There have been a few very keen Wheelers in competitive action already this season.  At the recent Gorrick Mountain Bike race, held at Crowthorne Woods, Paul Hopkins continued his winning ways in the off-road scene.  Riding for Merida UK again this season, Paul was pushed hard throughout the four lap Vets race by Mark Chadbourne (RideBike.co.uk).  They circulated together until the fourth and final lap with Paul getting to the finish just 20 seconds ahead.  Kim Little put in a strong ride in the Masters Male race, heading the field at the end of lap one and eventually finishing third after three laps.  Julian Chown finished 10th from the large field of 46 starters.  Take a look at the Gorrick Calendar page for more details of their events – http://www.gorrick.com/calendar_page.php

Simon Rouse headed off to the Southdown Bikes Open for some early  tt action.  This was a double-header event held over very hilly roads in Sussex.  Both days were hit by heavy rain and strong winds making the fast descents very tricky.  Simon finished the opening 18kms tt in 32 minutes 18 seconds for 17th and then covered Sunday’s 34kms course in 59.46 (21st).  Organisers and competitors were all amazed by the pace of overall winnner Wouter Sybrandy (Sigma Sport/Specialized), who, despite the weather, set new course records on both days (24.31 and 47.16).

At the annual Army CU-organised winter criteriums, this season held at Ludgershall, James Chant has picked up some 4th Cat points with seventh place in a sprint finish a couple of weeks ago.  Emma Bradley has been a regular at these races and has been picking up points in the women’s races and has moved up to 3rd Cat.

This coming weekend sees the Frome and District Wheelers Open time trial, the traditional local curtain-raiser for Open tts.  Of the 47 entries, there is an excellent turn-out of 11 GDW riders, including returnee Stuart Kerton (after a couple of seasons with Chippenham Wheelers) and new member Pete Humphreys, while Charles Rees begins his second season riding for Raleigh RT.  The full entry list can be seen here