Happy Christmas

On behalf of Southdown Velo, may I wish you all a very happy Christmas and new year. May the Madonna del Ghisallo, the patroness of cyclists, always look kindly upon you.

Christmas cross

You can ride cross at Southampton Sports Centre on Boxing Day (2pm) and Tachbury Mount, just the other side of Southampton, on 30 December (2pm).

Velo in action

Pete McGuiness and Shaun Smart, as reported in the last edition rode the recent Herne Hill cross with the new sand trap. Pictures below.

Picture copyright of Bianca Levy.

Picture copyright of Bianca Levy.

Picture copyright of Paul J Wright.

Tyres are in

The tyres are in. The following owe Shaun money ...

Pete Dennis £60.63
Tim Costello £14.07
Dave Pothecary £30.31
Richard Broadribb £45.57
Mark Trevis £96.49
Toby Neave £20.97

Cross results

Tim Costello finished 16th at Cowley in the Oxonian cross. He dropped two places in the last lap when his rear mech sheared off. A cold, wet, muddy day with 6 steep banks to run up each lap.

Shaun Smart finished 27th and Pete McGuiness 50th in the Herne Hill cross today.

For sale

Eugene has the following for sale ...

One pair of Assos Prosline Airblock bibtights (size L). 5 years old, but only used twice. Like new. Cost £95. To you £50.

One Assos Airblock top (size L). Black/yellow. 5 years old, but only used twice. Like new. Full zip. Cost £90. To you £50.

One Gore Wear training top (size L). Bright yellow. Full zip. 2 months old. Used once £40.

One pair Specialized Pro Carbon shoes. Size 44. Unused still in box. Look fittings. Black. Cost £139. To you £90.

Phone Eugene on 01798 815755 for more details.

Tom tumbled

Tom Spreckley was lucky to avoid more serious injury when he was run down from behind. His helmet has a sizeable chunk missing from the back showing it came it hard contact. He is hobbling around on crutches although it is believed that nothing is broken. Showing true Velo spirit he made it to the club night on Sunday ... with Mummy bear in tow. OK - that's enough ribbing. I'm sure he couldn't bear, sorry bare, anymore.

Tom was a completely innocent party in the crash. I didn't mean this to be a rant when I started writing, but I can feel one coming on. Unless the government changes the law so that it is automatically the motorists fault, unless proved otherwise, when a cyclist or pedestrian is injured the attitude of motorists will not change. In the meantime, can I suggest you join British Cycling to ensure you have legal cover and vot for Sustrans in the Lottery £50 million vote. Go here to find out more.

South champs

Tim Costello flew the Southdown Velo colours at Bicton Arena, Budleigh Salterton, on Sunday in the South area cyclo-cross championships. That includes South, South West and Central divisions. Tim finished 11th in the veterans' category.

Tim has managed to lay his hands on a copy of the new Cyclo Cross training and technique book by Simon Burney. A must have for all aspiring cross riders. He is confused by the exercise below which appears to be on-bike press-ups.

Caption competition anyone?

Copyright of London Cycle Sport