Hilly TT results 7/6/16

Posted on by Admin
Tuesday 7 June 7pm Club Hilly Time Trial – Bruce Williams
Eighteen keen riders turned up at the Big Splash, Sheringham to enter the club’s 18.5 mile Hilly time trial this Tuesday evening, a good turnout considering the tough nature of the course that suits all round bike riders more than time triallists, all enjoying a warm and balmy evening that promised for good conditions and fast times.  A far cry from some of the cool and grey evenings that we have had so far this season.
The drama unfolded on the day before the first rider turned a pedal in anger when it was noticed that temporary traffic lights – anathema to any time trial – were in place on the course at Upper Sheringham, a problem that could be avoided by switching the downward leg into Sheringham onto the straight but steep descent of Holway road, a version of the course used by the club on previous occasions.  Unfortunately, plan B was disrupted as temporary lights were also in place on Holway road, so a last minute course change plan was hatched whereby riders continued on the A148 in the direction of Cromer, instead of descending into Sheringham, finishing the normal 18.5 mile distance a couple of miles past the ‘10’ finish at Pretty Corner and nearly three miles from the start at Big Splash.
It must have seemed a bizarre sight as club officials and marshals were seen urgently studying maps to check the new course with marshals and cycle event warning signs being despatched to points of interest on the course, old and new, just in time to get the event underway as planned.  John Chambers even checked the course distance in his car in order to determine the finish point – it takes more than the Highways Agency can muster (not much !) to stop a NNW club event, especially on such a fine evening.
Worried looking competitors got to the start line on cue and proceeded to make the best of this fine evening, not least Charlie Nurse who stormed round in 45 minutes and two seconds (45.02), taking the win by 2 minutes from Aiden Bond. 
A number of NNW club riders were fresh from competing the previous weekend in the UCI world championship qualifying event (a total of 800 or more riders in all) and were clearly energised by the experience.  Mike Padfield recorded an excellent 48.12 to take third place with good times recorded by other NNW riders including Nigel Walsh (he was also fresh from a cycle training stint in Italy) with 51.12, John Morgan with 52.04, Henry Woodley 53.19 and John Hayward with 53.51. 
Tommy Power, a 2nd category road racing rider of the Strada Sport cycling team based in Wymondham, showed that he can turn his hand to time trials by riding strongly from number 3 to record 48.48 for fourth place.  Tommy is likely to be riding the Lotus League at the Hethel track the following evening so is clearly a man that takes his cycling competition seriously.  Apparently he almost went off course at one point – which he realised when he overtook the same rider twice in quick succession – but evidently did not lose too much time and completed the course strongly.
Unfortunately that was more than could be said for 3 new club members who, despite riding a full distance, had to be classed as DNF when they went off course near the finish.  Having marshalled lap one at Holt, I proceeded to Lodge Road (Sheringham Park entrance) for the left turn that competitors do on the first lap, but I directed them straight ahead on lap two (the change in course as above) in order to finish on the A148.  I then got to the finish point to join Geoff Paice, John Chambers and Chris Knowles awaiting the last 3 riders who duly did not make it, all apparently making the left hand turn down Holway road back to the start area.  Unfortunately, it turned out that 6 marshals were not enough as a 7th would have gone to this juncture to direct riders straight on. 
I suppose a last minute change and double change in the course is always likely to cause problems of this type, especially with inexperienced new members.  Rather a shame, but these things happen.  Hopefully the new competitors and club members will not be put off by the experience.
Apart from this, the club did well to get the event on given the course problems encountered.  Credit to Chris Knowles for working out the new course and John Chambers for matching the distance at 18.5 miles.  Well done to all the riders as well.  At the end, club members discussed the differences between the revised (one-off) course relative to the usual one and opinion varied slightly with the new version considered to be anywhere from half a minute to one minute faster (Ed note:  I think it was a slower and longer route).  Personal best times do not really count in these circumstances!  Hopefully the next ‘Hilly’ will be back on track with normal service restored.
Name Time Handicap time
CHARLIE NURSE 45.02 45.00
AIDEN BOND 47.12 47.14
MIKE PADFIELD 48.12 44.49
TOMMY POWER 48.48
BISHOP 50.26
COZENS 50.57
NIGEL WALSH 51.12 43.49
JOHN MORGAN 52.04 46.13
HENRY WOODLEY 53.19
JOHN HAYWARD 53.51 47.33
ROB LEE 54.3
COLLYER 56.12
GUY THOROLD 58.49 47.25
BRIAN PLATTS 58.54 48.20
ROBSON 61.38
SARAH JAY DNF
EMMA CATTERMOL DNF
ADRIAN JAY DNF

Eastern Counties ‘25’ mile open time trial report

Posted on by Admin
Eastern Counties ‘25’ mile open time trial on Sunday 29 May on the E2 course – Bruce Williams reports
There was a great deal of anticipation within the cycling community for this event on Sunday morning as local boy and professional star, Alex Dowsett of the Movistar (UCI registered) team headed the line-up on what was his third appearance in amateur time trials on E courses this season. 
Last man off at number 130, traditionally known as ‘the Scratch man’ and starting at 0810, Dowsett was rumoured to be intent on taking national competition record for the distance, currently held by Matt Bottrill with a time of 45.43 set on a Midlands course around Derby.  Dowsett already holds competition record for the ‘10’ at 17.20 set on the E2 in 2014 and of course is also a former holder of the track World Hour Record.
Event secretary, officials and a fair number of spectators were not disappointed as Dowsett, four time British Cycling professional time trial champion, duly blasted his way round the Cambridgeshire based course to shatter the record with a formidable new record time of 44.29, an amazing average speed of 33.7mph.
I was marshalling at the top of the exit slip road at Fourwentways – from where the riders turn to retrace the route back to Newmarket using the fast A11/A14 dual carrigeway – and was joined at one point by Dowsett’s father, mum and a close friend, stop watches to the ready.  I enquired of the older gent if he was indeed Dad Dowsett and he confirmed same pointing out that sadly he was no longer plain Phil Dowsett, just ‘Dad Dowsett’.  I suggested to him that it could be worse – do any of the enquiries refer to Grandpa Dowsett?  Dad also checked traffic coming from Alex’s right as he entered the roundabout to begin his turn, in the interests of safety as he explained to me.
‘Phil’ pointed out that Alex was back in the UK (staying with his parents who live local to this course) after a block of two weeks training in the Pyrenees and had decided on a local time trial and a tilt at the 25 record.  All the officials had deduced that a pro rider, and time trial specialist like him, would not turn up for the fun of it.  Phil also explained that Alex was disappointed not to be selected for team GB at the Olympics in the time trial – we have one place this year (compared with two in 2012 when Bradley Wiggins triumphed) which has gone to Chris Froome, and, at this moment, it does not appear that he will be in the road race team either.  He is waiting to hear from his pro team that he is in their Tour de France team selection.
Later, I briefly spoke with Alex and his father at Newmarket Leisure Centre, the event hq; Alex said he had been right on the limit and could not have gone any faster, but was pleased with his performance.  Keith Dorling was also more than happy, in his capacity as event secretary, to bask in the reflective glory of the star rider and new competition record, commenting that the morning had been cold (12 deg C) and windy so, on a better day, a 43 minute ride would be possible.
Great credit should also be given to the top amateurs, Colin Ward of Essex Roads and Justin Layne of CC Ashwell who did 47 and 48 minute rides for 2nd and 3rd places respectively.  Julia Freeman of Easterley Road club recorded a very rapid 55 to win the women’s event from Sue Triplow (Essex Roads) and Anna Dearing, Colchester Rovers, taking the next two places with 59’s.  Verity Smith of Stowmarket being unlucky just to fail to break the hour in 4th.
Flying the flag for the NNW was Karl Read who recorded a fine 55.33 for 37th place overall and, he told me, his best time for a 25 in 19 years.  He will be back feeling sure that he can get a personal best on the right day.  That is the spirit of time trialling.
Mike Padfield directed me to a cycling blog where people commented very differently about the pros and cons of star pro riders mixing it in amateur events, winning championships and setting CTT competition records that an amateur rider will not be able to compete with – most people agree that only a pro rider who also specialises in time trials will be able to take a record like this one.  It is of course true that amateurs and pros are not competing on a level playing field in these events but I believe that most of the top amateurs enjoy the occasional contest with the pros and the competition and excellence that this generates.
There could perhaps be an argument that competition records should exist separately for both amateur and pro riders?  Back in the 1970’s, cycling was strictly segregated between amateurs and pros and no pro riders wre allowed to enter amateur time trials. A retiring pro had to wait two years before he or she could re-enter amateur tt’s and punitive measure were taken by the governing body against amateur riders alleged to have infringed amateur status.
There are always different opinions and individual subjectivities in these things but, on balance, and allowing for the level playing field issue, I prefer the spirit of open competition that exists today compared with the rigid rules that were enforced back then.

10m TT results 24/5/16

Posted on by Admin

North Norfolk Wheelers Pretty Corner 10 mile TT results 24th May 2016

Following a victory in Ironman 70.3 Buenos Aires local professional triathlete Kim Morrison swapped the sun for a cold windy evening on the Norfolk Coast and produced a stunning ride of 22.33 to smash the previous ladies course record of 23.51 (held since 2010 by Catherine Essex).  Kim has vastly improved her time-trialling times over the last few years and training on our local courses seem to be paying off.

In slow conditions Charlie Nurse won on the night with (21.41), with Kim second (22.33) and Mike Padfield third (23.20). Most people were slower this week with the cold air, strong wind and low humidity not conducive to fast times, although John Hayward bucked the trend with a seasons best of 24.17.

With the ladies record broken is there anyone that will break the men’s record of 20.07 that has been held by the late Zak Carr for over 20 years? Charlie Nurse has been the fastest on the course in recent years and is getting close.  Maybe it will need a visitor to come and have a go?

Thanks to all the marshals, timekeepers and riders for another weekly instalment of fine time-trialling on the Norfolk Coast.

 

25/05/2016 Pc 10m TT
Name Time Handicap time Notes
NURSE 21.41 21.48
MORRISON (f) 22.33 CPB and ladies course record
PADFIELD 23.20 21.33
WATTS 23.37
WATKINS 23.42 21.16
HAYWARD 24.17 21.45
MORGAN 24.36 21.46
WOODLEY 25.22 21.55
JANES 26.04
PLATTS 26.28 21.38
JAY.A 27.33
THOROLD 28.22 22.46
JAY S (f) 30.23
VIDLER 31.54

Great Yarmouth CC 25 mile Open TT (BS/13a)

Posted on by Admin

Report from the Great Yarmouth CC 25 mile Open TT (BS/13a) on the 22nd May 2016 by Mike Padfield

With rain forecast I was planning on taking my road bike for this ‘sporting’ course in the heart of the Broads.  However as is often the case with BBC weather they got it wrong and although the roads were wet in places it wasn’t raining so I decided on my TT bike.  Having not ridden it before I drove round part of it and it looked like it would be a tricky course with a few small hills, tight bends and parked cars.  Luckily there were lots of marshals (c.20?!) along the route to look out for us and guide us around the bends.  Even so riders had to keep their wits about them and be ready on the brakes.

Pre-race talk was of previous crashes, poor road surfaces and busy main roads which made me think “what am I doing here?”  At the start a marshal pointed out numerous parts along the course to be aware of but that marshals would be everywhere.  Not being familiar with the course road names and places this didn’t really mean anything so I planned on going easy whenever I saw a hi-vis vest!

The start was a fast downhill then a short climb to the junction at the B1074 and left along a bendy section to Somerleyton and then a very sharp left towards the village of Lound with cars parked on either side of the road in places.  Four marshals were present here.  After Lound there was a fast downhill right hand bend with off-camber and surface gravel in places that was tricky in the wet and then a climb up to the main A143.  Here there was a sharp left, avoiding any cars and then south west along an up and down section to St.Olaves with a very sharp left back to the B1074.  This was repeated for a second lap with the finish close to the start.

I didn’t judge the course very well and was too fast on the first lap as I was too busy trying to better my ave. speed so I suffered on the second lap.  It was tricky to get any sort of rhythm being on edge quite a bit of the time with all the obstacles and frequently getting out of the aero-position. A stopped car past a blind bend in the middle of the road tested out my brakes and ability to control a rear wheel slide. Having made it round ok, all-in-all it was a good morning session with some tasty cakes laid on by the hosts afterwards at the Village Hall.

The winner was Mark Richards of V.C. Baracchi with a 56:54, second Steve Gorbutt of Diss & District C.C. with 57:14 and third Jim Hardwicke of Plomesgate C.C. with 58:35.  Fastest lady was Verity Smith of Stowmarket & District C.C. with 1:03:26, taking nearly a minute off the course record set in 2009.  John Swindells and Paul Groombridge won the 2-up after they crashed into each other! (see John’s report here: Here)

If I learnt a couple of things it was that TT bikes with skinny tyres and 120PSI don’t go round corners very fast in the wet and it made me grateful of our ‘relatively’ smooth main roads in North Norfolk.

Full results are posted here:

http://www.greatyarmouthcyclingclub.co.uk/2016/05/23/25-mile-tt-results-22nd-may-2016/

There are also comprehensive photos of all the riders on the Great Yarmouth CC Facebook pages.

Eastern Counties Cycling Association ‘50’ mile time trial on E2/50c (Newmarket) 14/5/16

Posted on by Admin
Eastern Counties Cycling Association ‘50’ mile time trial on E2/50c (Newmarket) Saturday 14 May – Bruce Williams reports
The first 50 mile time trial of the season in East Anglia took place on Saturday afternoon on the ultra rapid E2/50c course, with warm but windy conditions prevailing.  North Norfolk Wheelers affiliated to the ECCA for the first time at the beginning of this year as a result of which I duly reported for marshalling duty meeting the event secretary and other helpers at the village hall hq a couple of miles from Six Mile Bottom, just south of Newmarket.
This is a drag strip course that does not seem like a lot of fun – riding on the dual carriageway A11 / A14 alongside fast moving traffic – but is popular with riders because of the fast times frequently recorded here, and Saturday was to prove no exception.  The start was south of Newmarket on a slip road with competitors heading south to turn at Fourwentways (FWW) – a slip road leading to a large roundabout and a 100 yard long bridge crossing the main road – then heading north to turn again at the B1085 junction at Red Lodge. 
At this point, competitors head south on the old A11 for a bit under two miles, to retrace north and then to re-join the dual carriageway heading back to FWW for the second turn, finally finishing back at Six Mile Bottom.  In practice, this is not as complex as it might seem and enthusiastic high viz jacket wearing marshals were evident in abundance, but there can be no doubt that the course would be even faster if it were confined entirely to the A11/A14 dual carriageway, the 3.5 mile leg on the old A11 being slow by comparison.
I was marshalling at Red Lodge, a good spot as riders head south and back on the old A11 leg taking anything from 8 to 10 minutes to pass me for the second time.  Perhaps because this is a Saturday afternoon event, the field is limited to 90 riders with plenty of numbers reserved for women.  Many open events on this course take place on Saturday afternoons, whilst the ECCA ‘100’ in July – one ECCA event (along with the 12 hour) that is not restricted to riders of ECCA affiliated clubs and therefore draws top riders from around the country seeking fast times for their BAR attempts – has the more traditional early Sunday morning start and will attract a field of 120 competitors.
This Newmarket course is something of a melting pot where competitors from Essex and North East London converge and compete with riders from East Anglia, all seeking quick times.  Earlier this season, professional Alex Dowsett recorded 17.46 on the E2/10 despite cold and windy conditions; he also set the ‘10’ competition record at 17.20 on this course in 2014.  Only two amateur stars have recorded sub 18 minute ‘10’s’ on similar courses in recent years when good mid season conditions prevailed.  I asked a few local experts what it is that makes the E2 course so fast and the general response was the top class, smooth road surface and the drag effect from the considerable traffic flow.  Drag strip courses existed back in the 1970’s (I rode them once or twice myself) so I guess there is no point complaining.
My impression was that the windy conditions would preclude really quick times, but I was wrong as 6 men recorded times under one hour 44 minutes (1.44) the winner being Liam Maybank of the Twickenham CC (he came second last year) who did a 1.39.  Even on this course, it is a rare thing, and takes a very strong rider, to get under 1.40.  David Langlands of Fenland Clarion came 2nd with a 1.41 ride beating David McGaw, Cambridge CC, the winner last year, by 4 seconds.  I spoke briefly with David at the finish and, philosophical chap that he is, he seemed pleased with his performance and time, rather than disappointed not to have repeated his win of the previous year.
Jason Turner of Norwich ABC recorded a personal best 1.46 (no doubt a club record as well) whilst James Trenchard of Godric also recorded a pb and club record with a 1.47.  These two guys are both rivals of Charlie Nurse in EDCA events, but I cannot help but feel that Charlie would have been on a 1.45 ride had he entered this event.  Of course, he went on anyway to do a very fine ride for 3rd place in the Wisbech Wheelers 25 the following morning.
I asked James about the wind and how it was that times were so quick.  He explained that the wind was favourable for the southerly leg to FWW, whilst the road on the northerly leg affords a fair amount of wind protection which was anyway more across than against.  Basically, he explained that the wind was, on this particular day, in the right direction.
He must be right because, in a strong field, no less than 4 women recorded sub two hour rides.  Sue Triplow of Essex Roads did a 1.59 for 3rd place with Mary Bower of Chelmer CC getting the win (and 40th overall) with a short 1.58, thirty seconds clear of Suzanne Robinson, of club VC10 in second place.  These two women are slight in stature and build (Trenchard again reminding me that that is good for low aerodynamic drag) but evidently generate a lot more cycling power than you might imagine.  Perhaps I should get back into training ?
Unlike some of our NNW club time trial courses, this is not a course that you would choose for a scenic club run, but time trial riders are a funny breed and motivated by the spur of competition and the prospect of fast times.  The course and the day delivered – there will be more full fields and over subscribed events for sure.

TT results Pretty Corner 10m TT (B10/5) 17/5/16

Posted on by Admin

Time Trial Results Pretty Corner 10m TT (B10/5) 17/5/16

A good turnout of riders including three from TriHarman triathlon club turned out for the club time trial.  The ladies were flying with Louise Marsden finding some early season form with a course PB and Teresa Harman knocking over a minute off her course PB.

It was business as usual for Charlie Nurse with one of his best times on this course for the year as he continues his preparation for the amateur world qualifying ‘chrono TT’ in Cambridgeshire early next month.  With a couple of training ‘tweaks’ and optimum conditions on this course he is sure to break his course PB later this year (no pressure!).

Second was Aiden Bond who went under 22 minutes for the first time this year on this course, with Dan Watts third. Karl Read posted his second fastest time on the course and Mike Padfield went under 23 minutes with a PB of 22.47.  ‘Super veteran’ Brian Platts went under 26 minutes for the first time this year.

Thanks to all the riders for supporting the event and to the time-keepers and marshals for organising another great evening of racing.

17/05/2016 Pc 10m TT
Name Time Handicap time Notes
NURSE 20.53 20.52
BOND 21.50 20.56
WATTS 22.10
READ 22.35 20.49
PADFIELD 22.47 20.55 PB
WOODLEY 24.11 21.34
HAYWARD 24.24 21.52
MEADOWS 24.29 PB
MORGAN 24.48 21.48
MARSDEN (f) 25.14 CPB
JANES 25.44
PLATTS 25.49 21.19
A.JAY 27.20
T.HARMAN (f) 27.27 CPB
JAY (f) 29.56
VIDLER 30.31
CATTERMOLE 31.31

 

Wisbech Wheelers open ‘25’ mile time trial

Posted on by Admin
Wisbech Wheelers open ‘25’ mile time trial, Sunday 15 May – Bruce Williams reports
Blue skies and bright sunny conditions greeted the 70 riders drawn mainly from East Anglian and Fenland clubs for the Wisbech Wheelers ‘25’ with the early chilly wind giving way to hotter temperatures as the morning progressed.  This course, code B25/6, straddles west Norfolk and north Cambridgeshire – the flat Fenlands beckon, but the promise (something of a falsehood in itself) of flat roads and fast times is contradicted by this road’s legendary exposure to constant cross winds, with no roadside protection, which always seem to prevail in these Fenland areas.
Alongside two other enthusiasts, I was marshalling at the westerly turn on the A47 this side of Wisbech, the course starting west of Kings Lynn, proceeding westwards on the A47 with the full distance made up by two laps, so the competitors turn twice at my position, at 6 and approximately 18.5 miles.
Favourite on the day was Daniel Bloy of Team Velovelocity (TVV) who won this event last year with a rapid 52 minute and 32 seconds ride (52.32) with Barry Charlton, hailing from the Potteries, expected to run him close.  50 years of age and clearly prepared to travel for his cycle competition, Barry is also known for his expertise on the trike holding a number of course and national records on 3 wheels, a fast veteran and cycling all-rounder.  In form Charlie Nurse of the NNW was expected to offer a challenge to these favourites with 2nd claim member, Laurence Wright, perhaps a slightly unexpected starter. When he is in the groove, Laurence is also a serious challenger.
There was a strong women’s entry as well, headed by Jennifer Smart (VC Norwich) who is as much interested as beating the time of her husband, Mark, as taking the prize money in the women’s event (more of this later) Sally Withey (Team Swift) and Rebecca Murley, Wisbech Wheelers, on her 2nd comeback appearance this season after 4 years away from time trialling.  Jennifer actually came 2nd with a one hour and four minute ride (1.4) with Rebecca well pleased with 1.5 and Sally less impressed with her 1.6, but the win went to 19 year old Jennifer McAndrew (Team Jadan) recording an excellent 1.3, clearly a young woman with a cycling future.  This time was only just over one minute slower than her father, Graham, the event secretary’s notes indicating that ‘Dad paid the entry fees’ for both of them.  That and the travelling costs, cycle equipment, food and refreshment no doubt….
At the 6 mile first turn, I could barely separate the main rivals – Bloy, Charlton, Paul Jay (TVV) Mathew Senter (Peterboro CC) Charlie and Laurence – all being close.  On the 2nd turn, I noted that Bloy, Charlton and Nurse all took +/- 26 minutes to cover the (just over) 12 miles between the first and second turn, whilst other fast riders were on 27 minutes.  Bloy and Charlton were clearly close and I had Charlie 20-30 seconds down on Bloy but distancing himself from other rivals.
This was a good day for this course with unusually low wind speeds enabling Bloy to win with a short 52 minute ride which, at first, I thought beat the course record of Peter Balls (dating from 2009) by just two seconds.  However, I was informed that Matthew Smith (then of TVV) took the course record with a time of 51.17 in 2014; this guy has a 47 minute time to his name on the rapid E2/25 course and is a contender for the National ‘25’ that will be promoted by the EDCA in August.  Charlton came in with a mid 52 and Charlie got 3rd place squeezing out a long 52, much more pleasing than a short 53.  Laurence came 5th with a 54, a fine performance for someone suffering from a cold and without much recent competition, earning congratulations from his coach (the omnipresent Daniel Bloy !) in the process.
Charlie was justifiably pleased with his performance and placing with me noting that he seems to be narrowing the gap between himself and Bloy who has been a prolific winner of EDCA events in recent years.  It should equally be noted, however, that Daniel and Team Velovelocity are having a serious shot at the National ‘100’ later this season (they won the team prize in this event in 2014 and in the National 50 last year) and are aiming for high placings in the individual and team BAR, which requires training for the 12 hour event and this kind of training may have an effect on short distance speed.  Rather Bloy than me (or you). 
Laurence Wright, who is 1st claim TVV, is also likely to participate in their team tilts at the National 100 and BAR having already demonstrated his capability at the longer distances in recent years both at time trials and in mountain-bike competition, his other speciality. The British Best All Rounder (BAR) as a title and prize has existed for almost 100 years and is calculated by the fastest aggregate speed achieved in open time trials at each of 50 and 100 miles plus the 12 hour event. For women it is over 25, 50 and 100 miles.  The winning team consists of 3 riders. 
Incredibly, back in the late 1960’s, the incomparable Beryl Burton OBE recorded 277 miles in the 12 hour event which, at the time, was National Competition record for both men (ed. which no man could beat for over 2 years!) and women and remains the women’s record to this day. Seven times world road and pursuit champion and a completely amateur cyclist assisted only by her husband, Burton won the women’s BAR for 25 consecutive years into the 1980’s and established women’s competition records at every distance, which stood for 20-25 years.  Truly a record of accomplishment (without financial reward) that is unlikely ever to be matched, let alone surpassed, by any British sporting figure in any sport.
Finally, in the battle of the Smart’s, male pride was, for once, restored with Mark Smart defeating the time of his wife by almost 4 minutes.  Had I seen him back at HQ, I would have wished him well, hoping that it was ultimately worthwhile.  I am not sure that it will be.  The more serious question for the NNW is ‘how much faster can Nurse get?’

Albert Lefever trophy 25 mile Time Trial Results

Posted on by Admin

After the hot temperatures experienced at the weekend we were back to normal temperatures and rain for the North Norfolk Wheelers Albert Lefever Trophy 25 mile TT from Holt to Fakenham.  Albert Lefever was a notable member of the North Norfolk Wheelers.  The story goes that Albert made a wooden bike which broke whilst he was riding time trials and he was unfortunately killed! (Geoff Paice has the full story!)  With modern carbon and aluminium frames breaking road bikes thankfully doesn’t happen very often these days.  The trophy in Albert’s name is awarded annually for the outright fastest time on this course.

After an initial downpour, conditions were mostly dry with a light westerly wind helping the riders on the outward leg.  Atypically of most regional courses this is not a flat course and has a long gradually climb out of Letheringsett to get the legs burning in the first couple of miles.  A long exposed flattish section then takes the riders to Little Snoring, then a short climb up to the Fakenham bypass.  A sharp turn at the Fakenham roundabout and back against a headwind to Holt.  The last 500m is a nasty little incline to sap the final energy reserves from the competitors.  With rear lights flashing in the dull conditions everyone made it round safely.  A heavy rain shower caught the last of the riders as they crossed the line.

Charlie Nurse recorded the fastest time of 54.48, with Steve Gorbutt second with 55.36 and Dave Watts third with 58.12.  There were two Course Personal Bests from Mike Padfield and John Morgan, who came first and third on the handicap times respectively.

Full results are as follows (handicap time) NURSE – 54.48(54.10), GORBUTT 55.36, WATTS 58.12, WATKINS 59.25, PADFIELD 60.01 (53.28), WOODLEY 62.12 (54.51), MORGAN 63.18 (54.51), HAYWARD 63.50 (56.46), THOROLD 74.19 (59.14).

 

Pretty Corner 10m TT Results 3/5/16

Posted on by Admin
03/05/2016 Pretty Corner 10m TT
Name Time Handicap time
NURSE 21:43 21.42
BOND 22:15 21.21
SKINNER 22.19
READ 23.01 21.15
RISBY 23.23
WATKINS 23.26 20.48
PADFIELD 23.28 21.36
WILSON 23.42
TYLER 23.51
HEATHER 23.56
MORGAN 24.20 21.30
HAYWARD 24.27 21.55
FITZGERALD 24.50
WOODLEY 24.50 22.23
TOWNSEND 24.51
HALES 25.07
D.BECK 25.10
R.COLLYER 25.59
MELLITTI 26.35
THOROLD 28.04 22.28
HARMAN (f) 28.36
N.BECK (f) 29.52

VC Norwich open ‘25’ mile time trial 1/5/16

Posted on by Admin
Bruce Williams marshalled at this event on Sunday morning where the NNW had two members riding. The following is his report. 
Sunday morning was sunny but chilly as 80 odd riders descended on race hq at Snetterton to do battle in the VC Norwich open 25 mile time trial, on an A11 course re-configured (ref B25/8) to start at Snetterton, turning at the northern end at Browick Lane / Mulbarton finishing on the A11 short of the starting point. Wind conditions were fine early on but increased over the morning, being favourable on the outward leg and tough on the return.
This course had recently been measured by the Eastern District (EDCA) and will be used for the National ‘25’ to be promoted by the EDCA on August 7th, so this open event was something of a dry run for the course and the hq.
Strong contenders for the day included Joe Skipper of Rock Estate – a top and internationally known tri-athlete, the experienced Thetford based former RAF CC man, Dave Green and Daniel Northover of the sponsored (and new this season) nationally recognised, Team Bottrill. The NNW was well represented by John Morgan (looking for a fast time if the conditions permitted) Nigel Walsh (probably thinking the same thing) and club champion, Charlie nurse, looking to compete in equal or close terms with the event favourites and few other local EDCA club rivals.
Leading women included Jennifer Smart of the promoting club, who won the event with a fine ride on the day of one hour, one minute and 15 seconds with Verity Smith of the Stowmarket club just 49 seconds behind.  Ride of the day, however, for both men and women belonged (in my opinion) to Emma Taylor (formerly Beard) with a 1hr 5mins 34secs, an astonishing pb by over three and a half minutes.  Riding in most of the open time trials in Norfolk and Suffolk, Emma and her father Peter Beard, both of the Stowmarket, form the best father – daughter double act in cycling time trials that I can remember in years, perhaps since Charlie and Denise, which was over-shadowed by Charlie and wife Beryl; also Charlie never actually raced being coach, mechanic and pa to his talented wife and daughter.  The competition between the two of them became intense in more ways than one. Emma Taylor has an easy going rivalry with her father and got married near the end of the last time trial season (and not to a cyclist apparently) so clearly married life is working out well for her cycling.
Off at number 35, Charlie was going well at the turn (where I was marshalling) and eager to maintain his strong early season form.  It turned out that neither Joe Skipper nor Daniel Northover turned up to trouble the time-keeper so the favourite then became Dave Green at no.75 who I assessed to be half a minute up on Charlie at the turn.  Being an earlier starter, Charlie took the early lead in the event on his return to hq and maintained this position as his usual EDCA club rivals – the likes of Paul Jay and Scott Davidson of Team Velovelocity, James Trenchard of Godric CC, Paul Groombridge of Iceni velo and Jason Turner of Norwich ABC – came in and failed to dislodge him. 
A special mention should be made of club treasurer, John Morgan, an early starter at 19 and a rider who does not do many open time trials, who just missed getting under the classic hour mark by a handful of seconds.  Another day and he will definitely do it.  Nigel Walsh was forced not to start as a sinus infection required anti-biotics and general care.  He is off to Italy for a break soon so no doubt he will be fit and strong again soon.
Charlie stormed home recording a pb of 52.48, an average speed of over 28 mph, with the aforementioned rivals getting times of 53 or 54 minutes.  Just as we were getting excited, Dave Green, a very fast vet into his 50’s, spoiled the fun coming in with a time of 51.27.  A tremendous performance on the day even for him.  Unfortunately two more riders, Oliver Milk of Tri-Anglia and Ryan Morley of the RAF CC, sneaked by Charlie’s time each by just a few seconds leaving him in 4th place.  He should not be dismayed or disappointed to miss out on the top 3 and the prize money after recording a very good time but, for an ambitious guy like Charlie, the focus has to be what he can do with his training and preparation (and that does not mean more training) to get another minute off this time, an improvement that would make him a serious contender against the best rivals in East Anglia in EDCA open events.  Easier to say than do, of course.  Rather him than me.