Simon Rouse took on the challenge of the Welsh CA 12 Hour time trial last weekend.  This was Simon’s first attempt at a 12, and he did well on what was a really windy day, finishing in 29th place with a final distance of 222.06 miles.  Although Simon was understandably exhausted by the end, he enjoyed the event and the camaraderie between the other competitors and their helpers out on the course and at the feed stations. The photos of Simon were taken at around nine hours in on the Abergavenny-Monmouth dual carriageway.

 

  

  

At last week’s GDW hillclimb, Kim Little won again with a time of 4 minutes 38, just one second ahead of visiting guest rider Yvon Momboisse (UC Aurillac).  James Chant was third (5.06), Josh Day was fastest junior and fifth overall (5.34) and visiting Frome rider Jonathan Yorke knocked over thirty seconds from his previous best time with 6.02.  Results are here
Paul Hopkins was in top form again at the Bruton 19 mile time trial, breaking the 45 minute barrier for the first time with 44.46.  Julain Chown also improved on his best time – the fourth week in a row he has managed a course best time – with 46.44 while KIm Little was third (48.04) ahead of Paul’s Merida UK teammate Greg Shrosbree (48.55).  It was clearly a good night as Grahame Reed, Richard Hansford and Mike Donovan all recorded their best times on the Bruton course this season, while Chris Mullett, Emma Bradley (fastest lady rider), Jane Pritchard and Josh Day all did p.b. times.  Josh’s time was especially impressive as he was riding in non-aero set up.  The full results are here while Mike Smith’s video footage is here
Several Wheelers have been competing in recent Open events.  At Yeovil CC’s 25 mile tt, on a very windy day, Vince Hounsome got as close to getting under the hour as is possible without actually doing so with a time of exactly one hour for 14th place.  Chris Mullett finished in 1.08.22 and Don Tanner in 1.08.40.  Charles Rees, in his first tt in Raleigh colours, was having an off day and pulled out.
Sarah Roberts rode the Corinium CC 25 mile tt, finishing with 1.12.50.  Sarah also competed at the latest Hardrider round, the Dursley RC 25 on some rough and hilly roads in South Gloucestershire.  She finished with a time of 1 hour 22 with James Chant getting round in 1.07.
Last weekend saw the fourth round of the National Mountain Bike Championship at Dalby Forest.  This tough course was recently used for the World Championships and proved to be very challenging.  Paul Hopkins, riding for Merida UK, won the Vets category in dominant style again, finishing almost two minutes clear of the second placed rider.  Andy Parsons (Offcamber) was also in the Vets race and came home in 11th.  Emma Bradley (Torq Development) has had a good run this year in the Masters category but pulled out this time after a second lap crash.  Emma stayed over for the following day’s Enduro race and finished well in second place.
On the sportive scene, Julian Chown and Andy Sawyer rode the Test Valley event, taking in roads in and around the New Forest.  They completed the 98 miles in 5 hours and 25 minutes.
 

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