Second claim time trial solo riders; VCB mixed tandem club record

Lowestoft rider Mark Richards, riding for DAP CC, recorded a fast time in the Lea Valley CC 25-mile time trial on the dual carriageways from Newmarket to Four Went Ways on Saturday.

His ride at over 30mph rewarded him with a time of 49 minutes and 32 seconds.

Lucas He, who now time trials for Cambridge University CC, rode a personal best 50:28.

John Swanbury and Kate Churchill, riding for VC Baracchi on the tandem had no other tandem for company in their separate event.

It was their event trial together as a team at this distance and they set the club record for mixed tandem at 57:11.

The wind was from the north east, which is said to be reasonably favourable for the course.  On the first leg it helped considerably in the open and on the way back it was sheltered in places, but that was potentially much the slower leg of the two.

Any difficulties with the wind did not slow down the winner, Chris Bartley of AS Test Team, who won with 46:08 from Ken Buckley of North Sigma Sport-London RT (46:27), Brett Harwood of Team Bottrill (46:48) and Stu Travis of Team Bottrill (47:18).

Five of the 150 riders were in a medium gear (72″) event, which was won by Gray Turnock of Finsbury Park CC in 54:41, whose legs were milling round in that relatively low gear as he went downwind.

John Thompson of VCB rode the Grand Tour du Stour 168 km (105 miles) audax from Long Melford village hall on Saturday.

The route took him toAlton Water (41 km), Harwich (70 km), Gt Bromley (96 km), Lamarsh (127 km), Long Melford (138 km), Belchamp Otten (150 km), and back to Long Melford.

He described it as probably the toughest audax in Suffolk and Essex, being hilly, particularly around Lamarsh.  His legs were tired but he was therefore pleased with my completion time of 9 hours 45 minutes.  It didn’t stop him having a short ride on Sunday, despite the rain.

The organisers of the Beccles Cycle for Life charity ride on May 12 report that entries are now coming in but many more will be welcomed.

The distances (intended to suit all riders) are 8, 15, 25, 40 and 50 miles and the event raises funds for East Anglian Air Ambulance (50%) and the Beccles Rotary club’s charitable trust (50%) for many other charitable causes.

Full details, entry online or entry forms and an optional JustGiving page are all available on https://becclescycleforlife.org/

It is also possible to enter on the day but it costs a bit more and the preferential team category can only be entered in advance.

This year to meet insurance requirements for the event all riders must wear cycling helmets.