East Dorset CA 27KM

Gary Dighton (Poole Wheelers) picked up his second win in as many weeks in the EDCA 27KM event on the Gallows Hill circuit. Dighton clocked 36.31 for a 29 second winning margin over team mate Terry Icke. Dave Pickering (Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers), with 37.26, took third spot in a small, mostly local field. Devon visitor, Tom Alliban (Revo Racing) would have challenged Dighton but a broken front changer after just 3 miles ruined Alliban’s morning. A stiff north- easterly breeze was only in the rider’s faces for the last few miles, Dighton “felt good” and said it was “fast”. The rolling P433 course is known locally as “The Lawrence of Arabia circuit”. It passes Clouds Hill, T E Lawrence’s cottage, then through the village of Moreton, his final resting place.

Provisional Result
1, G DIGHTON (POOLE WH) 36.31
2, T ICKE (POOLE WH) 37.00

3, D PICKERING (BJW) 37.26

4, B DYER (VC ST RAPHAEL) 37.55
5, P DUNN (CCW) 38.04
6, J THACKER (VC ST RAPHAEL) 38.42
7, C ROWE (BJW) 39.43
8, B RIGLAR (CCW) 39.45
9, D LEWIS (POOLE WH) 39.46
10, V HOUNSOME, (GILLINGHAM & DIST) 39.53
11, C LAWSON (CCW) 39.57
12, M BEALE (VC ST RAPHAEL) 40.02
13, J CHAPMAN (CCW) 40.07
14, K RIDGE (BJW) 41.01
15. S PINK (CCW) 41.08
16, G TUSKIN (POOLE WH) 41.38
17, M ALDRIDGE (POOLE WH) 41.57
18, J CHANT (GILLINGHAM & DIST) 42.05
19, P EVANS (BJW) 42.21
20, W SIMMONS (BJW) 43.04
21, R ELLIS (VC ST RAPHAEL) 44.45
22, J FOSTER (CCW) 44.55
23, T BELBIN (POOLE WH) 45.32
24, S CARRINGTON (CCW) 45.41
25, P HARVEY (BJW) 46.31
26, A JACKSON (CCW) 47.05
27, C CROCKER (SOTONIA CC) 48.39
28, J MARTIN (L)(POOLE WH) 49.49
29, C HALLS (TEAM TOR 2000) 54.59 inc 3m LTS
30, B WAKELY (WESSEX RC) 56.45

Local Riders,Local Races

Gary Dighton (Poole Wheelers) continued his run of good form with victory in the EDCA 24 mile Time Trial. The Wareham –based rider recorded 54.17 on the sporting Badbury Rings circuit for a winning margin of 42 seconds.

Simon Berogna (VC ST Raphael/Waites Contracts) took 2nd spot with 54.59. Dave Pickering (BJW) is also enjoying a good start to the season his time of 55.25 giving him third place. The visiting Wightlink/Offshore trio of Dave Dent, Sean Williams & Martin Piper took the team award.
Bournemouth Cycling Centres “Kids on the Track” initiative has proved a great success. The Saturday morning sessions for 8-14 year olds proved very popular and more are scheduled for later in the year. Coach Richard Eastham is planning four separate series of five sessions each. Cost is £5 per rider with the sessions running for two hours. Eastham says “There is no need to book in advance kids can pay on the gate and ride. We are looking forward to seeing more new faces throughout this 2012 Olympic year”.
CC Weymouth has put up a prize of £199 to anyone who beats the course record at their Easter Saturday 10 mile time trial. Matt Illingworth set the current record of 20.17 for the Warmwell course in the National championship event in 1999. Poole –based Adam Topham (High Wycombe cc) came within 5 seconds of the record in a recent club event but has not entered the open race. The first rider is off at 2.30pm and there is a total prize fund of £359

Bob Jolliffe (New Forest CC )reports........NEW Forest Cycling Club champ John Heffernan overcame mechanical problems and stormed to second place in a 120-rider road race in Sussex on Sunday (APRIL 1).John collected 13 points in the 50-54 age group in the first race in the League of Veteran Racing Cyclists’ MStina (CORRECT) Jersey series at Ellens Green, Horsham.Problems arose halfway into the 55-mile race when his rear gear jammed on the 12 tooth sprocket, leaving him with a choice of riding on high gears in just the 53- or 39-tooth chainrings. “Fortunately 39x12 was the perfect gear for the final uphill sprint and the lack of gears meant I wasn’t tempted to try my usual heroics on the last couple of laps,” he said.“I just held my position near the front, let the others burn themselves out and when a gap opened with about 150m to go I jumped. “The winner was already three bike lengths clear by that stage but it was nice to time the sprint right for a change so that I was still taking places in the final 50m.“I always thought that having 20 gears was overrated!”First place went to Paul Caton of Anders TMG Horizon RT and third was Graham Hindle of GS Henley. The event was organised for the LVRC by South Western Road Club.Two riders good . . .Closer to home, GA Cycles’ Gary Allen and Simon Barnes were the fastest pair in New Forest CC’s two-up 10-mile team time trial on the Lyndhurst/Ley Green/Ipley Cross loop. They whistled past the chequered board after spending 23min 24sec on the road on a chilly but sunny morning to beat teammates Ray Claridge and Richard Blake by 32 seconds.New Forest’s Nick Williams rode with GA’s Stuart Grace clocking 25-48 for third while the all-Forest pairing of Richard Rajski and Geri Robinson took fourth with 26-33.Sotonia CC’s Stuart Martingale was the fastest of 19 solo riders with 23-53, beating Drag2Zero multi-national women’s champion Julia Shaw by eight seconds.Other two-up times: Ted and Wendy Knowlton (both Sotonia) 28-14, Richard Mason (NFCC) and Adam Court (GAC) 28-41, John Danning and Simon Dobby (both NFCC) 31-24, Patrick Walters and Martin Balk (both NFCC) 33-02.Solos (NFCC unless stated): Colin Yeates (Sotonia) 24-29, Martin Beale (VC St Raphael) 24-45, Chris Hughes 25-30, Steve Wood (Antelope RT) 25-40, Steve Freeman (Hardley Runners) 26-10, Chris Grant 26-25, Max Holloway (Royal Navy) 27-04, Gary Plumb 27-14, Barry Wootten 27-52, Phil Underwood 27-54, Tony Strickland (Bournemouth Arrow CC) 28-07, Dan Mitchell 28-35, Geoff Weller 30-08, Chris Summers (Sotonia) 31-32, Norman Harvey (Sotonia) 31-47, Chris Mills 32-33 and Mary Corbett (Sotonia) 33-21.In the East Dorset Cycling Associatio 24 New Forest CC’s Stuart Peckham went well catching two-minute man, clubmate Bob Jolliffe (1-18-08), at about four miles and finishing with a fine 1-02-21.

Bournemouth Arrow Good Friday 10

Julian Jenkinson (Contre la Montre) surprised himself by winning the Bournemouth Arrow Good Friday 10. Never a fan of the shorter distances, the former BBAR still recorded 21.08 on the Bulbury-Upton course in Dorset.

Another former winner of the British Best All Rounder competition, Gary Dighton (Poole Wheelers), finished 16 seconds down on Jenkinson. Dighton’s team mate, Andy Buddle is in good form, claiming third place WITH 21.33 in a competitive field. Sixty eight year old, Terry Icke backed up Dighton & Buddle to give Poole Wheelers the team award.

A sharp frost made it “chilly” for the early starters but the bright sunshine and calm conditions produced a few “PBs”. Claire Day (Born to Bike) started her season with a win, her 24041 giving her the ladies prize. Julian Thacker (VC ST Raphael) was one of a couple of riders who lost time when the emergency traffic lights turned red to give a fire engine access at Holes Bay. Poole Wheelers junior, Harrison Fielding was looking strong but suffered an asthma attack and was forced to pack.
Provisional Result
1,J JENKINSON 21.08
2, G DIGHTON 21.24
3,A BUDDLE 21.33
4, T ALLIBAN 21.37

5, D PICKERING 21.40
6,M BURDEN 21.45
7,B DYER 21.49

8, T ICKE 21.54
9, J GILFILLAN 22.04

10, G LOCK 22.21
11, R CLARIDGE 22.24
12, G LONGLAND 22.33
13, J THACKER 22.35
14, J CHAPMAN 22.42
15, C ROWE 22.50
16, E FARROW 22.53
17, I CARDY 22.56
18,N YOUNG 23.02
19,D LEWIS 23.07
20,M BEALE 23.17
21,G TUSKIN 23.19
22,H BALDACHINO 23.37
23, T RENDALL 23.42
24, P KING 23.51
25, P WILSON 23.55
26, L DOWN 23.57
27, R BLAKE 24.13
28, P EVANS 24.18
29, J MARRINER 24.23
30 C WESTON 24.33
31 C DAY (L) 24.41
32, A ROWE 24.54
33, C HUGHES 24.56
34, D DOWDEN 25.03
35, T DAY 25.04
36, S PECKHAM 25.08
37, R BOWDITCH 25.09
38, K MAY 25.12
39, R DAVIDSON 25.16
40, W SIMMONS 25.21
41, M GERMAN 25.27
42, G PLUMBE 25.30
43, R BRIMSDEN 26.00
44, T STRICKLAND 26.02
45, D TANNER 26.10
46, M WARD 26.30
47, R WYETH 26.48
48, A SHARPEN 26.55
49, S SHEPHERD 27.09
50, J CHARMAN 27.33
51, L FARROW (L) 28.30
52, R ANDERSON 29.36
53, B JOLLIFFE 30.12
54, B DAY 30.25
55, D WARD 30.36

Claire Day

East Dorset Cycling Association 24

Gary Dighton (Poole Wheelers) confirmed his early season club form with a clear victory in the EDCA 24 mile time trial. Despite the bright sunshine, a chilly northerly breeze was a constant reminder that it was still early spring. Adam Topham’s course record 52.47 from last year was never under threat but take nothing away from Dighton; he looked very strong on the rolling circuit north of Wimborne Minster.

Simon Berogna, (VC ST Raphael/Waites Contracts) off number 10, had set the early pace. Berogna had caught and passed those ahead of him and was first on the road, along the historic Beech Avenue near Kingston Lacy. Dave Pickering (Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers) held off the challenge from Dave Dent (Wightlink/Offshore) to claim 3rd.

Dighton was all smiles as he packed his bike away at the HQ. “I am pleased with that I am 30 seconds faster than last year” The smile grew even bigger as daughter Emily came over with tea & cake and confirmed “You won the race daddy”

1 Gary Dighton Poole Wheelers V 54.17
2 Simon Berogna VC ST Raphael S 54.59
3 Dave Pickering Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers V 55.25
4 Dave Dent Wightlink/Offshore V 55.44
5 Patrick Dunn CC Weymouth S 55.52
6 Terry Icke Poole Wheelers V 56.10
7 Paul Jones Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers V 56.42
8 Sean Williams Wightlink/Offshore V 57.22
9 Martin Piper Wightlink/Offshore V 58.11
10 Vincent Hounsome Gillingham & Dist Wheelers V 58.43
11 Cliff Rowe Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers V 59.29
12 John Chapman CC Weymouth V 1.00.20
13 Darren Lewis Poole Wheelers V 1.00.26
14 James Chant Gillingham & Dist Wheelers V 1.00.29
15 Gary Tuskin Poole Wheelers V 1.00.36
16 Jonathan W-Lockyer Team Tor 2000 V 1.00.56
17 Stuart Peckham New Forest CC V 1.02.21
18 Paul Stockley Wessex Road Club S 1.02.59
19 Phillip Evans Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers V 1.03.32
20 William Simmons Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers V 1.04.34
21 Terry Belbin Poole Wheelers V 1.06.36
22 Phil Harvey Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers V 1.08.38
23 Jane Pritchard Gillingham & Dist Wheelers LV 1.09.08
24 Don Tanner Gillingham & Dist Wheelers V 1.10.18
25 Sarah Woods Wightlink/Offshore LV 1.11.16
26 Jonathon Charman Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers V 1.13.23
27 Judith Martin Poole Wheelers LV 1.16.52
28 Bob Jolliffe New Forest CC V 1.18.08
29 Brian Wakley Wessex Road Club V 1.28.20
Simon Craig-Mcfeely VC ST Raphael V dns
Colin Crocker Sotonia CC V dns
Jack Brown A3 CRG/SIS V dns

Local Riders,Local Races

Photo, Graham Robins
Poole Wheelers promising junior, Harrison Fielding, won his first ever road race on the Thruxton circuit. The Corfe Mullen youngster has been racing on the track all winter and his fitness showed in the 17 mile race. A few riders had tried to escape the bunch but the race was altogether as they entered the last lap. Fielding was clearly the strongest and was happy to wait for the sprint finish which he won comfortably. “My race plan worked exactly how I wanted it to, coming out of the final chicane I was on the front and just put the hammer down” he said. The first year junior has a packed schedule, with races on the road and track every weekend through till August.

Gary Dighton (Poole Wheelers) triumphed in the “Round the Harbour” time trial. Dighton clocked a speedy, 1.02.57 for the 27 mile rolling course, giving him a winning margin of over two minutes on team mate Andy Buddle, (1.05.09). Paul Jones (BJW) is off form and had to settle for 3rd with 1.06.26.
1 Gary Dighton Poole Wheelers 1.2.57
2 Andy Buddle Poole Wheelers 1.5.09
3 Paul Jones Bournemouth Jubilee Whs 1.6.26
4 Adam Darcy Wykes VC St Raphael 1.8.57
5 Darren Lewis Poole Wheelers 1.9.31
6 Ivan Whitehead Bournemouth Jubilee Whs 1.10.32
7 Terry Icke Poole Wheelers 1.11.39
8 Martin Aldridge Poole Wheelers 1.13.01
9 Phil Evans Bournemouth Jubilee Whs 1.13.39
10 Duncan Keates Loughborough Students 1.15.17
11 Chris Courage Zoom 1.15.24
12 Anya Heijnen VO2 1.15.29
13 Tracy Best Poole Wheelers (Day) 1.16.50
14 Mike Courage Bournemouth Jubilee Whs 1.16.57
15 Terry Belbin Poole Wheelers 1.17.59
16 Phil Harvey Bournemouth Jubilee Whs 1.19.32
17 Pete Grounds Poole wheelers 1.22.37
18 Jon Terry Poole Wheelers 1.24.57
19 Pete Bowen Poole Wheelers 1.25.04
20 Les Jessop Poole Wheelers (Day) 1.29.22
21 Brian Wakley Wessex RC 1.39.13
22 John Burrows Poole wheelers 1.42.27

Meanwhile Julian Thacker (VC ST Raphael) finished a clear winner in the CC Weymouth 22 mile event on the Moreton circuit. Thacker recorded 54.02, a clear 2 minutes quicker than first-timer, Brian Keightley (56.03).

Matt Hill (UK Biking/Primera) did well to finish on the podium at the National XC mountain bike series in Nottingham. Racing in the sport category at the Sherwood Pines venue, Hill took second place after a close battle with Matt Gee (Metaltek). In the veterans race Mark Chadbourne (ridebike.co.uk) finished 4th, having been delayed with mechanical problems. Team mate Roland Tilley was also out of luck, finishing in 31st after crashing heavily on the opening lap.

Richard Horton (BJW) made a spectacular debut in Multi-Sport, winning the national junior Duathlon title in his first race. Horton finished in an impressive 3rd place in the Elite championships at Loughborough. Recording 54.27 for the 5krun-20km bike-5km run, Horton now looks certain to be selected for the European Championships. The talented Winton-Based cyclist has won several Road Races in the last few years but now intends to concentrate on Duathlon. As well as a new direction, Horton has a new team and will be racing for Primera this year.

Photos, Nigel Farrow


Bournemouth’s first track league kicks off on April 17th at the Ensbury Park Velodrome.

The first two weeks will be full on racing, allowing riders to “acclimatise” to the track but will not carry league points. Bournemouth Cycling Centre urge riders to pre-register for the Raymond Brown sponsored league, full details can be found on the website. www.bournemouth.cc
Bob Jolliffe (New Forest CC) Reports........
For the second time this season triathlete Gary Lock was unable to knock Andy Rivett from top spot in a New Forest Cycling Club time trial.Rivett (Velo Club St Raphael) won the club’s 10 a fortnight ago and followed up with victory in last Sunday’s 16 on the Brockenhurst-Beaulieu-Lyndhurst circuit with a time of 38-22 to beat Lock into second place by 40 seconds.Third place went to Southampton University Road Club’s Alex Clayton with 39-16 while New Forest CC’s current club champion John Heffernan clocked 39-47 for fourth.VC St Raphael’s Martin Beale, recovering from a chest infection which has stalled the start of his season, finished with 39-51 for fifth.Topham top againThe previous morning at Copythorne, Adam Topham (High Wycombe CC) took his second win in seven days with a rapid 20-53 in Sotonia CC’s open 10 to beat Harry Bulstrode (Contre La Montre) into the runner-up position again, despite Bulstrode bettering his own course record of 21-49 by 34 seconds.Third place went to Contre La Montre’s James Gilfillan with 21-35, clubmate Andy Bryson completed the winning team with 21-48 and Contre’s Julian Jenkinson was fifth in a time of 21-56.Other NFCC timesClub 16 – Colin Humm 40-03, Ben Boardman 40-41, Stuart Peckham 41-48, Chris Hughes 42-06, Steve Roberts 43-12,Rob Brinsden 44-44, Nick Williams 45-07, Gary Plumb 45-13, Konnor Bracher-Walsh 45-27, David Wilson 45-46, Richard Rajski 45-53, Phil Underwood 46-45, Chris Grant and Stuart Grace (GA Cycles) 47-31, Tom Smith (Soton Univ RC) 48-19, Chris Mills 53-44. Sotonia CC 10 – Nick Tattersall 26-46, Bob Jolliffe 29-45, Martin Balk 29-50.Join the chain gangClub coach Barry Wootton is starting the first of what he hopes will be regular chain gang rides from Thursday.
Over to Barry who says now the evenings are getting lighter and the training becomes more intense he wants to start the training rides on Thursday evenings, to slot in between Tuesday night time trials and weekend racing / long rides.
“The rides will involve a 15 minute warm up followed by an hour of group riding at speed. The rules of the chain gang are harsh but fair. If you’re dropped it is up to you to find your own way home, if you crash, are ill or have a serious mechanical the group will stop.“There are, however ways in which different abilities are catered for in a chain gang, the stronger riders will take longer turns at the front. Depending on the groups we have I would think that the training rides will be running at around 20mph and in a month or so towards 25mph. If numbers are high we will split into smaller groups so that we are not a hazard to other road users. In such cases we will try and match the fitness of riders as best as possible.“We have practiced this drill a number of times on the Saturday endurance rides and those who ride on the track are well experienced. I propose to run training rides on Thursday March 29 and Thursday, April 5. I would also appreciate riders who are experienced at riding in pace lines to join in and improve the quality of the group with their experience. On those two rides we will practice the drills for riding in single and double pace lines so that from April 12 we can ride hard. The first week I propose an 1830 start from Brockenhurst, the second 1845 and from April 12 onwards 1900. “These rides will require a high level of discipline so please read below what is expected of you. “What to bring:“Road bike. Riding on tri bars and being late on the brakes will not be appreciated by other riders. Remember you are responsible for your safety and those around you.“Tubes / pump / multi tool. If you puncture, hard luck. You are responsible for your own repairs. “Mobile phone. If you have a serious problem please call ride leader. If you drop off please text ride leader so we don’t have to turn back fearing the worst.“Lights / reflective clothing. We will be out near dusk on the early rides.“Money, some rides may finish at local pubs.“Drink / energy food.“Dos and Don’ts”
“Be aware that everything you do has a knock-on effect on everyone behind and beside you. If you brake out of turn this will have a concertina effect and disrupt the whole group.“Never half wheel. When you hit the front, keep the pace consistent, if climbing keep the effort consistent.“When you come through for your turn and move over to the recovering line, do so smoothly and close to the rider you are taking over from. Don’t leave them with a massive gap.“Don’t leave gaps. If you are struggling to close a gap, wave the rider behind you through.“Don’t nail yourself trying to do super-hard turns if the pace is above what you are capable of or you know you are tiring. If you start to get dropped, the group will have to slow down to look after you, or in some cases you will be dropped. Or you may be able to follow the group whilst you recover.“Show your respect for other cyclists and the drivers with whom we share the road. Remember we represent cycling in the New Forest and want to enhance the reputation of cyclists not hinder it.“If you need to spit, makes sure you’re at the back of the line.
Will Stephenson (Primera-Specialized)gives his view from the bunch at the Cadence Junior Road Race.

At the start it was crazy as in a junior race everyone wants to be at the front because there is a lot more attacking an harsher changes of speed than in a senior race. Everyone was jostling for position but I managed to get up there.
A break of 5 went early on and stayed away for the race gaining about 3mins at one point. At about half way 2 riders slipped of the front and got a gap. I and 2 others bridged up to them and worked well, catching the break which now had a lead of about a minute an a half.
Unfortunately going through a bend the rider in front suddenly veered wide and his skewer went in my front wheel, buckling it quite badly. I managed to slacken off the break to its widest and that was just enough for it not to rub.
After another lap or so another much larger group joined our lead group and it grew in size from about 12 to 30. With such a large group I stayed near the front, responding to attacks and going with them.
With a lap to go Tao went the off the front gaining a gap quickly. With a too large group only a few of us were putting effort into the chase, the rest just sat up and took it easy. Dibben went off the front and got another big gap. On the final hill I went early, following a few other riders. We got a gap and the remaining group were strung out behind. We were all racing for 4th now. It was a long drawn out drag race like sprint from a few hundred meters out. I managed to get 7th, not quite catching 6th although our wheels were overlapping on the line and I was gaining. I was pleased with my performance in the first national road series round, especially after a hard week. I am looking forward to the next one where I hopefully will be able to improve.

Entries are wanted for the EDCA 27km Time Trial on 15th April. Entries should go to Ros Spencer of Poole Wheelers (13 ALVERTON AVE, DORSET BH15 2QF) and not as listed in the CTT handbook. Bryce Dyer(VC ST Raphael) won last year, clocking 37.10. Closing date for the event on the Gallows Hill circuit is Tuesday 3rd April.

Local Riders,Local Races

Photo,Graham Robins

Toby Neave gave his new team, Primera-Specialized their first win of the season at the Mountbatten centre, Portsmouth. Neave made his move with four laps remaining in the senior race. The bunch hesitated and the Primera rider was clear, crossing the line alone. Neaves teammates Jason Eastwood & Will Stephenson both finished comfortably in the main field. Stephenson had ridden the BJW 20 tt the previous day, finishing 2nd.

Dave Gilham reports on the womens race.......The women’s race came down to a sprint finish and with 2 laps to go the pace went up substantially leaving 3 riders in contention for the sprint. The speed went even higher down the back straight on the final lap shedding Fran Blake (Southdown Velo / Hunter Spring Consultancy), leaving Nikki Wheeler (Wiggle) leading out the sprint with Ellie Gilham (VC ST Raphael/Waites Contracts) on her wheel. Ellie jumped coming into the home straight attacking Nikki on her outside quickly drawing level, then drawing on her track experience, used the height gained from the corner banking and came past Nikki to take the victory by a clear bike length and finished about 11th in the men’s sprint!.....Gilham has just come off a three week intensive training block,her next competitive outing is at the Thruxton motor racing circuit on Sunday 18th March.It will be her first opportunity to race with her VC St. Raphael racing team.
In the supporting men’s race Steve Moss (Bournemouth Arrow/Hotel Collingwood) had to settle for second place behind Matt Hargroves (Hargroves Cycles). Harrison Fielding (Poole Wheelers) also took second place in the youth race.

Dave Pickering (BJW) won round 4 of the inter-club series. Pickering clocked 48.16 for the 20 mile two lap circuit at Furzehill. Will Stephenson (Primera-Specialized) 48.45 took second place, with Cliff Rowe (BJW), 50.16, third.

The following day on the Wareham –Gallows Hill 15 mile circuit, Gary Dighton (Poole Wheelers) won round 5. Several riders went off course but Dighton had no problems, recording 35.03. Tim Wallis (SUCC) 37.41 finished a distant second.

VELO Club St Raphael’s Andy Rivett was the only rider to better 25-mph in New Forest Cycling Club’s first 10-mile time trial of the season. Bob Jolliffe reports.......He was on the rivet right around the tough Holmsley-A35-Burley Lawn-Burley loop which this year was made even more difficult with a cyclo-cross element thrown in for good measure where a cattle grid is being replaced in Lyndhurst Road.Veteran club member Chris Gannaway took charge of the adjoining access gate to ensure livestock did not get onto the A35 while competitors took to the mud for a few yards.Despite the short delay, Rivett took full advantage of the sunny but cool conditions to clock 23-55.

His time was 29 seconds faster than those of New Forest CC’s Gary Lock and GA Cycles’ Ray Claridge who tied for second with 24-36.Sotonia CC’s Stuart Martingale was a further 24 seconds off the pace with 25-00 for fourth, while Rivett’s teammate Bryce Dyer took fifth with 25-20.There followed a trio of good times from NFCC riders with John Heffernan clocking 25-30, Ben Boardman 25-37 and Colin Humm 25-41.Women’s 25-mile competition record and multi-national champion Julia Shaw (Drag2Zero) followed up her winning ride in the recent Mersey Tunnel time trial with 26-09 for ninth place, while New Forest CC’s Stuart Ward made a welcome return after a broken wrist kept him out of competition last season with 26-15 for tenth.There was a record turn-out for the event, with 40 signed on and one non-starter.Other times (NFCC) unless stated: Peter Wilson (Bournemouth Arrow CC) 26-25, Chris Grant (private trial) 26-35, Chris Hughes 26-40, Stuart Peckham 26-42, Geri Robinson 26-52, Steve Roberts and Lee Hookem tied with 27-13, Rob Brinsden 27-32, James Bannister 27-50, Richard Mason 27-51, Ben Saunders 27-57, Gary Plumb 28-21, David Wilson 28-40, Richard Rajski 28-44, Phil Underwood 29-01, Nick Williams 29-06, Konner Bracher-Walsh 29-23, Mike Ahearn 29-31, Stuart Grace (GA Cycles) 29-44, Nigel Gemmell 30-22, Antony Moyle 30-26, Peter Weaver 31-21, Bob Jolliffe 31-35, Donna Shaw 32-23, Chris Mills 32-26, Peter Hawker 32-45, Nick Cooper 33-19, Martin Balk 34-34, Andrew Bunch 35-09.This Sunday’s (MARCH 18) event, the second in the Forest Aggregate Series is over 12.8 miles starting from Holmsley and taking in Brockenhurst and Rhinefield before returning south along the A35 to Holmsley. Event HQ is Goatspen car park and the start time 9.31am.

Mark Chadbourne (Ridebike.co.uk) reports on the Gorrick MTB series Rnd 3 at Crowthorne Woods in Berkshire.

A typical Gorrick course, with lots of fun, twisty singletrack with a few short sharp climbs to tire the legs. At first glance its not to tough, but if you race it, the constant accelerations out of the corners will take their toll by the end.
Liz Gilmour got her first win in the Masters women and looked very comfortable as she crossed the line. Stu King had a fantastic start that saw him leading at the end of the first lap with a small gap. However luck wasn’t on his side as he had a slow puncture and had no choice but to fix it. Stu was pleased to be back on his Top Fuel again and knows he is in shape. Mark Chadbourne had his first race back and spent it dicing with his main rivals from last year. Lacking that little bit of a racing edge he was content to watch the sprint unfold and rolled in for a satisfying 3rd. Steve Moors was sampling the Grand Vet racing for the first time this year. Finding he was very quick in the technical stuff but losing out on the fire roads meant that he was playing catch up. Despite this he recorded a great 2nd place and has the opportunity to take a look at his rivals for the season ahead. Other Locals in action included, Mark Hardwicke & Ash James (Bournemouth Arrow) & Garrett Hill & Ashley Sutton (UK Biking-Primera). The first round of the Southern series is this weekend at Checkendon,Kent

Parkstone cycle clothing specialists, Prendas Ciclismo are to continue their support for one of the country’s top women’s teams.

The Matrix Fitness-Prendas Ciclismo team includes Great Britain Olympic hopefuls, Dani King and Jo Rowsell and has a full programme of national and European races. The average age of the team is just 20 with former British Champion Chris Walkers daughter, Jessie, the youngest at just 17. Mick Tarrant of Prendas said: “They all make great role models for other girls looking to get into the sport, they don’t get supported like the guys do, so it’s great for Prendas to put something back into the sport” (HARGROVES CYCLES have announced they will also be sponsoring the team this season)