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Report: Dulcie Walker Memorial Road Race – Milton Course – 6th September 2015
Report by Phil O’Connor (Digital Keystone / Shutt VR Racing Team)
Photos: John Wheatley (Flickr)
Marshalling is such fun
After it looked like summer had deserted us early this year, riders arriving at Little Milton village hall this weekend were treated to a perfect day for racing. Dry roads, clear skies, light winds and cool temperatures made for a good atmosphere as the riders signed on and made their final preparations. I love this part of the day, the inevitable pre-race butterflies always fade away as I pin on my number, get organised, warmed up and share a joke or two with friends and strangers.
Digital Keystone Shutt Velo Rapide had 3 riders in this race (Luke Souter, Timb Hiscocks and myself). The race was organised very well by Willesden CC in honour of former characters in their club history and there was a notably warm friendly atmosphere about the place. The route was just under 4 laps of a 25km circuit with flat or rolling roads apart from Claire Hill. While this isn’t a very challenging climb, it is the only decent lump on the profile so you do need to manage your effort carefully on it. I came 13th in my very first road race on this circuit back in April so had a half-baked plan I hoped to put into action. Luke also had an idea about where and when the opportunity for a result might come, so we began with something akin to a team strategy.
The race began at a fairly easy pace as riders warmed up in the still chilly morning. A couple of early solo attacks off the front were brought back without any great effort and the race settled down before tackling Claire Hill for the first time without any drama. As we began the second lap a few comments and jokes about the pace started bouncing around the bunch. I noticed that no-one on the front is ever complaining it’s too slow, only those free-wheeling in the bunch! An injection of pace on the second descent from Claire Hill finally got things moving and strung out. Eventually a solo rider went off the front and established a decent gap. There didn’t seem much appetite for work in the bunch and just when it looked like he might get away Luke went up and put in a big effort to bring him back. I was holding station toward the front and focussing on positioning myself well around the lap. My plan meant saving as much as I could for the end and I was able to use my knowledge of the course from April (and the Met Office weather app!) to stay out of the wind and keep as fresh as possible. Timb was also up the front of the pack for most of the race, doing a few turns and looking comfortable.
After the third time over the hill another solo rider managed to get away and built up a solid lead. With about 20km left the lead car pulled in behind him and I started to wonder if we were all going to be sprinting for 2nd as he was looking strong. No-one in the pack seemed to want to chase however all his efforts were for nothing as some farm traffic had blocked the road as we came into Little Milton village and the race had to be neutralised. Lots of sympathy for the loan rider who looked pretty down-heartened as we all regrouped behind the lead car. And so onto the last climb of Claire Hill and a small split at the front of the bunch with 5 riders, including Luke pulling clear. It looked like they might get organised so I put pushed my way through and put in an effort to get across the gap. No-one came with me and the 6 of us were off down the hill. With 10km left I didn’t expect us to stay away but I thought that it’s better to be up front on these narrow lanes as everyone starts to get nervous in the run-in. In any case, just as we were picking up speed we turned a corner to see yet another huge piece of farm machinery blocking the road and moving at walking pace. This time the race was stopped as the road ahead was cleared. Everyone together again and waiting in the sun for quite a long pause. Certainly long enough to feel the dreaded café-legs when we got going again.
With everyone bunched up and well-rested it looked like a big sprint was inevitable – but I had other ideas. I’d spent the race picking the spot to go, working out how far it was from the line and the landmarks that would be the cue to attack. The most important thing now was staying near the front without expending too much energy and not getting boxed in. I’d learned a lot from my race here in April and this time I stayed away from the roadside and managed to jump onto the right wheels as riders came up from the back. Then the rider in front of me pulled across and it was time to go. I jumped clear with everything I had and got what seemed like a big gap with 800m to go, Swinging to the right to get as much shelter as I could from the trees I sneaked another peek back as I neared the top of the climb – big mistake as I nearly lost it riding into the gutter! Heart in mouth time but I got it back on the road and pushed hard to keep my speed up. The bunch were gaining but not massively and I turned to focus on the line (and keep it on the road!). I shouldn’t have looked back again but couldn’t resist and saw two riders bearing down on me and the bunch spread across the road not far behind them. Please don’t let me be swamped by them! The first rider caught me with 30m to go and my disappointment evaporated when I saw it was Luke, with 3 or 4 bike lengths on the other chaser. A shout of encouragement to each other as he passed gave me the extra lift needed to hold on to the effort and finish in 3rd, around 10m ahead of the sprinting pack.
My best result in a road race so far and it felt great to be part of a strong team result. Congratulations to Luke for his second road race win of the season. He picked his moment perfectly and hopefully the points won will help put him back where he belongs next season, racing as a Cat2.
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Coming soon: Hampshire rides – Saturday 12 September
Enjoy a ride in the wonderful Hampshire country lanes, in guaranteed perfect summer weather. Join us for a Hampshire Ride with the legendary Oakley Pedallers on Saturday, 12 September. Both rides will stop at the Cafe Roubaix Newbury, where, it is believed, you can enjoy death by chocolate.
Meet at The School Lay-by, Oakley Lane, RG23 7JY by 09:15 for an 09:30 start.
There will be several options with groups riding at different average speeds. Tony Willard will lead a 100km ride and Wendy Reakes a gentler 75km route. You can access the routes on Strava and no doubt export them to your device, should you have one.
http://www.strava.com/routes/3164453 75km
http://www.strava.com/routes/3165642 100km
We’ll meet afterwards at Jolly Olly’s Coffee Shop for light refreshments and a full debrief.
http://www.oakleypedalers.co.uk/
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Track Champs 2015 Results
Track Champs 2015
| Name | No. | TT Time | TT | Sprint | Points | Scratch | Elimination | Total | Position | ||
| Jayne Paine | 1 | 14.61 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 34 | 6 | Ladies Champion | |
| Derek Hewins | 2 | 17.73 | 12 | 12 | 4 | 5 | 14 | 47 | 9 | ||
| Stuart Hewins | 3 | 18.36 | 13 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 53 | 11 | Youth | |
| Josh Copley | 4 | 14.51 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 17 | 3 | Youth Boy Champion | Youth |
| Marianne Harding | 5 | 16.7 | 10 | 11 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 43 | 8 | ||
| Chris Kelly | 6 | 15.32 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 34 | 6 | ||
| Ray Kelly | 8 | 17.32 | 11 | 13 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 49 | 10 | ||
| Lucie Woodford | 9 | 22.11 | 14 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 49 | 10 | Youth Girl Champion | Youth |
| Connor Woodford | 14 | 13.42 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 1 | Senior Champion | |
| Rod Woodford | 10 | 14.73 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 39 | 7 | ||
| Kye Lewis | 15 | 16.29 | 9 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 39 | 7 | ||
| Roger Woodford | 16 | 13.51 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 4 | Youth | |
| Alex Pierce | 18 | 12.89 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 11 | 2 | ||
| Darryl Lusardi | 19 | 13.8 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 20 | 5 | Junior Champion | |
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Club Monthly Meeting – Friday 4 September 2015
Monthly meeting to be held in the Club House of Hillingdon Cycle Circuit, Minet Park this Friday 4 September at 8.00 p.m. after training.
Once again, we welcome club members to come along to the meeting. You can then air your views and present positive ideas towards the growth and running of your cycling club.
Please come along and support your club.
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LET THEM EAT CAKE! John & Dulcie Walker Road Race – Sunday 6 September
We have a request to all those kind hearted volunteers who will be giving up their precious free time to help at the John and Dulcie Walker Road Race this S
unday. It would also be much appreciated if you could please bring along a CAKE to add to the food provisions for the day. Many thanks in anticipation for some lip-smacking and scrumptious cakes.
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Club Track Champs this Sunday 30/08/15
The Club Track Champs are this Sunday 30th August at Welwyn. Arrive at 9.30 for a Start time of 10.00 am finish 12 noon. The following championships will be decided.
- Senior Mens and Ladies championship
- Junior Mens and Ladies championship
- Youth Boys and Girls championship
Entry fees are £5.00 over 18’s, £2.00 under 18’s.
Bike hire £3.00.
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Riverside to Riverside Audax
Wednesday 19th August started well with bright sunshine seeing 47 riders off from Jenner’s cafe in Maidenhead. This is the biggest midweek ride that John Tipping, Mick Hill or myself have been involved in. Thanks John and Mick, I couldn’t do it without you. It was great to see a good turnout of Willesden riders 14 or so in all. Thanks for all your support guys.
The ride saw many ups, the biggest and best being Turville Hill and a few downs before reaching our 2nd riverside cafe in Benson. Unfortunately not everyone got back dry and the rain arrived about 3.30ish.
I think most people enjoyed it despite the rain and the ups. I have been persuaded to bring back the “10 Bridges” and “Kaf 2 Kaf” rides, so watch this space.
Anne Mograby
All the colours of the Willesden prepare to set off.
Jim and Wendy’s friend sets off on her first Audax.
The front of the peloton!
Organisers Anne (centre) and Mick (far left) join the line up
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2015 John & Dulcie Walker Road Race Details
Willesden Cycling Club – Road Races
Sunday, 6th September 2015
Race 1
Dulcie Walker Memorial Road Race
80km
(Regional B, Band 4: 3/4/W/J)
Start 9:30am
(sign-on 8.30am to 9:00am)
* * * Prizes from 1st to 15th * * *
Race 2
John Walker Trophy Road Race
120 km
(National B, Band 2: E/1/2)
Start 02:00pm
(sign-on 12:45pm to 1:30pm)
* * * Prizes from 1st to 15th ***
The Course
- The anticlockwise circuit starts on the A329, north of Little Milton, heading south through the village.
- It then turns east onto the B480 at Stadhampton, running south-east past the southern boundary of Chalgrove Airfield.
- The route the turns left off the B480 on to an unclassified road, heading north-east to Stoke Talmage, crossing Haseley Brook and then passing under the M40 before turning north-west onto the A40 (Tetsworth High Street).
- The circuit continues west along the A40, crossing the finish line that is approximately 200m to the east of the junction of the A40 with the A329.
- The route then turns south-west, back over the M40, then along the A329 to complete the lap in Little Milton.
- There are no significant climbs to negotiate.
Race HQ and Sign-on
The Race HQ is at –
The Pine Lodge,
Little Milton Village Hall,
Thame Road,
Little Milton,
Oxon,
OX44 7PZ
Please ensure that you park in the field adjacent to the Village Hall/Race HQ (the main car park will be kept free for the race vehicles).
Please sign on at least 30 minutes before the start of the race. Failure to do so will mean that the race organiser may give your number to a reserve rider.
Please take away all of your rubbish. Empty gel packs should be put back in your pocket after use.
Please go straight to the HQ after the finish of the race; please do not wait for friends at the finish line.
Catering
The fabulous Nici will be providing her now legendary race catering. The array of delicious fare will include tea, coffee, sandwiches, plus cakes, cakes and more cakes! All profits will go to the The Fountain Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey County Hospital (Reg Charity no 1089086 – www.fountaincentre.org). So fill ‘yer boots in support of a good cause.
Race History and Trophies
The “John Walker Trophy” is a E/1/2 Road race and is the pinnacle of all Willesden CC events. The winner will have their name engraved on the the prestigious and impressive trophy, which is a salute to John Walker. John was a great wit and raconteur in the Willesden CC and for many years he was the Master of Ceremonies at our annual club dinner. John was an avid jazz fan and his bike was badged up as a Stan Getz to honour the great American jazz saxophonist. John was also a creative and artistic person who had a talent for airbrushing incredibly intricate and dark satanic designs on to custom motorbikes.
John Walker Trophy – previous winners
2014 Elliot Porter, JLD Condor
2013 Lewis Atkins, Pedal Heaven RT
2012 Matt Cronshaw, Node 4 Giordana RT
2010 David Mclean, Velosport Pasta Montegrappa
2009 Marcin Bialoblocki, Wilier Live to Ride
2008 Dan Staite, Python Racing Team
2007 Clive Nicholls
2006 Race cancelled
2005 Robert Hud, Bioagrico Fabelec Selexion
2004 Colin Roshier, Team Quest
2003 Danny Axford, Arctic Tacx RT
2002 Mark Lovatt, Compensation Group RT
2001 Justin Hoy, Evans Cycles RT
2000 Danny Axford, Arctic Tacx RT
1999 Gordon McCauley, Kingsnorth International Wheelers
1998 George Rose, Cardiff JIF
Dulcie Walker Memorial Road Race, is a 3/4/W/J race. The winner will have their name engraved on the “Dulcie Walker Poniard” (a ceremonial tapered knife). Dulcie Walker was John Walker’s mother. She is also remembered as a quite a character and is thought to be the first woman to hold a motor cycle licence in the UK.
Previous winners –
2014 Alexander Evangelidis. London Dynamo
2013 Tim Edwards, LBRCC
2012 Richard Stanton, Arbis LLP Roy Pink Cycles
2010 Roger Prior, Zappi’s Cycling Club
2009 Thomas Moore, Cambridge University CC
2008 Ben De Wet
2007 Roy Chaimberlain, Alpha Road Club
2006 Race cancelled
2005 John Wager
2004 Marc Freullet, Team Quest
2003 Thomas Wright, Oxford City RC
2002 Simon Henley, Evans RT
2001 Ashlet Freeman
2000 Adam Henley, Team Milton Keynes
1999 Martin Freeman, Wills Wheels CC
Organiser’s Post Race Lair
Once the presentations and cash prizes have been handed out then Head Honco and sublime Race Organiser, Jayne Paine, will be installing herself into comforting ambiance of the Lamb Inn, Little Milton. All are invited to gather there for a post race chin wag.
All that approach Ms Paine are advised to bear glasses of an uplifting nature and speak in words of a congratulatory nature. Ms Paine will acknowledge all such gifts with her customary chant of “Thanks Chucker” whilst instantly draining the contents.
Miles Back
Humble Flag holder and Tabard Wearer
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Reminder: Pub Run, Thurs 20 August
Hi folks
A friendly reminder that our Pub Run will be next Thursday, 20 August. Hope to see you there! Full details below.
🙂
CZ x
Event: Pub Run
Date: Thurs 20 August 2015
Time: 8:00pm onwards
Venue: Coach and Horses Pub, 1 High Road, Ickenham, Middlesex UB10 8LJ
Enquiries: social@willesdencyclingclub.org.uk
Posted in Events, Social
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Hampshire Ride – Sat 12 September
Enjoy a ride in the wonderful Hampshire country lanes, in perfect summer weather. Join us for a Hampshire Ride with the legendary Oakley Pedallers on Saturday, 12 September.
Meet at The School Lay-by, Oakley Lane, RG23 7JY by 09:15 for an 09:30 start.
There will be several options with groups riding at different average speeds. There will be a cafe stop on the ride and meet afterwards at Jolly Olly’s Coffee Shop for light refreshments and a full debrief.
http://www.oakleypedalers.co.uk/
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Club Track Champs Sunday 30th August
The Club Track Champs are on Sunday 30th August at Welwyn. Start time 10.00 am finish 12 noon. The following championships will be decided.
- Senior Mens and Ladies championship
- Junior Mens and Ladies championship
- Youth Boys and Girls championship
Entry fees are £5.00 over 18’s, £2.00 under 18’s.
Bike hire £3.00.
Please let me know if you intend to ride.
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AMENDED DATES for Womens’ ‘Back to Basics’ Sessions
The session on 24th July was rained off and the 31st July session has had to be postponed.
There are two new dates for these sessions: FRIDAY 14th AND 21st AUGUST from 2.30 to 4.30
These sessions are hosted by Minet Ladies CC at Hillingdon Cycle Circuit. You can enter any one session if that suits. You can enter on the links below or you can turn up on the day. Please let me know you are coming so we can arrange a bike for you. Contact details below. Some parts of the sessions will be on tarmac and some on grass.
Curriculum: MTBs on grass for confidence; Balance and coordination; Slalom; Riding with one hand; Looking ahead; Braking; Braking on different surfaces; Out of saddle; Ready position; Changing gear, why, how; Cornering; Cornering on different surfaces; Body position and lots moreMTBs on grass for confidence
Bring your own road or hybrid bike with you. We will provide the mountain bikes. We can also provide a road bike for a charge of £5.00
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/134737/Womens-%27Back-to-Basics%27-Sessions-No2
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/134739/Womens-%27Back-to-Basics%27-Sessions-No3
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/134740/Womens-%27Back-to-Basics%27-Sessions-No4
Refreshments available in the club house. Dress for the weather.
Graham MacNamee
Development Coach Central Region
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Pink Duo on Triple Wheels
Jane and Mark on their record breaking ride on the Mersey Roads 24hour TT last weekend. 347.95 miles despite a mechanical melt down.
Paris-Brest-Paris up next! Bon courage!
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Willesden Audax – Wed 19th August 2015
Riverside to Riverside
118km Audax
“1 Ride – 2 Cafes – 1 River”
Many of you may know this ride, previously organised by Mick Hill and John Tipping. It really does show the best of 3 counties, namely Berkshire, Bucks and Oxfordshire.
It starts at Jenner’s cafe in Maidenhead (car parking is available for a small-ish charge) and heads off to Marlow and Turville via a few ups, followed by a great descent down into Watlington. The ride goes through some pretty villages before half way stop at the Waterside cafe on the Thames in Benson.
The second half of the ride takes you across open farmland at Ipsden and visits the famous Maharajah’s Well at Stoke Row. Going through Henley sees you on the home strait back to Maidenhead via Knowl Hill, Fifield and the Fat Duck in Bray.
I’m happy to take entries on the line. A cheap day out £4 to Audax/ CTC members ( £6.00 for non-members).
See you on the line,
Anne Mograby – R2R Organiser
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Top Results for Willesden Time Trialists
This week the timetrialists have all the news!
Gill Reynolds took the 1st lady Vet award in the Cambridge C.C.10
recording 25.46.
In the Mersey Roads 24 hour event, in far from ideal conditions, Stuart Birnie covered 504.17miles to take 2nd place!
Jane Moore and Mark Brooking, although loosing time with mechanical troubles, covered 347.95 miles and are now the VTTA National 24 hour tandem record holders beating the previous record by 15 miles. They were also awarded the Johnson Trophy for Tandems.
All for now,
Gladys
Posted in Time trials, Top 10 Results
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Women’s ‘Back to Basics’ Sessions
These sessions are hosted by Minet Ladies CC at Hillingdon Cycle Circuit on Friday afternoons 2.30 to 4.30pm.
This Friday the 17th is the 2nd of 4 sessions. You can enter any one session if that suits. Remaining sessions after this Friday will be: 24th and 31st July. You can enter on the links below or you can turn up on the day. Please let me know you are coming so we can arrange a bike for you. Contact details below.
Some parts of the sessions will be on tarmac and some on grass.
Curriculum: MTBs on grass for confidence; Balance and coordination; Slalom; Riding with one hand; Looking ahead; Braking; Braking on different surfaces; Out of saddle; Ready position; Changing gear, why, how; Cornering; Cornering on different surfaces; Body position and lots more.
Bring your own road or hybrid bike with you and we will provide the mountain bikes. We can also provide a road bike for a charge of £5.00.
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/134737/Womens-%27Back-to-Basics%27-Sessions-No2
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/134739/Womens-%27Back-to-Basics%27-Sessions-No3
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/134740/Womens-%27Back-to-Basics%27-Sessions-No4
Refreshments available in the club house. Dress for the weather.
Graham MacNamee
Development Coach Central Region
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The London Youth Games
It was a full day of sporting action at the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games finals held on Saturday 4 July at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. The London Youth Games are Europe’s largest youth sports festival with events held across 30 different sports.
Ray and Chris Kelly were the Directeurs Sportif for the Brent Cycling team at the games. This meant an early start as the games started at 9am over in south London. The games were delayed by heavy rain, but after a two hour delay racing eventually started in what was to be muddy and very technical conditions.
The Brent cycling team were competing against 25 other London boroughs. Competition was very strong and Brent finished in 18th place on the Time Trials, 15th in the Girls Road Race and 18th in the Boys Road Race. However they saved their best till last with a highly impressive and accomplished display of pyramid building for the team photo.
Well done to all our riders for taking part and for looking so smart in their Willesden jerseys.
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News & Results from Gladys
Last week Gill Reynolds set a new National Vets Age Record in the CC Breckland 15 mile event recording 39.14 beating the previous record of 40.38 by well over a minute.
Young Cormac Nesbit took part in his first ever triathalon and finished 2nd in the under 10’s at the Chiltern Leisure Centre
Many thanks,
Gladys
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Track Results from the weekend
Track results for the weekend. On Friday Alex Pierce and Connor Woodford rode at Welwyn. On a fine night a large field turned up to ride. The highlight for the Willesden pair was the 10 mile after a very fast race only 15 riders were left at the front for the final lap with Connor leading it out Alex took 2nd place behind John McClelland with Connor finishing 5th.
On Sunday our team of Darryl Lusardi, Connor Woodford, Alex Pierce and Roger Woodford rode in the Club Team Championship at Herne Hill. Although our team included two Junior riders one of which was riding his first open track meeting they performed very well. The highlights were 6th for Alex in the Scratch Race, a fine third for Connor and Roger in the Team Elimination and a great 5th place in the Team Pursuit by all 4 riders. The team finished 7th overall in the Team Championship.
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