The fine weather on Wednesday brought out a bumper field of 30 riders for Wednesday’s tt and they were rewarded with some excellent times for their efforts. A remarkable 28 out of the 30 riders recorded either PBs or season best times for the course, with the other two only just missing out.
Paul Hopkins was the convincing winner, nearly a minute clear of second place with a time of 23.03. This was Paul’s eighth win of the season and moved him to the top of the championship table, displacing Simon Barfoot who was second on the night. Andy Hopkins was close behind Simon in third, Vince Hounsome came fourth ahead of the ever-improving Charles Rees.
Liz Hutson headed home the six women riders, well clear of Emma Bradley in second. Championship leader Jane Pritchard was third, just pipping Sarah Roberts and the returning Carole Millar.
The fastest junior rider was Tom Brown with an excellent time of 28.12 with second place goping to Josh Day.
The points tables and times can be seen here.
Mike Smith’s video from the Bourton Memorial turn can be seen here
There have been some good road racing results for some club members in some recent events. Nigel Eades scored another top ten finish with 7th at Thruxton while Jerry Cooper came home eighth in one of TLI’s evening races held at Moreton. Paul Hopkins carried over his excellent time trial and mountain bike form to last week’s Moreton race to get in a late four-rider break and then head them home and take the win.
Chris Mullett, Simon Rouse and William Wilson all found the going tough at Weymouth CC’s recent 25 mile tt. On a ‘slow’ course that has an outright record of 57 minutes, William did very well to finish in 1.03.22 (6th place), with Simon on 1.05.08 (9th) and Chris at 1.15.22 (15th).
Over in Wales, Alan Smith and John Phillips both recorded PBs for a 25 mile tt. This event was held in Usk and run by the Cwmcarn Paragon. Alan finished in 1.03.36 and John in 1.09.02. Sarah Roberts was also happy with her best 25 time for a few seasons, which was 1.11.10. James Chant found that tonsilitis and time trialling just doesn’t mix and had to sit up at around 15 miles, find an easy gear and cruise back for a frustrating 1.04.32.
This coming weekend sees a few Wheelers in 50 mile tt action. Vince Hounsome and Simon Barfoot have an early start on Sunday for the Wessex RC 50 while Sarah Roberts, Don Tanner, Simon Rouse, James Chant, Steve Way and Stuart Kerton are off to Cirencester and the much more sociable time of Saturday evening for the Corinium CC event.
Meanwhile, John and Maria Phillips will be racking up some serious miles as they start their three weeks of cycling in France, a trip taking in Mont Ventoux and a couple of days spectating at the Tour de France.
