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The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 1 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Championship Special CONTENTS EDITORIAL
Please take care of the environment, print only if necessary
Peter Moon is the National Vets 24 hour Champion. Congratulations
from everyone. He narrowly missed the podium, being placed 4th
overall with a new outright club record of 471.18 miles, beating
Charles Robson's record of 447.891 miles which has stood since 1982,
by nearly 24miles. Peter also took the Club's Vet on Std record with a
plus of 131.36 miles based on the new standards (beating the equivalent
on the new standard of +113.37 by Charles).
A new 100 mile Team Vets record has been set by John
Cordner, Peter Moon and Geoff Smith. With a combined time of 12
hours 56 minutes 17 seconds, they knocked 13 minutes and six seconds
off the 2010 record. John was the fastest Eastbourne rider with a time
of 4:10:22, good enough for seventh overall and he becomes the
Eastbourne Rovers 100-mile champion.
The Club Evening Series time trials have now ended with Iain
and Matt joint winners,6 points each, Emma Richards, 1st Lady,
Jack Priddle 1st Junior and brother Ollie Priddle 1st Juvenile
There is lots to read in this issue, with several press reports
containing a lot of racing news. Hence I have not had room to put in
any of the Open and Association results but these can be accessed from
the CTT website
The Club is providing more non racing events with evening
rides twice a week plus a Saturday off road ride and two rides on a
Sunday. See Ann Human's regular Rovers Updates in this issue and
via E mail.
Rob Rickson has been involved in a horrific accident in the
Wessex VTTA 25 at Fontwell on 26 August. The event cancelled and
Rob was airlifted to Kings College Hospital in London. He is in
Intensive Care with neck injuries although tests show that he has no
broken bones.
On a sad note, Roly Wickham died on 14th August, after going
to hospital the day before. He had been marshalling that weekend and
said he felt unwell. His funeral was on 3 September.
Chris Colyer reports that the Geoff Butler bike as advertised in
the last edition has been sold via the Newsletter.
Finally, your Hon Ed has been virtually out of action for 2
months due to illness. He is very frustrated and wonders if he will ever
be well again. He did venture to France but came back with yet another
sore throat and headcold! Hon Ed.
Page
Club News 2
From our General Secretary 3
Clubrun Report 19/8/2012
by Alan Symonds 5
Stan Nash and Charles Robson
by Jane Lade 6
Amusing Stan Nash article re
ESCA 50 from early 1950's 6
Jane Lade ESCA 100 8
Press reports 8
100 mile Vets record 8
Open 10&25 weekend9
Geoff Smith's
SCCU 100 10
Peter Moon's 24 hr
victory 11
Evening Series TT Results and
final standings 12
Reports
Summer feature.
Roving Abroad
Dieppe Raid 2012 14
Touring in Brittany Riders of
the D28 17
Audax News
Apology to Jack Williams 22
AUK National 400km Norfolk
22
Fairies Half Flat 200km Kent23
Bradley Wiggins v Piers
Morgan 24
New Kontour Cycles Shop 24
Next Edition October 2012
The Official Newsletter of the Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Issue No 47 September 2012
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 2 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Useful Contact Info:
Ann Human: Secretary : 01323 485180
Graham Lade: Chairman: 01323 509408
Peter Moon: Treasurer and Club Kit: 01323 485180
Stuart Davis: Time Trials Secretary: 01323 469188
Iain Brogden Website: 01323 520590
Dave Cox: Club Captain & Evening Time Trial Series: 01323 507916
Tony Murphy Press Secretary and Sunday Rides: 01323 410376
CLUB NEWS
NewMembers
The Club extends a very warm welcome to Rosie Ford, Nick Adlam and Joseph Ball, they all joined the
Club in June. Welcome back Andy Eaton and Ian Hanniford (2nd Claim). The membership has increased
significantly this year and the Club is expanding it's activities to cater for the wider range of interests of
members, as detailed below, with off road and cyclo cross back in the programme along with a greater
frequency of clubruns (Monday and Thursday evenings, Saturday and two on Sundays).
Club Runs:.
These are now being held in various guises throughout the week, details on pages 3&4
Ride with Rovers – Monday evenings – Come and join in!
Wattbike Challenge – Monday evenings after the Monday evening rides.
Race Pace Ride with Rovers Thursday
Off Road with Rovers – Saturday
Roam with Rovers – Sunday
Sunday Club Run – Sunday
This is not the same as Roam with Rovers – this is for the faster riders with variations to the type and length
of ride.
Club Night: Every Monday evening from 8.00pm – 10.30pm (excluding bank holidays) at the Stone Cross
Memorial Hall (opposite the Red Lion Public House). Chance to meet and socialise, catch up with recent
news and gossip. Refreshments available.
The website photo gallery is back and now works in the latest web browsers:
http://www.eastbournerovers.com/gallery.php
Please continue to send Iain any photos you would like added to the gallery. Iain has sprinkled some of his
magic techno dust over the site and added a new section for the wattbikes with items of interest including
regular updates of the club’s Monday night wattbike challenge table
On the front page you will find a live twitter feed to get a glimpse of what’s being chirped about. Click the
logo on the top banner to follow, or click ‘join the conversation’ at the bottom to go to our main twitter
board. Tweet, tweet! – Follow us on twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/RoversCycling
CTT Entry form.
Don’t forget that for open events you need to enter in advance on a CTT entry form (see last
Newsletter). If you are unfamiliar with the procedure for entering open events and want to know more,
please contact our Time Trial Secretary, Stuart Davis, stuart@stuartjdavis.co.uk who will be happy to help.
Club Records
The current Club Records are shown in the 2012 Handbook.
Club Clothing: Peter Moon has the order forms for your kit, including bib shorts. Money with order
please.
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 3 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Update "Cycle Seahaven 100km" on 10 June 2012
David Howard Houston let me know that he was riding tubs, got a puncture, hence dnf.
Hmm, lanes a bit rough for tubs, David (Hon Ed.) Hi Richard I have just read your newsletter. About the Seaford ride. I got a puncture and as I was the only one on tubs and had
no more spares, I turned back rather than risk another puncture, a long way from home. That ride made me change my wheels to clinchers David
From our General Secretary
This is the second instalment of this feature. Ann puts a lot of time into producing these bulletins which
may not be seen by everyone.
Our heartfelt wishes to Rob for a full and speedy recovery
Unfortunately Rob Rickson was involved in a serious accident while racing at the VTTA Wessex event on
Sunday 26th August at West Sussex. We believe he was either hit side on by, or went into the side of a
vehicle turning right through a turn on the A27 dual carriageway central reservation on the west bound side.
Emergency services were on the scene fairly quickly and he was air lifted to Kings College Hospital. Last
we heard, from Rob’s mum, was although he had neck injuries, thankfully the scans didn’t show any broken
bones. He is currently undergoing further tests and awaiting results. We have received messages of support
via email and twitter from his many cycling friends as well as personal wishes for a full and speedy recovery
on the time trialling forum.
Read about Rovers – In the headlines again
Iain has been sprinkling even more magic media dust and got two more hits in the Eastbourne Herald. See
Press reports. Don’t forget, if you have anything of interest to report please let Iain or me know by email
on a Sunday evening so there is a chance of getting it in the papers. It doesn’t need to be about time trials, it
can be about any cycle events as it all helps to build the profile of the club and get the message across that
Eastbourne Rovers is a club that caters for all types of cyclists and encourages others to join. Pictures are a
great help too, so if you have any good ones please send them in.
Eastbourne Rovers on Facebook – get connected
Keep up to date with what’s going on by joining us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/roverscycling –
make sure you click to like us so you can keep updated. Check out the Events link for details of organised
rides etc. Please feel free to post anything that might be of interest to other members including suggestions
for unscheduled or ad hoc rides etc.
Race Pace Ride with Rovers – Thursday
Now that the Club Time Trials have come to an end we don’t want you racing types getting bored or out of
condition! Some of the fast guys and girls like to keep the momentum going and their fitness levels up, with
a Thursday evening chain gang style ride at race pace intensity. The ride will be at least an hour – maybe
two, at an average pace of 20mph – the route will be decided on the evening, but will generally be flat to
keep the group rolling. Lights and helmets are compulsory and riders need to be race fit and able to keep up.
Meet at Stone Cross Memorial Hall, Thursday evenings at 6:45pm for 7:00 start – Lights and helmets
compulsory
Please be aware that there is no access to the hall and under no circumstances should members use the car
park as it is booked for use by others on a Thursday evening.
On 23rd August it was a really good ride including Jack, Ollie, Simon, Adam, Stuart D, Eddie, Kevin and Shane. The route was Stone Cross, Normans Bay, Bexhill Seafront, to Hastings Sealife Centre with a quick
stop before returning to Stone Cross on same roads. Route covered about 32 miles at an average 20 mph
and with interspersed sprints along the way – everyone thought it was just about perfect
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 4 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Off Road with Rovers – Saturday 1st September
We are delighted to announce that Andy Seviour has put forward some exciting suggestions for mountain
bike runs starting on Saturday 1st September. So no more excuses – get on your mountain bike!
To get us started Andy has come up with a 14km route out towards West Firle incorporating 90% off road
on bridleways for a relatively easy 1½ hour ride out to a refreshment stop at a suitable venue such as Middle
Farm. Returning on a more technical and testing 21km route of 80% off road in about 2 hours. This would
be total riding time, without stops, of about 3½ hours covering 35km.
Meet at Cacklebury Stores, South Road, Hailsham Saturday mornings at 8:00am for 8:15 start – Helmets
compulsory
Roam with Rovers – Sunday 2nd September
For those who want to get out and about on their bikes to enjoy the local scenery with some good, like-
minded company, Peter Moon led a Roam with Rovers on Sunday 2nd September.
This is a great introduction for new members who are unsure about group riding or non-racing members
who enjoy a more leisurely pace. Rides are of a social nature and a great opportunity to get to know each
other and exchange banter as you go along. Newcomers to the sport can learn so much from the more
experienced cyclists who are only too keen to offer encouragement by way of support or advice. Variations
to the type and length of ride will be made to suit the ability of the riders present on the day, but will
generally be in the region of 3 hours, covering between 35 and 45 miles, paced at about 12 – 15 mph, and
highly likely to include a coffee stop.
Meet at Horse and Groom, Polegate Crossroads, Sunday Mornings at 9:00am for 9:15 start – Helmets
compulsory
Sunday 26th August, Peter, Jack, Ollie, Will, Shane and Joe covered about 50 miles out to Laughton,
Chiddingly, Pevensey with a coffee stop at Chilley Farm before returning to Polegate
Sunday Club Run – Sunday 2nd September
This is not the same as Roam with Rovers – this is for the faster riders with variations to the type and length
of ride will be made to suit the weather, ability of the riders and time of year, but will generally be in the
region of 3-4 hours, covering between 50 and 70 miles, paced at about 17 mph.
Meet at Horse and Groom, Polegate Crossroads, Sunday Mornings at 9:00am for 9:15 start – Helmets
compulsory
There is no official club run organised as yet – please post your suggestions on our facebook site to register
your interest in this otherwise it will just be the Roam with Rovers ride.
Ride with Rovers – Monday 3rd September
This is a social ride of about 15 miles at an easy pace suitable for all fitness and experience levels from
newcomer onwards. It also makes a suitable easy pace recovery ride for the more experienced riders. The
routes are predominantly very quiet lanes and there is always a mixture of bikes including MTB, cross,
tourer, hybrid and racing bikes. Newcomers are very welcome and actively encouraged as it is a great way to
meet club members and find out more about the club and cycling in general.
Meet at Stone Cross Memorial Hall, Monday evenings at 6:45pm for 7:00 start – Lights and helmets
compulsory
On Monday 27th August we had record numbers for the Ride with Rovers – 28 in total thoroughly enjoyed
the Herstmonceux Loop
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 5 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Are you ready for Cyclo-Cross?
Eastbourne Rovers have affiliated to the London & SE Cyclo-Cross League for 2012/13 so get ready for
some of the dirty stuff! If you want to know all the ins and outs of Cyclo-Cross, Ted’s the man in the know,
but in the meantime see the British Cycling Cyclo-Cross calendar for the South East on their web site.
The Small Print
As a member or guest of Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club, you participate in club runs, rides or training
sessions entirely at your own risk. You must accept responsibility for your own conduct and safety at all
times, including the roadworthiness, safety and security of your bike and equipment. We strongly
recommend you take out appropriate third party insurance such as that offered by the CTC or British
Cycling.
Keep Informed
Visit the website: www.eastbournerovers.com
Follow us on twitter: https://twitter.com/RoversCycling
Join us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/roverscycling
19 August 2012 Clubrun report from Alan Symonds
The last time I went on a club run was some years ago when i was younger (and fitter) but not as fit as some,
so having heard all the hype about how gentile the new format was I thought I would give it another go
especially as the jenou had been pretty good for a couple of weeks and survived Thursdays 10 .
I was encouraged by the sunshine and warmth of Sunday 19th
Aug. as well, something we hav’nt seen a lot
of this year so taking advantage of the weather I decided to take out my 1990 Freccia. I nipped along Ersham Rd up Sayerlands Rd and on to the Cuckoo trail. I arrived at Polegate at 8.20 to find a number of
riders already there raring to go and of course all on bikes somewhat lighter than my choice and looking
serious.
Tony Murphy with Shane Hills led us off back to Hailsham (could have stayed in bed another ½ hour)
through to the A22 and down Arlington Rd to Upper Dicker. Once over the small rise the pace picked up a
bit and it was down to a right turn at Berwick and along to Laughton where the pace increased.
Just before Ringmer a regroup was needed. Unfortunately I went to stop and found I could not get my left
cleat out. Well unfortunate for Les Femme in the form of Charlotte who was having her own problem which
I solved by falling on her (sorry but thanks Charlotte). Ignore that Graham I'm sure it was just my
imagination.
We wended our way through Ringmer and on to Lewes then out on the Beddingham Rd towards Newhaven.
Being an undulating road the lighter,faster,fitter ones like Adam Ford. Shane Hills, Ollie Priddle plus others
and some visitors and new members who I didn’t know were off like the proverbial Rats up Drainpipes. I
seemed to be in “No Mans Land” with some still behind me and others in front. I managed to catch one rider
by default as his chain came off on the last rise before Newhaven and at the top there was the breakaway,
patiently waiting. Les Femme and couple of others shortly arrived and we were off to Seaford via the cycle
route with its numerous posts about which Richard can offer advice on avoidance and arrived at Seaford
Prom Cafe where there were numerous cars and sun worshippers. We had a short stop for bottle filling as it
was too busy to wait with the queue. Along to Exceat Hill and a nice downhill run to the Galleon.
The group was going off up the footpath which I didn’t fancy with my nice new tyres so myself and Joe
decided to opt out as he had a party to attend. He chose to take the Eastbourne road and I went via Chapel
Hill and Arlington back to Hailsham. The ride did what it says on the box and whilst as one would expect
from a group comprising a number of fast guys needing to unleash the power, there were catch up stops and
as far as I am aware we didn’t lose anyone so all in all it was an enjoyable morning out in the warm with just
a few spots of wet stuff which were hardly noticeable.
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 6 - Issue No 47 September 2012
I arrived back at 12.50 and my computer as usual had decided to non function so just doing some mapping, I
estimate my ride was approx 47 miles. The moral of this story is that if I can do it almost anyone can, so if
you are stuck for something to do on a Sunday or you want to get a bit fitter come and try it
Stan Nash and Charles Robson
Jane Lade found the following article amongst Charles' collection of cycling memorabilia. I hope you
enjoy reading it as Stan could be mischievous at times!
Jane writes;
I am attaching a lovely article by Stan Nash about a 1951 ‘50’ which we have found amongst Charles’
cycling stuff – we collected lots and lots of files and boxes from his house last Thursday in response to his
son John’s plea for help in sorting out. His office is full of files, papers etc. on shelves covering three walls
and the floor!! We took anything to do with the Rovers, CTT etc. and Esther took all VTTA and 24hr
Fellowship things but there’s still a lot of priceless gems lurking there!!
We told John to call us back if needed. Graham has sorted most of it, the majority of which has been
‘recycled’ but we have kept little gems like this article.
I loved reading it (not a lot changes, except perhaps the breakfast afterwards followed by the easy potter for
the rest of the day) and thought it could go in the Newsletter if you agree.
Article written about an ESCA 50 in the early 1950’s by Stan Nash.
“ESCA 50”.
Reveille at 4.15 – what an ungodly hour! Creep about the house, making tea and boiling an egg, then out
into a darkened town peopled by prowling cats and clattering milkfloats; out into a countryside steadily
wakening to the dawn – through chilling patches of ground fog clinging eerily in the hollows.
Why the activity? Only the Time Trial Bug can get cyclists out of bed at this hour and he has succeeded in
getting 60 entries for today’s “50”. I am an early starter and No.1 comes revving out of the gloom as I
approach the start.
I am on the line – 15 seconds to go. Tighten straps – check watch – 3, 2, 1 – a hefty shove from behind and
I’m off! Out of the saddle to get ‘em moving – better leave it in third till I’m round the bend, then into top.
Not so fast – this is a “50” not a “10”! Down past the Rosemary* – people changing wheels, pumping up
tubulars board hard. Breath comes short and fast. Now the first bit of agony – down into “79”, start
honking* but it doesn’t last long. The Roundabout* – left down the concrete*, and there is a little black
figure breasting the hill ahead – my minute man! Be seeing you, mate! The scratchman is two minutes
behind me and he’ll probably soon be seeing me! Don’t look round – it’s bad for morale! Now a glorious
swipe downhill, my 90 top is really turning and I must be doing over 30’s. Over the railway bridge* and –
careful now, this is tricky – a sharp right turn and into a hard westerly breeze. Who says cycling isn’t hard
work; this kind is!
A slight noise, a sizzle of tyres, a sinister shadow moves up from behind and the scratchman surges by.
Riding a machine of unorthodox construction*, propelling a gear in the high 90’s, he gives a grunt of
recognition on passing and steadily draws away into the distance. No good trying to hang on – he’s
probably doing a “2-8”. Still – there’s always the handicap section for us slow types!
The first turn, and the breeze turns from enemy to friend for a couple of miles. Think the man behind me
must be DNS – no sign of him – but now a succession of struggling riders start passing in the opposite
direction – some I know, some not, but all are fighting for the few seconds which mean the difference
between a personal best, and perhaps an award, or – just another time!
And so it goes on. At intervals I see groups of enthusiasts who have turned out to marshal, or just to watch
and cheer their clubmates; one lady – known to us all – stands at a road junction with a word of cheer to all
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 7 - Issue No 47 September 2012
riders – (“He’s catching you”!) – What an enthusiast she is – and what an example to some lie-abed
clubmen!
The road is lumpy now, and the breeze is once more making things hard, but I am cheered by the sight of a
black-garbed figure slowly coming back to me. The distance between us lessens, and on a rise just before
the second turn I forge triumphantly ahead. I feel Fast – I am a Ken Joy, a Keith Bently! I top the rise and
slap my gear lever into top to ensure that my getaway is not challenged.
I did 1-12 for the first 25, but it is a flyer coming back from the second turn and I reckon I should do a 2-21
if I don’t sell out. Some good folk have organised a feeding station at the top of a sharp rise, but I feel good
and only take a sponge. Down to 10’s now for a sharp
left-hand turn on to the “25” course and now a fast few miles up sheltered roads to the last turn. A discarded
sandwich on the road reminds me of my tomatoes and I snatch the chance for a quick snack. Tomatoes are
just the job for a “50”, but the skins are a nuisance.
The scratchman has gained another five minutes on me at the turn and is still going well. Only 12 and a half
miles now and the procession in the opposite direction starts again. Here’s an old friend clinging with
bulldog tenacity to a shortmarker who started three minutes behind him. One of our busiest officials, he still
finds time for his weekly battle against the watch.
But now I am on concrete* again. A side wind gives no help and the road ascends in steps to its summit
two miles ahead. No time for dreaming now – this is the time for maximum effort. The spirit is willing, but
the legs are feeling a bit weak! So slowly the hill crest comes toward me and suddenly I’m over. Up into
top – and now she’ll stay there whatever happens. Twinges of hunger knock make themselves felt but that
doesn’t matter now; this is the home stretch and I should be finished in 8 minutes. Under the bridge*, up
and then round that nasty bend – (wonder what happens when a tub. rolls off?) Finally the long, long mile
to the Finish. No. 1 – lucky fellow- is pottering back to Event HQ – but now I can see the timekeeper.
Move, man MOVE! “Numbers?” – “Number 8” – A voice yells in my ear – “Number 12”. Number 12
flashes past me and the timekeeper but I am past worrying. I can now free-wheel - what a lovely sensation!
I drop down to bottom and potter back. Casually glance over the huddle round the result board. Time not
up yet. What’s that – a “20” – ah well, could be worse. At steady “5’s” I make my way towards racing’s
great compensations – second breakfast and an easy potter for the rest of the day.
“One Who Suffers”
*The Rosemary – Rosemary Café, Magham Down – where a lot of ESCA events started and finished and
where breakfasts were served – now a house called Rosemary House. ESCA Rosemary Shield donated by
the ladies who ran the café
*honking – riding out of the saddle
*The Roundabout – Boship
*1 concrete road to Polegate (single carriageway at the time)
*Over the railway bridge – Polegate railway bridge, turning right on A27!
*scratchman – riding a machine of unorthodox construction – Charles Robson ERCC (or ERC&AC in
1951) riding his Paris Galibier.
*2 concrete – the Dicker – new concrete road
*Under the bridge – this is the railway bridge at Horsebridge which was the line to Tunbridge Wells from
Eastbourne, now of course the Cuckoo Trail (bridge demolished years ago)
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 8 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Jane Lade reported on the 100. It was a good morning for the 100, although it was very hot!. Iain punctured and retired again, but John Cordner did a 4.10, with Peter 4.13 and Geoff 4.32. Didn’t stay long enough to find out if they got any awards. Rob Pelham won it with 3.54. although he was ‘on call’ throughout the event as his second child is due next Sunday – apparently Mark Winton was helping him and had instructions that if ‘things got moving’ he was to drag Rob away from the event to witness the birth!! Super weekend for the Club’s 2 Open time trials, with 21 under the hour for the 25. Rob Rickson was especially pleased as he improved his 10 time by 2 minutes and his 25 by 3 minutes+ also. Bronwen Ewing did a short 59 in the 25, which we believe is the first time a lady has got under the hour on the ESCA course.
PRESS REPORTS
Iain Brogden kindly found time in his busy life to submit these reports to the Herald. Many thanks for that,
Iain, Hon Ed
Vet Rovers on a roll to smash 100-mile record
Published on Thursday 23 August 2012 13:36
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club team of John Cordner, Peter Moon and Geoff Smith set a new Eastbourne veteran team record in the East Sussex 100-mile time trial on Sunday.
With a combined time of 12 hours 56 minutes 17 seconds, they knocked 13 minutes and six seconds off the 2010 record.
Cordner was the fastest Eastbourne rider with a time of 4:10:22, good enough for seventh overall and he becomes the Eastbourne Rovers 100-mile champion.
Long distance expert and 24-hour Champion Moon was the fastest Sussex veteran rider on standard time with a plus of 43:39 and eighth overall.
Smith, as usual, put in a strong performance with 04:32:32, which gave him 19th place.
The event was won by the defending East Sussex 100-mile champion Rob Pelham of Lewes Wanderers Cycling Club with a stunning time of 03:54:52.
Cordner said, “After I crashed out of the Sussex 100 two weeks ago, I was determined to finish this race with a good performance and after fighting cramp at the 80 mile mark I was thrilled to find I was the fastest Eastbourne rider.”
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 9 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Saturday saw Eastbourne’s Iain Brogden competing against an elite field of riders at Blenheim Palace. This demanding 20km time trial is part of a weekend long programme of Bike Blenheim cycling events in the grounds of the stately home, hosted by The Duke of Marlborough.
Brogden was sixth with a time of 28:26, a creditable result among 300 riders including a number of professional, elite, Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
National time-trial champion Michael Hutchinson was beaten into second place by 21-year-old time-trial specialist Joe Perrett of the cyclos uno racing team.
Brogden said, “This event showcases the future of bicycle time trialling on a traffic free route lined with spectators.
“You need to be able to climb, descend and handle your bike to get a good result in this event because the course is very challenging.”
Thursday saw more records broken as the final Eastbourne Rovers Evening Series time trial of the season took place at Pevensey. 35 riders took up the challenge of this 10-mile race and joint series leaders Iain Brogden and Matt Woods were motivated to put in a blistering performance.
Close rivalry lead to an astonishing result with both Brogden and Woods posting exactly the same time of 20:48 to jointly smash the course record of 20:54 held by TrainSharp coach John Sharples since 2001.
Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club will at Sportsbourne on Saturday, August 25 at The Sports Grounds, Hampden Park.
They will be running the popular wattbike challenge with a 250 metre sprint competition.
The club invite the public to come along and test their speed and talk to experienced club members about sport and leisure cycling. More details at www.sportsbourne.com.
Eastbourne Rovers are working in tandem with Eastbourne Borough Council to promote cycling in the area and encourage cyclists of all experience levels to join in.
Rovers meet on a Monday evening at Stone Cross Memorial Hall. More information can be found at www.eastbournerovers.com and on Twitter @RoversCycling.
Record numbers for cycling weekend
Published on Thursday 16 August 2012 17:00
Eastbourne Rovers hosted their annual racing weekend with the Stan Nash 10-mile time-trial on Saturday and the Cliff Sharp 25-mile on Sunday.
A record entry of 80 riders for the 10-mile and 90 for the 25-mile saw some exciting racing for generous cash prizes awarded to the top riders on the day.
Starting at Maresfield, the race followed the A22 to Boship and then back up past East Hoathly and Uckfield to the steep finishing straight South of Maresfield.
The race was won by Nick Dwyer of Lewes Wanderers, in the process smashing his course PB by 50 seconds to complete the course in 52:17 at an average speed of just under 29 mph.
Eastbourne Rovers scored a 2-3 with Iain Brogden in second at 54:06 and Matt Woods third in 55:09. 12 riders from the Eastbourne host team took part and four were under the hour with John Cordner making the top 10 with an impressive time of 57:24.
On Saturday, 80 riders started at East Hoathly for the 10-mile race. Connall Yates of the In Gear Quick Vit Race Team (younger brother of Tour de France star and Sky Team Director Sportif Sean Yates) won the event in 20:22. Eastbourne riders Matthew Woods and Iain Brogden were third and fourth with times of 21:37 and 21:42 respectively. John Cordner was again in the top 10 with a superb sixth place finish in 22:15.
These results were good enough to put Brogden in second position overall for the racing weekend, Woods third and
Cordner fifth. Thursday saw the weekly Eastbourne Rovers club time trial return to Pevensey.
This 10-mile race takes the A259 to Little Common and back. 30 riders took up the challenge and with Brogden pulling up with a problem in the first mile, Woods took an easy club win with 21:25.
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 10 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Smith is last man standing in 100 mile time trials
Published on Thursday 9 August 2012 12:16
Geoff Smith was the only Eastbourne rider to
finish the Southern Counties 100-mile time
trial on Sunday at Dial Post.
His time of 04:30:53 was good enough for
third place in the veteran competition and 31st
overall.
Eastbourne’s Iain Brogden and John Cordner
both started the event but Cordner crashed out
after 60 miles during a torrential downpour.
Brogden retired at 75 miles even though in
third place at the time.
Brogden said “I started to suffer badly after 70
miles and when I realised I was over three
hours at the 75 mile mark I decided to retire.”
The event was won by Lewes rider Rob
Pelham with a stunning time of 03:54:59.
The Eastbourne Rovers team will be
competing in the East Sussex 100-mile time trial in two weeks time.
On Saturday, the Eastbourne team of Iain Brogden, Matt Woods, Tony Murphy, Geoff Smith, Emma
Richards, Adam Ford, Andrew Stobbart and Kevin Burton raced the Epsom Cycling Club 10-mile time trial
at Crawley.
Brogden and Woods both finished in the top 10. Woods was fourth with a time of 21:04 and Brogden sixth
with 21:15.
Next week, Eastbourne host a weekend of racing starting with the Stan Nash 10-mile Time Trial on
Saturday, August 11 from East Hoathly.
On Sunday 12, the Cliff Sharpe 25-mile Time Trial is at Maresfield.
Peter Moon, Eastbourne’s long distance champion and organiser of the 10 mile race said, “The Eastbourne
Rovers racing weekend attracts a quality field from Sussex and beyond.
“With 80 riders entered on Saturday and 90 on Sunday we will see some close racing.”
The course record for the 25 mile event has stood since Olympic champion and hour record holder Graham
Obree set an astonishing time of 48:55 in 1996 on his bike ‘Old Faithful’, famously home made using parts
from his washing machine.
Eastbourne Rovers have welcomed many new members over the last few months as cycling continues to
benefit from growth stimulated by Bradley Wiggins’ historic Tour de France victory and Team GB Olympic
success.
Peter Moon comments as follows on his 24 hour success, having received our congratulations.
Thank you Gavin and Richard, A lot of training, sacrifice and well planned preparation went into this ride, also a very well drilled support team of three and most of all good luck on the day! My coach Dan Henchy of PBscience had planned this event for me since last November, gradually increasing my workout durations and intensities’ studying the training data then setting me an achievable schedule of at least 460 miles for the big day. There were obviously periods during the event when energy was low or I felt tired and at these times I asked Charles for strength. Charles had always encouraged me to break his long standing record and I have fond memories of his stories like the one where he practiced changing his front light bulb under his bedcovers in the dark! He also gave me copies of his equipment check sheets; he would take six pairs of mitts with him; why would I need mitts? These days you spend all of your time on or elbows! These days with all of the technological advantages we have it really strikes home how impressive Charles’s record was. When I was a 19 year old training at Shape Health Studios in Eastbourne there was, what I
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 11 - Issue No 47 September 2012
thought a mad sweaty 50 year old guy flogging himself on the gym bike (Charles) I’m now that same guy; and I too see those questioning faces in the gym? I feel this ride was probably a lot easier for me than Charles, I had all the modern day advantages, basically all I had to do was pedal a bike for 24 hours and concentrate on my computer, the team done all the hard work for me, following Dan’s schedule he was convinced we would (in his words) “smash the record”. I am absolutely made up with result and still can’t believe I have a National Champions jersey and cap hanging up in the bedroom ‘amazing’ and testament that commitment, good luck and having good friends and family close by we can all achieve our dreams. Best regards, Peter
Below is the spread that Peter's ride received in the Herald
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 12 - Issue No 47 September 2012
Evening Series Club Time Trials. Results to end of series. Also on our website
Dave Cox reports as follows;
26th
July 2012
10 MILE TT
With roadwork’s finished we were back on the ten
course tonight. A perfect evening with Iain
Brogden and Matt Woods only four seconds apart.
Very good times were ridden by fourteen of the
eighteen riders who completed the course doing so
with their fastesttimes of the year to date for 10
miles.
Iain Brogden 21.19
Matt Woods 21.23
John Cordner 22.27
Michael Valks 23.17
Stuart Davis 23.23
Tony Murphy 24.01
Jack Priddle 24.05
Ian Hannaford 24.29
Ollie Priddle 24.31
Shane Hills 24.32
Adam Ford 25.05
Andy Stobbart 25.26
Bruce English 25.27
Kevin Burton 25.30
Paul Hanratty 26.48
Steve Hunt 27.19
Rob Rickson 27.31
Ross Weeden 29.17
Points After 15 Rides 16 Rides
Iain Brogden 6 6
Matt Woods 6 6
John Cordner 17 17
Michael Valks 22 22
Stuart Davis 23 22
Shane Hills 25 25
Adam Rogers 26 26
Tony Murphy 30 30
Jack Priddle 35 35
Adam Ford 38 38
Ollie Priddle 45 40
Kevin Burton 46 46
Emma Richards 47 47
Andy Stobbart 54 54
Bruce English 63 63
Rob Rickson 70 67
Paul Hanratty 76 74
Sam Houghton 78
Steve Hunt 87
Ross Weeden 88 88
26th
July 2012 (cont.)
PRIVATE TIME TRIALS
Thomas Key 23.36
Mark Brittle 24.48
Bob Coleman 27.07
Ali Eaton 27.09
Faye Mcclelland 27.54
Shaun Reed D.N.S
Timekeepers
Graham Lade, Dave Dunbar & Gavin Smith
Pusher Off Stuart Crabb
Marshals Peter Moon Harry Featherstone &
Ken Beckett
Numbers Sponsored By Kontour Cycles
2nd
August 2012
7.2 MILES BIRLING GAP CIRCUIT
On a another fine night Matt Woods smashed the
Club Record on the Birling Gap circuit. Iain
Brogden also beat his previous Club record.
Several PBs were also ridden including Ollie
Priddle who had fine ride with 20.06. There was
also a Hill Climb included this week, but Gavin
Smiths 1980 record of 5.39.8s remains intact.
The course record was also beaten by Pete Morris
from Lewes Wanderers with a 16.58.
HILL CLIMB
Matt Woods 17.26 5.56
Club Record
Iain Brogden 17.37 6.02
John Cordner 18.19 6.16
Stuart Davis 18.45 6.27
Adam Rogers 19.25 6.42
Ollie Priddle 20.06 6.34
Michael Valks 20.22 6.54
Shane Hills 20.31 7.46
Adam Ford 20.39 7.20
Tony Murphy 20.37 8.00
Andy Stobbart 20.53 7.33
Emma Richards 21.16 7.50
Rob Rickson 23.19 8.18
Paul Hanratty 23.30 8.24
Steve Hunt 23.53 8.35
Sam Houghton 24.51 9.05
Private Time Trials Hill Climb
Peter Morris 16.58 5.43
Thomas Key 19.26 6.32
Steve Head 19.33 6.48
Timekeepers Dave Dunbar & Gavin Smith
Hill Climb Jane & Graham Lade
Marshals Peter Moon, Harry Featherstone &
Stuart Crabb
9th August 2012
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 13 - Issue No 47 September 2012
10 MILES
Conditions: Temp 16ºC | Air Pressure 1026Hpa |
Wind SE 5.6 km/h | Dry
Matt Woods 21.25
Stuart Davis 23.00
John Cordner 23.05
Michael Valks 23.48
Adam Rogers 23.52
Tony Murphy 23.56
Emma Richards 24.17
Andy Eaton 24.24
Shane Hills 24.27
Callum Mckee 24.41
Ollie Priddle 24.41
Andy Stobbart 24.55
Bruce English 25.26
Slawomir Giecewicz 25.35
Kevin Burton 25.45
Jim Hennessy 26.30
Rob Rickson 26.49
Paul Hanratty 27.11
Steve Hunt 28.10
Sam Houghton 29.22
Iain Brogden D.N.F
Points After 17 Rides
(only improvements shown)
Stuart Davis 19
Tony Murphy 29
Emma Richards 44
Slawomir Giecewicz 44
Private Time Trials
Felix English 20.15 Course Record
Steve Head 23.39
Faye Mcclelland 26.00
John Mankelow 26.01
Bob Coleman 27.28
Michaela Furlong 27.29
George Smith 28.18
Ian Guthrie 28.36
Bob Smith 30.18
Timekeepers Dave Dunbar & Graham Lade
Pusher Off Stuart Crabb
Marshals Dave Cox, Peter Moon,
Ken Beckett & Harry Featherstone
Final Points Total
Iain Brogden 6 Adam Rogers 26
Matt Woods 6 Tony Murphy 29
John Cordner 17 Jack Priddle 35
Stuart Davis 19 Adam Ford 38
Michael Valks 22 Ollie Priddle 38
Shane Hills 25 Emma Richards 44
16th August 2012
10 MILES
Conditions: Temp 19ºc Air Pressure 1016Hpa
Wind S 9.3 Km/H Dry
Iain Brogden 20.48 Course Record
Matt Woods 20.48 Course Record
John Cordner 22.22
Stuart Davis 22.56
Michael Valks 23.26
Adam Rogers 23.30
Ollie Priddle 23.38
Shane Hills 23.45
Tony Murphy 23.52
Jack Priddle 24.22
Emma Richards 24.28
Adam Ford 24.40
Eddie Bell 24.47
Andy Stobbart 24.45
Jamie Faulkner 24.50
Slawomir Giecewicz 25.11
Bruce English 25.18
Kevin Burton 25.24
Rob Rickson 26.07
Liz Lumber 26.56
Alan Symonds 28.57
Private Time Trials
Felix English 21.29 (Road Bike)
Marc Townsend 21.57
Neil Midgley 23.05
Steve Head 23.38
Faye Mcclelland 25.43
Kim English 26.20
Till Sanderson 26.24
Bob Coleman 26.31
Michaela Furlong 27.34
Ian Guthrie 27.50
George Smith 28.30
Jo Benton 28.36
Bob Smith 29.53
Timekeepers
Graham Lade, Dave Dunbar & Gavin Smith
Assistant Timekeeper Harvey
Pusher Off Stuart Crabb
Marshals Dave Cox Ken Beckett &
Harry Featherstone
Slawomir Giecewicz 44 Sam Houghton 78
Kevin Burton 46 Steve Hunt 87
Andy Stobbart 54 Ross Weeden 88
Bruce English 63
Rob Rickson 67
Paul Hanratty 74
Numbers Sponsored By Kontour Cycles
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 14 - Issue No 47 September
2012
SUMMER FEATURE ROVING ABROAD As a sequel to the report last month on our trip to the Tour, here is the chance to catch up on a couple of
other trips by members this Summer.
DIEPPE RAID JUNE 2012 by Richard Thomas Half of L'equipe Eastbourne Rovers for the Raid, Richard aka "le Capitaine Lent" (chef d'equipe), Kevin
Burton and Rob Rickson made a rendevous a la maison du Capitaine in Park Lane at just after 8am on
Wednesday 20th June 2012. The mini peleton rode down to Newhaven via Polegate, then along A27
"Death Valley" to Wilmington cross roads, turning left into the relatively quiet lanes to Exceat before the
climb up to Seaford. We met Dave Cox here (Sue had given him a lift to here to avoid the climbs on a
luggage laden bike) and we then rode towards the seafront road and cycleway to Newhaven. As in the
past, we met up with Stu Greenway at the port, having been taken there by car by his son.
There were a whole load of cyclists waiting to board the ferry but we never did find out what they were
going to do. The ferry left a bit later than its 10am departure time but we arrived in Dieppe on time,
having lunched aboard. We took the usual route to the Ave Verte at Arques La Bataille, then down to
Neufchatel to be warmly greeted by Le Patron d'hotel. We are now regulars, this being our fourth annual
visit.
On the way down the Avenue, we met, at the chateau still being renovated (see last year's account), a
couple from up north (of Angleterre) who had been on a six week trek across Europe on a MTB tandem
with trailer and camping gear, they had done 140km the day before! Some do it the hard way!
Once we had settled in at the hotel, and as Mike Horner had not yet arrived, having got off the train from
Paris at Rouen and was riding to the hotel, we decamped for a biere or deux, (peut-etre trois, apres
l'arrivee de Mike). A fine dinner from the 30 Euro menu, included in the demi pension, washed down
with a rose and a red, plus coffee, and we were ready for a stroll before bed.
Up bright and early next morning, petit dejeuner at 8am , on the bikes and away by 9:30, revisiting the V1
bomber site at Pommerval, then coffee at our usual cafe in Bellencombre. This had changed ownership
since last year to a younger patron, and been done up a bit. We then sauntered down to Forge les Eaux
for lunch, where our usual restaurant was closed as the proprietor was "en vacances", so we had no choice
but to find another in the square. We then made the obligatory visit to the local bike shop, which also
sold lawnmowers!
We chose to ride back via the Avenue Verte, and took the opportunity to investigate whether it had been
extended south as promised by the latest brochure. Sadly it hadn't, still the old rusty railway tracks firmly
in place and covered in grass, so we trundled
back to Neufchatel, only to be caught in some
heavy rain 1km from our destination. Back at
the hotel we visited another bar, across the
square from the hotel, for a biere and a coffee.
Rob also had a croque monsieur (toasted
cheese and ham sandwich). Then it was time
for dinner, what a grand day out, this cycling
lark is eh!
The hotel was unable to accommodate us on
Friday night due to being fully booked by a
group of cyclists! Hence we packed our bags on
Friday and headed for Dieppe via the Avenue
(see photo left) and our hotel, the 1 star (and
that's debatable!)"Hotel les Galets". We had
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 15 - Issue No 47 September
2012
booked two rooms this year to give us a bit of space. I was surprised to see that the former dining room was
still in the same state of renovation as when I visited last August on my way to PBP. On closer inspection we
all concluded that the local building inspector may have cast some doubt on the structural integrity of the
supporting beams, which sag generously and the floors above are being supported on wedges and
supplementary beams. How
it all remains in place is a
miracle. We learned that
the dining room for the pdj
is new and in the opposite
corner of the courtyard.
Friday afternoon we had a
look at some of the Dieppe
Raid beaches as it is 70
years since the abortive
raids took place. At each
site there are photos of the
devastation.
Shown below is the same
beach today.
Saturday morning we visited the market in the centre of Dieppe before lunch and then preparing for the
afternoon's 60km event, which started at 2pm, from the same place as would the Raid tomorrow, the Salle
Paul Eluard.
We had to be back at the hall for 5pm so had just 3 hours for the ride. Kevin, Dave and I chose to ride whilst
Rob, Stu and Mike visited the Dieppe Raid museum.
The organisers had chosen a particularly lumpy start and one short sharp climb near the start saw Dave opting
out wishing to protect his ankle. Kevin and I rode on westwards from Dieppe, in the company of other Brits,
from Ascot, a group who were lead-out men for "Banzai Bob!" but no French riders in sight?. We returned to
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 16 - Issue No 47 September
2012
Dieppe on the other leg of the Avenue Verte and then proceeded up to the Canadian cemetery via a tough little
climb before returning to the start. 59km in 2 hours 30 minutes, a nice warm up for tomorrow.
Sunday morning and the weather had taken a turn for the worse.
We had rain right from the start, and on my Birthday to boot! Stu
and Mike set off on their 100km route whilst we had opted for the
slightly longer 140km ride. By the time we were approaching the
lunch stop at St Aubin le Cauf we were in very heavy rain. Kevin
and Rob decided to abandon here. Dave said he could not
abandon 2 days in a row and I said I would go with him for the
afternoon's 70km. As it turned out the weather did improve, the
route was very picturesque, the best route I have done in all the
years since 2005, so that was a bonus. The organisers even threw
in an extra "ravitaillement" stop half way through the afternoon
which was very welcome. Dave just asked me to tell him when
we had done the next 10km! as the wind was still making things
difficult for us.
Perhaps this sign that we encountered on our way from
Neufchatel on Friday was a precursor to today's sojourn.
Mike and Stu completed the 100km
and Stu won the cup for the oldest
participant in the 100km ride. Well
done Stu.
Here is a shot of Dave and I at the end
of our 143kms, collecting our raffle
prizes.
In the evening the sun came out as we walked to
our restaurant for the evening, the Louisiania
again, and to clebrate the completion of a good
few days riding and also my Birthday. The lads
from Ascot were also there and I nearly died of
embarrassment when our litle groupetto sang
"Happy Birthday" to me!
We all took the ferry on the Monday morning at
the reasonably civilised time of 7:30am. Five of
us (not Stu who got a lift) rode from Newhaven,
kevin punctured so I rode on with Mike up to the
cafe in Heathfield via the Cuckoo Trail, hoping to
meet George henty but we missed him. Mike
kindly bought me lunch for acting as guide and
we then parted, he to Tunbridge Wells and me to
Eastbourne.
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 17 - Issue No 47 September
2012
Touring in Brittany (Breizh) Riders of the D28 by Richard Thomas How could I resist a invitation to cycle in Brittany
(Breizh in the Breton language), in an area very
close to the PBP route. And so it came to pass,
following an invite from Jack and Sabine
Williams, Audax UK friends who have retired to
live there, that Chris Tracey ( my AUK riding
companion on many ventures, both here and
abroad) and I set off, panniers on board, from
Chris's house in Seaford, taking the train to
Portsmouth then the overnight ferry to St Malo.
Suitably refreshed from a good sound sleep in our
cabin on board, we left St Malo at around 8:30am
(temps francais) via the Barrage de la Rance, on a
rather scary main road at morning rush hour. We
were planning to use main roads for the first 70km
of the ride as we had some 180km to cover that
day to our destination near Carhaix-Plouguer,
which is the control before the turn at Brest on
PBP.
However, we soon decided to look for a quieter road and "stumbled" across the D28 just after Plancoet, a
left turn off D768 after some 30km of main road "bashing". What a quiet, pleasant road, which took us
first to our coffee stop at Lamballe, 50km done by 11am (temps francais). The road then "undulated" in
typical Breton style, and we were traversing roads with little arrows on them, which I understand means
they either go up or down but not flat! Quite a challenge on heavily loaded bikes, and Chris on 63" fixed
to boot. He has become a "fixed" convert, espousing gears as unnecessary. I am not so sure. He does
envy my ability to freewheel down hills, yet he says the momentum helps him "sling shot" uphill.
I was concerned about my stamina as I had been off the bike since 6th July due to bronchitis and only did
my first ride the day before we left for this holiday. I knew that the further we got into Brittany the
lumpier it would become and so I tried to save something for later. The technique I employed was to
freewheel past Chris on a downhill then take it steady uphill, as I knew he would soon catch me up and
go past, leaving me to catch up on the flat bits. And so we rode on, through Meslin to Quessoy, where
roadworks in it's centre meant we could not find the D28 out of the ville. After doing a circuit of the
town we opted to take the D81 to Henon then back on the D25 to meet the D 28 again at St Carreuc. This
was a lumpy little detour and lunchtime had nearly
passed so we resolved to stop as soon as we found
somewhere to eat, which turned out to be in Plaintel.
The restaurant had a menu "wine", and on enquiring
"manger" our patron, the very nice lady answered in the affirmative, said the entrees were over there and so we
found a table, went and got our entrees, cold meats, salad
etc and sat down again, we were then brought a large
bottle of water and an opened bottle of wine. We then
had a main course of omelette fromage and chips, a
cheese course, a dessert and coffee, all for 14 euros each.
We declined the wine as the day was hot and we still had
a long way to go. What good value.
Late afternoon, coast near Morlaix
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 18 - Issue No 47 September
2012
We got a bit lost finding the D 28 out of town as it had become the D22! but after a short retour were on
our way towards Quintin, entering via the D 790 main road. Through the town we were now climbing up
to the high point of the ride at 308m just after le Vieux Bourg. The climbs became more frequent, the sun
was still blazing down on us. our water was becoming depleted and a replenishment was required. Not a
lot of opportunities presented themselves and desperation set in! In Mael-Pestivan we found a restaurant
and went in as the door was open. However, it was "closed", but the owner, a Scots lady, was there and
gave us some water, and explained they had moved there at least 20 years ago when the building was a
wreck and had spent some time doing it up. She did say there was a bar in St Servais, some 5km distant,
which would be open so we stopped there for a coca.
We then had to decide whether to take a loop going NE then SW or SW then NE to our destination. We
chose the latter as it looked a bit shorter but, on arrival at our hosts they said we should have gone the
other way as it is not so hilly! The final 6km was all uphill, some of it on the PBP route out of Carhaix,
and this climb took its toll on tired legs. We even had to stop for a banana at the outskirts of the ville,
about 1km from our destination, as we were so tired we could go no further without sustenance! We had
ridden 178km at an average riding speed of 20.1km/hr.
A great welcome from our hosts bucked us up and we spent a very convivial evening.
The following day was a non cycling, walking day. This gave us the chance to use other muscles and
relax. Thursday dawned sunny so a short bike ride was in order, with a picnic lunch just after halfway
into the ride. The roads are very traffic free and we visited some of the memorials to the French
Resistance, as this area caused the occupying German army a lot of problems. Many of the Resistance
were caught and shot.
There is a memorial at Tredudon, see photo left, which
roughly translated says "This village became, from
June 1940 to August 1994, a piece of Free France. On
June 16, the clandestine organization of the PCF,
headed by Pierre Plassart stockpiled weapons there
with the complicity and support of its entire
population. Tredulon became a weapons depot, a
refuge for the resistance, a meeting place and a centre
of decision making for the leaders of the national and
regional FTPF. That is why the village was awarded
the title of the premier village of resistant France,
inaugurated in 1947 by Professor Marcel Prenant,
Chief of Staff FTPF and regional leaders in the
presence of all the resistance from the Department".
We rode part of the PBP route near the Roc Trevezal, but I had
difficulty in recalling it despite having ridden along it on four
occasions, just goes to show what a state of mind long rides put
you in!
This part of Brittany has rolling rather than steep climbs. I
would say that it felt easier than our ride out there from St maol ,
where Chris and I had to struggle up some of the hills. It may
have been that it felt easier without panniers on.
Photo shows Chris (left) in 1997 PBP top and Jack in 1993 PBP
top, on our way through the local lanes. I had to rush on ahead
to get the photo!
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 19 - Issue No 47 September
2012
To complete the PBP ensemble I wore my 2011
PBP top (as shown photo right), where Chris and
I are enjoying our lunch, being served by Sabine,
Jack's wife.
A local cyclist from the Carhaix Club stopped
for a chat whilst we were having lunch. Jack is
aiming to join them next year when he has honed
his fitness to a suitable level.
A pleasant ride back in the afternoon rounded off
a pleasant 60km in the Brittany countryside.
On Friday we experienced some good honest
Finistere rain, but did manage to get out to the
coast by car in the late afternoon for a walk.
See photo at the head of this story.
Jack also showed us some of the photos he and
Sabine had taken over the years of us all on
Audax rides, some of which demonstrate the
state in which I and other riders can find
themselves when the weather, terrain and
distance conspire against you!
Saturday we visited a local market in Morlaix,
where all sorts of seafoods were for sale, some
still alive, such as these langoustines (lobsters).
On Sunday we went to watch the UCI
WorldTour GP Plouay, won by Team Sky rider
Edvald Boasson Hagen, as reported below.
Both Sabine and I predicted Edvald would win.
Should have put money on it!
This is the report on the UCI
website;
"Edvald Boasson Hagen
(Team Sky) showed off his
Norwegian national
champion’s jersey and his
immense class as a rider by
winning the GP Ouest-
France-Plouay with a
powerful attack in the final
two kilometres of the hotly
contested French UCI
WorldTour race. Boasson
Hagen could have waited for
the expected sprint finish.
Instead he took the initiative
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 20 - Issue No 47 September
2012
and got his reward. He surged across a gap to Portugal’s Rui Alberto Faria da Costa (Movistar Team) and
then after briefly catching his breath, he accelerated clear alone and powered to the line. The peloton had
Boasson Hagen in their sight but could not catch him and he celebrated with his arms in the air, as he
took his first victory since winning the Norwegian title in June.
Faria Costa managed to hang on to finish second, with Australia’s Heinrich Haussler (Garmin-Sharp)
winning the sprint for third place. Compatriot Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) was fourth, with Jurgen
Roelandts (Lotto Belisol) fifth.
The hilly route of the GP Ouest-France-Plouay inspired several attacks and yet again created an
enthralling race, with French hero Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar) one of the main protagonists. He
was part of a breakaway and then jumped away alone at the start of the last lap, cheered on by the huge
French crowd. He was joined by other riders and put on a show of panache by going clear with yet
another late move. However the race reshuffled when Faria da Costa made a move on the last climb.
Boasson Hagen was the only one able to get across to him and then went on to win.
Boasson Hagen scored 80 points for his victory at the GP Ouest-France-Plouay, boosting his points total
in the UCI WorldTour individual ranking to 211 points and climbing from 30th to 11th place. Faria Costa
scored 60 points and climbed to ninth place with 243 points. The talented Portuguese rider had shown his
all-round ability earlier in the season by winning a stage and the overall classification of the Tour de
Suisse.
Boasson Hagen sacrificed his own chances to help Bradley Wiggins win the Tour de France but he has
recovered well from his effort in July. He showed his form by finishing fifth in the recent Vattenfalls
Cyclassics in Germany and looks set for a great final part of the season. He must be a favourite for the
UCI world road race championships in
the Netherlands.
“I’m really happy. It was nice to get the
win,” Boasson Hagen said. “The team
did a really good job to keep me up
there all day and heading into the finish.
I felt good when I jumped clear and I
felt confident that I could take the win.
It has been quite a while since my last
victory so it was nice to see the form is
good. Hopefully it can continue.” "
It was a very warm day and before the
race we looked around the paddock at
all the delectable machinery (Team
Nissan Trek shown left)
Many of the bikes used by the teams were equipped with Shimano Dura Ace electric gears.
We then took up our positions near the start/finish line and were able to snap a few British riders, see next
page.
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 21 - Issue No 47 September
2012
David Millar has his saddle clamp
adjusted before riding to the start
Sean Yates about to get into the Team
Sky car at the start.
Photo left
Jeremy Hunt (former winner) at the
start.
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 22 - Issue No 47 September
2012
And so on Monday morning Chris and I packed our bags in readiness for the return journey to St Malo.
Jack suggested we take a different way back from their village, which he says is easier, and to prove a
point rode with us. I must admit it was less undulating but did include a couple of telling climbs for us,
loaded down with panniers. We rode with Jack to Callac, then picked up our outward route. Being
Monday everything was closed, and we were very grateful to Sabine, who insisted we take some
sandwiches and a couple of bananas. Without those we would have been sunk! As it was, the day was
quite warm and we ran out of water. We were saved by the Marie in St Carreuc, which was open and
gave us some water and the use of their loo. Imagine going into a Town Hall in the UK!
Our ride to St Malo continued well, with a tail wind some of the way, and the road seemed to "flow"
easier this way than on our way out. It must be the way the gradients go. We did find a bar open in
Lamballe around 6pm so availed ourselves of a refreshing coca.
All continued well until we were over the Barrage de la Rance, as we found a very quiet road up to the
barrage via the D12 to la Richardais. The main road uphill once over the barrage was very steep, we
stopped at a slip road that went to St Servan sur Mer, which was near our hotel, but in our tired state went
on down the main road and into the town centre whereas it may have been prudent to take the slip road!.
Obviously we then could not find the Formula 1 hotel but we found a map in a bus shelter (garages
closed!) and only had to retrace 4km and eventually got to the hotel at 10pm, used my pre-booking and
my card to get the entry code and so that was fine. We ended up doing 188km at an average riding speed
of 20.6km/hr.
Next morning, apres petit dejeuner a l'hotel, we rode the few kilometres to the ferry, having booked the
reclining chairs for an extra £10 each this made the 8 hour journey more pleasant and we duly arrived in
Portsmouth, then took the train to Seaford via a change in Brighton, where we legged it across the width
of the Station concourse and just caught the local train before it left. I said "au revoir" to Chris at Seaford
Station and chose to ride home via the coast
road to Friston Pond then through Jevington to
Wannock to home, ariving just before 11pm.
It was a bit hard hauling my luggage up from
Exceat to Friston Pond!
Post script
Here is a bit of the PBP route through
Huelgoat, on the outward bound route just after
the Carhaix control. The route becomes
common to both directions just east of the
town (D764). I don't recall this either, I did
ride through it in the dark last year but not in
other years (1999, 2003 and 2007).
AUDAX NEWS by Richard Thomas
An Apology to Jack Williams In Issue No 7 (May 2007) of the Newsletter I left Jack out of the Easter Arrow team mentioned on page 6,
substituting Mark Heffer, despite the photo showing Jack as part of the team on page 7!. Many apologies,
but Jack does now have our website in his "favourites"
16 June 2012 The AUK National 400km Hempnall Norfolk Organised by NorfolknGood audax on behalf of AUK
This event was a must for me, my 23rd National. It was my longest ride of the year, as I have decided to
have a "year off" after 13 years of continuous SR's, 4 PBP's, BMB, LEL and HBKH (1500km). I drove
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 23 - Issue No 47 September
2012
up to Seething (the event overnight HQ) on Friday afternoon, enjoyed a pleasant evening chatting and
being well fed and watered by the organising team, then slept in the hall overnight and breakfasted there
(all included in the entry fee). I then readied myself before riding down to the 9am start at Hempnall in a
group containing Julian Dyson and Mark Fairweather (both on fixed) and Colin Mildwater.
Several well known faces were at the hall and the usual pleasantries were exchanged. I had arranged to
meet Rob Bullyment there as we were to do the ride together. Mark and Colin tagged along with us, as
did Garry King (on fixed). We have all ridden together in the past so know each other's strengths and
weaknesses. The weather forecast may have deterred some of the 90+ entrants, reducing the field of
starters to around 75 souls.
Hence we set off into the teeth of a very strong south westerly wind (45 to 50 mph gusts!) which made
the first 2 stages, out to the coast at Dunwich then back inland to the control at Thorndon quite
challenging (Ian Hennesey was already leaving as we arrived!). Several of the faster riders (Judith
Swallow, Dave Minter and Paul Whitehead) were getting ready to leave as we arrived and that was the
last we saw of them until the finish!
The second leg to Long Melford (162km) was hard and took quite a lot out of us, due to the headwind
and the short steep climb of Hartest Hill. Along the way we passed through a small dust storm whipped
up by the wind blowing across the unprotected flatlands. We did then get some respite going to Barnham
Broom (244km) and were able to recover with the wind at our backs. Rob had dropped off the back
leaving the three of us, Mark and I (and another rider on his first 400km Audax (maybe a Mr Smith, who
said his son was also doing the ride but was up the road somewhat!)). I managed a navigational error and
missed the right turn to North Lopham and by the time I rechecked the route sheet we were nearly 1km
down the wrong road. Mark and I shouted to "Mr Smith" who fortunately did hear us and turned round
but did not catch us up. I eventually caught up again with Rob but Mark was a bit off the pace, got caught
by the level crossing 9km down the road from our deviation and then went wrong again! It was still just
about light when Rob and I arrived at the Barnham Broom control at 9pm. Eventually the rest of our now
wayward and disintegrated group arrived.
Another good feed and the donning of suitably warm attire saw us departing for the night leg to Salthouse
on the north Norfolk coast in a good grupetto containing, amongst others, the five of us plus Dick and
Lucy McTaggart. At least the wind was still more of less in our favour but showed little signs of abating
so most of the final leg was going to be hard as we were going south again before the wind assisted
"dash" to the finish. With this in mind we did not stay too long and the same group, less Colin
Mildwater, who was resting there until dawn, departed in darkness into the lanes, where there was quite a
bit of debris lying around and thankfully we had no punctures.
There seemed to be an impromptu rave at Wymondom, and we were expecting the usual"abuse" but were
greeted with high fives, very uplifting! This final leg found us in need of a short stop half way as well as
another at the final info, after the slog into the wind to get there. We then had just 20km to go mainly
wind assisted. At the finish in Hempnall, the brevet cards were validated via computer, stickered and
given back to us immediately, plus a key ring with the new logo on it. Well done to the organisation,
NorfolknGood audax, just as their name implies. This was a very well run event. with accurate route
sheets, friendly helpful volunteers and lots of appropriate food at each of the controls, all of which were
indoors, no outside catering thankfully. Anyone doing their first Audax 400 should congratulate
themselves for choosing this event and the riders should thank all involved with the event for making it
such a success.
2 July 2012 Fairies Half Flat 200km San Fairy Ann CC
I rode this with a group of well known Lewes Wanderers, being Ian Landless, Tony Gale and Peter Price.
I did see my good friend Rob Bullyment at the start but he went off like a rocket never to be seen again! I
did not chase him down as I had arranged to ride with Equipe Lewes.
The Eastbourne Rovers Cycling Club Newsletter - 24 - Issue No 47 September
2012
There were a few variations to the route previously used, together with a new first control, the Blue Boys
a transport cafe on the busy A21 at Kippings Cross. This was rather difficult to access due to the volume
of traffic and leaving was no easier, so not a good choice. The rest of the route was similar to that used
previously. However there were 6 information controls which consumed some of the time stopped. The
weather turned against us before we got to the first control, with very heavy rain meaning that we chose
to shelter rather than get soaked. This weather pattern of heavy showers continued for most of the
morning. Eventually the sun came out but the wind was very strong, from the W/SW, side to head on, so
the ride down to Dungeness was quite challenging hence we arrived for a late lunch. Tony had an impact
puncture near to the control so arrived a bit late with Peter.
The ride to Hythe was a bit easier helped by the wind. I managed to get a puncture coming into that
control (only found out as we were about to leave, isn't that always the way!) so the rest of the group had
another cup of tea whilst I fixed it. The final leg was uneventful and we finished in a rather elongated
overall time of 11hours 48 mins. for the 211km. We rode for 8hrs 43mins at an average of 24.2km/hr.
We seemed to have spent a long time stopped! There was 1356m of climbing, with a 2% average and
13% max. gradient, hence the name of the event! Only 13 riders participated.
Stu Greenway sent me this twitter
extract, a dialogue! between our true
hero Bradley Wiggins and that fellow
Piers Morgan
Please support our friendly local bike shop Adam Rogers at Kontour Cycles is continuing to
offer special discounts to members of Eastbourne
Rovers on selected products during 2012, and he’s
ready and able to undertake all aspects of servicing
and repairs in preparation for the winter ahead –
pop in to his new shop or give him a call on 01323
482368.
The next Newsletter will be out in October 2012. The success of the newsletter depends on you. Closing
date for articles for next issue is 28th September 2012. Please contribute something for members to read
and enjoy! My contact details are: Tel: 01323 502615
Email any articles to : richthomas@btinternet.com
Richard T.
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