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.