus of the police stopping all traffic to make it a unique situation). Most of the race we are in one long line at 50kph but on one rise on the last lap a rider jumps away. I see Graham Baxter go with him. My other team mate gets on Baxters wheel. I’m in the right position to join up. Also we start to make some progress but with the peleton still on 50kph tempo we are taken back after 4k. Coming into the last 5k, the lead group have 20 seconds on us and looks like we are going to catch them. It’s an uphill finish, not steep but hard after 80k They just hold on in the sprint with the bunch at 2 seconds !! We have to wait for the results to be sorted out. My team mate in the break was 4th in the race and 4th in his category, my other team mate was nowhere in the under 30’s and I was 4th in over 50’s so in our home town it’s the results that count and we came away with nothing!
19 July. Algorfa, near Ora. 10.30am, 38 degrees, 60k, 75 riders. The circuit is on a small 3k lap with a little tricky section through a roundabout. It’s not dangerous but will have to take care as there is only room through for one rider at a time. After one lap “parade” around, we are away to a fast start. A few attacks by various riders. These riders pull away, 2 from my team, 1 from an Alicante club. With 4 laps left, the 3 have 25 seconds from the main peleton, because of all the attacks and speed of the race, there’s only 35 riders left to finish the race. A good day for our team. 1st and 3rd in the break, 15th and me 19th in the final sprint (we are all in the prizes). No races in this area until mid August so back to the beach to cool off in this very hot summer.
PS Photos attached, not only of the races but a couple from our Team Presentation, which was held in the Town Hall with the Mayor, to publicise the formation of our new club in Mazarron.
June ROTM is......
KB writes:
"It’s been a close battle for June’s rider of the month mostly fought out on the Eelmoor circuit in the 3/4 category where a few Meudoners have been fighting for points to get their upgrades. At the end of the month though, Dan McCarthey made sure that he got his points by riding another really aggressive race, making all the moves and burying himself to get a convincing win and to show that he absolutely deserved his up grade to 3rd cat…..now, encouraged by his victory, he is well on his way to 2nd (and a hard time with the E/1/2s next year!). Well done Dan."
Cycle Kingdom Series - Race 12 Results
Races held Wednesday 5th August 2009
CYCLE KINGDOM SERIES - Overall Classifications - UPDATED
Don't forget the Prize Presentation and BBQ after this week's final races
1 - Paul Pickup - Cycle Kingdom Race Team - 1
2 - Tim Elverson - Felt Racing - E
3 - Simon Ernest - AWCycles - 2
4 - Justin Hoy - Felt Racing - E
5 - Lewis Atkins - Agisko Viner - E
6 - Lee Smith - Felt Racing - 1
7 - Martin Smith - AWCycles - E
8 - Darrell Pembroke - www.agiskovinor.com - 1
9 - Boyd Roberts - Planet X - 1
10 - Nick Abraham - PM - 2
11 - John Wager - Felt Racing - E
12 - Tom Smith - AWCycles.co.uk - E
13 - Pete Wager - VC Meudon - 1
14 - Robert King - Reading CC - 2
15 - Gavin Spiers - Reading CC - 2
Youths Races
1 - Charlie Fawke - Fit For - A
2 - Lawrence Carpenter - Hillingdon Slipstreamers - A
1 - Louis Fawke - Hillingdon Slipstreamers - B
2 - Jason Brown - VC Meudon - B
3/4 - Result
1 - Glenn Duffy - PM - 3
2 - Andy Hibberd - Pedalon.co.uk - 3
3 - Darren Franklin - VC Meudon - 3
4 - Max Harris - VC Meudon - 3V
5 - Kevin Sparks - London Dynamo - 3
6 - Pete Connelly - Team Quest - 3
7 - Cameron Fraser - LA Fuga - 3
8 - Joshua Butterick - Charlotteville CC - 3
9 - Chris Day - VC Meudon - 4
10 - Jonathan Heal - FCCC - 4
VC Meudon/Felt Club dinner
Guys, I know summer hasn’t arrived yet but I’ve provisionally booked the Pride of the Valley for Friday November 20th…..usual format of no speeches, Cycle Kingdom raffle, foxy dress code, and stumbling home.
There is a max of 60 so don’t delay in emailing me how many places you need…..there is accommodation available for those who’d like to stay, see www.prideofthevalleyhotel.com/
KB
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