John Phillips and Sarah Roberts had a good day out in Wales last weekend on the R10/17 10 mile course in Pontypool RCC’s Open.  The ‘unseasonal’ sunny and dry weather helped John to a new PB of 26:18 with Sarah coming home only 5 seconds adrift from a PB in 28:03.  The winning time was a humbling 20:07. On a good day, this dual carriagway is the course for PB hunters.

On Sunday morning,  Poole Wheelers held a club 10 on the P415 course near Tower Park.  The Charles Rees Express was in ‘full steam ahead’ mode again as he recorded yet another PB.  Charles finished in 21.31 for ninth overall out of the 44 starters.  James Chant continued his quest for fitness after recent illness with a 24.35 while Chris Mullett was really pleased to also record a PB with 26.16.

The Army Cycling Union continued their summer series of Elite/1st/2nd cat and 3rd/4th cat races at Upavon airfield on Monday.  Charles and James joined 45 other riders in the 3rd/4th cat event but neither finished.  Charles suffered a puncture near the end just when things were looking good for decent placing while James pulled out the next lap after his handlebars turned over forwards and dropped a few inches after hitting a bump in the road.  Both are hoping of better luck next week.

Charles has had his entry to the British Time Trial Championship accepted.  If anyone has a set of aero wheels on tubs that they would be prepared to lend him for this prestigious event he would be extremely grateful as this would certainly be a big help in his assault on the Espoir category title.

As for our GDW events, the remaining four rounds look likely to be held on the Todber 10 course as the roadworks in Bourton are scheduled to continue until mid-September, according to the Dorset Highways website.  If having all our remaining tts on the same course seems a bit boring then we could arrange to hold one or more tts on a course elsewhere, such as the Somer Valley CC’s 10 or 19, the P303 10 at Ringwood or the P415 at Poole.  The downside of doing this would be the travelling involved for everyone.  Have a think, let me know and if enough people want to race on one of these alternatives then I will try to get things arranged with the Police.