Steve Dennis writes…
Records safe for this year at least!
Gale force winds put paid to any record breaking rides in the Sussex Cyclists’ Association 22.8 miles hardriders time trial on Sunday. 36 riders faced the timekeeper for the ride around a circuit that included the climb of Staplefield hill in the 1st mile, then went via Lower Beeding, Cowfold, Ansty, Cuckfield and Balcombe before turning left at Cowdray and back to Handcross.
Seeded riders included South London’s Tim Stevens, Brighton’s Tim Mardall of VC Etoile and Evans Cycles’ Dominic Harrison. However it was relatively unknown rider Mark Newton of Sydenham Wheelers, off No.10 who almost stole the show when he stormed home in 57mins 24secs. Enough for 2nd place overall. We had to wait for last-man-off Tim Mardall to finish before his time was beaten. Tim romped around in 56:21 showing some of his former class that has eluded him recently.
Brighton-based club weren’t just satisfied with the win as they bagged the veterans award too. Geoff Smith clocked 1:02:20 for a plus standard of 5mins 59secs. With the help of third counting rider Martin Butcher (1:06:00), Etoile wrapped up the team prize too.
There was a strong presence from Worthing Excelsior and promoting club East Grinstead (6 riders & 7 riders respectively), but Etoile proved too strong on the day.
Andy Seltzer was fastest EG rider in 1hr 2mins 37secs followed in hot pursuit by Mike Anton with 1:03:05. Rich Woodward followed that with 1:08:49, then Ben Hardisty with 1:09:56, Al (no grey hair on me) Starsmeare came in with 1:12:12, and lastly Super-Ted Boorman did 1:12:17.
Many thanks again to all who helped out on the day.
AwardsTop places: 1st Tim Mardall VC Etoile 0:56:21 2nd Mark Newton Sydenham Wheelers 0:57:24 3rd Tim Stevens '34 Nomads CC 0:57:56 4th Dominic Harrison Evans Cycles RT 0:58:29 5th Paul Alderson South Western RC 0:59:17 6th Daniel Henchy Hastings & St Leonards CC 1:00:11 7th Geoff Smith VC Etoile 1:02:20 8th Keith Butler Bec CC 1:02:36 9th Andy Seltzer East Grinstead CC 1:02:37 10th Richard Guy Iron-Head Racing 1:03:00 1st Vet Mark Newton Sydenham Wheelers 57:24 1st Vet on Standard Geoff Smith VC Etoile +5:59 2nd Vet on Standard Tim Stevens '34 Nomads CC +5:27 Team: VC Etoile ( Mardall, Smith, Martin Butcher 1:06:00 ) 3:04:41 No Women or juniors entered. East Grinstead results: Andy Seltzer 1.02.37 Mike Anton 1.03.05 Richard Woodward 1.08.49 Ben Hardisty 1.09.56 Alan Starsmeare 1.12.12 Ted Boorman 1.12.17
