With the cancellation of round thirteen, riders were keen to jump back on their bikes and test themselves for the 20km Nant yr Arian time trial. With the elevation profile looking more like a roller coaster ride, it’s always a great course to test descending skills as well as the rider’s climbing legs. The riders start at Nant yr Arian, then head down to Lovesgrove roundabout, before beginning the long steady climb back to where they started, accumulating over 300m of ascent in the time trial.
A warm, dry evening meant that the nine riders were treated to excellent conditions. With a slightly earlier start time, the first rider set off at 6.30pm with each rider following with a minute gap.
It proved an exciting battle for the men’s podium places, with only 50 seconds separating the top three riders. Paul Brewer, proving his climbing skills, took the overall win, in 35.05. In second place on his road bike, Glyn Williams, in 35.24. Glyn’s time was also a new V60 age category record by an impressive 7 minutes. Completing the podium, Arwel Jones rode a strong race to finish third in 35.55.
In the women’s race, Lois Brewer took the top spot and finished first in 36.20, only 3 seconds off the course record she set herself last year. Chasing her down, Emma Palfrey took second on the podium with 38.54 and completing the podium, Anita crossed the line to take third in 41.25.
It was great to see Andy Starr testing himself on the tough course and dipping under the 44minutes. Another top performance on the night came from David Bond, finishing in 39.24 to knock an impressive 5 minutes off his course time in May. While Martin Williams, having competed in a previous 10 mile time trial event the evening before, showed no sign of tired legs and flew up the hill to take a new V70 course record and crossed the line in 44.43.
Well done to all the riders and thank you to Andy Hunt for his excellent organising and time keeping and Kristian Bond for marshalling. Without the help each each week, the events would not go ahead.
Next week the series returns to Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course (7th August). All riders are welcome to come along and test themselves against the clock. Sign on details will be posted on the Club Facebook page.
Round 14 Results – Nant yr Arian Hilly:
Paul Brewer 35.05
Glyn Williams R 35.24
Arwel Wyn Jones 35.55
Lois Brewer 36.20
Emma Palfrey 38.54
David Bond R 39.24
Anita Saycell 41.25
Andy Starr 43.39
Martin Williams R 44.43
R = No TT bars
Time Keeper
Andy Hunt
Chief Marshal
Kristian Bond
Photo Credits: Elaine Brewer
