Ystwyth CC – round 13 – 27th June
Round 13 of the Ystwyth CC time trial series saw 11 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, the riders took on the challenge of the six mile sweeping descent with speed and precision to the Lovesgrove roundabout before taking the same six mile climb back to the visitor centre. With temperatures topping 25 degrees it would be a hot ascent with a strong head wind to the finish line.
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. In calm hot conditions and many riders returning from a week riding in the French Alps, it would be likely that many riders may be close to the course record.
On this course, riders are often torn between riding a traditional road bike, where the rider may gain 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 ladies event, Leah Brewer took the win in an impressive time of 38.36 which was very close to the course record. Second place went to current course record holder Helen Marshall in a time of 39.35. Third place went to Anita Saycell in a time of 40.39.
In the men’s event, Ieuan Andy Davies took the win in a time of 32.33, only 8 seconds away from the age group course record; second place went to Andy Hunt in a time of 33.23; third place went to Arwel Jones on a road bike in a time of 34.42.
In the road bike category, fastest male was Arwel Jones in a time of 34.42 and in the female road bike category, Anita Saycell with 40.39.
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 / July 27th 2018
1. Ieuan Andy Davies 32.33
2. Andy Hunt 33.23
3. Arwel Jones R 34.42
4. Caron Pugh 35.35
5. Paul Brewer 36.00
6. Leah Brewer 38.36
7. Helen Marshall 39.35
8. Anita Saycell R 40.39
9. Owen Thomas R 44.46
10. Layla + Leif Skot R 46.41