It was a perfect evening for the club’s return to the Wyke course, summer temperatures and low winds combining to make the on-course conditions about as good as the 39 starters could hope for.  There were lots of riders who finished with course best times, many knocking big chunks off of their previous bests.  Charles Rees went one better than that even, putting in a great ride and breaking Paul Hopkins’ course record, lowering it down to 22.27.  2010 champion Julian Chown was second, just seven seconds ahead of last week’s winner Nigel Brown.  Guest riders Rob Edgell (Somer Valley CC) and junior rider Ashley Martin (Chippenham Wheelers) tied for fourth with 24.05.  Ashley’s time set a new juniors’ course record, beating Ivan Pope’s 24.30 from 2006.
 
Of the other riders, James Chant and Chris Mullett lowered their course best times by more than 30 seconds, while Mark Geddes, Mike Smith and Troy Woolacott lowered their previous bests as well.  All of them were topped on that front by Andy Shaddick, beating his previous best time of 30.44 with a 28.07, a massive improvement of more than two and half minutes.

Jane Pritchard was the fastest lady rider with a p.b. of 27.25, just missing out on Liz Hutson’s course record of 27.22.  Jenny Lucas was another with a p.b. with 29.25 ahead of third-placed Julie HIllier.

Josh Day was the quickest GDW junior rider behind Ashley Martin, Josh recording a p.b. time of 25.44 while newcomer Ollie Feltham continues his impressive start to time trialling with 28.09, despite having to stop at two junctions.  Chippenham Wheeler Adele Martin got round in under 30 minutes for the first time on the Wyke course, ahead of Barney Cox and Erin Martin.

After the first three rounds, the ’50+ Vets On Standard’ competition is headed by last season’s winner Grahame Reed on 147 points, from Jane Pritchard (142), Mike Donovan (133) and Pete Humphreys (131).

Results and points tables are here but they would have looked a bit different had some riders been disqualified for various misdemeanours before, during and after their rides.  There will be a riders’ briefing next week before the start to discuss this.  Please sign in by 1830 so we have time to do this and give everyone time to warm up before the start.