Join us for 2018

 If you have tried a few of our sessions and enjoyed you can sign up to join Ystwyth Cycle Club for only £20 until the end of December.  As well as the regular rides offered, you’ll receive the monthly email update to keep you informed of other events on and off the bike that the club organises, including socials and member-only training sessions such as bike maintenance and first aid.  You’ll also receive great member-only offers from our club sponsors Continental and our local bike shop Summit Cycles.
We welcome all ages to join, and provide regular on and off-road rides.

Ystwyth CC Time Trial Round 6 – 9th May 2018

After basking in glorious sunshine all weekend with the exception of the sea mist, 15 riders signed on for round 6 of the Ystwyth CC time trial series.  Based in the picturesque location of the Statkraft visitor centre the riders took on the challenge of the slightly hillier 10 mile TT course.  Many riders are now seeing the benefit of the past 5 weeks of lung bursting TT racing along with both the weekly chain gang and Sunday training rides.   In addition, many riders are also racing on the weekends.
While cycling fans take delight in the highlights of the Giro, only the yellow of the marshal vests were of importance to the Ystwyth CC participants.

In the men’s race, Ieuan Andy Davies took the podium spot in a time of 23.37.  Second place went to Mike Tarling in a time of 24.26.  Third place to Caron Pugh in a time of 25.06.

In the female race, Anita Saycell took the podium spot in a time of 26.47. Second place went to Helen Marshall in a time of 27.40 and third place went to the fast improving Lowri Richards in a time of 28.26, also on a road bike.

Again a big thank you to Andy Hunt and the team of marshals for another excellent event. 

Caron Pugh at the start line

Llety Gwyn 10 TT May 2nd 2018 – Round 5

As club members drew back their curtains in the morning, they would have witnessed heavy rain and a strong westerly wind.  The prospect of a nice warm TT was far from the truth. Roll forward 12 hours and the sun graced us with its presence, although the cold westerly wind and cool temperatures were still present.

23 riders signed on to round 5 of the Ystwyth CC time trial series.  Expertly marshalled by Andy Hunt and his team.  As we enter the month of May, many riders are using the TT’s as extra speed training, ideal for mimicking a break away in a road race or just trying to get one over their buddy at a sportive.

In the men’s event, Ieuan Andy Davies, continues to dominate with a strong performance taking the podium spot in 23min and 18sec. This was followed in a time of 23min and 25sec by Danny Thorogood. Third place went to the Steffan Roberts in 24min 3sec. 

In the women’s event, on the back of  the Wyre Forest Road Race, Anita Saycell took 1st place in a time of 26min and 26sec. Second went to Helen Marshall in 26min and 56sec and third place went to a junior rider, Lowri Richards, on a road bike in a fantastic 28min and 16sec. 

In the popular road bike category, Ciaran Rowett took the top spot in a time of 24min 21sec closely followed by Jeff Saycell on his Watt bike in 24min and 25 sec. Pete Jenkins took third place in 27min 31sec.

Again, a huge thanks to riders and marshals for making the event another success.  Next week, the course returns to the Statkraft course, sign on 6.15pm with the first rider off at 7pm.

Rhodri Duffee on his way to 16th place (thank you to Aled Richards for the photo)

Llety Gwyn 10 / May 2nd  2018

1. Ieuan Andy Davies 23.18
2. Daniel Thorogood 23.25
3. Steffan Roberts 24.03
4. Ciaran Rowett (R) 24.21
5. Jeff Saycell (R) 24.25
6. Shelley Childs 25.10
7. Glyn Williams 25.23
8. Ian Stevens 25.24
9. Paul Jones 25.33
10. Dafydd Wright 26.11
11.Martyn Saycell 26.15
12.Anita Saycell 26.26
13.Helen Marshall 26.56
14.Pete Jenkins (R)27.31
15. Alex Lowe (R) 27.32
16. Rhodri Duffee 27.42
17. Jack Ramsbottom (R) 28.08
18. Lowri Richards (R) 28.16
19. Alan Haird (R) 28.20
20. David Wright (R) 29.07
21. Shannon Haird 29.35
22. Dan Ramsbottom 29.51
23. Nia Peris (R) 30.33

Ystwyth CC Round 4 – 25th April 2018

Round 4 of the Ystwyth CC time trial series saw 15 riders sign on to take on the challenge of the 12-mile hilly time trial course. Starting at the visitor centre at Nant yr Arian, with a flock of red kites
circling ready to swoop on any rider showing signs of nerves, the riders took on the challenge of the
6-mile technical descent with speed and precision to the Lovesgrove roundabout before taking the
same 6-mile climb back to the visitor centre.

The records for the course are phenomenally quick, with Stevie Williams holding the men’s record in
a time of 31min and 3 seconds – a time some cars would struggle to beat. In the ladies event the
course record is held by Dr Helen Marshall in a time of 38min and 10 seconds.

With a blustery south-westerly wind, it would be unlikely that the record would fall on this occasion,
although the course is ridden a second time in June.

On this course, riders are often torn between riding a traditional road bike, where the rider may gain
additional time by being able to climb more efficiently, or riding a TT bike where they may gain
additional time, if brave on the descent, and then ride to their maximum threshold on the flat section
of the course.

In the two-up event, Leif and Layla Skot took the win in a time of 47min 02seconds.
In the ladies event, Anita Saycell took the win in a time of 40min 08seconds.
In the highly competitive men’s event, Ieuan Andy Davies took the win in a time of 32min
47seconds; second place went to Andy Hunt in a time of 32min 48seconds; third place went to
Danny Thorogood in a time of 33min 25seconds.

Next week, riders return to the fast Llety Gwyn course with registration starting at 6.15pm and first
rider off at 7pm.

Again, a huge thank you to the time keepers and marshals. For further information on the time trial
series please visit the Ystwyth CC webpage.

https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time- trials/

Nant yr Arian Hilly / April 25th 2018

1. Ieuan Andy Davies 32.47
2. Andy Hunt 32.48
3. Daniel Thorogood 33.25
4. Joshua Tarling 34.20
5. Steffan Roberts 35.01
6. Caron Pugh 35.18
7. Michael Tarling 35.20
8. Clint Middleton 35.55
8.Shelley Childs 35.55
10. Martyn Saycell 39.06
11.Pete Jenkins 39.26
12.Anita Saycell 40.08
13.Leif & Layla Skot 2up 47.02
Ciaran Rowett DNS

Start of the Nant yr Arian TT

Ystwyth CC Time Trial – Round 3

Llety Gwyn 10 – 18th April 2018
In glorious spring sunshine with a blustery south westerly wind, 32 riders signed on for round 3 of
the Ystwyth CC time trial series.
With conditions better than the previous two rounds and the temperature rising, quicker times were
anticipated but the strong headwind would limit the chance of a course record going. It was also
good to see Pro Rider Gruff Lewis in attendance racing for the Ribble Pro Cycling team.
In the popular road bike category, Gruff Lewis took top spot and the fastest time of the night in
22min 31sec; second place went to Clint Middleton in a time of 26min 37sec; and third place went to
Endaf Williams in a time of 27min 14sec.
In the main TT event, the women’s competition saw a competitive field in the start line, with 6 riders
competing. Anita Saycell took the win with a strong performance of 26min 12sec; second spot went
to Helen Marshall in a time of 27.07sec; third place went to Emma Palfrey in a time of 28min 18sec.
In the men’s event, Gruff Lewis dominated with a time of 22min 31sec; second place went to Ieuan
Andy Davies in a time of 23min 24sec; and third place went to a young West Wales Race Team rider
Josh Tarling in a time of 23min 34sec.
Again, the event was excellently marshalled by Andy Hunt and the crew.
Next week, the series moves to the Nant Yr Arian hilly course, a challenging 7 mile decent and 7 mile ascent. 
Llety Gwyn 10 – 18th April 2018

1. Gruff Lewis (R) 22.31
2. Ieuan Andy Davies 23.24
3. Josh Tarling 23.34
4. Daniel Davies 23.40
5. Michael Tarling 24.04
6. Steffan Owens 24.16
7. Steffan Roberts 24.17
8. Caron Pugh 24.32
9. Andrew Poole 24.36
10. Ian Stevens 25.23
11. Glyn Williams 25.38
12. Shelley Childs 25.50
13. Martyn Saycell 26.07
14. Anita Saycell 26.12
15. Paul Jones 26.21
16. Clint Middleton (R) 26.37
17. Helen Marshall 27.07
18. Andy Starr 27.13
19. Endaf Williams (R) 27.14
20. Dafydd Wright 27.16
21. Alex Lowe (R) 27.53
22. Jack Ramsbottom (R) 27.59
23. Emma Palfrey 28.18
24. Rhodri Duffee 28.23
25. Andy Purkiss (R) 28.44
26. Leif Skot (R) 29.09
27. Shannon Haird 29.19
28. Alan Haird (R) 29.30
29. Rhodri Jenkins (R) 30.22
30. Sarah Hawkins (R) 30.37
31. Nia Peris (R) 30.52
Danny Thorogood DQ

Ystwyth CC Time Trial – Round 2

With the smell of freshly baked cake and coffee brewing, 35 riders signed on to compete in round 2 of the Ystwyth CC time trial series.  This week, the event was classed as a ‘taster’ event and on the back of the successful Tour of the Mining Valley Road Race it was expected that the number of riders was due to be more, but no one could have expected a start list of 35.

The event saw a number of regular faces, missing from last week on the sign-on sheet; the biggest surprise was seeing Jeff Saycell out on the road and not a watt bike before the month of June!  Again, it was great to see riders from West Wales Cycling make the trip up the Rheidol Valley.

In the two-up category, again Leif Skot and grand-daughter Laila took the win in a time of 30min 28sec.

In the road bike category (no tri/aero bars) the fastest rider on the night was Jeff Saycell in a time of 24min 51sec.  In second place, Ciaran Rowett in a time of 24min 58sec. and in third, Richard Eakins  in a time of 25min 56sec.

With a strong south-easterly wind, the riders would see the benefit on the outward leg before facing a tough return to the finish line. Taking the win in a time of 23min 46sec was Ieuan Andy Davies.  In second place, Josh Tarling in a time of 24min 03sec  and in third joint place, Steffan Roberts and Danny Thorogood in a time of 24min and 25sec.

In the ladies event, Anita Saycell took podium place in an impressive time of 26min and 29sec; surely the course record will go this year on a better condition evening.  In second place, Lowri Richards in a time of 29min and 28sec and in third place Shannon Haird in a time of 30min 39sec.

The great aspect of time trial events is the sub-plot battles taking place within the event. This evening, 9 riders all came in within the 25 minute to 27 minute region.

Again, the event organiser, Andy Hunt, supported by Andy and Elaine Davies and Derek Rattray, ensured that all riders enjoyed the experience.  It was great to see support at all key stages of the course with a flurry of camera flashes on each corner.

To finish off a great event, riders enjoyed tea, coffee and a selection of cakes to top up the calorie deficit.

Next week, we return to the Llety Gwyn course, sign-on from 6.15pm with the first rider off at 7.00pm.

Cwm Rheidol 10 11/4/18

1. Ieuan Andy Davies 23.46
2. Josh Tarling 24.03
3. Steffan Roberts 24.25
3. Danny Thorogood 24.25
5. Michael Tarling 24.26
6. Jeff Saycell (R) 24.51
7. Ciaran Rowett (R) 24.58
7. Daniel Davies 24.58
9. Daniel Rushton 25.42
10. Richard Eakins (R) 25.56
11. Caron Pugh (R) 26.25
12. Anita Saycell 26.29
13. Scott Tomsett 26.56
14. Andrew Knowles (R) 27.09
15. Dafydd Wright 27.14
16. Martyn Saycell 27.21
17. Jack Ramsbottom (R) 27.33
18. Sam Smith 28.13
19. Rhodri Duffee 28.29
20. Liam Straiton (R) 29.15
21. Dan Ramsbottom (R) 29.26
22. Lowri Richards (R) 29.28
23. Andy Purkiss (R) 29.39
24. Alan Haird (R) 29.40
25. Layla and Leif Skot 2up (R) 30.28
26. Shannon Haird 30.39
27. Heulwen Lloyd (R) 31.04
28. Nia Peris (R) 31.09
29. David Wright (R) 31.40
30. Karen Davis 32.29
31. Andy Hamilton 32.38
32. Lynfa Davies 33.39
Clint Middleton DNF
Paul Jones DNF
Glyn Williams DNF
A rarely seen Jeff Saycell

Ystwyth CC’s Tour of the Mining Valleys 2018 race report and full results

After being postponed earlier in the season due to adverse weather, Ystwyth CC’s National B Tour of the Mining Valleys road race, which was held on Sunday 8th April, saw a full field of E/1/2/3 riders taking to the hills above Aberystwyth and the Rheidol valley. The race followed a new 84-mile course this year, challenging the riders to three laps of an undulating course leaving Aberystwyth via the A4120 to Devil’s Bridge, turning on to the B4343 to Dyffryn Castell before joining the A44 for the climb to Nant yr Arian and the subsequent descent to Aberystwyth.
A breakaway of 5 riders formed in the latter stages of the first lap, as the race descended back into Aberystwyth for the first time, building up a 2-minute gap to the peloton. The group of 5 riders stayed away from the peloton well into lap 3, with local professional rider Gruff Lewis of Ribble Pro Cycling winning the primes at the start of lap 2 and lap 3. The breakaway was caught later in the third and final lap, with eventual race winner Callum Ferguson of Team KTM UK featuring in a subsequent breakaway that managed to stay away until the finish line, ahead of James Tillett of the Wales Racing Academy and Jack Stanton-Warren of Wheelbase Castelli UK. The first junior to finish was Jacob Knight of Zero BC Development Team.
Callum Ferguson of Team KTM UK taking the win in the 2018 Tour of the Mining Valleys [photo: Aled Richards]
Top three finishers Callum Ferguson (Team KTM UK), James Tillett (Wales Racing Academy) and Jack Stanton-Warren (Wheelbase Castelli UK)
As well as Talybont-based Gruff Lewis, several other local riders took to the start line, with Jack Woolley of Ystwyth CC winning the Angela Davies memorial trophy – a new trophy for 2018 which was awarded to the top local finisher in memory of the daughter of Ystwyth CC lifetime member Ken Williams. There was significant local support on the roadsides all along the course of the race, with the sunny skies ensuring that the event was well attended by spectators as well as riders.
Jack Woolley of Ystwyth CC being presented with the Angela Davies memorial trophy for the top local finisher by race organiser Gareth Lewis
Ystwyth CC would like to thank race organiser Gareth Lewis; race commissaire Liz Slater and her team, which included another Ystwyth CC lifetime member, Glyn Evans; and NEG Wales, CSAS Wales and Ystwyth CC members for marshalling. The club is also grateful to  Anthony Motors, Cambrian Tyres and Aberystwyth Rugby Club for their generous support. 
Full results are as follows:
1st, 29, Callum Ferguson, Team KTM UK, 3.17.15
2nd, 89, James Tillett, Wales Racing Academy, S.T.
3rd, 79, Jack Stanton-Warren, Wales Racing Academy, S.T.
4th, 62, Andrew Nicholls, Team B38/Underpin Racing, S.T.
5th, 25, Paul Elcock, ZeroBC, 3.17.46
6th, 40, Oliver Hayward, Rhino Velo Race Team, S.T.
7th, 33, Etienne Georgi, Team Wiggins, S.T.
8th, 50, George Kimber, Team PB Performance, 3.17.50
9th, 53, Ed Laverack, JLT Condor, S.T.
10th, 76, Kieran Savage, Cycling Sheffield Giant Sheffield, S.T.
11th, 11, Frazier Carr, Spirit Tifosi Racing Team, S.T.
12th, 28, George Evans, Team Bottrill – Vanguard, S.T.
13th, 88, Sam Tillett, Wales Racing Academy, S.T.
14th, 81, Joe Swinnerton, Swinnerton Cycles, S.T.
15th, 69, Daniel Pullen, Cycling Sheffield Giant Sheffield
16th, 52, Jacob Knight, ZeroBC Development Team
17th, 82, Bradley Symonds, Team PB Performance
18th, 1, William Roberts, Wales Racing Academy
19th, 10, Joshua Burns, Cardiff JIF
20th, 15, Daniel Coombe, Wales Racing Academy
21st, 51, Harrison Knight, ZeroBC Development Team
22nd, 46, Freddie Jagger, Team  B38/Underpin Racing
23rd, 57, Chris Mann, Marsh Tracks Racing – Trek
24th, 403, Jack Solva
25th, 27, Hefin Evans, Bynea CC
26th, 83, Louis Szymanski, Cycling Sheffield Giant Sheffield
27th, 14, Joe Clark, Cycling Sheffield Giant Sheffield
28th, 58, Will Mapus-Smith, Clwb Beicio Egni
29th, 99, Jack Woolley, Ystwyth Cycling Club
30th, 42, Jake Hollins, Canyon UK
31st, 65, Charlie Passfield, Spirit Tifosi Racing Team
32nd, 44, Rhys Howells, Rapha Cycling Club
33rd, 74, Robert Rogers, Team PB Performance
34th, 30, Harry Gillett, ZeroBC Development Team
35th, 59, Kinsey Mcllquham, KTM UK Factory MTB Team
36th, 72, Ed Roberts, Rhos On Sea Cycling Club
37th, 80, Tom Swingler, Halesowen A & CC
38th, 66, Jordan Peacock, Spirit Tifosi Racing Team
40th , 90, Andrew Turner, Team KTM UK
41st, 45, Declan Hudson, Liverpool Century BC
42nd, 78, Chris Sleath, MTS-Rapid Engineering NE
43rd, 68, Chris Pook, Rhino Velo Race Team
44th, 7, Dan Brough, Pro Vision Race Team
45th, 91, Kirk Vickers, Rhino Velo Race Team
46th, 85, Jude Taylor, Team B38/Underpin Racing
47th, 36, Ewan Grivell-Mellor, Mid Shropshire Wheelers
48th, 6, Tyler Brennan, Hafren CC

49th, 67, Richard Pizzey, Ystwyth Cycling Club, 3.41.22

    Ystwyth CC Time Trial – Round 1

    The month of April sees many of the one day cycling classics take place, in particular, Paris Roubaix or Hell of the North as it is commonly referred to. April also sees the return of the Ystwyth CC Time Trial series. Although no cobble stones, the pot holed A44 on the Llety Gwyn course did provide riders with some challenging riding conditions, mixed in with a gusty north westerly wind and rain showers.
    Referred to as the ‘race of truth’, an individual time trial sees riders race against the clock on a flat or
    rolling course. The Ystwyth CC events take place over a distance of 10 miles, 22 miles and a
    particularly challenging 14 mile course between the months of April to September.
    On the first event of the year it was also good to see local riders from both Caron and West Wales Cycling.  Twenty riders signed on, expertly marshalled by Andy Hunt, time trial co-ordinator, supported by Kim and Derek. With less than ideal conditions, with many riders choosing to go safe with road bikes instead of their regular TT bikes, it would be interesting to see who would take the podium positions in both the female and male category.
    In the two up category Leif Skot and granddaughter Layla competed in the this category and showed
    the form that saw them compete in 2017.
    Glaciologist Katie Miles, a regular on the Sunday 9.30am ride took the win and was fastest female on
    the night with a strong ride time of 33.14, closely followed by Lynfa Davies.

    In the male category, following on from a strong winter training period incorporating long training
    rides and specific speed sessions, Ieuan Andy Davies took the podium win in a time of 24.26. With a strong performance, Gethin Howells took second spot in a time of 24.44. Third place went to Steffan Roberts in a time of 24.50.

    Next week, with the promise of more spring weather, the riders take on the challenge of the 10 mile Cwm Rheidol course (tea/coffee/cake available too!). Sign on will be from 5.45pm at Statkraft Visitor Centre / Cafè Car Park. For further details, visit the Ystwyth CC webpage:
    https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

    Scott Tomsett on the start line
     Llety Gwyn 10 4/4/18
    1. Ieuan Andy Davies 24.26

    2. Gethin Howells 24.44
    3. Stefan Roberts 24.50
    4. Henry Moss (R) 25.22
    5. Ciaran Rowett 25.28
    6. Scott Tomsett 26.37
    7. Ian Stevens 26.45
    8. Shelley Childs 26.46
    9. Adam Hughes (R) 26.50
    10.Caron Pugh (R) 27.18
    11.Martyn Saycell (R) 29.37
    12.Sion Tansley (R) 30.39
    13.Trevor Beck (R) 30.50
    14.Layla Skot/Leif Skot 2up (R) 31.11
    15.Liam Straiton (R) 31.34
    16. Mike Fitch (R) 33.12
    17. Katie Miles (R) 33.14
    18. Lynfa Davies (R) 35.39
    19. Paul Jones DNF

    Fancy trying out road racing…?

    It can seem a bit daunting and difficult to know how to get into road racing and give it a go. There are different types of races, from closed circuit races on purpose-built tarmac tracks, round town criterium races to road races on the open road and time trials.
    Giving time trials a go is the easiest option for Ystwyth riders, with events organised weekly by the club from April to August. More news will follow on these and the introductory session planned before the first club time trial starts.
    To add in the fun of tactics and the chance to race in a group, circuit races can be a good starting place. The fields are usually smaller, the surface is good and the races are usually around 40 minutes in length. The downside of having more corners can be the constantly changing pace compared to a road race.
    Road races can be anything from 30 miles up to 80+ miles on a variety of courses. These are held on open roads with a race convoy of vehicles surrounding the riders to protect them and race marshals on the route to help keep the course safe. The club will be hosting a road race on Sunday, 4th March and this is a great chance to come and support the riders and see what a road race is all about! https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/173305/Tour-of-the-Mining-Valleys
    A great early-season series consisting of four races are held every January and February in Stourport; these are friendly and well organised and have a separate race for Category 4 riders (more on the categories later!). There are hundreds of road events organised throughout the year and the British Cycling website has them all listed. You can search by Category 4 races only, women only races or by location, along with the type of event you are looking for: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/home  

    What are the rider categories?
    There are five categories: Elite, Category 1, Category 2, Category 3 and Category 4.  Everybody starts as a Category 4 rider. Points are awarded in races and as you gain the required points you move up a category. 
    If you are considering racing there is a great overview here of what’s involved:
    If you already have a Bronze, Silver or Gold British Cycling Membership you should have a provisional licence as part of your membership. This will allow you to race in most races, but if you win points in your race you won’t be eligible. You will need a full race licence if you want the points to count! https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/membership/licence
    If you fancy giving racing a go, have a chat to those in the club that race regulurlary to see which races they recommend and to discuss the possibilities of lift sharing! 

    Ystwyth CC members to represent the British Team

    Three Ystwyth CC members, Dylan Lewis, Shelley Childs and Andrew Poole, have been training hard and competing with great success, and have all qualified for the European Championships in Ibiza later this year. Dylan will be competing in the European Off Road Duathlon Championships, Shelley in the European Standard Distance Duathlon Championships and Andrew Poole in the European Half Ironman Championships.
    They will all be representing the British team for their respective age groups, which is fantastic!
    Duathlons usually involve a run, a cycle and then another run, with the transitions being timed and included as part of the race, and triathlons involve a swim, a cycle and finish with a run. Duathlons and triathlons are held all over the UK, they can be on or off road and of varying distances. If you fancy trying an event check out the British Triathlon events page: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/search
    The club would like to wish Dylan, Shelley and Andrew good luck with their training leading up to their events. You can follow their progress on Twitter @three_gb and on Instagram (three_gb).