News Archive - 2008

21 Dec - Mince Pie Run
An excellent turnout for this years event, with a great improvement in the weather from last years freezing fog.
After meeting at the Market Place the easy run, including 2 Tandems, was led by Bill Harrison who had planned an interesting route out past Belvoir Castle. However after a variety of minor incidents slowed progress this had to be shortened to eventually arrive at the cafe around 11.30.
The faster group were already well into the bacon sandwiches and mince pies but there was plenty for all.
Looking round there were about 35 members present, which coupled with other cyclists from Nottingham and Newark made for a very social occasion.

Return route via Long Bennington for the easy run made a total of 45 miles, which for some was more than they were expecting, well done to the ladies for getting round.

Thanks to the Kingfisher Cafe at Sibthorpe for being so hospitable and efficient for a large group, well worth adding to the cafe run list.

Sun. 14 Dec Rutland Water Cyclo-Cross
A chance to see the countries top Cross riders in action just down the road at Rutland Water in the 5th round of the national series, see link for more details.
Cross is one of the more interesting forms of cycling to spectate, with a lot of action taking place in a small area.

Go-Ride Saturday Morning Training Sessions
Saturday training sessions at Yarborough, Lincoln starting in January 2009

We are running a series of 10 sessions combining skills coaching with sprint and endurance training and race tactics.
As the sessions will be a mix of senior riders as well as experienced youth riders the sessions will not be open to the U12 riders.
We have places available for youth riders to join these sessions if they wish – please complete the attached forms and return as soon as possible to secure a place.
Please indicate which dates you would like to attend. (This will help with planning and ensure I have enough qualified help!)
To cover the cost of hiring the cycle track we are charging all riders £1.00 per session.
Any coaches who wish to help out either on or off the bike will be most welcome – please let me know which session(s) you would like to help with.

Any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Cathy
Details and booking form» (pdf file)

Sunday 2 November Hearts First - Robin Hood Bike Rides 2008 in aid of the British Heart Foundation
The Robin Hood Mountain Bike Challenge. A 36 mile newly revised endurance route that follows the Robin Hood Way forestry trail to negotiate Sherwood Forest before negotiating the stunning autumn woods of Clumber park before returning to Sherwood Pines. This route has a rolling start from 9am - 9.30. Maximum number of cyclists on this route is 700 on a first come first serve basis.
(There is also a Family Fun Robin Hood Scramble, ideal fun for mountain bike beginners at 10am)
For both events the entry fees are £10 per adult and £5 per child under 16 with preregistration closing on Wednesday 29th October
To take part and help the nations heart charity please register online or if you require any further information about the event please email northevents@bhf.org.uk. More info on the BHF web site»

Oct 08 Swift Racing
Information in from club second claim members Rick Lister and Gabby Day who is currently leading the womens National Cyclo-Cross series. The team that Gabby rides for (Swift Racing) has lost its main sponsor so they are looking to find funding in whatever way possible from the public to carry on running as a professional UCI womens team. Further information can be found on the following link www.ownourteam.com.

28 October The Olympic Talent Programme is staging another training day for all you Youth riders. We will again be at Mallory Park Motor Racing Circuit in Leicestershire. Time: 10.30 - 4.30. More Details: http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/gbr/News2008/20081006_mallory_road_mtb_day.asp

The Talent Team offer is an open invitation to youth A, B & C category riders (guys born between 1992 and 1997) to take part in the full day of coached activities. We also want to show our support to you junior girls by opening up the invitation to this category as we see this as an area of cycling that needs further and continued development.

All abilities are welcome but as the day shall offer structured, road / circuit and MTB XC race based coaching sessions tailored to suit all the different age's, riders must be on the right equipment as follows:
Mountain bikes only for the MTB XC session or Road bikes for road session

Hey riders, let's make sure you are on your age category gear restriction on the road. Please make every effort to sort this folks you are proving nothing and just hindering your progress!!.
If you are interested in attending, please register by Friday 17th October by sending an email to
AlisonJohnson@britishcycling.org.uk with your name, date of birth and your club (if you are in one).
Important note: You will need to tell us whether you want to do road or MTB on the day, there will not be an opportunity to cross over between the two disciplines, guys. Book Early to secure your place

5/10 Viking Challenge
Unfortunately the weather forecast was unerringly accurate, pouring rain Saturday night and Sunday morning didn't stop around 900 riders turning up to have a go at what was considered the wettest ever Viking Challenge.

A good turnout of Wobblies hit the start line in the first wave of at 8.30 with Jim Coleman leading the way in the 50km to get round in the quickest time overall, followed not long after by Steve Bunn.
Times were
Jim Coleman 2.16
Steve Bunn 2.22
Paul Conneely 2.45
Martin Hedley 2.54
Ian Makevit 2.56
Adrian Hill 3.05
Ross Tomblin 3.37
Dave Ostler DNF

In the shorter 30km event Peter and Simon Cocker decided discretion was the better part of valour and had a steady ride round the shorter course in 2.30. Special mention to young Eleanor Crawford who completed this event with her dad Chris in 4.43 a great achievement on such a wet and cold morning.
Pictures attached showing the aftermath»

Two British Cycling Go Ride Cyclo Cross Coaching Days
These days are aimed at riders from 8 – 15 years – all abilities catered for!!!
• Saturday 11th October – Bourne Woods More info & entry form» (pdf file)
• Saturday 15th November – Yarborough Leisure Centre More info & entry form» (pdf file)
Sessions Run from 10am – 3pm and cost £7.50 per session.
Steve can also provide you with a bike for the day if you do not have a cyclo cross bike or mountain bike – at no additional cost!
Places are limited and MUST be booked in advance. Please complete the forms and return to Steve Crosland – (details are on the flyers). For more information contact Steve 07793 844650 or email stevecrosland@britishcycling.org.uk stevecrosland@britishcycling.org.uk

20/21 Sept Mergelheuvelland 2-daagse (Hh2d)
Through contacts with our company in Holland we received an invite to take part in the RH2D Dutch sportive ride in the Limberg region, home of the classic Amstel Gold Road Race.
This was a 2 day affair with options of 70, 120 and 160km road rides on the Saturday and 70 and 120km rides on the Sunday with equivalent MTB off-road rides. Some 5000 riders were registered over the weekend with the Dutch obviously keen to ride some hills as this area is their equivalent to the Peak District with many people visiting to enjoy walking and biking in the only hilly area in Holland, Sand Dunes and motorway bridges do not count.
Having downloaded the profile of the route, it looked like a saw blade with numerous 100-250 m climbs (Harby is 100m) and I fretted that maybe a standard 39 x 25 would not be low enough especially when we arrived at the start, most of the Dutch seemed to be riding triples.
Breakfast was organized for the 50 riders from the company followed by a relaxed 5km ride to the start. Unlike British Sportives these are more like an Audax, you are given a route card, start when you want, check point/food stops every 30km or so and finish in the beer tent (literally).
With Neil (ex first cat from Newark but now riding purely on memory) the intent was to go for the 160km but after the first few hills it became obvious that he was going to struggle and in true Wobbly tradition I abandoned him after around 25 km and tried to find a group to ride with. This proved impossible for any length of time with so many climbs breaking up any rhythm and people stopping to regroup at the top.
In most long rides you expect some easy miles, there were none, it was either uphill or downhill with virtually no flat. Most climbs were reasonably well graded but there were a couple of real leg benders, an early one out of Liege (which had many people walking even with triples) and the Keukenberg near the finish, which was near the famous Cauberg climb, in true British style I ground my way over these. 
The finish to the 160km was reached in a total of 7hrs 45 minutes including about 45 to 60 minutes or so was spent at checkpoints and hanging around. After a couple of beers back at the campsite bar, Neil finally rolled in after hauling himself around the 120km, a real display of true grit.
Feeling justifiably proud we opted for the short 70km ride on the Sunday, which was on a relatively easier circuit.
Photos»

7 Sept Lincs RRA 30 mile championship
Five club riders took part in the Lincs RRA 30 mile championship promoted by Dave Herd near Boston.
Fastest club rider on the day was Neil Sentance 1 hr 19.01, ahead of Mike Lewis 1:24:56.
Riding the distance for the first time ladies Kim Paxton 1:28:00 and Karen Smith 1:29:33 with comeback veteran John Newman in 1:34:33.
Click here for a set of photos courtesy of Alan East (also available via 'Galleries')

21/9 St Ives LVRC
In his last LVRC race of the year Phil Etches scored his sixth win in the 60+ age category to make it his best season ever. Phil won the race from a break of three riders by out sprinting Tony Woodcock and Terry Devine to finish two bike lengths clear.

15/9 Junior Team at the GHS National Time Trial Championships
Welwyn Wheelers hosted the GHS national schools 10 mile time trial championship in Ware, Hertfordshire. The event was attended by the Witham Wheelers junior team of Toby Kiely, Peter Barnes and Jake Storey, the team having qualified for the final at the Lincolnshire heat on 1st July.

Conditions were fair and sunny, with breeze picking up through the morning. One hundred and five competitors aged between 12 and 16 years took part and the fastest time was recorded by 16 year-old Sam Harrison of Cwncare High School, who finished in 20:59, some 51 seconds ahead of the second-placed rider.

Our team acquitted themselves well on a challenging and unfamiliar course and did justice to their seeded positions in the starting order. Toby Kiely finished in 29:24 (89th - 20.4 mph average), Peter Barnes in 28:07 (82nd - 21.3 mph) and Jake Storey in 25:00 (47th - 24 mph).

Saturday 6/9 Vitruvian
In the near half Iron man distance event at Rutland Water 1900m swim, 85km bike, 21km run. Stefan Lawrence finished in an excellent 43rd position out of some 700 finishers. An overall time of 4.28.39 with split times being 33.30 for the swim, 2.24.39 bike and 1.30.15 run. Winner was Jonathan Hotchkiss from Sigma Sport in 3.49.39

The battle for Wobblies supremacy with Peter (Ironman) Pain fizzled out when bouts of cramp forced an early retirement half way around the bike leg, his first DNF in 13 years of Triathlon. Is this the beginning of the end.??

Better news for Paul Letchworth now fully recovered from his close encounter with a tractor at the Belvoir Triathalon, he finished a creditable 505th position in a time of 5:47:13 with splits of Swim: 33:52, Bike: 2:53:18, Run: 2:13:10 and Transitions T1&T2: 6:10 (O my God!) Pauls quote.

Sunday 7/9 Northampton
Simon Cocker took part in his first Olympic distance event near Wellingborough with a 1500m swim, 23 mile bike and 10km run. An overall time of 2.28.46 placed him 77th out of 170 finishers and good enough to win the the 50-54 age category.

7/9 In the final Velo 99 race of the season at Thoroton Phil Atherton had his best ride for weeks and managed to bag second place on the day.
Group 4 worked together as well as they have done all season and closed down the lone group 3 rider pretty easily but also managed to overhaul a 4 and a half minute handicap to group 2 on the last lap. In the sprint for the line Phil found himself boxed in but managed to get a run on the inside and get the wheel of Eddy Moran, the overall group 4 winner this season.
As Phil pulled out of his slipstream Eddy kicked again and won by a bike length, but both riders had managed to put several bike length's between themselves and the rest of the bunch. Phil was the only Wobbly riding this week as Phil Etches and Rob Howbrook were taking their turns marshalling.

31/8 The first annual Rocko Roller, a sportive organised by Rockingham Forest Wheelers.
An overwhelming turnout of almost 200 riders (with 50 turned away) participated in two hilly rides, in miserable conditions, of 50 and 100 miles around Northamptonshire and Rutland. Our own Witham Wheeler Martin Hedley finished a creditable 12th out of 86 in the 50 miler.
It was a very friendly and well organised event providing food and drink for all entrants.
If anyone is interested Martin can send a link for a map of the routes, which comes as far north as Oakham so could easily be incorporated into a club ride. email

For Sale: Giant TCR Junior Road Bike in very good condition. Suit ages 7 – 10 depending on size.
Aluminium frame – Shimano Sora 8 speed + twin chain ring - an extra set of brakes has been added to improve confidence & control. 24" wheels. Two spare tyres, 4 spare tubes and a seat pack are included in the price.
Price, £150
If you are interested please give me a call. Adrian Hayler (Sleaford Wheelers) 07739 186996

31/8 A cautionary tale......
Calling into a well known glass emporium the man behind the counter said 'fancy an 18 mile MTB ride in the Peak District tomorrow, only a couple of hours or so. Ideal ride I thought for young Peter and myself, we'll have a go that.
Well, we met up with the boys at the Market Place and ambled over to park at Edale for an 11.00 start. 6 (yes 6) hours later we returned to said car park after 20 miles of hard climbs, steep rocky descents and a few flat bits which were usually boggy. With a route skirting Mam Tor and Kinder Scout I'm sure it would have been scenic if we could have seen through the mist and rain.
However in a masochistic sort of way it was great fun and in the pub afterwards we could laugh about the numerous crashes, bent wheel, broken chain ring and puncture.
Thanks to Bunny and the boys for their patience and as the sharp eyed ones will spot from the picture, the big question of the day was where was the glass salesman??
Simon
(Photo shows Bunny expressing sympathy at Adrians bike minus half a big chain ring.)

23-25/8 Junior Tour of Wales
Tom Mendham took part in the 4 stage Junior Tour of Wales with a field of the top Junior cyclists in the country plus several continental teams and taking in some serious hills in South Wales.
As reported by Mendham Senior it started hard, got harder and then got really hard - full credit to Tom for having a go without any team back-up and achieving a very respectable finish.
Race winner was Erick Rowsell in a total time of 7 hrs 45.56 with Tom in 43rd position in 8 hrs 03.29.
A full report can be seen at www.britishcycling.org.uk

Viking Challenge - Sunday 5th October
Once again this popular off-road ride based at Redmile is taking place. We usually have quite a few club riders taking part.
It is well organised event which you can make as hard as you want and in wet conditions can be a 'little' muddy. It's worth taking part for the food alone.
Follow this link for further details and an entry form. www.vikingchallenge.org.uk

Manchester Velodrome - Training Sessons.
From Cathy Morgan (VC Lincoln):
I have booked 2 club sessions on the Velodrome on Saturday 20th September 4pm – 6pm and Saturday 8th November 7pm – 9pm
If there is sufficient interest then I hope to make regular bookings throughout the year – subject to track availability
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Maximum of 30 riders.
Details and booking form» (pdf document)

Sat. 23/8 LVRC Event Market Harborough
Phil Etches achieved his highest ever position in a National Road Race when finishing second in the E Category (60-64 years age group) LVRC National Road Race Championships in Daventry

The riders were met with perfect cycling conditions, a warm sunny day with a very gentle breeze. 43 riders were on the start line for what was a tough 45 mile hilly course run over three 15 mile laps. Both Phil and the eventual winner, Les West, launched a number of attacks on the first lap but all were reeled in by a strong peloton featuring many of the countries top E category veterans. The second lap saw the lead group gradually thinning out as the climbs took their toll but Phil was still featuring prominently in the bunch. The peloton was struggling to ride with any real rhythm though and the erratic pace was inviting an attack.

The eventual successful attack came ten miles from the finish when the powerful Les West kicked hard over one of the climbs and instantly put telling distance between himself and the bunch. The peloton failed to organise itself into any meaningful chase and by the time West crossed the line he had gained two minutes on it. Phil Etches was now riding for second place and he kicked hard up the uphill sprint finish to finish a bike length clear of Alan Ramsey and take the scalps of many other noted national veterans who have been showing good form this season.

Phil's achievement can be better put into perspective when you consider that the only rider to beat him on the day, Les West, won the Tour of Britain in 1965 and 1967, won the Tour of Holland once, also competed in the Tour de France, and in 1970 came fourth in the professional World Road Race.

Wed 20th August 2008 Mountain Bike Skills Course
For ages 8 – 15 years. Quality Coaching, 10 am to 3pm, £7.50
At BOURNE WOODS, BOURNE, LINCOLNSHIRE
Click here for more information and an application form (pdf documnent)

10/8 Velo 99, Willoughby
In the Velo 99 Veterans road race at Willoughby the riders had to endure very blustery conditions which made for a very tough day indeed. Pete Shaw, a lone rider in Group 1 with a very healthy handicap, managed to stay away from all pursuing groups and cross the line in first place, but full credit to him as he would have had no shelter all day and would definitely have had to work really hard for his win.
The other groups failed to get into any real rhythm as riders looked to get out of the wind and it was no surprise when they all came together at the bell, the handicapping working out very well for the first time in weeks. With Phil Etches and Chris Whitelam doing stints on the front the pace picked up and with half a lap to go they both kicked hard through the village and soon opened up a 200 yard gap as they closed down the final riders from group 2.
The uphill finish was into a block headwind and Chris got over the line to claim 2nd place ahead of Phil in 3rd. Phil Atherton, who had done a lot of work in group 4, was in the second bunch over the line for a top 10 finish with Dave Herd just behind.

3/8 LVRC Event Flintham

For the second week in a row the 9am clubrun had a trip out to watch the club vets racing, this time at Flintham. However, distracted by the tea and cake at the HQ, we have to rely on this report from inside the race by Phil (fastlegs) Etches.

Phil was given a good working over by the younger riders in his race who constantly chased his attacks down on the first few laps, which then allowed two small breaks to drift off the front and stay away. With no co-ordinated chase the Peloton went into self destruct mode with futile attacks and counter attacks going nowhere, but spoiling any chance of catching the break away.
Despite thinking the race was over, Phil kept battling on to the inevitable bunch sprint, which was a manic affair with bodies all over the road, but Phil with his sprinters nose weaved his way through the mayhem to win the bunch sprint by a wheel. Perseverance payed off in the end with Phil picking up first prize for E category the over 60s.
We still await reports of how the younger vets Nigel, Paul and Ant fared in their event.

27/7 Duncan Murray Wines road race at Naseby in the Welland Valley.
Tom Mendham of the Witham Wheelers was placed third. The course was 52 miles over 4 laps of hilly country roads. Tom broke away from the main field on the first lap with six other riders and three of the leaders (including Tom) kept away for the remainder of the race to get the first three placings.

The race was attended by a field of good third and fourth category riders, but they could not reel in the breakaway.

27/7 Velo 99 Norwell
The 10 strong 9.00 clubrun set off to Norwell with high hopes of witnessing another win by the clubs supervets in the latest Velo 99 road race.
However for once it turned out to be a pretty indifferent day for all the Wobblies taking part. Groups 1 and 2 again managed to stay away from the chasing groups and claim the major points.
Dave Herd rode well in group 5 and helped them catch group 4, containing Phil Atherton, and group 3 on the last lap. In the mass bunch sprint for the line Phil managed 5th place and top 15 overall with Dave just behind.
Phil Etches and Rob Howbrook had another fruitless day in group 6 with a very unforgiving handicap of six minutes on group 5. Their chase was in vain and Phil was just pipped for first place in his group by Chris Whitelam, with Rob a little further back.
However for the clubrun there were several positives
1) Excellent coffee cake at the event HQ
2) The sight of Phil Atherton doing a turn on the front
3) A total of 75 miles on a hot sunny morning with the finish of the Tour to watch in the afternoon.

Triathlon Update
20/7 Lincoln Sprint Triathlon
Simon Cocker and Matt Pennifold took part in the sprint triathlon based at the David Lloyd leisure center at Burton Waters Lincoln and returned very close times with
Simon total time 1 hr 10.33 for 47th overall and 5th in the 50-54 age group
Matt total time 1 hr 10.44 for 49th overall and 8th in the 45-59 age group.

12/7 Little Beaver - Olympic distance
Stefan Lawrence took on the dubious water in Belvoir lakes to take a fine 6th place overall in 2hrs 14.12.
Also taking part was Paul Letchworth who unfortunately had a close encounter with a tractor descending Woolsthorpe Hill which left him with some quite bad bruisng and gravel rash which will mean some time off the bike. Get well soon Paul.

21/6 Dambuster - Olympic distance (1.5 km Swim, 40km Bike, 10km run)
Good performance by Stefan Lawrence to finish 38th out of 441 finishers at Rutland Water in a total time of 2 hrs 15.08 mins.

20/7 Tour of the Wolds
In the latest round of the LVRC series at Great Limber nr Grimsby, Phil Etches rode an agressive race throughout the 40 mile event, trying many times to establish a break.
However each time the field regrouped but Phil had enough strength left at the finish to win the sprint finish for his 4th win this season in the series.
In the younger age Veteran category Witham Wheelers were represented by Ant Conneely, Nigel Podam and Paul Conneely who all rode well in a quality field to stay in the peloton and finished in the bunch sprint.

13/7 LVRC Percy Stallard National Series.
In the latest round of the national series at Sawtry, Phil Etches took 2nd place winning the bunch sprint but was annoyed at having allowed Lance Ravenhil to escape alone on the last lap to win.

At present Phil is lying second on points to Richard Booth in the Percy Stallard National Series with three races remaining.

13 July Austria Ironman
Peter Pain sucessfully completed his first Ironman in Austria with an excellent overall time of 11hr 21 min 21 sec.

Comprising 1.15.04 for the 2.4 mile swim, 5.44.20 for the 112mile bike and 4.06.02 for the 26.2 mile run.

Pete has written a full report of his experience - click here»

1st July - GHS 10
Witham Wheelers entered a team into the Lincolnshire heat of the 10 Mile Time Trial National Schoolboys Championship held in conjunction with the Alford Wheelers open 10.

The young team did exceptionally well in the first event they have entered of this kind. Jake Storey came 3rd overall in a time of 24.24 with the rest of the team placing well enough to win the team title. Other team times: Peter Barnes 28.02, Toby Kiely 30.21 and Peter Cocker 31.08.

This has qualified the team for the National Schoolboy Championship to be held in Hertfordshire on 14th September.

In the Open event Simon Cocker recorded 26.30

30 August Road Race Organisers Course - Saturday 30 August, at Newark. 10am - 5pm

Dear East Midlands Members,
As many of you will be aware, the number of Open Road Events being organised within our Region is declining. This year, excluding Mallory, Darley Moor and Club events, there have been 14 open events over 6 months. Of those – 7 were in Leicestershire; 3 were in Lincolnshire; 1 in Nottinghamshire; 3 in Derbyshire.

With this in mind we will be holding a Road Race Organisers Course in August.
The course will be open to all those who are interested in becoming an organiser as well as experienced and new organisers alike. So whether you are an experienced organiser who would like to make sure you are up-to-date with BC requirements, as things do change over time, or you are just starting out as an organiser then this course is for you.

It is free to attend the course. Lunch and refreshments will be provided for you.
Date : Saturday 30th August. Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue : Winthorpe Community Centre, Woodlands, Winthorpe, Newark. NG24 2NL
We have chosen to hold the course at Winthorpe as it is a central location within the Region. If you would like to come to the course please let me know by email so we can confirm numbers for the Tutor and for catering purposes.
We look forward to seeing you on the day.
Regards,
Elaina Kennedy, East Mids Board Member.

15/6 Wimbleball Lake Ironman 70.3m
New member this year Paul Letchworth took part in the UK Ironman 70.3, a half distance Ironman on what claims to be the toughest (i.e hilliest) course in the world. Despite a big blowout on the bike section Paul sucessfully completed the course as can be seen from pictures on the link attached.

http://web.mac.com/pletchworth/Site/Ironman_70.3_UK.html

Congratulations to Paul. I am sure he would appreciate more sponsorship if anyone is feeling generous.
Simon

15/6 Woodhall Spa Sprint Triathlon
Two Witham Wheelers took part in the Woodhall Spa Sprint Triathlon (400m swim, 15 mile Bike, 3 mile run) with 450 competitors, Stefan Lawrence finished 11th overall and Simon Cocker 65th.
Finishing times were 1 hr 4.56 for Stefan (good enough for 3rd in the 25-29 age group) and Simon 1 hr 14.15 for 5th in the 50-54 age group.
Winner was National squad member Tom Bishop in a time of 58.33mins

15/6 Docaster Wheelers LVRC
Phil Etches continues his run of good form with a win at the Doncaster Wheelers LVRC event on Sunday. In a cagey race the peloton never allowed a break to get more than 200m up the road before reeling them back in. This played into the sprinters hands with Phil winning by a bike length from John Downing the ex national grass track champion. Paul and Anthony Conneely rode in the A and B event and easily held their own in what is a very competitive group.

15/6 Hull City Road Race
In the 53 mile Hull City Road Race Jim Coleman achieved the points necessary to move up to 1st category status in the British Cycling rankings.
Eight laps of a 7½ mile circuit with some long drags saw a group of 7 break clear at about half way. All through the race there were lots of attacks and other than the 7 up the road no one could get free. With 3 laps to go Jim managed to get away on his own and chase down the 7 men, at this point they had 45 seconds lead and it took a full lap to bridge the gap. However with the group tiring it was not long before they were caught by the main field. Not wanting to wait for the final sprint Jim detached with half a mile to go and was joined by 2 others who opened up a gap from which Jim won the sprint for the line to take the 30 points required.

8/6 Grantham Sprint Triathlon
Three club members took place in the 3rd Grantham Sprint Triathlon based at the Meres (400m swim, 22 km bike and 5km run approx). Results including the winner from the TFN Nottingham club for comparison as follows:

Post race comments
- That new gel didn't taste so nice coming back up. Stefan
- Apart from dropping a water bottle on the bike leg and not being able to get those new carbon shoes clipped in, in front of all those spectators, that was quite smooth. Simon
- That running is a bit hard after the biking, maybe I'll do some training if I do another one.Dave

8/6 Velo 99 at Granby
There were mixed fortunes for Wobblies riders in the latest round of the Velo 99 Australian pursuit held at Granby on Sunday 8th June. In almost perfect cycling conditions Phil Etches and the rest of group 6 were effectively handicapped out of the race as they failed to catch any of the other groups. In the sprint for the line Etches managed to grab second place in his group from the impressive Chris Whitelam and reclaimed his entry money at least. Phil was not too disheartened as he had also ridden on the Saturday in an LVRC at Barton-on-Humber and claimed an impressive victory in his age group.

The only other Wobbly riding on the day was Phil Atherton in group 4. Phil started the race with the after-effects of a Saturday on the beer at Trent Bridge and, to be fair, hid at the back of the group for most of the race. With group 2 managing to stay clear on the day, groups 3, 4 and 5 came together for the last lap and were riding for pride, points and prizes only (velo competitor Eddy Moran had kindly donated bottles of Old Pulteney single malt scotch whisky for each group winner). Phil only put his head above the parapet in the last two miles and found a gap through the middle to claim second in the mass bunch sprint finish and 11th place overall.

7/6 LVRC at Barton-upon-Humber Veteran Phil Etches gets his third win of the season. In a tightly fought race Phil showed his good form this season by out-sprinting the remainder of the peloton to win by two bike lengths from Richard Booth from North Yorkshire. Paul Conneely rode his first LVRC event and finished in a creditable position in the main bunch.

31 May Club Veteran Time Trialist Mike Lewis broke his 10 year old personal best 10 mile time trial record when recording 24.28 seconds in the Hull CC event on Saturday.
Mike is also competing in the national Rudy Project Time Trial series and after 3 events is placed 7th in the veterans category with 5 out of the 8 events to count.

Sunday 1st June
Jim Coleman took part in the British Cycling East Midlands Division Road race championships over an 83 mile course based at Barrow on Soar near Leicester. Jim missed the early break of 14 which contained all the Elite category riders which went on to dominate the race. He was unable to get across to the break and had to be satisfied with taking the sprint from the rest of the bunch for 15th place and first Lincolnshire rider home.

He is now up to 2nd place in the second category rankings for the East Midlands and 29 points away from a first category licence. More details on www.britishcycling.org.uk»

25/5 Velo 99 at Braithwell South Yorkshire.
Witham Wheelers elite veteran Phil Etches narrowly misses his third win of the season when he was pipped on the line by half a wheel. The Velo 99 event at Braithwell South Yorkshire saw the last off, group six work their way through to the front of the race after seven of the nine laps were completed. With only four riders left in group six, they managed to gain a minute on the pursuing peloton before fighting it out for the sprint finish. Phil Atherton starting in group four, had a good race finishing well up in the peloton but just ran out of steam for the sprint finish. Dave Herd also rode for the wheelers in group five and finished in the bunch.

25/5 Reg Cogman Memorial RR 70miles promoted by East Anglian CC
Jim Coleman rode an agressive race in the 70 mile 2/3/4 category event at Wicklewood in Norfolk in very wet conditions.
After numerous attacks he finally broke free with one other rider with 30 miles to go. A further group of 4 joined them with 10 miles to go and the 6 went to the finish together. Jim attacked early on the drag up to the finish but was unable to shake off Joe Skipper of the Lotto/Olympia/Interbike team who came by in the last 100yds to take the win.

July 13th the Sleaford Wheelers promote the Nev Crane Memorial 25 Mile Time Trial. The event is now in its 2nd year and is in memory of a person who gave so much to the sport.
From International road man in the late 50's and early 60's to GB team mechanic. Resurrecting the Sleaford Wheelers in 1965 he also held many positions on committees and found time to promote as well. That in spite of running a succcessful cycle shop for 40 years.
Arguably the richest TT in Lincolnshire the rac attracted 91 entries last year. A field the size of which was said by many to have not been seen in the County for decades. This year, the well spread prize awards amount to in excess of £800.The prospectus is as under.

Start time 8am Course C25/35, Donington. Over £800 in prizes:
£100 Fastest rider with awards going down to 10th place.
£20 Fastest Vet on Standard going down to 10th place.
£40 Fastest Lady going down to 3rd place.
£10 Fastest Vet, Espoir, Junior, Juvenile and Trike.
£10 each Fastest Team of 3 riders.
£10 each to Fastest rider slower than 1-00-59, 1-01-59 going down to an including 1-11-59.
£50 to winner if course record (53-37 Ian Dalton) is beaten.
£20 additional if winner is inside 53-00 and
£20 for each additional 30 secs improvement.
£30 to Fastest Lady if Ladies course record (1-01-18 Fliss Hart) is beaten.

Entries should be sent by 1st July along with £7
Entry Fee to: Doug Laidlow, 17 Fen Road, Little Hale, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 9BD.
Tele: (01529) 461018. Email: douglaidlow@btopenworld.com

Granthams very own sprint Triathlon takes place on Sunday 8th June at the Meres.
Details are on the Grantham Tri website. www.granthamtri.co.uk/events.html
Entries can still be made and any offers of help with marshalling etc would be welcome.

17/5 Pactrac Junior Triathlon Stanground Peterborough. Peter Cocker took part in the 13-14 age group (300m swim, 3km bike (on grass) and 2.4 km run) and it proved to be challenging.
Exiting the swim in around 8th place Peter overtook all but the first 2 on the bike and then held off the fast closing 4th placed boy in a sprint finish for a well earned 3rd place behind two serious looking young triathletes.

12/5 Witham Wheeler Anthony Conneely took part in the Tour of Ireland Cycle Challenge 2008 covering 537 miles in 4 stages.
300 riders and 60 support staff rode through 4 provinces of Ireland in aid of the National Council for the Blind in Ireland.
The challenge started in Lisburn on Friday 9th May and took the riders via Cavan, Galway, and Kilkenny to the finish line in Dublin on Monday 12th May
Anthony completed the ride in a total time of 27:14:04 hours for 13th place overall, behind first rider ex-professional cyclist Jamie Burrows.
Support to the riders was provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Irish Garda who travelled with the event.
Further information can be found at www.tourofireland.eu

10/6 Jack O'Connor Interclub 25 mile Time Trial
Wanted: Riders to uphold the Wobblies honour in the annual battle with Sleaford Wheelers, VC Lincoln and Newark Castle
Date Tuesday 10th June start 7.00pm
Course C25/22 - Sleaford A15 - Osbourn by roundabout - Donnington roundabout (Turn) - retrace to start.
Parking - Off A15 down lane towards Rauceby hospital approx 1 mile south of Quarington roundabout on right hand side.

Entries to - Malc Yates, 69 Ancaster Drive, Sleaford Lincs NG34 7PF (tel ) £3.00 on RTTC entry form. (from CTT website)
Closing date - 10 days before the event.

Two Open Youth races at Yarborough Leisure Centre, Lincoln. Sun. 8 June and Sun. 6 July 2008
• For U16 / U14 / U12 / U10 / U8 (Youth A, B, C, D and E Categories)
• Start 10.00 am - sign on from 9.30
• Fees: £5.00 in advance (Closing Date 1st June 2008) £6.00 EOL
• Please make cheque payable to C. Morgan 74 Main Street, Claypole, Newark. Notts. NG23 5BA, Tel 01636 626247

Proposed Race Schedule - Subject to number of entries
• U16 / U14 / U12 / U10 - 1 lap time trial (Short Circuit)
• U8 - 1/2 lap time trial (Short Circuit)
• 5 lap race for U8 (on short circuit)
• 10 lap race for U16 / U14 / U12 / U10 on large circuit

Riders will be able to warm up on the top loop of the circuit during the U8 race.
Please complete a British Cycling Entry form and return your money to me ASAP
British Cycling entry form»

11/5 Velo 99 Veterans Pursuit race series, Norwell
In the latest round Phil Atherton rode well to claim 8th place overall and 2nd place in his group, although he was not helped by a short course and a tight handicap. He and another rider again broke up their group gradually over the 3.5 laps and with half a lap to go found themselves on their own and with the leading bunch in sight.
However, they only managed to catch the bunch during the sprint for the line and had to be content with picking off back markers. The chasing groups didn't catch anybody and rode round on their own for the whole race, which included Dave Herd in group 5 and Rob Howbrook in group 6. Rob was particularly unfortunate to be in a group of only two riders with a 5 minute gap on a much larger group 5.

11/5 Percy Stallard National Series Road Race
Following his recent sickness Phil Etches showed a quick return to form today with a good win:

Local elite veteran wins the Percy Stallard national series road race event at Alford.
Phil Etches initiated a two man break which was quickly joined by another four riders, developing into the winning move. Phil won the sprint finish with two bike lengths to spare. His delight at winning was further enhanced when he was also presented with a surprise 60th birthday cake by his fellow riders.

Open Time Trials
Have you ever thought there must be more to Time Trialling than Gorse Lane but were afraid to ask?
Well for those not in the know there are many events run every weekend around the country from 10 miles to 24 hours, I have attached the list of events being held in Lincolnshire this year, you can find more events at www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk
These are simple to enter - just download an entry form and send it to the organiser by the specified closing date. As a club member you do not have to pay any further membership fees, just the event entry fee.
With a bit of effort you can find some nice flat roads covered in smooth tarmac just built for speed.!!!!

4/5 Southwell Triathlon
Two club members took part in the first local triathlon at Southwell consisting of a 400m swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. Stefan Lawrence took a fine 28th place in 54.05 minutes and Simon Cocker 144th in 61.49 minutes. The winner was Andy Tarry in 46.33 from the 2XU TFN Nottingham team with 481 competitors completing the course.

Jim Coleman Update
Jim now has 92 points well on his way to the 160 required for a first category licence.
4/5 Steve Rigby Memorial 63 mile Road race for 2/3/4 categories at Kippax, Wakefield.
The field stayed together until about 4 laps of the 15 lap race were remaining, as the local riders are becoming aware of Jim's early break strategy, when Ashley Brown and Robert Friel of the Sportscover-JEjames team broke away. A lap later another group of 3 gave chase and Jim bridged the gap. The group of 4 worked well till the finishing climb where Jim pulled away from the group to take 3rd.

27/4 Litchfield City Road Race 68 mile
Jim finished 12th after getting a bit 'snarled' up at the finish.

27/4 Melton Classic Supporting Road Race - Owston
Mixed fortunes for the 2 club riders in the 2/3/4 category event. On the narrow rough roads used for the event it was essential to be near the front of the bunch to avoid losing contact, a fate which soon befell Anthony Connneely by the end of the first lap. Tom Mendham however kept in the leading group of 12 riders to take 9th position against some good higher category riders.

27/4 Velo 99 Veterans handicap Road Race League – Withern, Alford
With Phil Etches absent through illness, his training partner Phil Atherton flew the flag for the Echo Personnel sponsored Witham Wheelers in the latest round of the Velo 99 Australian pursuit road race series.

Starting in group 3 Phil helped break the group apart on the first lap and, together with another rider, chased down the slower groups whilst managing to stay away from the chasing pack. The final lap saw them finally close a lone breakaway rider and Phil dug deep to win the uphill sprint by half a bike length with the main bunch only 30 seconds behind.

This is the first win in Phil's fledgling cycling career but adds to Witham Wheelers impressive start to the racing season, at all levels of competition.

26/4 Victoria Park Criteriums
Another placing for Jacob Storey taking 9th in the Junior / 4th category event. Tony Mendham also took part and had a nasty fall when forced into the barriers, although luckily his bike wasn't badly damaged.!!

20/4 Leeds St Christopher CC - Pete Gannon memorial
Jim Coleman continued his early season run of form with 4th place in the 50 mile race on a short hilly circuit at Kippax near Leeds. With his customary attack up the first climb 5 riders broke away including Ashley Brown and Bradley Johnston from the Sportscover race team as well as Mark Thwaites from the Sportsbeans-Wilier race team. They worked well together in wet conditions and soon had a good lead on the main field of several minutes. However with 12 miles to go Jim lost contact with the break and had to time trial his way to the finish in 4th place still over 5 mins clear of the main bunch.
He now has 71 points already this year towards his target of achieving first category status.

13/4 Glade CC
First win of the season for Jim Coleman at Saffron Walden on a hilly 80 mile course. Wanting to form an early break he attacked on the first hill stringing the field out and 4 riders pulled clear. Working well together and after a lap or so of the 7 lap race they were then joined by 3 more riders and as a group of 7 soon had 1min20 on the field. This extended to 2min 20 and as they began to relax the field pulled the gap back to 1min 20 with about 30miles to go, they had to work well again together to stay away. 6 riders remained in the break as it reached the finishing climb, a long drag with head wind, Jim timed the final attack well getting every rider off his wheel and crossed the line with a good winning margin for probably his best result yet in such a long race and taking him to 2nd in the British Cycling East Midland rankings for 2008.

Velo 99 Veterans handicap Road Race League - Carcolston
Phil Etches, 6 days short of his sixtieth birthday, won the bunch sprint by 3 bike lengths having chased the other five groups down with half a lap to go in the 36 mile race. The benefits of the training camp in Majorca obviously paying dividends.

13/4 Bourne Wheelers Road Race. Results for Thomas Mendham and Jacob Storey
 
Bourne Wheelers Race was run over 5 circuits of a testing course, totalling 45 miles. 65 riders in total competed. The race was fast and lively from the start, featuring numerous attempts by groups of varying sizes to breakaway from the bunch. Attacks were frequent and the bunch had to remain alert to keep them in check. Thomas was very active at the front of the bunch. At one point the breakaway group of seven riders got a 45sec gap, but this was brought back just before the last lap.
Two riders managed to breakaway near the end of the race and were being vigourously chased down leading up to the hill where the finsh of the race was. These two just managed to stay away but Thomas was leading the charge up the hill, being hotly pursued by the bunch. (Photo attached) Thomas was just pipped for third place on the line. Jacob Storey had a promising start to his racing career as he managed to get 9th place in his first ever road race. (Can just be seen in attached photo)
 
Victoria Park Circuit Races, Saturday 12th April, Thomas Mendham also got 7th place in the 3rd Category Circuit Race, which was a lively and active event.

8/4 Paramount CRT Road Race at Telford
Jim Coleman continued his good early season form in the Paramount CRT Road race at Telford for 2/3/4 category riders over a 67 mile fairly flat course.
A break of 8 went away very early on and got a minute and a half on the bunch. With the gap growing Jim went to the front and with the help of a few other riders pulled back the break to 20 seconds. This was the ideal time to attack and catch the leading group and Jim with 5 others did this so that as one group they soon pulled away and were leading by a minute and a half before it splintered again, with Jim happy to take 9th place on a flat course.

7/4 Warm weather training schedule - Phil 'Fast legs, Slow legs' Etches.
For those of you wondering when you are ever going to catch him up, here is some worrying news of Phil's daily training log from last weeks trip to Pollensa, Majorca:

Fri 28 Mar put bikes together 1400hrs hilly ride to Formentor, 35ml in 2hrs 17 mins
Sat 29 Mar undulating ride, 17c, out to Cala Bona for lunch, 87ml in 5hrs 1min
Sun 30 Mar climbing day to Colobra Pass, cool 13c, legs woody, 61ml in 4hrs 8mins
Mon 31 Mar rained till 1200hrs, short ride to Campanet, 34ml in 2hrs 12mins
Tues 1 Apr strong cool wind, 15c, climbed the Orient pass, 82ml in 5hrs 6mins
Wed 2 Apr flat route, big group of riders, lunched at Felantix, 77ml in 4hrs 20mins
Thur 3 Apr Mega climbs to Major Pig and Sollor pass, 20c, 90ml in 5hrs 56mins

The total miles for the week 466 and the time in the saddle 29hrs, giving an average speed of 16mph. Considering the hilly terrain and strong winds this was a very satisfactory average speed for the week. Phil

Sun. 16 March Road Race Report - Ed Taylor Memorial Road Race

Witham Wheelers / Echo Personnel rider Jimmy Coleman got the season off to a good start in this event promoted by Haverhill Wheelers in Suffolk, for 2nd, 3rd and 4th category riders.
On a rain soaked morning with strong winds Jim got in an early 12 man group that dominated the 80km race over a hilly 10 lap course.
Towards the end Daniel Kogan (PCA Ciclos Uno) broke away to win on his own with Jim taking 4th overall after leading out the bunch sprint on the final climb.
Photos of the event can be seen on this link.

Sat. 22 March Sleaford Wheelers Charity 102.00 PM - help raise money for our charity Cancer Research UK. Details» (pdf)

Mar 1 Darley Moor Circuit Racing
Saturday 1st March was the start of my fledgling and so far difficult racing career. The race was populated by many British Cycling juniors and once I noticed this, my early pre-race confidence was dispelled. I thought I was travelling far to get there from Grantham, this pre-race idea was also defeated straight away as I spotted juniors from Bristol and Oldham.
During the warm-up I was secretly confident of doing well as the leading corner led to a hill that was manageable at 27mph – or so my odometer informed me. As the under 16s (my category) lined up at the start, I saw even more bad omens, big lads that could have got into nightclubs.
I was ‘blown out’ after the rapid first corner as the British Juniors led the way and although I tried to hang off the back of the peloton going up the first hill, it was to no avail. I was fortunately not alone and managed to keep in a group of six until the end. I didn’t even stand a chance of beating them because I was suckered into doing the penultimate lap at the front shielding the other five from the strong wind on the back straight.
I plan to go back and do it next weekend, though I will put in much more training than I had done the previous week. Maybe I won’t finish closer to the bottom than the top.
Peter Barnes

Ironman UK 70.3 Triathlon - June 2008

Paul Letchworth, a very recent member of the Witham Wheelers is taking part in the IronmanUK 70.3 Triathlon in June and is trying to raise over £1,000 for the worthwhile charities of Childline and Cancer Research UK.

The spinning classes and the Sunday rides should give a good training base for the bike section which is a very hilly 56 miles in Exmoor. Paul will be out doing the hilly rides at every opportunity - so if anyone fancies company doing the hilly rides contact Paul on 01476 585562 !!

If you want to sponsor Paul you can do it quickly and simply online by following this link
http://www.justgiving.com/paulletchworth