There has been loads of racing, mountain biking and tt-ing lately, with some brilliant results for the local riders.
In mountain biking, Paul Hopkins won the National Vets race at Hopton Woods in Shropshire, which was round three of the series. Paul’s win was particularly impressive after he had to stop and release a jammed chain during his race-long battle with Hargroves Cycles’ Crispin Doyle. Paul (riding for Merida UK) made up a 30 seconds deficit over the entirely downhill last half lap and then put another 15 seconds into Doyle to win. Nigel Brown (Westbury Wheelers) and Andy Parsons (Offcamber) were 27th and 30th, while Kim Little was 12th in the masters race, all good rides at National level.
Kim then teamed up with Andy and Mark Green (Offcamber) to win both the recent Erlestoke 6 hour team race and then followed that up with victory at the Bristol Bike fest 6 hour team event.
Charles Rees (Team Tor 2000) has been grabbing some 3rd/4th cat circuit wins of late, with two at Thruxton and another at Castle Combe this week. Charles has now moved back up to 2nd cat after around 18 months in the 3rds. Barney Cox has also been racking up the points at 3rd cat level and is creeping towards getting his 2nd cat licence as well.
The GDW tts have been blighted by poor weather recently, with a cancellation at Bruton three weeks ago and then a low turnout of just six riders the last time out at Bruton. It was a tough night on the course, with the wind against the riders on the the first and final thirds of the route. Vince Hounsome extended his lead in the series with a clear win from Grahame Reed. Chris Mullett got round in just under an hour on his road bike with Mike Donovan next up. Of the juniors, Liam Teesdale was quickest while James Howell had a bad run with his chain repeatedly dropping.
The Interclub tt was won on a windy night by Frome Wheelers from Westbury, the full results can be seen here (team results here). The interclub series continues this Wednesday (19th) and on the 26th. The GDW events will also be taking place, with tts at Sturminster Newton on the 19th and Kilmington on the 26th giving riders the choice of heading up to Frome for some quick times or grabbing some points in the club championship.
