April '24 Race Report

Conditions variable, roads potholed and flooded, but we’re back at it….

Welcome to the springtime race report!

Limited events and cancelations, club members still managed a few rides testing their winter training success.

Words: James “I’m not quite fit yet” Smee, Chris “Chilly” Hill & Nolan Rogers.

Edit: Adam Coppard.

18th April – PNECC P829/9 TT

Running the shorter course near Southwick, Larry took the opportunity to test the legs on the road bike over this 9 mile course. Despite less than ideal conditions Larry came in 2nd Overall and 1st Road bike with a blistering time of 21:49 – good signs for his season ahead!

24th April – PNECC Summer series - Mountbatten

A keen CCR quadruplet descended on the Mountbatten track for an evening of chasing in circles. The plan was hatched, team tactics understood. Adam, Sam, Chris D and Larry mixed it up in the bunch hitting counter attacks, covering each others moves, and ‘running interference’ on the bunch as someone tried to get away. A break went which was chased by Larry, spending half the race on his own closing the two up front to just miss their wheels, however staying away from the pack and holding for a great 3rd place and decent points from the first race of the season.

Where did AC, SH and CD finish? They finished, but outside of any points.

If it wasn't for those meddling kids… and older design skinsuit…

30th April – HRC – P843 TT

A dry(ish) evening had a great turn for the local evening ten. Laurence (TT bike), Harry (Road bike), Adam and Sam along with Larry and Myself paired up for a TTT entry on road bikes.

The wind was a talking point as from the start all the way to Chichester was a factor, with a tailwind from Lavant to West stoke.

Times recorded were; Harry 25:21, Laurence 24:18, Sam/Adam 25:10 and Larry/Myself 22:37 which was good enough for first place (despite Larry having to slow down for me, several times!)

30th April - Dirt Racing Series – Season 8 Final - ZWIFT

 So, this week was the last week of Tuesday night racing before the summer break.

Stage 6 – 19:15 – ITT 14.7km – 2 laps of Watopia’s 2 Bridges Loop. 2 scoring intermediate sprints worth 15 points for 1st with finishing points always taking priority with 120 points for a win.

Nolan - After a somewhat disappointing first season in the DRS Moose team, I spotted an opportunity to get a decent result as the last evening included an 14.4km Individual Time Trial, even if it was a bit hilly. All the riders started at once, but drafting was disabled so each rider could easily see their position vs the other riders I warmed up well and figured if I’d keep it to around 300w and see what happened. I pushed hard at the start and found myself in first place with my pacing plan out the window, I pushed as hard as I dared and tried to take rest during the descents, eventually two riders passed me and left me third on the road. Ultimately, I was classified 4th as the rider behind me picked up the only bonus segment (in a TT!) and was promoted to 1st! Still, 4/40 was a decent result for me and as a result my Zwift FTP got put back to pretty much where it was before I went down with the cough /chest infection that has been at large recently. To summarise: I enjoyed DRS racing and look forward to doing more! Hopefully some of the improvements I’ve seen will be useful on Thursday night Zwift TTTs and even better, in real TTs on the road.

Chilly – A rather shorter race report! As my >5-minute power is rather rubbish compared to my competitors my plan was always to cruise round slowly and smash the 2 sprints to hopefully gain some points. After slightly pushing up all the short inclines and sprinting hard for both segments I finished in 46/52 riders, but once sprint points added I was in 30/52 scoring 25 out of a possible 30 points. On to the next crit style race!

Stage 7 – 19:45 – Points 18.3km – 6 laps of Glasgow Crit. 3 scoring intermediate sprints on laps 1,3 &5 but as always finish points being more heavily weighted.

Nolan – After putting in quite a shift for the first ITT I mostly managed to stay with the front pack on this race through the evil Clyde Kicker a short steep incline each lap, got dropped a few times but managed to get back on and finished in 18th position over the line 1.4 seconds behind the leader but after sprint points added which I didn’t score on I finished in 22nd overall. Averaging 2.9WKG it was another good workout to end the season to leave DIRTy Moose 8/11 overall for the season.

Things heating up in the Chilly conservatory!

Chilly – After plodding round the ITT I knew this was my time to shine. With the target of scoring in as many of the 3 segments as possible and finishing well I had my work cut out. The relatively steady pace im-between the kicker and sprints were completely ruined by the 10wkg sprints required up the kicker each lap to stay with the front. With our 6th trip up the kicker being the last chance for a split I knew I had to stick with the front. I crested the kicker near the front of the pack and saw our other DIRT rival team send 2 riders of the front to go long to the finish. I chose to sit in the pack until the last little bump to take my chance for bridging and caught both riders as we rounded the last corner. Having held 5wkg for the last 30 seconds they did not have the legs to latch on so I kept on sprinting to victory! 1st place at the finish and with some sprint points I was also 1st overall for this race. With 3 more Coyote’s in the top 9 riders we easily won Stage 7 as a team which left us 3/15 overall. See below to watch it back!

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxNxMg3GL4-5VmOgRQYtQQ-VqelMNZPX1O?si=beJyG0oL25GvCZRQ

May forecast

Unsettled! With the disappointment of having to cancel our first Open TT of the season due to the rain, there are signs the weather might improve as the RCR Goodwood race series starts, Mountbatten racing continues with two Organisers running weekly races, and outside of the local evening 10TTs the Opens are coming thick and fast. A3crg TT series at Goodwood starts. Southern XC is running and more!

Let me know if you have raced, how it went so we can highlight the achievements and share the knowledge.

CCR CX Report - Nov'23

And still it rained…. Thank goodness it’s not road race season! Those hardcore enough to race CX have been going strong through the month.

Words: James Smee & Chris Day.

Edit: Adam Coppard - sorry for the posting delay!

5 Nov – Newbury Velo and Veloclinic - Kingsclere

Round 7 of the Wessex CX League, also seeming to produce one of the fastest, flowing courses of the season so far. Although Storm Ciarán hit us hard all week, the conditions on Sunday were more like Summer Cross! A hilly course with a terrific headwind.

V40 - Richard Tucker 53rd, Chris Day DNF (crashed out on Lap 2)

26 Nov – The South Downs Social – Dalton Barracks

Round 8, Wessex CX League. Take Tri hosted round 8 of the South Downs Social Wessex League 2023/2024, our first race in proper Cyclocross conditions. The course was slippery, and very muddy in places, providing a technical, yet fast course. Conditions were challenging, the corners were difficult, but very challenging to ride at speed, providing excellent racing for all categories, and let’s be honest, it’s pretty cool racing around tanks!

 V40 Open – Andy Hallas 42nd

V40 Women  - Sara Hallas DNF – Was leading until a puncture!

Two more rounds left before the Christmas break with Wessex League CX starting again on the 7th January 2024!

End of Year Round up…… Next month a quick look back across the year and results of the awards given during the Christmas do.

CCR Race Roundup - October '23

And then the rain came! And the wind. But earlier in the month we got away with a few nice days. The close out of the season for some and just getting into the nitty-gritty for others!

Words: James “soon-to-be-gravel” Smee & Chris “no, you’ve got mud on YOUR face” Day.

Edit: Adam Coppard.

2 Oct – Bill Higson Memorial Race - CX

The Bill Higson Memorial Race, also round 4 of the 23/24 Wessex Season, was hosted at a staple of the Wessex calendar, Prospect Park. The traditional CX conditions were on show, making an already tough course very technical and physically demanding. The slippery mud through tight corners and steep banks made for exciting racing throughout the day.

Chris, unfazed by some technical terrain. Or poppin’ a wheelie?

 8 Oct – Sotonia CC – P612/10

Larry started early on this Sunday hitting this 10 mile TT with some purpose, delivering a 20:11. Consistent results throughout the season and good enough for 4th place out of 90 riders! Not to be finished for the day Larry headed off to Thruxton….

On your marks… Get set… LARRY!

DB Max TT Festival – Thruxton

Entered into two events the CCR team consisted of myself, Adam, Rich and Larry! The first event a four Up TTT over five laps of the track with a split time at the 10 mile point as well. It has become a tradition for us to race this event to close out the season, it’s never quite worked out to plan but on the back of our Goodwood ride confidence was high.

Larry our lead out man hit the launch button with us pulling out to fall into order, Larry, Rich, Adam and Myself…… with a bit of traffic around and the sight of a team just ahead Larry gapped us. Looking around I could see the gap growing so pulled out and shouted as I went through for Adam and Rich to follow. Unfortunately Rich ended up on the other side of a team we caught, and by the time we cleared them was stuck on his own. We made contact with Larry and decided Rich was a goner! As a trio, we set about four and bit laps working to make up for that start, but knowing we couldn’t afford to lose anyone (three must finish to record a time) we held together and finished in 24:57 and 6th Place overall.

Before (Rich’s) wheels fell off…

 Pronto Bike TT relay.

A fun concept – each rider taking a lap with the next riding waiting to start once they cross the finish line. 17 teams lined up of all abilities and after some explaining we were all ready.

Rich took off first for his one lap all out effort, followed by Adam then Larry (race 3 of the day!) and myself on anchor leg!

We finished in 3rd place overall with a time of 20:56.3

Sara hunting down the competition

14 Oct - Wessex League CX

Sotonia CC hosted round 5 of the Wessex League, with a brilliantly designed course testing rider’s skill and power. The cold conditions arrived for Sunday, but the sun resulted in the ground baking, so the course was fast and flowing – although I’m sure many riders were caught out by the notorious off-camber.

Vet 40 Female Sara Hallas 3rd

Vet 40 Open- Chris Day 37th, Glenn Panton 50th, Richard Tucker 54th, Andy Hallas 64th.

Vet 50 Open – Craig Williams 38th.

21 Oct - Wessex League CX – Popham

Pedalon hosted round 6 of the 23/24 Wessex League, at Popham Airfield. The usual mixture of fast straights, treacherous corners and technical woodland meant this course was designed to test the mettle of the competitors. The early morning sun gave way to perfect racing conditions, and a buzzing crowd awaited the racers.

Vet 40 Female Sara Hallas 2nd

Vet 40 Open - Chris Day 36th, Andy Hallas 47th

Vet 50 Open – Craig Williams 49th

Already deep into November bored of the rain? Don’t forget virtual rides and racing opportunities for those on Zwift – Contact Chris Hill if you have any questions regarding this.

CX training on the 19 November at the Clanfield course, a great opportunity to improve you off road skills even if not a CX racer. The coach (Pete) is great and will have you practicing elements of riding off road to improve your abilities. Please sign up on Spond if interested.

Please also remember the seasonal changes; lights on the bike, mudguards when it’s wet, and make sure you have the route for the club rides! Please can I ask that you tick Attend or Decline to the rides so we have an idea on attendance – just helps everyone!

The November report might be a damp one…. Until next time.

September '23 Race Report - Hills & Hurdles ed.

Season change as the fallen leaf’s indicate… hang on its balmy hot and the sky is blue – that’s right September generally has extended the season and given CX a lovely start…….

Words: James “that wasn’t a hill!” Smee. Edit: Adam Coppard.

1st Sept – Portsmouth circuits

Rich Watson was determined to make up for a late start to the season and hit the Mountbatten track again following last months successes, this time driving it home with 2nd place and more points in the bank.

3rd Sept – VC St Raphael Goodwood Hilly TT – P911 28 mile

This challenging course set around Goodwood sees the course lattice over the hills for a tough 28-mile TT. Plenty of CCR riders in this which was great, the most dominant team in the HQ anyway. A warm humid morning saw the 2-up teams off first. Three pairs for CCR competing… Adam and Sam coming up with well executed plan and taking the win with 1hr18min ahead of Jon and Ross 1hr22min, excellent job by both teams. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it a 1-2-3, after Mark and Jono had to retire (I think someone’s breakfast was seen again after the climb up Kennel hill;)

We had 6 riders in the Road bike category – Olivia took third place with a time of 1hr26min in a tight fought women’s race – great job!

In the open Road bike, we had our highest placed rider Larry 1hr11min and then Myself 1hr13min, Rich W 1hr16min, Harry 1hr16min, Laurence 1hr16min. It must be mentioned that Harry dropped his chain on Town Lane, probably cost him 4/5 minutes – the only reason I was quicker than him on this hilly course!

Wessex League CX – Clanfield

On the same day Solent Pirates hosted the first race of the 2023/2024 Wessex season, using one of the best venues on the calendar, Clanfield. Bringing a mix of fast corners, and a few technical features, the course was the perfect mix for the opening race of the season.

However, the weather was not stereotypical cyclocross weather, at 9:30AM, it was already 19C, and it was only getting hotter as the racing went on. The vet 40-49 and juniors were off, in 25-degree heat, one of the most competitive categories was in for a tough race. The women’s race provided a great spectacle in such heat and a great result from Sarah.

At 1:45 it was the vet 50-59 and 60+’s turn to take the course. Ruts were forming more, but the ground was baking in the heat.

Results:

V40 Open: Glenn Panton 50, Richard Tucker 52, Andy Hallas 53, Chris Day 62.

V50 Open: Craig Williams 46.

V45 Women: Sarah Hallas 3

6th Sept – Portsmouth Circuits

Back to the track, Rich took to the circles for the last time this season, racing in the Cat 3 race he led out the bunch for much of the race before driving it home and a decent third place. Rich really built up the points total in a short season! Great work.

10th Sept Wessex League CX – Romsey

Fareham Wheelers hosted Round 2 of the 2023/2024 Wessex Season, with a superb course in Romsey. A mix of fast straights, tight, and sweeping corners made for exciting, yet very tough racing.

The ground had been baking in the heat for the week leading up to the race, which provided a rock-solid course to ride, but, when the rain started to pour down at 11am, we were greeted with more stereotypical cyclocross weather. With bikes clogging up with the freshly cut grass, and the course getting greasy, the racing was only getting tougher. Well, we finally got some CX conditions, which were most definitely appreciated by many. Great racing by all, and a huge thank you to Fareham Wheelers for putting on such a great event and course. Sarah once again showing the rest of the team how its done with another great performance (Chapeau)

V40 Open: Chris Day 48, Glenn Panton DNF (Puncture), Andy Hallas DNF (Could not turn back wheel!).

V50 Open: Craig Williams 38.

V45 Women: Sarah Hallas 3

17th Sept – Poole Wheelers – P412/10

Larry took part in this well subscribed event with a lot of fast riders taking part in this 10-mile TT. Larry continued his season form pushing good power, finishing fourth overall with a 20:41 a great time (first Vet overall).

24th Sept NFCC – P128/10

What promised to be an alright morning turned into a wet and windy one as Larry and I turned up for this New Forest TT. A course with a bit of a lump in it saw a large field competing despite the weather. Larry gave it a good whack and finished third 21:56 and I managed 22:08 for fourth.

Wessex League CX - Fox Hill

Andy Smith Events hosted round 3 of the 23/24 Wessex season. A powerful, yet technically challenging course, provided fast and physical racing. Technical features, such as Steps and Off Camber gave the riders tricky conditions to race in, and many riders fell victim to the slippery grass. The course was now representing a proper CX day out, and it was the vet 40-49, and juniors turn to take on the brutal course. Carnage from the start, due to the tight corners and fast straights, meant the bunch was strung out from the get-go.

V40 Open: Chris Day 43, Richard Tucker 46

October upon us, road racing put to bed for most of the club racers – CX up and running (not so much as it’s so dry). Look out for coaching sessions for CX riding (great sessions which help for general off-road riding as well) See Spond for session updates.

Oh, and Christmas is coming; the club do is set, dinner orders in and we have the club trophies to award for the year!

Please remember the seasonal changes; lights on the bike, mudguards when it’s wet, and make sure you have the route for the club rides! Please can I ask that you tick Attend or Decline to the rides so we have an idea on attendance – just helps everyone!

August '23 Race Report - Testers Edition?

Tester – a cyclist who rides predominantly time trials [there seemed to be a lot this month!]

Words: James “sponsored by AeroCoach?” Smee. Edit: Adam Coppard.

The holiday season upon us, racing can be hit and miss but the month saw a fair amount of action from our riders, and it was the clubs TT series finale with the Open!

1st Aug – RCR Handicap race - Goodwood

The format as mentioned back in June, racers start in their categories with time gaps, with places given across the line not per category, so each group of racers looking to catch the groups in front (then the race begins!)

Larry was in the 3rd cat group with a strong/large group of 40+ riders and me off in the 2nd Cat group with just 16 riders, behind us the pro/elite riders, about 8 in total, however including Dowsett, Clancy and Bibby amongst the other bike racing machines!

Chatting to my fellow racers on the start line we agreed to ride hard taking a pull each to catch the 3rds ASAP. It all went wrong when a few didn’t pull, finding myself off the front with no one pulling through. Then the attack came, and I was sprinting to catch the back of the train, not long after someone let the wheel go, I moved up to try and close but it was too late, just 20mins into the race, gassed and dropped. Meanwhile, Larry had a strong race, often on the front working with the group to stay away as long as possible only getting caught with about 4 laps to go. All groups came together and into the last lap the speed wound on, unfortunately Larry shipped his chain at a crucial moment on the high-speed approach to the final corner and slipped out of position whilst he sorted it. A very fast one to finish racing at Goodwood this year, with some take away lessons.

6th Aug – Chichester City Riders TT – P901/10 - Fontwell

The hard work Larry has put into the club TT championship came to its final event, which was also our first ‘Open’ making times recorded official for riders and available for anyone to enter, the fast course would attract a few others keen to get a quick 10-mile time. The weather played its part (after a poor Saturday) and the sun shone as riders arrived at the HQ. Road bike and TT bike entries made for some good competition, not just in club championship ranking but the event overall at stake.

Larry was able to ride and topped the leaderboard taking the win, well deserved;) with myself, Adam, Rich, Nick G, Sam (Keith), Neil and Mark all competing. Fittingly we have winners from the club at our event and some great times achieved.

A massive thank you from myself again, to all those that volunteered on the day enabling the event to go ahead and Larry (+family) for the whole series. The results of which and the 2023 Club TT champ will be announced separately with Trophy presentations at the Christmas do!

Best on the day, a strong showing from CCR. Fixed, you say?!

9th Aug - a3crg – P917/10 TT - Goodwood

Just a few days later Larry, Adam, Rich, and I were at the track for the last TT in the a3crg series. Having missed a few of them we were out of the points for the series overall but had desires of PBs for the circuit. A cooler night, but no real wind to speak of, the times overall were slower from all competing (who knows why?) Times were tight with 21:33 JS, 21:38 LW, 22:22 AC and 23:13 RW – and worthy 3rd place in the team results for the club.

 16th Aug – Omega Mountbatten series

Sam and Rich hitting the tail end of the season hard, worked together in the cat 3 race but didn’t come away with anything from this one except a bit more determination and a different plan for the next race.

17th Aug - FWCC – P829HC - Southwick

Early season Hill Climb with Mark L taking on one of the ascents of Portsdown against the clock. In the end the only CCR representative, however putting in a strong showing and completing the hill in 3:37. Nice warm up for the Hill climb season……

 20th Aug – SDV – P901/10 TT - Fontwell

Back on the course used for our Open Adam, Larry and Rich used their previous experience to better their times from before and Larry took off over a minute from the previous taking 4th place overall.

22nd Aug -  HRC – P841r – Weststoke

The last HRC evening TT assembled a strong CCR showing with 6 riders participating. Rich took the win on the evening with 22:27 on a closely fought evening. Larry 22:30, Adam 23:39, Nick G 24:37, Sam 23:47 and Olivia 27:28 on road bikes.

23rd Aug – Omega Mountbatten series

Making up for lost time Rich and Sam leant on the left tyre walls again. This duo is working out how to ride a race giving it the ‘one-two’ treatment. The end result saw Rich place 9th and pick a point for the efforts.

Rich, after his well earned victory 🥇

26th Aug – PNECC Summer circuits - Mountbatten

Well-rehearsed, the Rich/Sam combo worked over the group countering each other until setting up Rich who gave it a whack in the last lap to cross the line first! (Winner winner) his first crit win, chapeau!

TT photographers are ALWAYS non-drive side 🥲

28th Aug – a3crg – P881/10 – Men slower than 22 and scratch event

I was riding in the men slower than 22 min event, rescheduled from April due to poor weather and Larry rode in the scratch event. This heavily subscribed course is popular due to the quick times it can produce being an out and back on the A3. Having said that it’s not flat!

Rolling off the start into the unknown I settled into what felt like a decent start, keeping to power was difficult as the course rose and fell, but at the turn I was making good progress. After the final rise the run to the line was on… and on and on… I’m sure it was moving further away, but I got there eventually with a 20:22, PB and 1st place in the category competition, 17th overall.

Larry went out hard and continued to ride like that, pushing harder on the return with a 20:09! Cracking time and oh so close again to dipping under the magic 20-minute marker! He has the TT mojo, keeping it going through a long season.

30th Aug - PNECC – Summer circuits - Mountbatten

Enjoying their success, the duo were back at it again. Deploying the same tactic hitting the pack with the one-two combo. Rich found himself off the front in a small group, but without much help. Having made it across to the break Rich worked to the last lap but due to the workload put in got worked over by the others, however Rich still finished with a well earnt 4th place and a steady stack of points now accumulated so far.

August done and September stacked with events as the season changes the CCR colours are looking well represented. Hill climbing is set to get underway, Cyclocross is coming…. TT’s and Races still running, plenty to get involved with. Let us know about your races for Septembers round up and if you’re interested in any racing mentioned and would like to know more just ask!

July '23 Race Report

... Singin' In The Rain ed.

What I expected to be a loaded month of hot racing ended up being a bit of a wash out…….the summer weather isn’t playing its part across the race calendar!

 Words: James “The Boss Man” Smee. Edit: Adam Coppard.

4th July – RCR Summer race series #1 - Goodwood

Jon L racing in the 4-cat race was well into the race when the rain really came in. As the track became more and more waterlogged Jon pulled out and headed home for a hot shower, good move.

Skinsuits aren’t waterproof…

Meanwhile under the shelter of my car boot along with Sam and Adam, we ummed and arrghed at the prospect of racing, at that moment the rain got heavier, Adam took that as a warning and got back in the car (wise man), Sam (young and foolish) stated his intent to ride and I felt the need to roll out with him stating, I’ll give it a few laps and see what it’s like…... It was hard and fast from the start, ploughing through standing water with my shoes filling up with water. We tried a few moves, but it came together for the ‘sprint’ finish. Tipping into the last corner before the chicane I felt my bike loose traction underneath me, trying to stay calm I eased it upright and looked at a straight line through the chicane, Sam just behind me, we looked to start winding it on, only to have a rider slide off in front of us, across the track and into the grass. Riders dodging the mayhem everywhere, I almost came to stop missing the fallen rider whilst Sam was on the grass keeping it upright. We cruised across the line thankful no one was hurt.  

Not to put anyone off, but it doesn’t always go to plan!

6th July – SDV Summer series finale – TTT Goodwood

The only sunny day of July? We made the most of it!

Just a couple of days later back on the track in the sunshine! The format: teams of 4 riders on road bikes had to complete 12 laps against the clock. Under BC rules this was a race, in Time Trial format. The time was taken from the 3rd rider crossing the line.

CCR had two teams in the event with Michelle, Karen and Jen (+SDV) and Adam, Larry, Sam and me. The CCR ladies rode well, keeping it tight to the line and finishing 3rd Great job!

A great showing from some of our CCR Ladies.

We rode hard as well, keeping the rotations going all the way, I did get a bit excited coming down the back and went through too hard, but good communication got us back together and we finished 6th overall (don’t mention the 13seconds!) Both teams were in the points and looking sharp, flying the CCR colours. (It was my highlight of racing this year! [and mine, AC])

9th July a3crg – P881/10 TT

Larry was back in action on his TT bike, laying down another scorching time of 20:00 dead on this course along the A3. Another stunning performance, Larry has really dialed in the TT, refining his rides.

12th July – Portsmouth evening circuits - Mountbatten

Chasing around in circles, Adam, Sam and Rich (back from his mighty tour) set about their tactic to get a rider in the break. Sam was the man seeing him ride off with two others for company and finishing up with a nice 3rd position. Successful evenings racing from the trio.

Rich was smiling ‘cos it wasn’t 225km, on a 40kg ladened bike…

18th July – RCR Summer race series #2 - Goodwood

Jon and Mark featured in the Cat 4 race, Jon used some of his race smarts he’d picked up along with his coaches tips, when the race came back together into the last corner Jon went for it out the chicane and cross the line first…..! A win, 10 points and promotion to Cat 3 – excellent result Jon, the first win for CCR this season as well! Mark finished as well despite nursing a chest infection, just outside the points.

A decent showing for CCR at the races with 5 riders in the 2/3 race as well. Always looking to have one in the break we worked well covering each other, even getting Larry, Sam and Myself into a break with 3 others but no one wanted work with us despite Larrys encouragement ;) On the last lap about a third of the way around there was coming together taking down half the field – about 30 riders involved. Sam and I went off onto the grass bouncing off riders to stay upright, Adam managed to avoid running into the pile up, but meant race over, as Larry found himself in the front 30 riders tearing away up the track. All CCR riders finished safely but had no chance to place due to the incident.

21st July – Portsmouth Circuits – Mountbatten

On a half decent evening Mark got himself into the spin cycle at the outdoor track, using some of that race season fitness, getting some points with a 6th place… few more and you’ll be into the Cat 3s Mark :)

25th July – RCR Summer series #3 - Goodwood

Mark on the hunt for points!

Last one of the series, Mark was in the Cat 4 action, a solo rider went off the front early on and stayed away, the rest of the group ended up staying together and getting into the sprint finish.

Larry, Sam, Rich and I suited up and went in the 2/3 race, pretty fast paced from the start and despite trying to get in breaks from all of us at some point, certain teams kept chasing it down to set up the sprint finish. Rich hit the front on the last lap and worked with a couple of others to try and stop the overlap, as the other’s weakened Rich was out there alone until the final straight as the sprint for the line came over the top. All riders in safely again and closed an eventful 3 race series.

30th July - PNECC – P821/25 TT

Larry rode this lumpy TT course on a blustery Sunday. Featuring some long drags, a sharp climb and the ‘stickle brick’ road Larry finished with a time of 59:52 and 3rd place. This was without the use of the top two sprockets on the hills so with 56 tooth 1x set up, very impressive!

Whilst the circuit racing will be reduced in August, there are a number of local Time Trials and racing at Mountbatten to get stuck into still. Have a browse online and get your entries in, and here’s to hoping for some fairer weather!

June 2023 Race Report

Carrying on from the bumper action in May, it didn’t stop in June with 10 events participated in and 11 members pinning on numbers. Our Club TT series was also running in the month as reported post events. The Series standing to be produced ahead of the season finale, who will take the club championship 2023……?

Words: James “Commander & Chief” Smee. Edit: Adam Coppard.

Moustache is Faster(er)??

1st June – RCR Handicap race - Goodwood

This format of race is slightly different to the normal one seen, each category of rider is set off with time gaps with the idea each group will catch the one in front close to the finish. Points on the line for the top 10 and prizes for first in category. Adam, Reid and myself took up the challenge - low entry numbers in the 4ths meant Reid started with Adam and myself - our objective stay away for the race avoiding the catch or sit on and wait for the catch, then ride with the E12, easy right?!

Reid always bringing the BEAM!

Let’s just say we went out at race pace, and it pretty much stayed there for the hour! A decent number of riders willing to work meant we stayed away with only two E1’s catching us on the last corner before the chicane and sprint finish. Solid rides from all and a top ten finish earned for myself.

2nd June – SDV Coach to Race session - Goodwood

Not directly racing, but close enough, SDV/Goodwood Summer Series host Tracey put on an evening dedicated to the women riders of the area. This closed track session saw all kinds of skills & drills coached by some pros, with lessons taken away that could be applied to all/any riding.

 June 3rd – Southern XC

To the trails now, where Glenn and Chris D were competing in the Southern cross country mountain bike race. On a warm day with plenty of longer climbs Glenn kept up with the hard pace and made it onto the podium with a 3rd place finish, great work! Chris rode hard throughout and came in 24th out of a 60 strong field.  

4th June Farnham RC – H8/10 TT

Still with the decent weather Larry rode the H8/10 course (bit of a rumble strip in places) pushing some big numbers to finish in a great time of 21:34 and 6th place overall.

6th June – SDV Summer Series #6- Goodwood

Back on the track Jon and Mark in the 4ths, with a thinning field, Jon led from the front and was ‘used’ by his competitors, but he stayed strong to hold on for 8th across the line.

I went in the 3rds not looking to score points and help a friend score their first points. I chased down breaks setting up a sprint finish which I led out dropping off rider, seeing them score their first points in Cat 3.

HRC – P841r TT

That same evening Larry wound it up again on the P841r posting a time of 22:13 with some tricky wind to deal with.

9th June – Portsmouth evening circuits #10

On a quieter night at the ‘oval’ Mark went in the 4th Cat race which was low on numbers. Finishing 5th but unfortunately only points awarded for 1 to 3 due to the field size.

10th June – a3crg vets – Goodwood 10

On a warm evening I took to the Goodwood circuit to ride in the Southern 10-mile closed circuit championships. This Vets event had riders competing across various categories, not just the overall quickest on the night, but age and ranking categories. I managed to come in 10th being beaten fairly and substantially by some senior riders to myself! Maybe I shouldn’t have gone out so hard (again) time recorded 21:30

Alice, unaware of how a collar works…

13th June – SDV Summer series #7

Jen and Alice, new to the club, went straight into the women’s E1234 race, which looked hard with plenty of attacks being thrown down. In the end it came to a bunch finish with Alice taking 9th and, in the points [nice ;)] and Jen finishing her first race, chapeau!

I raced again, with no one else (CCR) to look for I rode with a few friends again looking to help them. But being me….. I rode off with another rider and spent half the race in a two-up break before being caught. Taking a rest, I then hit the front on the last lap and towed the pack through the chicane before the sprint started, I came across the line 4th but thought it was 6th. This took my points up to 40 and Cat 2 promotion.

HRC – P841r TT

Larry, Adam, and Laurence rode the local course in a field of 22 riders. Larry 21:47, Adam 22:31, Laurence 23:23. Larry taking 2nd place on the night and showing a consistent strong run of performances on the TT rig.

June 14th – Portsmouth evening circuits #11

Two for the club, Adam and Sam took on the field riding in circles breaking and countering each other for Sam to get away in a break. It came together before the end, but Sam had enough left to take 3rd on the line and his partner in crime (Adam) rolling in for 9th - Nice teamwork boys.

Told you there would be a new skin suit…(and helmet 👀😁)

17th June – F11/10 TT

Larry took to the course he’d run early but this time with better conditions and course knowledge. To say he smashed it would be an understatement, a time of 19:20, a season best, PB and year’s goal all done on this TT. Averaging just over 31mph a club record as well, the time was good enough for 26th overall with a very competitive field. The benchmark is set now Larry – what’s next!?

27th June – HRC P841R/10 - 2-up TT

A slightly cooler (than previous heatwave weeks) but stunning Tuesday eve saw two CCR teams take it to the familiar and popular P841R/10 course for a 2-up showing. Sam Hadnett/Adam C on one team, and Ross K/Harry D on the other, both opting for road bikes to keep things fair and even.

And what a result for CCR, with the guys taking the 1-2 on the night, with times of 22:33 and 24:23 respectively.

Don’t forget the CCR club TT series which of course is free to members thanks to our sponsor Harkham Technologies – register and sign up here www.ttresults.co.uk

Season finale: P901/10 August 6th – closing date for entries 27th July – don’t delay get your entry in Now!

Enter here www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-details/26139

After the racing is complete, we will be heading out on a Sunday social club ride, starting from the HQ so look out for the details in the club socials/Spond.

May 2023 Race Report - The Chairman's Edition

Club members took part in several events this month as the weather improved and Road Racing and Time Trial calendars were loaded with opportunities.

It has been a first for some and a return for others as they donned their CCR kit and rolled up to the start line. It was great to see the club colours represented across a number of events supporting the racing scene as well as our very own Time Trial series.

Forgive the “old” skinsuit, the new one was still on order… - Larry

 3rd May – a3crg Goodwood TT series – P917/10

Open to Road bike and Time Trial bikes CCR had Jono, Nick B, and Keith ‘Mabbs’ riding (although Keith was under the Navy ☹) on road bikes and Larry, Adam, and Myself on TT bikes.

It was a really windy night, but we had some great times being posted by our riders on this closed circuit ten miler.

6th May – Portsmouth circuits – Mountbatten centre

The Kings Coronation circuits was one to remember, with driving rain and wind I was soaking wet with shoes filled with water after one warm up lap! A race dictated by a team with multiple numbers in it was tough to cover the rolling attacks. But after a mistake one rider got away with a few laps to go which meant they had to work for second place or more. On the final lap it came down to a mass sprint through the spray! I managed to hang on for 6th place.

7th May – F11/10

One of the fastest courses around attracts a lot of top TT riders. Larry donned the skin suit and climbed aboard the Ordu rocket ship for a blistering 10 miles putting in a time of 20:43! Which could have been better by all accounts, if he had not eased up for what he thought was the finish line about 100m too early. Chapeau.

9th May – HRC TT -P841r/10

Adam took to the TT course hosted by Hampshire Road Club on their regular Tuesday series flying the CCR colours along the local roads posting a time of 23:39 to finish 2nd, whilst still suffering from a pesky tooth infection and rattling with Amoxicillin.

10th May – Summer Circuits – Mountbatten centre

Taking to the track again I raced in circles with plenty of attacks and chases, but with a mixed field the sprint got too risky for me, so I backed off and rolled across the line for eighth and everything in tact!

I don’t know why I let you have this picture - Adam

16th May – New Forest CC – P128/10

Invited over to the New Forest where an old club member now resides, Adam and Larry took up the challenge of competing in their backyard. Fair to say Larry had the bit between his teeth and put down an impressive time of 21:44 and taking first place. Adam was not too far behind, and the pair took the overall team combined fastest time – nice work chaps, just waiting on the NFCC team to join us one evening on our course.

Goodwood Summer Series - #3

On the same evening I raced in the SDV series with a big field, I had a few attacks and managed a four man break for 20 mins before being caught by the pack. On the last lap with everyone together it went a sprint which I squeezed in for 8th

17th May – Portsmouth Circuits – Mountbatten centre

A sunny evening brought out Jon Ley and Adam Coppard to join Mark Labrum and myself at the races. Jon and Mark were active in their race forcing the pace early on. With a few counter attacks and others sitting on not working, Jon and Mark both finished in the points and getting off the mark for the season, well done, more of that please.

Meanwhile Adam and I had a plan to counter each other’s efforts as we raced with a field again dominated by one team with more numbers. After a few attacks Adam was away in a break only to be closed down a few laps later. I was then able to go with the next attack which after some work started to pull and we lapped the field. A decent result was hard fought for by the team.

21st May – a3crg – P881/25

The TT machine - Larry – hit a PB for 25m TT with a 53:11 on a not so simple course on the A3. Great ride Larry!

23rd May HRC – P841r/10

Larry and Adam took up the TT bike challenge on the local course, Larry taking another first place with a 21:56 (these times are coming down!) and Adam 23:30 for a CCR 1-2!

Mark, thinking up his battle-plan during the Race Briefing - and definitely not posing broody after spotting the photographer…

Goodwood summer series - #4

Mark Labrum had an eventful night racing, unfortunately getting caught in someone else’s crash, but not receiving too much damage to the rider or the bike. Antonia also made a debut on the track getting stuck into the women’s E1234 race.

26th May – Portsmouth Circuits #8 – Mountbatten

Friday night fun…. I went around in circles chasing attacks and counter attacks from two teams with big numbers in the field. One of them stuck and after a hard chase to catch the trio, we all pulled to lap the field. It ended with a mixed sprint from the whole field, but marking my breakaway companions managed to shoot it out getting second place on the line.

30th May – Goodwood summer series - #5

Last one of the month, a very windy night…. Mark Labrum was active in the Cat 4 race and on the final lap leading into the chicane but got mobbed up to the line to finish just outside the points, great racing though.

I lined up with the Cat 3’s with Keith Mabbott (still wearing that old Navy skinsuit) after a quick chat Keith said ‘not feeling too great… been on the beers… not raced a crit in 4yrs etc etc, so will just take it easy!’ As the whistle blew three PNECC riders attacked from the go, as we rounded the corner I caught sight of Mabbott firing down the track in pursuit of this break attempt. A couple more went in pursuit at which point I thought I’d join in the madness. As we hit the headwind section, which was like the brakes being pulled!, we soon closed the gap on the three out front, and as they sat up myself with two other riders rolled through. Looking back, I could see the pack thinking…. Idiots, lets leave em out there to burn up that energy….. fair enough I suppose, as one riding with us pulled out the line and freewheeled back to the pack. Not wanting it to be easy for the pack the pair of us pressed on (for 7/8 laps more) until two bridged across. We had a quartet that worked really well, all taking turns as we held the gap on the pack. Then the elastic broke, no organisation in the chase or riders not wanting to ride in the wind etc. our gap grew and then we were out of sight. Into the back straight I pulled a big turn and ‘flicked the elbow’ nothing happened, then the trio came through hard, I missed the back to watch them contest 1-3, checking behind I cruised across the line for 4th place – a rare day for the break at Goodwood.

An action packed month which I believe is only going to be bettered by June, as we have a nice weather spell, which I hope will encourage all those racers from last season to get back out there and of course see more members take up the opportunity to try Time Trialing on our club TT series which of course is free to members thanks to our sponsor Harkham Technologies – register and sign up here www.ttresults.co.uk

August's Race Report

Historically August is usually the last month of road racing with the few out there trying to grab the last few points to either keep or increase it their Cat.

Two races this month were attended by CCR, both at the Mountbatten centre racetrack. Adam Coppard featuring in both with a nice 3rd and 7th respectively, again having his 2 leadout men sent to the slaughter with Terry and Si getting a 14th and 11th just out of the points respectively.

Point are close but it seems that Adam is firmly in front, see below:-

Adam Coppard - 45

Larry Wiltshire - 34

Sam Hadnett - 28

Jono Bartle - 20

Rich Watson - 18

Chris Hill - 15

Ross kettle - 13

Terry Wilson - 11

Simon Wright - 14

Jon Ley - 4

Mark Labrum - 1

Adam snuck in an extra picture because he REALLY wants to show-off his new race bike…

Final few races still to come in Sept/Oct so we will see if Adam retains his lead.

Luckily for me the TT’ing has had considerably more races for me to talk about…

The P841 run by HRC saw Terry and I 1st and 3rd respectively overall, with Terry over a minute in front of me. I tried so hard to keep him at bay, but his legs and TT bike defo had the measure of me and caught me about a mile after the upwards hill!

I kept telling him this was just a warmup for me as I was also competing with Adam on the P829/9 at Wickham on the Thursday. Conditions were really nice and I took the overall win on my road bike and Adam was a very close second place with only a 5 second gap, both averaging over 25mph on a not so flat course. Looking at the Strava data, it was really nip and tuck between Adam and I, with him in front at points and me grabbing it back on the twisty hilly parts.

Goodwood saw the last TT of the year run by A3CRG, and it would also see me compete in my last road bike TT taking 2nd place in class but over 1 minute down on my previous best there, so I was slightly disappointed. However, Terry, Adam, and a new Face Rick Bishop did stonking results in the TT class, Terry 14th (21.20) Adam 17th (22:03) and Rick 45th (30.34). So all had PBs on the last GW – Chapeau guys.

The next Sunday saw The P901/10 being run by SDV which is the first time this year it has been used - along the A27 from Fontwell to Chichester and back. This early start race had a massively strong field out, with Adam and I representing CCR, I set off first and it was my first time on a TT bike (still not sure of that handling thing) and Adam a couple of min behind me. I think we both had fantastic rides with a 5th (21.26) and 6th (21.40) overall.

This day also saw the course record broken by 1 second which stood since 1999 by Sean Yates by C McNamara with a 19.18.

Sam, Terry, and I again turned up at the P841/10 which was meant to be the modified R course that only goes to the mini round about rather than the large one-way system but alas not all the paperwork had been approved. This was a first for Sam as he had never done a lone TT prior. The good news is that CCR took the top 3 spots of the rankings with Terry, Me and Sam 123. Well done Sam I think you did an amazing ride. 

The next Tuesday the lads got to ride the aforementioned P841R for the first time, with Terry, Adam and new face this year Harry out on the road. Again as usual Terry the aero rocketship took first spot, Adam 5th and Harry a decent 10th, with all of them setting PR’s.

The last TT of the month was again the P901/10 (this course is like buses) the 2 main culprit Terry and Adam putting in strong times again on a difficult windy day. I think the words that came out of Adams mouth are unrepeatable here by it was something like “My my, that was a little breezy”. However still a great ride from both with an 8th and 14th overall in a stacked field.

Scores on the doors:-

Terry Wilson - 1790

Larry Wiltshire - 1610

Adam Coppard - 1390

James Smee - 790

Karen Nash - 300

Richard Watson - 280

Sam Hadnett - 270

Phil Webber - 260

Emma Hannon - 200

Ross Kettle - 190

Nick Piner - 170

Jon Ley - 90

Andrew Hedges - 90

Chris Hill - 90

Thomas Rogers - 90

Stuart Hammond - 90

Laurence Brown - 80

Jono Bartle - 80

Nick Hill - 80

Rick Bishop - 80

Harry Darrah - 80

And finally, I just wanted to say well done to Rich who competed in Ironman Finland - You are completely mental but wow and chapeau to you. There will be a separate write up coming out later with regards to this amazing achievement.

And look out next month….

July's Race Report

So, the penultimate month of racing before hill climb season hits us and it has been a bumper one.

3 * RCR races well attended by CCR, 1* PNECC dominated by CCR and an Omega sat race with a big turnout.

It is great when I turn up to races and hear whispers from other teams along the lines of “God damn, CCR have turned up in force” - it’s been such a good season for CCR racing this year so far other teams are worried when we turn up to races!

The team work has been second to none and this was most apparent in the RCR#2 race, having Adam winning the 3rd cat race from a break away where the rest of the team stopped anyone else getting close to the 3 up the road by chasing attacks and disrupting the pack. Then Sam lead me out for an easy 6th place. There were compliments from other teams like the Team TMC commenting on how well CCR controlled the race. So Adam has Sam, Jono, Rich and myself to buy lots of beers for, however it wasn’t like Adam did nothing he still had to beat off 2 other really strong riders to win and popped out over 300w ave – Well done Adam what a great ride.

The 4th Cat race had Mark Labrum in it, probably the most caring person out there, and when there was a serious accident on track he stopped to lend a hand and is still doing a Stirling job at racing. Mark you are a credit to CCR Race Team, I assure you Mark keep doing what you are doing and the points will come.

RCR#3 saw another breakaway from lap 3 of about 12 riders away with Sam and myself in the break and having to thank Adam, Rich, and Chris for doing the same as the week previous for us (beers incoming boys). Although we couldn’t pull off a result as good as Adam’s the week previous but we both got placing and points with Me 8th and Sam 9th. Also a shout out to Jon Ley in the 4th cat race getting a 9th and scoring points nice one mate and our one and only Mark Labrum helping him out.

With Goodwood nearly out the way bar a handicap race, the race team got themselves down to Mountbatten Centre for the PNECC #6 where CCR dominated yet again with Adam in a break away and the rest of us being superbly tactical domestique’s. Unfortunately Adam didn’t turn it into a win but a 3rd in a strong break away of 4 is not bad. I took the best of the rest with 5th closely followed by Sam for 6th after our lead out man Terry destroyed the rest of the field on the last 2 laps to put us in a easy walk to the line.

The theme continues at Mountbatten for the Omega circuit with Sam and Rich in a break away of 4 and taking 3rd and 4th place after lapping the field but it getting broken up by the 2 front men. Terry the domestique was again left to his own devices but pulled off a nice 6th for great points haul.  In the 4th Cat Race Reid also smashed it with a win and made it look easy jumping away on the last lap (Reid - GET THAT FULL RACE LICENSE SORTED).

Finally, the end of July also saw the RCR handicap race where Rich was our only entrant, but definitely saw a lot of the front of the race with a really strong showing.

I would also like to send out a big thankyou to all the CCR members that have enabled us to race by being marshals and helping out behind the scenes, we racers really do appreciate it.

June Race Report

June has been an amazing month of racing with 15 CCR members competing across 14 events.

The month Kicked off with the PNECC#3 race series with 3 riders entered and coming away with a 3rd for Larry & 4th for Sam at a race that was trying to be controlled by the largest host team I have ever seen at an event. It also saw Jono Bartle continue his winning ways with another 1st place in the GW Summer series taking him up to a 3rd cat and in the same race saw Chris Hill securing 2nd place - a lovely 1-2 for CCR there on home turf. Chris continued his successes and in round 7 took another 3rd place which has seen him go up to a 3rd cat rider too.

The CCR freight train didn’t stop there, Adam Coppard secured a win at Mountbatten by a solo breakaway and lapping the field moving him up to a 3rd cat, which also saw Rich Watson take a 3rd place.

The last week of June saw some new faces competing and some old faces returning with the GW summer series#8, PNECC#5 and RCR#1; so congratulations go to Joy Ley for his first ever race and scoring points, Ross Kettle in his first race this year getting a nice 5th place, Rich Watson for grabbing his final points to become a 3rd cat, and finally to Olivia Sloan who got back out there after her off earlier in the month and proved that grit and determination to keep on fighting to the end of the RCR race, we are all so very proud of you.

Circuit racing weren’t the only events happening this month. The TT calendar was rammed, with James aka Captain taking 1st place on the P824/10 22:53 (2/6/22) and then 1st again on P829/10 with a 22:37 (16/06/22). Congratulations as it was a strong field on both occasions.

James again featuring in the number one spot but this time with a teammate Adam on the P843, slightly shortened due to roadworks, in the what will be known as the HRCCCR TTT (only because of our prolific attendance). This not only saw James and Adam in top spot but saw entries from 3 other teams; Emma & Karen, Phil & Nick, and Larry & Sam. All the duos put in a very respectable times on the warm and sunny evening. I think the highlight for me was seeing Sam at his first TT and having to lie down on the ground after the finish line due to emptying himself to get a very good time. Well done Sam, it never gets easier you just go faster.

The new shortened course of P917/10 instead of 11.8 at Goodwood saw Terry and Karen both put in very solid performances with 21:59 for 16th place and 28:07 for 2nd place respectively, well done both.

And finally on the TT scene Terry, Adam, and Larry competed on the P881/10 course on the A3 with all 3 setting personal records for a 10-mile course; 20:36, 21:37, and 21:46 respectively. Terry’s time being the closest CCR ride to the 30 MPH marker this year averaging 29.13MPH!

Point tally after this month road races:

Larry Wiltshire - 23

Jono Bartle - 20

Adam Coppard - 18

Sam Hadnett - 16

Chris Hill - 15

Rich Watson - 12

Terry Wilson - 7

Ross kettle - 5

Simon Wright - 5

Jon Ley - 1

Total CCR points - 122

May's Race Report

Another month has flown by, but it seems that we here at CCR have had an amazing month of racing.

Too much to write a report about every event. CCR competed at 9 different racing events and 7 different TTs, with 13 different members being involved!

There have however been some standout performances which need a worthy mention:-

Firstly, and I know you have already seen a report out there, but Karen and Emma’s performance in the TTT was amazing (27min 44sec for 10 miles) and I for one would love to see more of our ladies out there racing, keep up the good work ladies!

Ross Kettle popped his cherry with a stonking time of 25min 26sec on the HRC P841/10 miles TT – well done Ross and a great PB by over a minute I believe.

Last week we saw 3 CCR riders tackle the PNECC P829 9 mile TT, which isn’t as flat as it looks, and in fact saw two 1st places; with James Smee taking 1st place (20m45s) in the TT category and overall, and Adam Coppard taking 1st place (22m9s) in the road bike class (4th overall), closely followed by me 1 second behind with a (22m10s) 2nd in class and 5th overall out of 24 riders.

A lot of Pink and Grey at the top of the Red White and Blue time trial which is always good to see. 

James Smee has actually seen two 1st &  one 2nd place this month while doing TTs – congrats Captain – now how to slow you down a bit ha ha.

On the road race scene the most outstanding performance this month was Jono Bartle with his win at the Goodwood summer series #5. Major congratulations Jono, you looked buzzing after the race and the sprint was second to none.

We have also seen more points added to the CCR regional points tally; a great 2nd place from Adam Coppard in the 4th cat Mountbatten circuits race on 20/5/22, Terry Wilson getting a 5th Place in the 3rd cat PNECC - Dick Evans Memorial race #2, and Richard Watson popping his road racing cherry with an 8th place in the 4th cat Mountbatten summer series on the 6/5/22.

Last 2 mentions of the month for road racing go out to Simon Wright who eventually finished a Goodwood race, and Sam “the sprinter” Hadnett for his 10th hard fought photo finish place.

Although not racing I’d like to send a big congratulations out to the people that took part in the Ride London “race” I mean ride (102miles) last Sunday.

Chris day with 5hr 30 mins, Jono Bartle 4 hr 50 mins, Me 4hr 15, and Andy Thomas 5hr 15Mins (a bit bloodied up after a crash but made it around, Chapeau).

See you all out in June. There are lots of events out there at this time of year, so if you compete in any please let me know how you get on.

April's Race Report

April has been a month of full on racing and TT’ing.

It started on a cold dark evening on Wednesday 6th April when Larry turned up for the second Omega Race Series; luckily or unluckily for him only 12 riders turned out, where after a few attempts to get away it came down to the last lap and he ended up with a 5th place and some more points for CCR.

Next up was a TT 9th April with 4 starters; James, Terry, Adam, and Larry, with 25 miles H8/10 on the A31 near Alton ahead of them. It was a windy day which made it a hard one way along the A31. It really wasn’t a day for CCR with 2 DNFs from James and Terry, but Adam and Larry both went under the hour for the 25 miles.

Simon Wright raced at Mountbatten Centre on a cold Saturday morning in the 4th Cat race and scored his first points of the season with a very good 5th place in a strong fast paced race which he spent plenty of the time on the front of.

The highlight so far for me this year was the TT along the A3 from Greatham to Liphook and back to Greatham for 10 miles, with Terry doing at 21:07 (which is over 28 mph ave) and Larry doing a 21:47. PB’s for both riders!

Adam Coppard took to the Hampshire Road Club TT on a damp Tuesday evening and posted a very respectful time of 22:49 for a 2nd place on the night, well done Adam.

I am not even going to mention the PNE Nat B Road Race that saw pro riders destroy the field, with Larry and James getting dropped from the pack on lap 2 of 8. With only 19 of the original field of nearly 100 finishing, it was tough going even for 2 laps.

Last but not least saw the best CCR turnout of the year so far at the first of the Goodwood road races, with 2 mens races being filled with Grey and Pink. In the 3/4 cat race was Sam, Simon, Craig, Adam, Mark & Richard. Unfortunately Simon punctured early on so that saw him out of the race and getting picked up in the van. however there were multiple attacks from Adam & Sam but sadly none stuck to the line. Stand out rides for me were Mark, Craig, and Richard showing some great resilience and finishing in the pack on their racing debuts.

The E123 race saw Andy, James, and Larry start again in a strong field. James’ bad luck continued with another DNF due to a puncture but he was going really strong before that. Andy, who had not been well on the run up the event, had pull out early on also leaving Larry flying the last lonely CCR Jersey in the race. With 2 groups of strong riders up the road he tried to bridge the gap twice but it was to quick for him. Coming around with what he thought was the last lap as the bell had sounded he unleashed his poor sprint with about 10 other riders only to find the bell to as for the other race he was overtaking at the time… another DNF.

You live and you learn.

If anyone wants any advice/help getting into racing please contact me. It would be great to see some of our ladies out there too.