Retired policeman Dean Cummings is certainly using his new found spare time to improve his race strength.  After his first race should he was in very good form he made the long journey to Enville in Staffordshire to compete in the LRVC Enville Road Race in the 50-59 age category.  This is a regular LVRC race held over the rolling roads of a 12 mile circuit.  Four circuits are completed and on each one there is a long 2 mile drag rising to about 4% before a left turn onto a false flat.  May’s sunny weather encouraged a large field on the day.

The first two laps went well with Dean sitting comfortably in the bunch, unfortunately he could feel that he did not have the zip in his legs which he had felt in his first race. On the third lap the race split with as the stronger C Cat riders attacked the bunch.  Committee member Dean worked hard to stay with a smaller group to finish only a few minutes down on the main bunch.  Dean said  “I was not too disappointed with this effort, averaging 22mph with over 3409ft of climbing”.   Dean hopes to develop his form with the Friday night Super Vets at Maendy.

Dave Singleton is taking every advantage of his race fitness this season and racing at every opportunity. Early May saw him heading to the familiar R25 3H course which is almost a second home for local riders. The Sportzmad event was held on a sunny day though the head winds seem to catch riders in both directions of the course.  Dave was reasonably pleased with his efforts on the day, posting a 56:22.  His legs were feeling good as he prepared for the Acme Open 25 the following weekend.

The Acme Open 25, again on the R25 3H, took place in near perfect conditions, warm with a little breeze.  Recently elected Committee man Dave Singleton was full of anticipation starting this event after his good ride the previous weekend.  Dave’s optimism was well founded as he raced around the course from his early start time.  With the experience of the previous week to help him Dave posted a PB of 54:47 and was extremely pleased with his efforts. Dave felt so good back at the HQ he went back out on the course to support the marshals who had been out since early morning.

No rest from racing, Dave travelled to Llandovery to compete in the Bynea CC 10, the 3^rd event of the Celtic Series.  This is a very “lumpy” course through the lanes of Carmarthenshire and Dave’s main aim was experience the course, which was new for him. Not satisfied with using this difficult 10 course, the organisers also added some damp and misty weather for good measure. Dave’s time of 24:35 disappointed him slightly but he said “The course was very lumpy and I found it difficult to get a rhythm and therefore could not go fast”.  Hopefully Dave will enter further Celtic Series events with other Club members to compete for the Dudley Thomas Trophy.

The Acme Wheelers Open 25 was meticulously planned by Event Secretary Simon Kinsey, nothing was left to chance.  The only variable which could not be controlled was the weather.  Well the forecasters were on our side.  The event took place on a warm almost windless day and there was an expectation that records might be broken. Newly crowned WCA 25 Mile TT Champion Marcin Bialoblocki (NOPINZ) had signed on and after his Competition Record on the same course a week or two early Club members were excited that it could go again.  Keiron Davies (DRAG2ZERO) had also signed on to defend the title he had won the previous year with an Event Record.  The scene was set for battle.

In the end Bialoblocki posted an Event Record of 43:21, just 23 seconds off his Competition Record but setting an Event Record which is likely to stand for some time.  Keiron Davies was second with a time of 45:48.  He commented that he might need a motor bike to overhaul the new Event Record.

The 20 Lady starters had and equally tough battle with Alice Lethbridge (DRAG2ZERO) leading the field with a time of 51:22.  She was closely followed by team mate Vicky Gill 52:08.

 Lethbridge’s time was a little way off her 50:10 set on a previous visit to the course but she didn’t feel in top condition on the day.  “I wasn’t feeling very good today but considering that I took the win” she said “I was surprised to win with how I felt during the race, a win is a win.  It was also a bit more blustery than I would have liked.”

The Junior entries were of a particularly high standard, Joshua Sandman (Team Backstedt-Bike Performance) posted a time of 41:29 a mere 2 seconds off the Junior Competition Record.  Pride of place must go to Pfeiffer Georgi (Liv CC Halo Cycles) who posted a time of 52:54 to come 3^rd in the Ladies Event while breaking her own National Competition Record.

Many thanks for all those members, spouses and friends who help out on the day to ensure that, once again, the event was very successful.