This week all 29 starters took up the challenge to race on standard road bikes without aero aids usually associated with time trials such as TT bars, skinsuits or long pointy helmets. I think most who usually ride TT bikes actually enjoyed racing their road bikes for a change, even if times were slightly slower. Many of the riders were quick to offer excuses in advance for slower times although conditions did seem slower than previous weeks, including tough chain gangs, interval sessions or hilly Rutland rides in hot temperatures the previous day, although Phil Latin’s excuse of 350 miles at the weekend was probably the best. All these things do affect a riders performance and sometimes riders just use the TT’s for a good training session knowing they may be someway off their best time.
Fastest on the night was Jack Burgin in 23.03. That’s averaging over 26mph and I think the quickest anyone has ridden that course using without TT bars, skinsuits etc. Steve Bird riding in only his second TT improved slightly on last week and was second in 23.51. Adrian Beer was third in 24.04. Fastest women and junior female was Cece Hime in 28.03 and fastest junior male was Nick Hall in 25.17.
Ann Knight, Catherine Hall, Simon Pauley and Simon Hime were all riding their first club TT competing against their children, along with Leo Falkner riding in only his second TT. Most people improve over the first few weeks as they get used to the course and pacing. Its worth mentioning that Simon Hime was under doctors orders not to exceed a heartrate of 130 bpm. so would be interesting to see how quick he could go when fully fit! Good to see long time member Steve Young competing again and sporting one of the very first St Ives CC jerseys in yellow and red. I still have a yellow/blue/red one (which I keep hoping to fit in again one day), but Steve’s is even older! Probably the most outstanding ride of the night was Max whose time of 26.38 was only just behind myself and Phil and he is only 13 years old. I rode 26.31, but accidently left my helmet at home. Given my hair cut is probably more aerodynamic than a TT helmet, let alone a road one which everyone was wearing, it seems only fair to disqualify myself from receiving points. Strangely enough I think CTT rules still allow riders to compete without helmets, but club policy is for those riding club organised activities to wear one. Lastly well done to 18 year old Julia who rode a PB of 26.31 in an open 10 time trial in Norfolk at the weekend.
Bob Cooper came along to watch and cheer riders on too. Although its unlikely Bob will be able to ride for the next few months, its at least great news to see him out of hospital and walking.
Next week its back to a free for all in terms of equipment with only electric bikes and recumbents not allowed. Registration is between 6.00pm and 6.30pm with the first rider off at 7, but numbers are available at the start. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are, everyone is welcome and most just aim to get quicker as the weeks go on. If you have a younger member or are expecting to be one of the slower riders, it would be great if you can let me know in advance on the day so I can allocate an earlier start time.
Starters & Timekeepers: Netty Thompson, Colin Brooker, Colin Edwards
Marshals: Tony Cork, Glenn Morris and also Beth Falkner & Angela Woods (Jacobs mum) who stepped in at the last minute to help.
Results
1- Jack Burgin 23.3
(2)- Two up of Sean Purser & Charlie Bratt 23.23
2 – Steve Bird 23.57
3 – Adrian Beer 24.04
4- Adam Cornthwaite 24.31 (Ramsey CC)
5 – Nick Hall 25.17
6 – Phil Oxborough 25.42
7 – Leo Falkner 26.08
8 – Phil Latin 26.27
9 – Cameron Walker 26.36
10 – Max Falkner 26.38
11 – Ollie Maynard 27.29
12 – Steve Butterworth 27.31
13 – Simon Hime 27.34
14 – Robert Tillott 27.39
15 – Cece Hime 28.08
16 – Sarah Kelman 29.52
17 – Steve Young 30.02
18 – Julia Wardley-Kershaw 30.14
19 – Bea Pauley 30.31
20 – Dan Benham 30.38
21 – Simon Pauley 31.37
22 – Dom Pauley 32.49
23 – Catherine Hall 33.32
24 – Jacob Wood 35.08
25 – Lotti Knight DNF
26 – Ann Knight DNF
27 – Daniel Rigby DQ
