Recently returned member Ryan Evans took on a 50m TT on the West Wales R50/5 course between Llandovery and Carmarthen.  Ryan felt a noticeable headwind as he left the start line and fully expected the tail wind to give him some help on the return. Fireman Ryan rode conservatively for the first 20 minutes knowing the return would be difficult for him at his stage of training for future triathlons. Knowing he might tie up on the return journey he rode “on the tops” to stretch his back and shoulders, hopefully making the return a little easier.

The Start Sheet was very small so the ride to the turn was a lonely one for Ryan.  The wind picked up around 15 minutes before the turn and he had to dig in to force his way through the wind which took it out of him and would be felt later on in the ride.  Things were going well to Llandeilo but then the body began to ache from being in the TT position for so long and the last quarter was ridden on the tops.  Although Ryan felt he was pushing out decent power it instantly dropped by 50 watts when he tried to return to the tri bars.

Despite the aching body Ryan still had a “magic moment” which may be the highlight of his year or even the last 5 years. Ineos Grenadiers Pro rider, Paris-Roubaix finisher and current World Junior TT Champion passed him for 8 minutes, big gear and rock solid. It was amazing to see. Josh Tarling was the only rider to break two hours with a course record of 1:35.

Ryan was comfortable with his time of 2:21 within his current training programme which has not involved too much TT work.  In the coming weeks there will be more TT specific work as the longer triathlons appear.  Well done Ryan on a sound effort and for being positive about being passed for 8 minutes by a pro-rider.  Good luck in the coming triathlons.

Before his training camp in Mallorca, Dean Cummings travelled to Worcestershire to compete in his second road race of the season.  The Echelon Cycles – Percy Stallard RR (British Masters) took place on the Welland course in the Malvern Hills, 3 circuits of a 16 mile course with 49 miles total distance. As with much of our Spring the temperature was cool but it was sunny with a light breeze.

The start was largely steady with a couple of early attacks, a rider from Nottingham riding of the front with no organised chase.  Most riders were keeping a close eye on former pro-rider Mike Twelves, every move he made was quickly jumped upon by the pack.  The peleton were still  in a bunch at the end of Lap 1.

Further attacks of the front caused the peleton to string out towards the end of Lap 2, working hard Dean managed to stay with the main group as the peleton all crossed the line together.  Keen not to be caught out by a surprise break Dean maintained a position at around 6^th in the pack for the final Lap.  A second rider took a chance and broke away on a lone chase and with 7 miles to go the leading rider had over 3 minutes on the bunch. Sitting in 6^th or 7^th position on the last left hand bend Dean maintained his spot, but with a sprint looming for 3^rd position on the long straight drag on Castlemorton Common the pace increased to a full gas race to the line.

With thoughts of his Mallorca training camp coming up, Dean was wary of the dangers of the sprint and eased of with 20 metres to go. This was a well organised event eventually won by most people’s favourite Mike Twelves.  Dean finished just seconds behind the bunch in a time of 2hrs 04mins for the 49 miles, an average speed of 24mph.

Newly returned member Ryan Evans got his season off to an early start, entering the Cardiff 100 Milers organised 15 mile event on the R15/5 course between Abergavenny and Raglan. Ryan finished in 10^th place with a time of 39.02 and an average speed of 23mph

Ryan’s second start was in the Bynea CC 10m TT in early March on the R10/22A Course on the A465 starting at Resolven and going to Aberdulais before returning back along the A465 to the finish.  On a cold day Ryan’s goal was to get home in under 25 minutes which he just about achieved with a time of 24:59.  Averaging 24mph Ryan finished 39^th overall, he said “ I am more than happy with this result considering my season goals are triathlons”.

Well done Ryan, great to have you back with Acme Wheelers.

Sunday March 26^th was the first road race of Dean Cummings’  British Masters season. The Pinvin Road Race, in Worcestershire, was sponsored by CASP Performance Clothing and Dean was competing in the E Cat (60-64), 6 laps of an 8 miles circuit.

It was a cruel day for all the riders, 6 degrees, cold Northerly wind and rain. Despite the riders having  to contend with  wet country roads, potholes, mud and gravel the race set off at brisk pace.

 At the end of Lap 1, despite numerous attacks from the front of the bunch, the riders remained together. During  Lap 2 a Bath CC rider drifted off the front and created a considerable gap for the others to chase down. The next 4 laps were a mix of attacks and chases as the Bunch negotiated wet roads and the stiff headwind. Riders were more or less flat out on the last lap and a strong early attack on a rise before the climb split the bunch. It was a chase all the way to the line to the Race finish.

Rob Pears, Bath CC went onto win with a clear 7 minute gap. Dean’s verdict on the day “ It was a superb ride in the tough conditions”. In a very good field of riders Dean finished 17^th in his Category.

Returning home after a long period working in the Far East we are pleased to welcome Gareth Clements back into membership of the Club. As a former junior Welsh international, Gareth will be a great asset to the Club and we wait to see if he decides to become involved in competitive riding again.  Either way Gareth’s experience will be eagerly anticipated on Club Runs.

By re-joining Acme Wheelers,  Gareth continues the long association between the Club and the Clements family going back to his grandfather Joe.