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 3rd 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.
