Evening 10 Rd 1
There was a bumper field of eighteen budding racers for the opening Round of Lewes Wanderers’ series of Evening 10-mile time-trials on Monday 1st June. All was set to go at 7:30 when unannounced road repairs began on the Kennel Corner mini-roundabout, although thankfully the carriageway wasn’t closed and the event could continue.
Fastest overall and in the time-trial bike category was the host club’s Michael Renardson, who rocketed around in 21 minutes and 55 seconds to just edge out Mark Edwards of Eastbourne Rovers (22:06) in both classes. Third overall and fastest road bike was debutant Calum Elms with a superb 22:44.
Richard Burchett (23:26) took 4th overall and the third step on the TT-bike podium, while Dan Street in 6th overall (24:22) and 9th placed Chris Hurcomb (25:33) completed a clean sweep of the road bike podium by Wanderers.
Neil Edwards (25:57) was 10th, just one second (and one place) ahead of Peter Baker; with Alex Steer (12th) just two seconds further back and Darren Haynes four seconds behind Alex.
Olivia Webb (26:15) was the worst affected by the roadworks, but still fastest of the four women racers in 14th overall, followed by the Eastbourne Rovers pair of Maddie Jackson (28:31) and Erica Martin (29:13). Alice Gilmore (30:00), and David Wilkins of Lewes Wanderers (32:33) completed the standings.
BMRC Percy Stallard Race
Ryan Machin ventured north on Sunday 7th June to compete in the Gemini BC Summer Grand Prix. This closed-circuit race took place at Gravesend Cyclopark and formed part of the British Masters Cycle Racing “Percy Stallard” series.
It was worth the journey for Ryan. While he missed the decisive four man break that fought it out for victory, after nearly 40-miles of full gas racing he proved best of the rest to take 5th overall and fourth in Category.
Evening 10 Rd 2
The roadworks near Ringmer had increased their extent the following week, but Lewes Wanderers were not to be denied. They hastily devised, measured and received approval for a new 10-mile TT course in time for Round 2 of their 10-mile TT series on Monday 8th June.
Based on the club’s Circuit of Laughton course, the new event would start at the top of The Broyle, go down the straight before turning left down Half Mile Drove. Left again along the Laughton Road as far as The Roebuck Inn (who kindly agreed for their car park to be used as HQ), up Shortgate Lane and round again until just before the pub.
The threat of rain may well account for why only ten riders signed up, but they set off in dry conditions only for the heavens to open with a localised deluge. Not to be denied, Calum Elms powered round in 22:34 to take 10 seconds off his personal best set the week before. The time gave Calum his maiden victory, both overall and in the road bike class.
Dan Gohl took a clear second with 23:51 ahead of another personal best from relative newcomer to time-trials, Chris Hurcomb. Equipped with new handlebars, skinsuit and aerodynamic helmet, Chris sliced 53 seconds off his mark seven days before to record 24:40.
It was close not far behind as Dan Street (24:52) beat leading TT-bike Sam Dix (trainSharp) by just a single second. Sixth overall and runner-up on TT machinery was Peter Baker (26:09), eleven seconds ahead of race organiser Neil Edwards in 7th.
Olivia Webb (26:35) was the only woman racer in 8th overall ahead of 3rd placed TT-bike Ben Gregory (28:17). David Wilkins (30:58) was 10th and there was one non-finisher due to a puncture.
David Wilkins by Ryan Machin
a3crg 10
On Wednesday night Michael Renardson returned to Goodwood Race Circuit for another closed-circuit 10-mile time-trial organised by a3crg.
Michael zipped around in 21 minutes and 17 seconds for a strong 15th place overall (from 132), 12th from 54 on time-trial bikes, and 2nd out of 19 in his age group.
SCA 50
Richard Burchett and Peter Baker lined up along with 26 other racers for a Sussex Cycling Association 50-mile time-trial on Sunday 14th June. Clearly a week off the bike worked wonders for Richard. He rocketed around in 2 hours 2 minutes and 12 seconds to take over a minute off his personal best set a fortnight earlier and claim 8th overall. Peter recorded 2:16:25 to place 21st from 27, with one non-finisher.