Event Sec: Nick Hickman
Principal Time Keeper: Frank Turner
Assistant Timekeepers: Julian Pegg & Nick Hickman
Prop: Steve Smith
Reporter: Paul Wright
Photography: Steve Smith & Nick Hickman
A blisteringly hot evening, with a cooling 7mph westerly greeted twelve intrepid entrants who lined up this evening in what is the penultimate event on this particular course this year.
The conditions seemed to have little to no effect on the riders, even on the reporter who resembles a billowing spinnaker in anything other than dead calm. The wind was cutting across the course in most of the exposed areas and assisting slightly through Southill village. For a change there were no wayward dogs, learner drivers, UFO’s or any other outside influences to report on.
Following her efforts on Sunday in the Inter Club 25, Catherine Jones used her new Alpine cassette to take the honours in the Women’s competition. Alpe D’Huez should be straightforward enough after her try out on the feared Shuttleworth climb.
As usual, Ryan Witchell was the fastest man home with a long 21, missing a personal course best by just 3 seconds. Gavin Ashfield, Tom Weir and Andy Saunders battled it out for the podium places, all recording a short 24 and Andy not quite getting a foot on the 3rd step.
An intense midfield tussle ensued with some miraculous times coming from some very tired legs. David Summerell was just 11 seconds adrift of the whole field achieving better than Evens.
Thanks as always to the organisers, timekeepers and prop who give up their time for our enjoyment.
Hitchin Nomads Competition
Women: Catherine Jones 29:05
Men: Ryan Witchell 21:37, Gavin Ashfield 24:09, Tom Weir 24:15, Andy Saunders 24:29, Nigel Tooke 26:35, Paul Cooper 27:30, Paul Wright 27:58, Paul Fletcher 28:08, Mark Loosely 29:21, David Summerell 30:11
Private Time Trials
Bob Wright (CC Ashwell) 28:04 inc. 8 secs late start penalty
Next Event
Tuesday 31st July will be your last chance to take on the classic “Briercliffe 10” this year before we switch to the “Roadworks” course. Witchell is busy so there’s a chance for someone else to get the fastest time of the evening. Make sure you click the ride button on the poll when it’s posted later this week. You may even be lucky and get picked to write the report, which is an honour in itself.