Entry will open for the 2018 Woolly Mamil winter race series on 2nd Jan 2018. 

The races will take place at the Stourport circuit on 20th, 27th January and 3rd, 10th Feb 2018 from 11am until 3pm. It’s a great venue with proper car parking, hot showers and clean changing rooms, a nice modern club house right next to the circuit and a warm welcome.

Like last year, signing on will take place in The Mamil Annexe. This is a separate building to the right of the main club house and it means the bar doesn’t become overrun when we mix it with the hockey players. All the club house facilities will still be available it just means we’ll all have a bit more elbow room to fight over licences, gear checking and whether you’ve finished 38th or 39th.

Whilst we’re banging on, the Sport club has asked us to reinforce the request that you don’t use the car park or the access road to warm up on. There is a paved area around the Mamil Annexe for rollers and turbos. Similarly, riders warming up behind their parked cars gives the club management the willies so if you could avoid that too please. If you absolutely, positively, must have a ‘real’ ride as a warm up, you’ll need to use the public road. Not something we’d recommend but we don’t want anybody reversed over by a car when they’re a Z5 in the car park.  

The format will be as the last two years (people seem to like it!). This means an E1234 women only race, u14/u16 girls and boys race, a Cat E123 men’s race and a 4th Cat only race at the end.

We will have electronic timing chips as per last year.

We’re looking for a couple of marshals too – we can cover your expenses plus a bit so let us know if you’re interested in any or all of the events.

See you there. Bring your ‘big’ coat…  

​Wow, some series that turned out to be. The biggest fields of riders we have seen and some of the most entertaining racing we’ve witnessed.

Riders come from all over to compete in this series, some after early points, some wanting to test their racing form against their forthcoming seasons rivals and some, if our interpretation of your feedback is correct, just because they enjoy it. All valid reasons we think.
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This year, along with many from local Midlands clubs, we had riders from Scotland, Newcastle, Devon, Wales, Manchester and Hampshire come to race. Round 3 saw with biggest number of registered riders at 208. What can we say? Thank you. 

​The standard of riding – technically, tactically and physiologically - has got progressively better every year. You might expect it from the E/1/2/3s but the youth race shows the time and effort these youngsters put in to their training and often rewards those who dare to attack and animate the race. 

​Without question the standard of the women’s and 4th Cat is top notch and the speeds have gone up too.

By way of example, Olly Hacker of Birmingham University CC went from winning the 4th Cat race in round 3 straight through to winning the E/1/2/3 the following week. Like Leicester City Football club. Only better. But with much less money involved. Perhaps the moral of the story is to spend more time contemplating life, the universe and everything whilst studying Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. Well done Olly.     

​The E/1/2/3 race gets 40 odd on average but it’s the 4th Cat race where we’d like to do more. The race gets fully subscribed on-line some weeks before the day, the reserve list gets more than fully populated and then we get entry on the line requests. We hate turning people who want to race away but we are, rightly, limited by the British Cycling risk assessment for the circuit.
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What can we do for you guys? Another Cat 4 only race? Suggestions on a postcard please. 

The Ludlow Brewery Racing Team get a special mention. Some classy rides from those guys this year, showing themselves at the front of the race and always doing it with a smile. They also brought us some beer. You’ll get a mention in these reports if you bring us free stuff too. Especially beer.

Parent points were awarded on an informal basis. There we some good ‘work togethers’ and loads of ‘get on a wheel’s but this year showed an increase on ‘move ups’. Aside from a bit of minor arm waving and a few well aimed wheel bag kicks, it was all good-natured stuff. 

Putting a series of races on four weeks on the bounce in a British winter brings its challenges although once again we managed to get all the races going. In the past, we’ve had some delayed starts and a shortened course while the corners thawed out but we managed to avoid that this year with some preventative pre-planned maintenance – yes, salt and a couple of stiff brooms. 

The weather mostly behaved itself, round 3 provided some nice sunny conditions, round 4 was a bit Ukrainian and rounds 1 and 2 have been frozen out of our collective memories. 

We really appreciate your feedback - it’s been overwhelmingly positive – but we’d also really like to know how we can make things better so please do let us know.
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So, Brass Monkey awards to the Commissaires, Dave, Kieran and Mike Jackson. Our thanks for your unobtrusive, low key but effective organisation.   

We also need to thank Dave ‘Lord’ Starkey and Deb, Lou and Helen for manning the signing on and making it so slick. A big cheers and ta to anybody who helped us with gear checking or had a red flag thrust in to their hand when they were least expecting it when we were pressed.  

Also thanks to our hosts Stourport Sport Club including Fran and Big Dave behind the bar. Andy Whitehouse took some great pictures, so check out the links posted in the results tab on the website or on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds. Please don’t knick ‘em, ask him.

Our biggest thanks go to you, the riders. We really appreciate you supporting our events, doing so with a smile and bearing with us when we bollocks something up.

If you keep showing up, we’ll keep putting then on, deal?

Stay safe and have great seasons

Cheers

Rich, John, Craig and Barry

Thank you to those who came along to the 1st Woolly Mamil winter crit at Stourport last week. If you are coming along to future rounds could we ask for your help on some housekeeping issues that will help keep our host at the Stourport Sport Club happy please.

There are likely to be a number hockey matches on this week so the car park and facilities will be busy so please.

1. Signing on will be in the ‘annexe’. The separate building to the right of the clubhouse if you stand facing it. All the normal changing, café etc facilities are available it just gets a bit crowded when there are lots of other users around.
2. Please park considerately and use only one car parking space. We appreciate the overspill parking along the service road is not marked out but if you could be judicious in the amount of space you use, that would be helpful.
3. There are hard surfaced areas around the track, at the rear of the clubhouse and the around the annexe to put turbos and rollers on should you choose to warm up in this way. Please don’t use an extra car parking space or block the fire exits around the building.
4. Please don’t warm up by riding in the car park, service road or around the roundabout in front of the clubhouse. The consequences of a moments inattention from somebody reversing out of a space as a cyclist goes past at speed just don’t bear thinking about. This is really important.
5. Have fun! 

Thanks once again for your support and all the best for your efforts in future rounds.  

The 3rd annual running of the Woolly Mamil Winter circuit series over the last four weeks at Stourport saw all the seasons represented. From a cold, bright frosty start, we also saw unseasonably mild and sunny, windy and that old school British classic, horizontal rain, when storm Henry said hello for the last race on 6th February.

Having said that, we managed to put all the races on, probably pushing our luck with the cycling Gods a little.
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The format remained the same as previous years, a women’s only race followed by u14/16s then 1/2/3/4s and finally the 4th Cat only event. Participation rates were really high – the 4th Cat only races got up to the maximum 50 slots well before each event. Similarly, the youth racing was oversubscribed on Round 3. Round 2 saw 27 women take to the start line. Pretty impressive commitment from riders of all categories for what is, after all, crit racing in January.

Round 1 Saturday 16th January 2016

Two bags of Telford Farm Machinery’s finest rock salt and some hefty broom work from the Mamil team saw the course ready for some great racing in the opening women’s event.

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Masie Duckworth of PMR took the win on a shortened course from Lauren O'Brien of Team Giordana- Triton with Catherine Coley of newcomers Ludlow Brewery Racing team a strong third.

​On the de-iced full course Matt Radford of Wolverhampton Wheelers made an early break with Luke Pollard stick in the senior event with Matt winning after Luke indulged in a little cyclo-cross on the last corner. Joe Swinnerton took 3rd from the bunch.

Matt Lewis of WWCC won from Josh Price in the U16 Boys race with Will Swarbrick of Cheltenham & County CC winning from Freddie Loveday (Leamington C & AC) and Jack Wilson (LBRT) in a hard fought and fast 4th Cat race.

Round 2 Saturday 23rd January 2016
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A mild sunny clear day greeted the riders for round 2 with Catherine Coley of the Ludlow Brewery Race Team winning in a very close finish from a field of 27 women racers with Melissa Baker of Wolverhampton Wheelers and Masie Duckworth (PMR) in 2nd and 3rd respectively. 

In a reversal of Round I Joshua Price of Ride 24/7 won from Matthew Lewis of Wolverhampton Wheelers in the U16 Boys race the Oscar Mingay (JIF) in third.
Cameron Pilkington Eastlands Velo won in the u14 Boys with Bevan Smith Cardiff (JIF) Ayrton Smith of the Maindy Flyers Youth CC backing up in second and third spots

Luke Pollard (Nova Raiders) took a great solo win after a staying away from a high quality field for the majority of the race. New boy in the Raleigh GAC outfit for 2016, Jack Escritt won the bunch gallop for second place from a fast finishing Michael Burke (Welland Valley CC) in third.
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In the 4ths Duncan Parsonage (Uttoxeter Cycling Club) won from Freddie Loveday (Leamington C & AC0 with James Duncan of the GBC Racing Team in third.

Round 3 Saturday 30th January 2016

Thankfully dry but with a bitingly cold wind would nicely describe the day for Round 3. With our brave band of winter crit riders wholly undeterred by the conditions, there were close to full fields for all of the 4 races.
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A really exciting and fast paced women race saw Lauren O’Brien (University of Birmingham CC) win from Molly Patch (CC London) with the ever strong, competitive and consistent Catherine Coley of the Ludlow Brewery Race Team finishing in third

In the U14 girls Millie Couzens of Zappis Racing Team won from Aimee Lane of local club Wyre Forest CRC with Tia Froom (NFTO) in third.

Joshua Price Ride 24/7 won the u16 Boys race and, with racing companion Matt Lewis, away Joshua Sandman of Climb On Bikes and George Bazley (Bristol Cycling DS) in second and third respectively.

James Hill of RST won in the senior event after a strong break with James Ireson of the newly formed NAB Racing Team in second and Jake Stewart (Swinnerton Cycles) in third. 

In the 4ths Craig Nicolson (ROM Velo) won from Jack Wilson (Ludlow Brewery RT) and Gerard Henry of Cult Racing. 

Round 4 Saturday 6th February 2016

Storm Henry tried his best to put our intrepid riders off their game for Round 4 but failed dismally to do so. Whilst riders, spectators, Commissaires and organisers had to cope with a good soaking, the wind was strong enough to be a factor in the racing but not strong enough to warrant the event being cancelled.
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In the women’s race Lauren O' Brien (UOB CC) take her second win and third podium of the series. Elizabeth Catlow of Bourne Wheelers was second and Molly Patch third. Hayley Bosworth (700CC) finished 4th to secure her 3rd Category licence with Catherine Coley (LBRT) once again amongst the points in 6th.  

In the U14 boys Jack Rootkin-Gray of Solihull CC won from Hayden Norris (Lichfield CC) and Cameron Pilkington (Eastlands Velo).

Aimee Lane of local club Wyre Forest CRC won the U14 girls with Hollie Owens (Lichfield CC) and Tia Froom of NFTO in third.

The battle for the U16 boys title continued with Joshua Price of Ride 24/7 overcoming Matthew Lewis of WWCC this time. Lewis Askey (RST) was third. 

Local pro Adam Lewis of NHT Cycling Team came back from Belgium to win the senior event with a measured chase down on a strong and early break winning from Ben Nott and James Hill  (RST Racing Team). Great to see Adam back and supporting this event once again.

In the final race of the series Jacob Sparrow of the well represented Ludlow Brewery Race Team won the 4ths with Craig Nicolson and Tim Spencer, also of the Ludlow Brewery Race Team in second and third respectively.

4th Cat racing has come in for some stick recently but, apart from a few minor slips, all agreed it was face paced classy riding every week from these guys. We were similarly delighted to attract so many women racers to the winter series – the category gets stronger every year. There were never less than 20 riders on the grid with a maximum 27 in round 2. Really encouraging.

Big thanks to the volunteers, marshals, helpers and to Worcester Cycling Centre who once again provided the prizes for the event. Stourport Sports Club have also been superb putting up with us mobbing the club house for 4 weeks on the bounce.
A lot of work behind the scenes goes on to ensure the timing solution works and the results are collated and distributed as quickly as possible. Thank you to Simon in particular for running the timings.

Sometimes we make mistakes: when we do we fess up and get on with it. Almost without exception we have been met with smiles and cooperation and good natured banter. Often the kids have led the way in that.

We’ve really enjoyed putting this on. It’s important to us we catered for as many riders as possible, particularly encouraging grass roots cycling and that we tried to keep the entry fee as reasonable as possible.   
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Finally, a big thanks to the riders who supported the events. You make it worthwhile. Have great seasons and remember to factor in the Winter series in 2017 as part of your preparation. 

People looking for a New Year fitness goal are joining dedicated cyclists in entering the fifth Shropshire Hills Sportive starting from Bridgnorth High Street this July. Following the success of last years the event, riders are urged to get their entries in early to what has become a ‘must do’ event on the cycling calendar.

The historic High Street in Bridgnorth will be closed to traffic for the day and provides a wonderful back drop for the day’s events with all riders, whether undertaking the 50, 70 or 100 mile routes, starting and finishing here.  The routes take in some of the finest countryside Shropshire has to offer including Clee Hill and the Long Mynd with riders having access to feedstations along the way to ensure they are fed and watered. 

Bridgnorth based rider Rich Smith says ’50 miles is a great starting point for riders new to sportives or those looking for a challenge to build a fitness program around. The 100 mile route taking in the Long Mynd is a serious challenge even for experienced riders’

The High street will be packed with both cycling and non-cycling related traders ensuring a colourful backdrop to the day’s activities.

John Ireson, from Mamil Cycling commented ‘by limiting the number of places we can ensure everybody gets looked after. We want to promote an event that whilst challenging, is informal and fun ensuring each and every rider gets a great day out on the bike. It’s hard to believe this year will see the fifth running of the event – the support, both locally and nationally, is fantastic’  

Entries for the event are available via the Mamil Cycling Sportive page (www.mamilcycling.co.uk) or directly via the British Cycling portal

Thanks to Schwalbe for once again sponsoring this event.

In the summer of 2013 we got together over tea and stickies at Mamil Towers (yeah, okay, it’s my house) to decide what events we should put on in 2014 to supplement our (so far successful) summer sportive.  After much debate and much tea, we decided to take the plunge and put on a series of winter circuit races that would lead with, and seek to encourage, women’s racing.

British Cycling certainly encouraged us, but with half of the GBTx team coached by Rich being women, Craig’s involvement with youth development and 3 of the 4 of us having daughters involved in sport, we didn’t take much persuading.

Experience told us women’s racing was commonly an afterthought, often being the last race on the card and thrown in with the 4th category men. It might be a bit of chicken and egg, but we’d sometimes seen 3 women registered on line and 2 more turn to sign on for a race only to discover they have widely different skill and fitness levels meaning the race has degenerated in to a circuit based time trial. Keen not to repeat this, we thought we’d try and establish some basics.

1. To have a women (only) race first on the card and grant free entry to the 4th Cat race if riders want to race again. Having the race on first means a less crowded HQ and signing on area together with more than an outside chance of getting a car parking space and a coffee.
2. Like all of our events, we wanted it to be friendly, informal and well run. It’s our objective to help rather than hide behind officialdom. This means keeping our events relatively small so we can speak to everybody. Hopefully this makes accessing bike racing less stressy if a rider is new to it or has turned up on their own.
3. We wanted a great facility and Stourport provides a good circuit with a good HQ with modern changing facilities, signing on area, access to decent tea, coffee and parking. It’s also pretty safe and secure with friendly staff.  
4. We tried to make it good value. Out of the £6 we charged (£6.70 if you did it online with the 70p going to BC), half of that goes to British Cycling as a levy. Once the Commissaires, track hire and prizes are paid for breaking even becomes pretty marginal.

Not rocket surgery is it? But what have we learnt from the experience? We got some (admittedly informal) feedback from the riders by, you know, speaking to them.

1. Women only races work and attract more riders irrespective of licence category. There were some takers for the free entry into the 4th Cat race (the last on the card) but not many and decreasingly so as the series went on.
2. Putting the women’s race on first works for the reason we hoped it would. We had 25 riders on the line for the last race of the series as word spread - more than we’ve seen in most summer races.
3. Riders didn’t seem to be motivated by the (admittedly crap) prizes but were interested in accumulating BC points (at least some of them were).
4. The women’s racing was of high quality and competitive but had a collaborative element to it with riders working together when dropped from the bunch. It was clear from our Twitter feed that a good number of new friendships had sprung up during the event. I hope this doesn’t sound patronising; it’s just what we saw.   
5. The no frills/low key approach seems to work. The women seem to want to get on with their racing rather than have a big fuss made about it and would generally sooner not have ‘crowds’.  
6. Riders would like their finishing positions even if they are outside the top 10 (point scoring) places.
7. The 4th Cat only race attracted the biggest fields (50 riders) with the E/1/2/3 having circa 20 each week. The Youth racing was pretty well supported.
8. The consecutive weekly series format works, many of the same riders coming back each Saturday of the four to race.
9. We were fortunate to have the Boom Cycling team along who brought half a dozen riders to each event. We need to find a way of contacting, engaging and encouraging more women’s teams or groups from clubs to come along in the future. Boom made a big difference to the event.  

As an organiser, what can we do better or different?

1. Better line judging. A video camera supplemented with judges equipped with pen and paper works okay but a fool proof electronic system would be better. Everybody, irrespective of position, would get a finishing place and time and it would let us do a ‘fastest lap’ competition.  
2. A series entry (i.e. the ability to enter all four events in one 'on-line hit') and a team prize would be useful.
3. Some colour coded numbers would help, particularly with the youth racing where there are four races on the circuit at the same time.
4. It would be good to have a series sponsor to relieve some of the financial pressure!

Rider feedback was generally good (from both the men and women) but we need constructive criticism, what else would riders like to see? What could we do better? Please tell us. In particular, is there a demand for coaching in a ‘race’ environment?   

Finally, we loved putting the racing on, the plan is to do it again next year on the 17th, 24th, 31st January and 7th Feb 2015.

Big thanks to all those who supported us, most particularly the riders but also Brian from Raleigh, Pez for the amazing pictures, the staff at Stourport, the Comms and the volunteers who helped out.

Women’s race

Anybody who has ever raced a bike will have bailed at some time. When you can’t find enough holes to breathe through and the handlebar tape has teeth marks in it, sometimes you just have to watch the bunch disappear up the road. It’s a less common occurrence to have to bail the circuit out before a race can begin but that’s what the organisers found themselves doing at Stourport last Saturday.

This winter’s unprecedented weather meant the track side water feature of last week’s race had grown in to a small sea. Despite the valiant attempts of a number of hastily drafted volunteers, it was not to be shifted meaning the course was shorted a little allowing Noah to continue his boat building unmolested by racing cyclists.

Once underway, the healthy field of 25 women riders settled in to a now familiar pattern with Maxine Filby (Trek Coverntry) often at the head of bunch setting a strong pace closely monitored by Darrelle Parker (Boom CC) and Masie Duckworth (Wolverhampton Wheelers CC) both of whom had featuring in podium positions during the series.

Working well together, the three pulled away from the field and established a significant gap, Duckworth displaying the race craft from her schooling at Wolverhampton Wheelers by following the right wheels and Filby showing her strength on the windy circuit.

Their break was well established entering the final straight and with a final scramble for position, Masie Duckworth (WWCC) took an excellent win from her breakaway companions with Maxine Filby (Trek Coventry) in second and Darrelle Parker (Boom CC)in a solid third.     

Close observers of the race were treated to an appearance by a certain Tracy Moseley representing Malvern Cycle Sport, more often than not seen winning world class downhill mountain bike events, getting some early season speed work in.   

Results

1 Duckworth Masie
2 Filby Maxine
3 Parker Darelle
4 Keneko Hisayo
5 Jones Eleanor
6 Odell Sarah
7 Birtles Emma
8 Moseley Tracy
9 Phillips Jacqui
10 Ackland Lindsay

U14/u16 Boys and Girls   

With the growing crowd of spectators half expecting to see the animals of the nearby West Midlands safari park being ushered to safety two by two at the rear of the flooded circuit, a healthy field of youth riders gathered for the start of their races.

Making light work of the challenging conditions and with the increasingly blustery wind blotting out their baying parents, the youth of the Midlands set about their work with aplomb. Of particular note today was an excellent ride from u14 rider Ben Healy (Halesowen ACC) who, with a solo attack, both caught and went through u16’s to take an excellent win.

Alice Law and Hollie Owens (WWCC) repeated their victories of last week in the u16 and u14 girls races respectively with Jake Stewart (Solihull CC) doing similarly in u16 boys. 

Clearly, many of the young riders benefited from the helpful track side advice to both ‘ride faster’ and indeed ‘close the gaps’ which undoubtedly led to some interesting conversations in the car on the way home.          

Results

Youth A Boys
1 Stewart Jake
2 Lewis Will
3 Lewis Kier

Youth A Girls
1 Law Alice
2 Simmons Rebecca

Youth B Boys
1 Healy Ben
2 Lewis Matthew
3 Manfield Will

Youth B Girls
1 Owens Hollie
2 Homer Gabriella
3 Williamson Chloe

E/1/2/3

Not to be put off by flooding of biblical proportions, 24 riders signed up for this week’s thrilling instalment of senior racing. 10 minutes in to the 45 minute race, George Richardson (Unattached), Jack Escritt (Velocity WD40) and last week’s winner Adam Lewis of Belgium based outfit Terra Safety Shoes, had broken away from the field and established a useful break.

Realising the danger of the move, the more alert and able riders in the group set about a chase with Iain Palmer (Twickenham CC) being the first to respond closely followed by the young pairing of James Ireson (Wolverhampton Wheelers CC) and James Elmore (Mid Shropshire Wheelers).

Whilst never actually making contact with the breakaway riders, Palmer showed remarkable resilience by managing not only to hold off the pack but also to gradually distance it. Similarly, brave work by the two young James’s did eat away at the distance to the break although the reward for their joint effort was ultimately to be subsumed by the bunch towards the end of the race.

Nobody could accuse Richardson of a lack of strength or commitment as he put in some huge turns to lap the field with his younger breakaway partners within the final 5 laps. Leading out the sprint, Lewis and Escritt’s fast legs outpaced the strong man to take first and second places. The knowing smile on George Richardson’s face as he went over the line speaking volumes.

Palmer capped off a good day for him with a solo fourth with James Ireson keeping enough powder dry to take the bunch sprint for fifth.

A classy race run with great spirit and sportsmanship. Clearly the crowd were happy the race was run at a pace acceptable to them as nobody had told the seniors to ‘ride faster’. Bonus.

Results

1 Lewis Adam
2 Escritt Jack
3 Richardson George
4 Palmer Ian
5 Ireson James
6 Noble Nick
7 Cox Simon
8 Watts Daniel
9 Ellmore James
10 McKinn Daniel

4th Cat

The 4th Cat race this week reflected the worsening weather conditions and was attritional in nature with no single rider or small group being allowed to tap off the front.

Lots of work was being done on the front of the bunch by the lads from the Worcester St Johns club and, as the race progressed, many riders were unable to hold the strong pace they set. With the strengthening wind blowing in seemingly uninterrupted from the Urals, it looked increasingly like a bunch gallop would decide the race.

Sure enough, into the final straight for the last time and Charlie Hargreaves of the Solihull club took the win to conclude the final race of the series.

Results

1 Hargreaves Charlie
2 Thomas Harry
3 Withers Joseph
4 Hickinbottom Sean
5 Alcock Matthew
6 Smith Danny
7 Minton Stephen
8 Holyman William
9 Wilkes Joshua
10 Thomas Mark

That concludes the racing for this year’s series. The organisers Mamil Cycling would like to thanks the riders for their support, our chilled to the bone Commissaires and Stourport Sport Club for their hospitality.

A summary of the series and overall standings will follow.    

Riders of the Woolly Mamil series had been monitoring the weather reports this week to see if Stourport on Severn had become Stourport in Severn during a week’s worth of rain. However, aside from an impromptu water feature that was quickly coned off at the top hairpin, the rather damp circuit was signed off as rideable.

18 women riders took to the start line but within the first lap Maxine Filby (Trek Coventry) established a good lead which grew to nearly a minute as the rider made the most of fresh legs from a light training week to time trial her way to the win.    

Once more, the Boom Cycle Team road strongly controlling the bunch although nobody was minded to try to bridge the gap to Filby. A mention in dispatches must go to Boom rider Hisayo Keneko who rapidly regain both her composure and the bunch after a slip near the new water feature. Gutsy riding from her again.

Maise Duckworth (Wolverhampton Wheelers CC) riding her first race of the series and having only this season graduate from youth racing, looked comfortable surrounded by the Boom Team and took the bunch dash for a creditable second place. A testament to the time spent honing her skills on the track over the last couple of years.

Transplant Champion Ottilie Quince (Luton CC) returned for another lash at the circuit before heading off to commentate on the Women Tour of Qatar starting on Tuesday 6th February. The profile of women’s cycling continues to rise and with races of this quality, deservedly so.

Results

1 Filby Maxine
2 Duckworth Masie
3 Parker Darrelle
4 Rutherford Paula
5 Kaneko Hisayo
6 Ackland Lindsay
7 Odell Sarah 
8 Bamford Alicia
9 Mcdonagh Elisa
10 Stuart Gemma

U14/u16 Boys and Girls   

The racing started as soon as the shivering had finished. Characterised by sharp aggressive attacks and strong riding to hold the pack at bay, Jake Stewart (Solihull CC) and Lewis Askey (Lichfield CC) took good wins in the Youth A and Youth B Boys races respectively.

Alice Law (WWCC) repeated her win from last week with a strong ride in the Girls Youth A category with Hollie Owens of the same club taking Girls Youth B.

Encouraging to see a strong thread of women riders coming through the ranks of this large and well supported local club.  

Results

Youth A Boys
1 Stewart Jake
2 Waters Josh
3 Lewis Kier

Youth A Girls
1 Law Alice
2 Hudson Connie

Youth B Boys
1 Askey Lewis
2 Healy Ben
3 Lewis Matthew

Youth B Girls
1 Owens Hollie
2 Homer Gabriella
3 Williamson Chloe

E/1/2/3


This series has been blessed with at least one stand out race each time and it was the turn of the E/1/2/3’s to show how it was done with a great display of strength and tactical nouse.  

Within the first couple of laps, Stephen Cavey (Catford CC) and Luke Churchus (Ganett CC) had established a useful 2 man break with the pack, containing last week’s winner Adam Lewis (Terra Safety Shoes), seemingly reluctant to chase them down. Working well together, it looked like the pair had launched the race winning move even with the speed of the chasing bunch shelling out tiring riders.

Windy and occasionally wet conditions made positioning on the circuit vital to conserve energy by finding those few valuable sheltered spots in the bunch. At times the race appeared to have more in common with a dinghy race as riders tacked into the wind.

Inside of the final 5 laps, Lewis launched a well-timed attack from the side of the pack and set off in chase of the two break away riders, managing to bridge the gap with 2 laps to go. Tucking in for the penultimate lap, he attacked again on the bell to distance Cavey and Churchus to make the race winning move.

A great display of strength and tactics by the Cat 1 rider to take the win and a gutsy show from Cavey and Churchus.        

Results

1 Lewis Adam
2 Cavey Stephen
3 Churchus Luke
4 Wiltshire Joseph
5 Richardson George
6 Palmer Ian
7 Cox Simon
8 Manfield Ben
9 Dimitrov Preslav
10 Ellmore James

4th Cat 

By the time the 4th cats took to the line, the heavens had opening and riders gazed at the horizon anticipating the imminent arrival of Heathcliff or the return of Captain Oates. 

A hardy field of 40 riders lined up for the final race of the day with the pace high from the beginning the race split down into two principle groups with a number of individual riders left literally out in the cold.

Some brave attacking out of the lead group came from NFTO’s Andrew Turner who, on a couple of occasions, looked like he may have made a winning move. Indeed, on a calmer day he may have been better rewarded for his efforts but with the wind buffeting the circuit his attacks were closed down by the bunch.

A final attack by Turner over the line for the last lap was neutralised with the race ending in a bunch charge. James Middleton (Media Velo) taking the win with Turner managing a creditable 6th following his efforts for the day.  

Thanks must go to Esther Stewart for an impromptu assist on the day and to the riders for battling the challenging conditions in such great spirit. Apologies from the organisers for the later than usual submission of results following the cold handed piecing together of various pieces of wind torn sodden paper!  

Thanks to Dave Perry for the pictures. 

Round 4 of the series will be held Saturday 8th February at Stourport. Signing on from 10am with the racing starting at 11. Bring a coat… 

Results

1 Middleton James
2 Hickinbottom Sean
3 Turner Andrew
4 Thomas Harry
5 Alcock Matthew
6 Minor Keith
7 Fearns Darren
8 Holyman William
9 Thomas Mark
10 Wilkes Joshua

Women’s race

They say the sun shines on the righteous and righteousness abounded for women riders on the line for another miraculously dry Saturday sandwich between a rainy Friday and a filthy Sunday.

Following their spectacular display of team riding last week, the Boom Cycle Team added to their numbers with a sixth rider and were on the attack from the gun. Elite mountain biker Max Fliby (Trek Coventry) showed strongly at the front of the race with her early break marked by the Boom girls. An unfortunate real wheel puncture led to Boom’s Sarah Odell retiring early from the race but she more than made up for her absence with vocal encouragement from the sidelines!  

The race came together for the final five laps with Parys Edwards (Boom) taking a fine sprint win from her team mate Hisayo Keneko. In third, showing great strength to overcome the combined force of some strong team riding from Boom, was the ever classy Maxine Filby.

In what was a thoroughly enjoyable race to watch, much appreciated by the knowledgeable circuit side supporters, special mention must go to Catherine Coley (Ludlow CC) and Ottilie Quince (Luton CC). Finishing 6th and 10 respectively, it was both riders first tilt at circuit racing with Quince, the current World Transplant Games road race champion, overcoming recent surgery on her transplanted kidney to take her first point of the season.  Truly remarkable.

Results

1 Edwards Parys - Boom CC
2 Keneko Hisayo - Boom CC
3 Filby Maxine - Trek Bicycle Coventry
4 Rutherford Paula - Boom CC
5 Parker Darrelle - Boom CC
6 Coley Catherine - Ludlow CC
7 McDonagh Elisa - Team WNT
8 Jenkins Christina - Boom CC
9 Stuart Gemma - Performance Cycles
10 QuinceOttilie - CC Luton

Photographs courtesy of the awesome Dave 'Pez' Perry. Check out his pictures of the race by clicking here

U14/u16 Boys and Girls   

The weather held for the Youth racing once more with a staggered start giving all of the groups of riders the incentive of a chase or the push of a closing pack behind them.

The skill level of these youngsters is something to behold and once more, this week’s racing was characterised by attack after attack. Capitalising beautifully on the coming together of u14 and u16 boys, Lewis Killworth (Welland Valley CC) launched a well thought out attack from the combined pack in the hope the few moments of indecision would give him an advantage. A well played tactical card and some powerful measured riding saw his gamble pay off to take the line well ahead of the chasing bunch. Good ride young man.

Top marks to Ben Healy from the local Halesowen club for a good win in the Youth B Boys race from Matty Lewis in second and Will Manfield of the Wolverhampton Wheelers in second and third respectively.  

Alice Law and Hollie Owens both of Wolverhampton Wheelers were the winners in the girls u16 and u14 categories respectively both with gutsy and determined displays of riding mixing it with lads.

Well done to all.

Results

Youth A Boys 
1 Killworth Lewis - Welland Valley CC 
2 Lewis Will - WWCC 
3 Dighton Oliver - HACC 

Youth A Girls 
1 Law Alice -WWCC 

Youth B Boys 
1 Healy Ben - HACC 
2 Lewis Matthew - WWCC 
3 Manfield Will - WWCC 

Youth B Girls 
1 Owens Hollie - WWCC 
2 Sharples Lorna - HACC 
3 None 


Pez's righteous pictures of this race are here 

E/1/2/3

22 riders lined up for this week’s elite instalment including last week’s winner NFTO’s Simon Cox and rising young stars Jack ‘Flash’ Escritt of Velocity WD40 and Adam Lewis who has recently signed for Belgium based  outfit Terra Safety Shoes with support from the Dave Rayner fund.

Cox found this week’s race harder going but team mate Joe Willshire (NFTO) was represented in the seven man break that was well established at the half way mark with the bunch chasing hard from behind. Old heads on young shoulders meant the break riders worked well together with speeds increasing towards the end of the 45 minute period.

On to the final five laps, Lewis and Willshire were away from the break with Lewis managing to distance his break away partner on the last lap to take a good win.

Escritt (Velocity WD40) took the bunch sprint for the final podium spot.

Results

1 Lewis Adam - Terra Safety Shoes
2 Willshire Joseph - NFTO
3 Escritt Jack - Velocity WD40
4 Bowater Perry - Primal Pro Cycling
5 Richardson George 
6 Tilgalis Genadijs - Peterborough CC
7 Churchus Luke - Gannet CC
8 Banham Peter - Freds RT
9 Belcher Justin - Banbury Star
10 Robertshaw Henry - Glendene CC   


Dave 'too modest to realise how good I am' Perry's pictures of this race are here

4th Cat

Organisers Mamil Cycling give free entry to any the last race of the day for any women who have entered the first race and many of the women racers took advantage of the offer ensuring a full field of 50 riders took to the line for the concluding action.

Supporters were greeted with a great show of racing, the quality of which belied the racing licence status of those involved. Into the final five laps and a full on war of attrition had broken out with individual riders being dropped by the increasing pace. The closely matched peloton meant riders were unable to establish a definitive break increasing the likelihood of bunch sprint.

In the final reckoning, Stuart White (Beacon CC) ensured he will never see the start line of a 4th only race again by taking the win by a couple of bike lengths from the rapidly closing Keith Minor (Lyme RC) with Sean Hickinbottom of local club Wyre Forest CC in third.

A really super turn out with spirited racing from all. 

Result

White Stuart - Beacon Roads CC
Minor Keith - Lyme RC
Hickinbottom Sean - Wyre Forest CRC
Smith Danny - Lichfield CC
Holyman William - Bham Uni CC
Turner Andrew - NFTO
Wilkes Joshua 
Thomas Harry 
Alcock Matthew - Lichfield CC
Thomas Mark - Worcester St Johns CC


Awesome Pezographs of this race here 

Today sees the start of the world cycling championships proper, you know, time trialling, the good stuff…

Time trials remain the backbone of competitive cycle sport in Britain. They have an historical anchor as the sport’s governing body, the progressive thinking National Cycling Union (NCU), banned mass start road racing before WW2 forcing riders to compete individually against the clock.  No really, they did.

Despite this, British riders took the discipline to their hearts and now, during the summer months, many cycling clubs will run a mid-week 10 mile time trial supplemented with much posher ‘open’ events over the weekends. A look a recent British cycling heritage will reveal many of the current crop of professional riders come from a time trialling background. Certainly Chris Boardman and Graeme Obree but also Wiggo, Alex Dowsett, David Millar et al.

You’d expect there to be certain differences between the world time trial championships and the club TT starting at 7pm up the A442 wouldn’t you? You’d be right. Here are a few of them.

1.       The world TT championships start in Florence – the home Da Vinci (well, he came from Vinci apparently but he ‘grew up’ in Florence). A centre of the Renaissance, a cultural cauldron and one of the most visited place in the world. In contrast, a club event starts at the car park of the ‘Mucky Duck’ where you can get sausage, egg and chips for £2.00 (£1.25 in week if you are on OAP) and you have to keep moving so you don’t stick to the carpet. Oh, and remember to park at the back – in case any ‘proper’ customers turn up.

2.       The riders taking part in the UCI Championship TT are the fastest cyclists in the world. They could cover 10 miles in around 18 minutes, riding at well over 30 mph emitting a massive amount of power whilst retaining a perfectly flat back and a smooth, graceful and efficient style. The club time trial will be won by the one guy who manages to dip below 24 minutes with his club mates coming in 3 to 10 minutes behind him. The final rider will get back as it gets dark. These riders will have a range of ‘styles’ from text book to ‘gorilla engaged in wrestling match with lawn mower’.  

3.       None of the smoothed legged lean professional riders will have come face to face with a tractor towing a combine harvester during their race today although this often befalls club riders, evidenced from the look of abject terror on their faces and the amount of straw sticking out of their aero helmets as they return to the finish. Similarly, it’s unlikely any of the pro’s will report being hit square in face with a half-eaten McDonalds hurled from a passing car accompanied by a hearty cry of ‘w*nker!’ and a single finger salute.   

4.       You’d expect the equipment used by amateurs thrashing up the A442 and the professionals gliding around Florence to be different and, again, you’d be right. Top of the range carbon framed, wind tunnel tested, disc wheel and power metered equipped steeds costing thousands will be present at the evening club time trial whereas many of the pro’s will be riding stuff their governing bodies have forced upon them. One of the joys of our sport is that you can (just) ride the same equipment as your heroes in the Tour de France. If you follow F1 you have no, repeat, no chance of driving an F1 car but you can (if you’ve got 14 grand to spare) ride the same bike as Brad.  

5.       Enjoyment? Surprisingly equal. In their professional careers the fleeting joy of victory (that 15 minutes before they find the next target) is tempered by the enormous pressure to perform in a vanishingly small time window before becoming too old, knackered and disillusioned. For the amateur of any age or ability, nothing compares with the unmitigated ecstasy of knocking 2 seconds off your PB or beating ‘Fast’ Eddie, your time trialling nemesis, gaining bragging rights at the post mortem in the Mucky Duck.  

6. It is unlikely any of the top pros today will be cautioned for parking on verge too close to the start line or be ‘hurrumphed’ by the time keeper for forgetting to hand their numbers back in at the end of the event. It is also doubtful they will be shouted at by a passing motorist for taking a pee in the hedge. However, to even things up, the pros will not experience that great village hall smell or get a piece of lemon drizzle cake to die for.  

If you’re between 12 and 112 and fancy a lash at time trialling, contact your local club and see when and where they are held. If you’re 12, you might be the next Brad. If your 112 you might be the next ‘Fast’ Eddie. Either way, it’s a great accessible way to get into competitive cycle sport.

…Rich Smith is a Level 3 British Cycling qualified coach, the current British, European and World Transplant Cycling champion and the author of ReCycled a funny book about cycling and less important things like life and death…