Competition News

Last weekend I took part in the National Track Championships at Manchester Velodrome. I raced as a pilot on a tandem bike with a visually impaired rider, Natalie Jamieson. We took part in two events which are both essentially time trials on the track of different distances. On Friday we did 1k TT which is 4 laps of the track and Saturday we did the 3k pursuit which is 12 laps of the track. Although it doesn’t sound far it is an all out effort from a standing start on a fixed gear so it takes it out of you!

Following their debut ride on Friday Emily and Natalie returned in the fourth session the following day They completed the grueling 3km pursuit event finishing in 4:26. Again they were third with the world champions finishing second.

Congratulations to Brian Hill who was the leading Wheeler on his first outing this year on the Brickendon course.  Yiannis was not far behind followed by Lisa who was delayed and only just made the start then went round in exactly the same time as her PB for the course.  Four of the five Wheelers equalled or beat their best time this year for the course while Yiannis chose to ride on his titanium road bike and couldn't match his previous best this time.

Wheelers' times

An overcast, chilly, blustery evening saw nine riders turn out for the last Wheelers-run TT of the season on the F20/10 course (Hertford to Turnford and back).  The temperature and the crosswind were doing nobody any favours and everyone finished the event a little dissatisfied with their time.  The first place on the Herts Wheelers podium was taken by Yiannis Gopoulos with Claire Gopoulos taking second and settling a score with the course on which she had missed the turn in the previous race.  Third place was filled by occasional time-trialler Graham Knight taking a break

On a fine evening when conditions were excellent for racing it was a surprise to only get five entries for the TT.  Three Wheelers and two private entries took part and the race saw the first sub-nineteen minute ride in a Wheelers time trial for almost three years with the same rider, Andrew Hastings, having achieved it both times.  Solid rides from Wheelers Yiannis Gopoulos and Peter Walton and disappointment for the third; a moment’s doubt about the route and Claire missed the slip road for the turn and her race was over  -  a big shame but she’ll be back.<

Another good turn-out from Wheelers on a NRCC Brickendon TT. A win for Yiannis on a course that he says doesn't suit him and an excellent time from Gary on his first TT.

Lots of excellent times on a sunny June evening with light wins. Well done Yiannis for hanging on to first place in the Wheelers' league competition in the face of a strong challenge from Graeme who registered another PB. PB too for Ian who went below 30 minutes (and comfortably so) for the first time.

Thanks to Graham and Peter for the timing and Lee for the signs.

The first Wheelers' league event on the Brickendon course saw a fine turnout of 9 Wheelers, 3 new to time-trialling and all unfamiliar with the course. Some results reflected less on riding prowess than on navigation skills - several managed to get lost on this 9 mile course and must now add map reading practice to their training regimes.

Congratulations to Emily who led us all home. Commiserations to Enzo and Phil who suffered chain and navigation failures respectively.

Many thanks to all at the North Road CC for organising the event and welcoming us to it.

The rain cleared up just in time but it was a bit damp and gloomy. Still, 7 Wheelers and one private entrant lined up for the first 10 mile league event of the year. Two of the Wheelers were new to TTs - so congratulations to Ian and Phil for giving it a go. Sad to relate Phil crashed near Turnford when a rear-wheel puncture caused the tyre to come off the rim and jam the wheel. Not a good way to begin your TT career! We hope he will return for another go once the cuts and bruises are healed. Ian, though, completed the course in a good time for a first effort.

Congratulations Emily! She beat all-comers to win the Wheelers' Hill Climb Cup. Is this the first female winner in our history?

Congratulations also to the other three competitors. Good times all round and much, much better than the 150+ members who neither rode nor came to watch.

Nice sunny morning but just three riders. However, there was an excellent debut ride from Andy Lewis getting well under 30 mins on a road bike. As this was his first ride this season Andy takes the Scrubbers trophy. There was also a return for Lee who was narrowly beaten by Sam who took the 81" restricted gear trophy.

This event was postponed from July when there were insufficient entries. Sadly, despite all the effort that went into arranging permissions for a new date (Sam) plus the efforts of the signs marshall (Lee) and timekeepers (Bob and Marcia) there were still only two competitors. So well done to both of them! Sam is the new holder of the Old Skool cup

Cancelled due to road-works.

Cancelled as we were unable to place safety signs.

Cool for the last day of June but dry. Yiannis maintained his dominance. Another strong ride from Graeme.

Yiannis returns to the top on a warm, humid night on the A414.

Sadly, three Wheelers had to withdraw at the last moment but the three that remained provided some close competition. Well done Hanif Jetha who nudged Claire out of first place on his first Wheelers' TT (and his first anywhere for many years). Commiserations to two riders - Yiannis Gopoulos and Sam Brown - who both suffered punctures and had to retire.

The May showers relented and we were granted a sunny evening with light winds. Graeme continued his recent good form and led home the Wheelers. There were good results amongst the private entries too - both Andy Georgiou, and Andrew Halpin were first time time trialists.

Thanks to Peter and Graham for the time-keeping and Lee for the signs.