Nasty crash

Paul O'Donovan, also known as POD, had a nasty crash at Goodwood on Sunday and has broken his collar bone and shoulder blade. At the time of writing, Monday, he was still in hospital, but hoped to be out tonight. Being a true trooper he hopes to be back at work in a couple of days. I'm sure we all wish him a speedy recovery.

New members

Welcome to our newest members John Rowlands of Felpham and David Samuels also of Felpham, Jasper Richmond of Bognor and Shane O'Neil of Thorney Island.

Road racing results

Toby Neave continued his run of top three places with third at Dunsfold Park on 5th August. In the final event he was 7th. I think both Toby and Shaun have finished in the top 10 in the series, but we await confirmation.

Time trialling results

Toby Neave was a clear two minutes quicker than the next competitor in the Bognor Hilly 10. Mike Cooper was 4th and Liam Terry making a come back after knee trouble just a few seconds behind in 5th. Jason Davis was 6th and Mark Warrington 8th. Dave Pothecary, Mary Campbell, Alistair Mallett and Elizabeth Strarup all rode to almost outnumber Bognor CC.
At the following week's event Shaun Smart set a new fastest time of the year of 21:37 to win, with Pete McGuiness 5th in 23:21 and Liam Terry and Richard Bevan tied for 7th with 23:42. Alistair Mallet set a personal best of 25:46.
Toby Neave won the final Bognor evening event with 21:16.

Portsmouth League

Our time trialling co-ordinator Mike Marchant has been quietly working away at our membership of the Portsdown Time Trial League. Mike writes "Those of you who were around at the time might remember that last year I was asked (by the membership!) to get the club into the Portsdown TT League. The 2 main requirements of that are that we must serve 1 years notice and then promote an event. We will have served our years notice in time for the 2009 league. I have also designed a 36Km sporting course around the Goodwood area in preparation for an event which I suspect will be in October 2009.

I have contacted the new organiser of the League and before they can confirm our membership for 2009 they want to know how much interest there is from the club.

The league consists of about 6 events all held on sporting courses around the Portsmouth area. There are various categories, you get points for positions and it is a bit of fun with all the events held on a 'club event' basis, i.e. not open events, so only local riders will ride.

So, can those of you who are interested in taking part next year please let me know as soon as you can."

How do I start cyclo-cross?

I have added a How do I start cyclo-cross entry to our How Do I? section on the website. Basic information about where to race, how much it will cost etc.
I plan to add more about cyclo-cross as the season approaches.

Racing in Belgium

In mid August I made my annual pilgrimage to race in Belgium. For the third year in succession I was racing in the Internationale Kampioenschappen van Woesten which is held near Ieper (Ypres) in West Flanders. The event consists of a time trial, segregated by age and a handicap kermis. The over 50s ride their time trial on the Thursday, those of us in the prime of our lives on the Friday and the under 35s on the Saturday. The time trial uses a 7km circuit with 14 bends per lap.
It was quite a bit windier this year, but I managed a very similar time to last year to average 25mph for 28KM. I felt I had ridden a near perfect race in terms of pacing and cornering. The winner, however, had put 2 minutes in to me. I finish 9th out of 30.
The day of the kermis was very windy so a hard race was in prospect. The first 13km of the kermis are on those concrete slab roads that make your tyres feel flat all the time. With the wind behind us we are flying along and we are gobbling up the groups ahead of us. Once we join the TT circuit the wind is either on our sides or a block head wind, but rarely on our backs. As soon as we catch groups they go straight out the back, but despite our pace we are caught by the scratch group.
Eventually there are about 20 left at the front and after another round of attacking and cross winds I find myself in the second of two groups of seven. Why seven? The roads are extremely narrow so four can echelon across the road with three in the gutter. Everyone else gets blown out. We chase hard and hold them at 10 seconds for 14 KM. We are so close that the dust from the lead car and their group thrown up from the mud on the road still hangs in the air as we follow. Eventually the gap just teases out before we give up. In the sprint I finish second in our group to take 9th (again).
The winner is once again Kenny De Marteleire. Former Motobecane professional, second to Greg Lemond in the junior World Champs and last year's ICF world champion.
I receive three trophies and 55 euro which my team manager (son, Jeremy) and I blow on a final slap up meal in Ieper.
With a visit to the beach at De Panne where we saw heats for Miss Coast Belgium, chocolate shops, cafes and larking about at the farm we stayed on we had a great time.

New members

Welcome to our newest members Mark Kirby from Rowlands Castle, Darryl Rice from Runcton and our youngest member Rebecca Holland, born on 23rd July. Rebecca is of course elligible for free youth clothing. She is shown below being sized for her top. Congratulations to her mum and dad.

No more racing at Portsmouth track

Last Wednesday was the last night of racing at Portsmouth track until further notice. The track is being relaid.

Chichester March

As well as becoming a dad, Mark Holland found time to ride the Chichester March. I am indebted to him for providing the following report ... "It was a superb event in scorching conditions. I consumed two bottles of SIS electrolyte and a 1.5 litre Camelback of plain water and could have easily guzzled more. The opening stretch out beyond Centurion Way to West Dean was like Paris-Roubaix as the peloton kicked up great coulds of dust as it steamed along. The roadies amongst us had an advantage on this fast, flat section, and getting towards the front was a huge advantage for the first climb west onto the Downs. I dread to think but I'll bet it was carnage behind. I suppose I was probably in about 7th hitting the climb and that, probably not a co-incidence, was where I finished at the end. My climbing ability does me very well - alas then I go and lose a lot of the advantage I've gained on the descents. :-(

It was hard enough riding at just beneath anerobic threshold for such a long period without the aching arms and hands incurred through all the bashing and crashing. I do do quite a lot of mountain biking and I get mildly sore doing that some times but I guess I just don't do it as hard or for so long. I'm in awe of Dave Pothecary and his 6 hour marathon events.

Southdown Velo presence (55km unless noted):

Mark Holland (7th we think)
Dave Pothecary
Pete McGuinness
Tina McGuinness (35km)
Fay Cripps (First woman, recipient of natty trophy and doubtless put the bad loser from Southdowns Bikes's nose out of joint again.)
Daryl [Rice - Ed] (New member apparently - friend of Fay)
Angus Peel
Anne Marshall (distance unknown - only managed a wave)."

Racing round up

We managed a Velo 1-2 at Portsmouth track in the elite race last week. With yours truly winning from Toby Neave. I was much aided by my rival with whom I had gained a lap falling off. Mark Trevis was 6th to complete a successful final night.

Portsmouth Wednesday League final positions

As Wednesday was unexpectedly the last event at Portsmouth it was also conclusion of the Wednesday leagues.
Shaun Smart was 6th overall in the 3/4 category league, with Richard Bevan 19th, Mark Warrington 21st, Mark Holland 44th, Paul O'Donovan 62nd and Alex Rice equal 90th.
In the elite series I was 5th overall, Mark Trevis 10th, Toby Neave 14th, Shaun Smart 58th and Liam Terry 62nd.
Toby Neave had a second at Thruxton and was 8th at Dunsfold last week.

Time trialling

Shaun Smart set a personal best for the year on the Bognor 10 course last Thursday with 21:38. Pete McGuiness got round in 23:10, with Mike Cooper and Paul O'Donovan both recording 23:38, with Jason Davis not far behind with 24:14. Alistair Mallet was pleased with a personal best of 26:31.

New member - number 50

Welcome to our newest member Stephen Hajnal-Smith from Chichester whom is our 50th member.

Racing round up

Both our road racing and time trialling members have been busy recently. Toby and myself have had a couple of second places. Toby Neave was narrowly outsprinted at Dunsfold by Jason Edwards. I had two second places at Portsmouth in the elite race with Toby filling that spot this week. I finished fourth this time. Toby also had a third at Thruxton.
Mark Trevis, Richard Bevan, Mark Warrington and Mark Holland have also been turning out regularly. Mark Holland was particularly active at Portsmouth with Richard also trying a few digs, but unfortunately the ever vigilant DHC policemen chased them down.
Doctor Mary Campbell was our fastest finisher at the Bognor 10 last week finishing in 26:47. Mary recently competed in the National Triathlon Championships in Wakefield, finishing 11th in her age group. Mary is hoping to qualify for the European championships.
If anyone has Velo results from the Hants RC tens on Tuesdays nights I'd welcome them.

Youth racing

After an absence, during which time he has been gracing the boards at Chichester Festival Theatre, I am glad to report that young Jospeh Marchant has been back in action. Joseph finished an excellent second overall at Angmering on Monday. Judging by his results, the break from racing appears to have done him good. With the school holidays fast approaching, I hope we will have a few more youths joining him.

Toby and Mark at Dunsfold

Shaun

Pictures copyright Surrey Cycle Racing League

Events to enter

July 27th is the annual Chichester March which includes a mountain bike event. Details here.
On the same day are races at Thruxton. Details here.
You can also ride round Goodwood that day. Details here.

L'Etape du Tour results

All our entrants finished L'Etape du Tour. Well done to all of them. The winner was Laurent Four in 5h38'05". A certain Laurent Brochard (former druggie world champion, snail eating, jonny foreigner) was 4th.
There were 6,178 finishers with the slowest time of 10h16'41" which is a long time to spend on a bike!

Club night

It is club night on Sunday at 8pm. The Vestry PH, South Street. All welcome, especially our newer members. Come and say hello. It's very laid back.

How do I?

You may have noticed that I have added a new section to the website. This is the How do I? section which is intended to provide practical guidance and advice about racing, training etc. I welcome feedback and suggestions about what I might cover next. On my list already are guides for youths and starting cyclo-cross.

Racing round up

Toby Neave was 6th at Dunsfold Park on Tuesday in the big bunch sprint. Mark Trevis was 15th. Result here.
We had a successful Pompey track session on Wednesday with several Veloites in action.

In the 3/4 event Mark "Scalatore" Holland went clear with a Thames Velo and a VC St Raphael. The St Raphael who turned out to be "ringer" Phil Sykes (4th in the National 50 and a TT national champ) left Mark and his companion to win. Mark hung on for third.
Meanwhile Mark Warrington seemed to slip off the front of the bunch without trying, then realised so put his head down. Fellow Ciclisti Vecchi Rob "Sailor boy" Cranstone made it across and outsprinted Mark. So we had 3rd and 5th. Pastie Bevan was doing some serious blocking, although I think going round the bunch handing out pies and saying "all right my lovelies?" was a little extreme. Paul O'Donovan finished his second race in the bunch.

Yours truly got away early on with Sam Redding in the E12. We lapped the bunch which was not that hard in the absence of the usual VCStR threat. Trying not to let anyone else gain a lap was much harder. So second for me with Mark Trevis riding his second race after a lengthy break gambling his student grant away. Results here.
At the Bognor 10 on Thursday our fastest was Paul O'Donovan in 24:06 with Mike Miles, Dave Pothecary and Angus Peel also riding.

Guildford Town Centre races

Are on Wednesday, 9 July starting from 7pm. There are events (still with places) for youths 3/4 and E/1/2. It's always a great night with the pubs fully open and a great atmosphere. Details.

Yellow theme

You will see I have switched to a yellow theme for that bike ride going on in Francais. I have featured the last "great" rider to win Le Tour - Bernard Hinault. A few photos by way of tribute follow.

New members

Welcome to our two latest recruits, Elizabeth Strarup from Pagham and Rob Fields from Southbourne.

Racing round up

Congratulations to Shaun Smart who won the latest mid-week 3/4 category race. Shaun had been away with Phil Burton of Fareham Wheelers for the majority of the race. It was the usual affair of the bunch closing the gap when riders chased, but then the gap growing again when they eased up. Several times it looked like the gap would be closed, but eventually, late into the race, Al Murison who had won the two preceeding events bridged across.
Phil Burton started to fade and was dropped. It looked like it was curtains for Shaun when Murison jumped him. A quick look behind confirmed to Shaun that it was worth persisting and he clawed his way back. Al Murison led out the sprint and looked to have the upper hand as Shaun was forced to go the long way round him and was clearly closing, but would he run out of time to catch him?
So close was the gap at the finish that the judges initially gave the win to young Al. As he left for the evening Shaun believed he had finished second, but a later check by the judges of the photo finish camera reversed the decision. Shaun also moves up to second category status.

Richard Bevan, Mark Warrington, Alex Rice and Paul O'Donovan making his debut also rode to make it a Velo boys' night out. Full results here.
In the following elite race we had young Tobes (Toby Neave) and yours truly on the start line. I decided to kick off the action early with an attack which formed the race winning break. Toby bridged across later. In the final Toby was 4th and I finished 7th before falling off and severley denting my pride on the way home. Doh!
Pete McGuiness was our fastest in the Bognor ten mile TT on Thursday with 23:16 for second place. Paul O'Donovan posted a healthy 24:04 just ahead of Mike Cooper with 24:10. Jason Davis, Mary Campbell, Alistair Mallett and James Woodward also rode. Results here.

L'Etape

Amanda Cayford, Simon Pattinson, Phil Phillips, Pete Dennis and Shaun Smart all ride the Etape in the Pyrenees. They go over the Tourmalet and Hautacam. Chapeau!

Races to enter

For the last two years I have ridden the Internationale Kampioenschappen van Woesten which has been one of the highlights of the year for me. I plan to ride again this year and would encourage others to ride this unique event. It all takes place near Poperinge and Ieper (Ypres in French) near the Flanders/French border. An area known for the lack of hills and lots of beer! It's a unlicencsed event which means anyone can ride. The race is based upon an individual time trial and a handicap road race. It's all run around narrow farm lanes with lots of bends. A great event which I strongly recommend. There is also lots to see and do in the area which is strongly associated with Ypres Salient during World War I. It's a short hop to the sandy beach at De Panne. It's about an hour's drive from Calais. You can read my write up about last year's event here. Last year's winner is the reigning ICF World Champion, was second to Greg Lemond in the junior World Championships and rode as a professional for La Redoubte.

New members

Welcome to new members Mary Campbell and Jason Davis from Chichester and Mike Cooper.

Racing round up

Toby Neave entered his first road race at Dunsfold Park last week and blagged it by going off with the 2nd cats. They won't let him do that again because shortly after all the groups merged he joined me in the winning break of seven. I came through when I could, but Toby looked quite strong. We both struggled on the last lap to finish (Toby) 6th and me 7th. Shaun Smart finished 15th and picked up 6 prime points to stay close to the top 10 overall.
Benjamin Stirling was third in the under 12s at Portsmouth.

Races to enter

Paul O'Donovan is keen to ride the Duo Normand in Normandy. Paul writes "This years Duo Normand is being held on the 21st of September. It's a 54Km 2-up time trial on closed roads in Normandy, France. If you fancy a go, I will need to know by around the end of June so I can look at getting lodgings and ferry crossings booked in July. The plan is to get the ferry from Portsmouth to Le-Harve on the Friday and return Monday. If you want to read a bit more about the event and the history, have a look at the site.
http://www.duonormand.com/accueil_eng.php
To give you an idea of the entry cost, I only have last years fee at the moment of 22Euro.
I know a few of you have expressed an interest and I think this would be a great event for the club."
You need to either have a BC licence or a doctor's letter as the Duo site says ... "Note to the attention of the engagé(e)s not having a licence FFC or BCF: the runners not-bachelors will have to deposit with the catch of their number a medical certificate of noncounter-indication with the sporting practice of less than 6 month. In the absence of this certificate, the departure will be refused." Yes!
It's a big event with proper start ramp, following cars with your name on ... and spectators. Everything that time trialling in the UK isn't.

Weekend rides

We are regularly getting double figure numbers of riders in both the Saturday and Sunday rides. Saturday rides are deliberately easy pace with Sundays more competitive. Come and join us. Details www.southdownvelo.org.uk.

Shaun Smart at Dunsfold Park

Mark Warrington

Toby in the winning break with some old boy who is regretting being there

All photographs ©Surrey Cycle Racing League 1998/2008

Racing round up

Shaun Smart continued his good run of placings at Portsmouth track on Wednesday with second place in the 3/4 race. Shaun is well placed overall.
Alex Stirling finished 10th in the under 16/14 race at Portsmouth.
Mark Trevis rode the elite South Circuit race at portsmouth placing 6th and he was kind enough to provide a report ... "Richard Parker took to the track for the 4th Cat race which from what I could see ended in a bunch sprint with Richard 'somewhere in there'. It was won by a DHC guy and his celebrations caused someone next to me who was watching to comment on the embarrasment and say they will consider changing sports!
I had a bash at the E12 race which was extremely hard to keep track of. A split of 9 got away very early, which I am ashamed to say caught me off guard. So I sat in the bunch fuming that I missed the move. Any attempt to bridge was followed by wheel suckers who would not help me. So I waited. Four came back from the break as the pace was pretty hot. Then the five escapees lapped us and sat in with us. About half way through, one of the leaders wanted to move to the front so shouted "inside" and proceeded to ride straight into the back of Jamie Streather who was on the front! Cue the clatter of carbon on the ground and the fanning effect as people got caught behind the crash. As it turned out, only three were injured; two out of the race and one carried on. Immediately after, another of the leaders who was on the attack again gets a flat and takes a few laps out. Not knowing how many people had a lap anymore I decided I could do no more than sprint hard and hope it got me somewhere. I took 4th wheel with 3 laps to go, waited for final straight and went for it taking 2nd in sprint to come 6th. Simon Brooks won. Good day in the sun!" The crasher was Ben Macland of VC Meudon. Fortunately they didn't take him to the MRSA capital of the south QA (yes, that's our alternative when St Richard's A&E closes) so he lived to tell the tale.

Highclere sportive

We were well represented at the Highclere sportive. Shaun Smart (no this isn't his fanzine!) was fastest in his age group and 7th fastest overall. OK, I know it isn't officially a race. Amanda Cayford put up an impressive ride. Mark Holland reports ... "We were aiming for the 7:50:00 female gold and were just off it by about four minutes. I miscalculated and had thought we'd set off at about 8:35 when it must have been about 8:30. So I'm willing her on in the last 25 miles about how "it's still on" and we're passing people all over the shop, right up until the line. But alas it wasn't to be. Awesome butt kickage on her part though and I'm grateful for having had a purpose in the last section other than simply to plod to the finish." Fay Cripps, Richard Parker and Mark Dinwiddy also rode. Mark has linked to some pictures taken at the sportive here.
Toby Neave won his first event of the year in the Bognor 10m TT with 22:33. We apparently had nine starters, but I didn't recognise some of them. Amanda Cayford made her competitive debut and recorded a very creditable 26:27. Former Southdown man, Keith Jarrett of VC Meudon rode. The Bignor Rogis CC seem to be trying out as many spellings of Meudon as possible in their result lists.

Events to enter

The Guildford town centre races are on Wednesday, 9 July with races for 3rds/Juniors, youths and elite/1/2. These are probably the most exciting event of the year as it attracts big crowds. The cobbled rise up the high street always presents a challlenge. All the big names of UK racing will be there. For more details go to www.charlottevillecc.org.uk. Modesty prevents me from saying who won the first event in 1984.

Racing round up

Congratulations to Mark Trevis who made it into the winning break at Dunsfold Park on Tuesday to finish 7th. Mark has made tremendous strides recently in converting his obvious fitness into results. Mark was backed up by Shaun Smart who finished 4th in the bunch sprint, some two minutes later, to finish 13th overall. Shaun is consistently scoring points at Dunsfold Park and was 11th overall as at 1st June. Scores on the doors here.
Joseph Marchant was in action at Angmering on Monday and achieved his fastest time trial time for the last two years. Well done Joseph. There is no truth in the story that he will be coaching his dad, Mike, in the future.

Mark in the break at Dunsfold

Tasty tights Mark!

Photograph ©Surrey Cycle Racing League 1998/2008

Clothing order

Pete McGuiness is taking clothing orders. Contact him at the shop. Talking of the shop (Geared Bikes and Wear), they are now partners of Cyclescheme.co.uk, a government funded scheme to help you save up to 40% off the cost of a new bike. They can also offer 0% finance on all new bikes over £500. Sounds good to me!

Racing round up

We have so many people racing now in different events that I'm afraid that I will have to just report notable rides. So apologies if you feel slighted that I have not included you, it's nothing personal. I may not even know. Of course, I am always happy to receive information on people's personal results.
Shaun Smart finished 16th in the fourth Dunsfold Park race of the year and Mark Trevis an excellent 9th at the fifth.
Richard "Pastie" Bevan was 3rd in the Bognor Regis CC evening 10m TT on 15 May with a time of 23:38.
The following week Paul O'Donovan was 4th in a time of 23:25, just pipping Pete McGuiness by six seconds. Paul has been improving his times steadily throughout the year. We also seem to have an M.Cooper riding for us. Does anyone know him/her? Answers on an e-mail please.
At the latest Bognor event, which run every Thursday throughout the year, Richard Bevan was our fastest with 23:33 for 5th place. New member Andy Matthews finished 7th with 24:09.
Alistair Mallet has also been improving his times. Down from an initial 29:11 to 27:06.
Richard Bevan finished 7th in the 3/4 race at Portsmouth on the 14 May. Two places ahead of Derek Witt who was old when I started racing in 1981. I recall him reprimanding me for not riding in a straight line. He was right! I was so nervous back then. Mark Warrington finished 13th. With Mr do or die Mark Holland 24th. Mark Trevis was 6th in the elite race.
Jamie Ford was 12th in the under 16/14s.
The following week Shaun Smart was 5th in the 3/4 race, a couple of places behind former VC Noviomagous rider Willy Hill.
Alex and Benjamin Stirling made their season debuts. Alex was 10th in the under 16/14s and Benjy 2nd in the under 12s.

Angmering Youth Series

Jamie Ford finished 10th and Joseph Marchant 12th at event number three in the Angmering series. They are facing stiff opposition from the Brighton clubs. The following week Joseph was 11th overall with Jamie a non-starter (see below). I note that Joseph is chipping away at his time trial time. At the 25 May, Jamie was 9th overall in the points and Joseph 15th. Details here.

Get well soon

Jamie Ford will be out of action for four weeks after fracturing his knee cap after falling off an X Board (what we used to call a skateboard). We wish him a speedy recovery.

New members

Welcome to new members Mike Miles from Emsworth and Andy Matthews from Birdham. Andy is a trained Osteopath and he will provide his services to club members at 10% discount.

New film

From the director of "Velo Go Mad at Perfs" (you have to say this in a deep and sexy voice), starring the race winning Fay Cripps comes "Velo Go Mad at the Spring Challenge". Certificate PG (tips). Velo Go Mad at Perfs, a new film by Mark Scalatore. Ride the dream.

Mark Trevis at Pompey

Courtesy of Mark Holland.

Cyclo-sportives

Mark Holland, Dave Pothecary and Alistair Peel all rode the Hampshire Hilly Hundred cyclo-sportive. You can read Mark's report here.
Mark Warrington rode the Southern Sportive.
You can find out about more sportives on our events page on the Velo website.

Events to enter

The Southdowns Way randonees take place on the 28th June.
On Sunday, 13 July the Petersfield Round Table present Petersfield Ups and Downs. "A cycle ride through the countryside around Petersfield". Details here.
Looking further ahead to 21 September is the date of the ever popular Duo Normand in Normandy, Francais. This is a two-up time trial with lots of different categories. It is always popular with Les English. Riders start on a ramp and are allowed a following car. Lots of spectators too.