TT Reports

A great turnout of 28 riders populated the layby at Thursford last night for the second Thursford-Fakenham 10m TT of the season.  Conditions were better than the previous week with good visibility, some warmth and a tailwind home.

As so often the case the tailwind on the way back was dropping as the evening progressed but still helped to some degree and times were generally faster than the week before.  Charlie Nurse (North Norfolk Wheelers) took the honours with 21.17, followed by Matt Ratcliffe (Iceni Velo) 21.39 and Chris Skinner (CS Velosport) 22.23.  Fastest lady was Andrea Eugster (all the way from Norway) in 26.55.  In the 60+ age group John Hayward and Guy Thorold improved significantly on their previous times.

It was good to see local team East Coast Riders out in force, putting out some good times on their road bikes.  They along with a North Norfolk Wheeler are competing at the Fakenham Criterium on Easter Sunday so try and support this event and cheer them on if you can.

A reminder that entries are still open during the next month for the North Norfolk Wheelers 100m TT on 20^th May.  It should be a good event that includes a number of ‘first timers’, amateurs and professional triathletes.  For details and entries see here https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-details/15048

Just a quick note on Bruce Williams.  He will be leaving club marshalling duties soon and I’m sure more words will be written in due course.  After many years of marshalling involving sign distribution, loitering on roundabouts, encouraging riders, and dealing with angry motorists he is hanging up his hi-vis for a better life.  He has always been there to ‘bollock’ riders who take the odd risk, (in a friendly way!), discuss performances and regale stories from TTs past.  His big personality will be sorely missed at the club and open events.

A nice sunny afternoon greeted the 27 riders on the only run out on this course of the year (VC Norwich run a few more later in the year).  With last years’ outing on the course curtailed by the curse of the TTLs (*temporary traffic lights) it was good that a) the road was open and b) we didnt have to ride in winter gear.

The first club TT of the year proved good for a number of riders who got course PBs indicating they are ‘up for it’ this season.  Charlie was on song again (even with a bit of hayfever) and took the usual honors with Simon Warren (Pedal Revolution) and Matt Ratcliffe (Iceni Velo) not too far behind.  Best on handicap also with a PB was Mike Padfield. Fastest lady was Christine Cooke of Godric.

It was good to see club member Paul Bailey and club secretary David Carrier giving a helping hand.  Thanks to the marshals, starters and timekeepers for making the event happen.

On the way home the course was blocked with a three car pile up (no-one seriously hurt) which would have stopped the race if it had happened an hour or so earlier.

Due to TTLs near Holt (now just removed) tomorrows race will be at Thursford.

02/04/2017	10m Horsford TT
Name	Club	Time	Handicap time	Notes
CHARLIE NURSE	NNW	21.34	22.04
SIMON WARREN	Pedalrev	22.25
MATT RATCLIFFE	Iceni velo	22.26
MIKE PADFIELD	NNW	22.34	20.57	PB
CHRIS SKINNER	CS Velosport	23.22
GRAHAM DILKS	Norwich ABC	23.47
JOHN MORGAN	NNW	24.10	21.51	CPB
NIGEL WALSH	NNW	24.18	21.33	CPB
GARETH TOWNSEND	Iceni velo	24.26
M.ENDERSBY	Anglia velo	24.29
J EMPSON	Anglia velo	24.35
PHIL HARGREAVES	Iceni velo	24.38
RICHARD FIDDAMENT	Iceni velo	24.41
SEAN QUARMBY	VCN	24.48
IAN CHATTEN	Iceni velo	24.49
JOHN HAYWARD	NNW	25.01	22.29	CPB
S.HALES	Anglia velo	25.24
D.COLLYER	Iceni velo	25.41
BRIAN PLATTS	NNW	27.04	22.34
MARKOS JANES	VCN	27.16	22.35
ADRIAN JAY	TriHarman	27.22	22.48
CHRISTINE COOK	Godric	27.35
GUY THOROLD	NNW	27.53	22.19
SARAH JAY	TriHarman	30.02	21.53
LORRAINE JARVIS	VCN	31.01
EMMA CATTERMULL	TriHarman	32.30
DAVE BLOCK	TriHarman	DNF

On Saturday four club riders Charlie Nurse, Nigel Walsh, Andrew Knowles and Mike Padfield enjoyed Spring-like conditions in their first open event of the season.  Although not a particularly fast course it is an enjoyable course to ride from Hingham to Carbrooke and back, on nice smooth roads with little traffic.  There are a few undulations and it has a nice long straight and fast downhill section towards the end.  It is a surprise it is not used more often in open events.

Slowing down progress on the way out was a bit of a cross-headwind, but obviously helping on the way back.  Bruce Williams was propping up the traffic lights near the Carbrooke roundabout and encouraging us to bike a bit harder.  I was looking forward to his possible comeback this season, (maybe next year?).

The event was won by Lloyd Chapman  of Banks – C C Catford – Equipe in a new course record of 20.18 (he has a PB of 18 something..).  Charlie was third and fastest VET A with 21:22 indicating he is ready to better his times this year in possibly his last racing season.

Nigel was pleased with his 25:08 making him the fastest VET E rider on the day.  Mike did a 23:17, which was 30 seconds up on last year at the same course. Andrew Knowles did a 23:35.

A mention should be made of John Swindells who towed his TT bike behind a touring bike from home (North Walsham) and back.

CC Breckland were great hosts as usual with good organisation and cakes at the end.

Full results attached.

march-4th-10-mile-tt-results-2017