Round 3 Catalina Architecture TT Series – 19th May 2021

The third round of the inaugural time trial series saw 13 riders take to the start line, with good weather in the picturesque Rheidol Valley.

With traffic lights on the A44, the course was shortened to enable the time trial to still go ahead. The riders headed along the length of the Rheidol Valley and returned back the same way, covering the 6.8 miles.

Ystwyth CC rider Caron Pugh proved the fastest man on the night with a strong ride to finish the revised course in 15.36. Taking second place on the podium, was Ystwyth CC rider Richard Pizzey with a fantastic time of 15.45, which also earnt him the win for the men’s road bike category. Completing the podium in third place, was Gruff Pugh-Jones with his time of 16.58.

The men’s road bike category saw Richard Pizzey take the win in15.45, Gruff Pugh-Jones in second place with his 16.58 and Rhys Iorwerth Evans completing the podium with his time of 17.08.

The women’s race saw Emma Palfrey storm the revised course to take the overall win with 18.18, followed by a strong ride from up and coming junior rider Lowri Richards, who crossed the line in 19.05. Lowri’s time also earnt her the road bike category win. In third and completing the podium Ystwyth CC rider Anita Saycell crossed the line with her time of 19.11.

Congratulations and thank you to all the riders that competed on the night, and a very big thank you to the TT organisers, race photographer Aled Richards and to everybody that assisted on the night to ensure the safety of the riders.

Next week the riders will take on the Nant yr Arian course: https://www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/

Catalina Architecture TT Series 2021. Round 3
Cwm Rheidol 6.8m
Caron Owen Pugh 15.36
Richard Pizzey R 15.45
Gruffudd Pugh-Jones R 16.58
Rhys Iorwerth Evans R 17.08
Ciaran Rowett R 17.19
Emma Palfrey 18.18
Lowri Richards R 19.05
Andy Starr 19.09
Anita Saycell 19.11
Thomas Mason R 19.15
Mike Clarke 22.35
Martin Williams R 21.02
Dave Reed R 25.44
Timekeepers:
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s:
Scott Tompsett, Nia Richards & Andrew Davies

Caron Pugh (Ystwyth CC) taking the overall win (Photo credit: Aled Richards)
Emma Palfrey taking the ladies overall win (Photo credit: Aled Richards)

Round 2 Catalina Architecture TT Series – 12th May 2021

Wednesday night (12th May) saw the second round of the inaugural Catalina Architecture TT Series, which proved an exciting night.

Local riders were joined by the Wales Racing Academy Squad to take on the 10 mile Llety Gwyn course.

With great riding conditions, there were some fantastic fast and personal best times from all the riders.

The quality of the field showed through with 10 riders out of the 20 riding dipping under the 23 minute barrier.

The overall first women’s place with a storming time of 22.20, was visiting Elite rider Leah Dixon from Wales Racing Academy Squad who races for Team TIBCO-Silicon Valley Bank. Leah also set a new women’s course record.

In second place and setting a new personal best time, Emma Palfrey flew around the course in 25.53, closely followed by Lowri Richards, with a storming ride and also setting a new personal best time with 26.21.

In the men’s overall category the podium positions were hotly contested with only 7 seconds separating all three riders. The overall win on the night went to the flying Finlay Tarling in 21.02 racing for (WORX Factory Racing). Taking the second spot, was Will Roberts (Wales Racing Academy Squad) crossing the line 5 seconds down with 21.07 and Harvey McNaughton (Wales Racing Academy Squad) only 2 seconds later to complete the podium.

The road bike winners on the night, both young local riders and storming the course were Lowri Richards, with her time of 26.21 and Thomas Mason with his time of 26.45.

The night was not just about the young talent, a special mention goes to Ystwyth CC rider Martin Williams setting a new 10 mile club age record.

Congratulations and thank you to all the riders that competed on the night, and a very big thank you to the TT organisers, race photographer Aled Richards and to everybody that assisted on the night to ensure the safety of the riders.

Next week the series returns to the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course: https://www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/

Results of round 2 Catalina Architecture TT Series – 12th May 2021 (Llety Gwyn)

Finlay Tarling 21.02
Will Roberts 21.07
Harvey McNaughton 21.09
William Truelove 21.14
Joe Holt 21.43
Owain Roberts 21.44
Leah Dixon 22.20
Liam James-Morris 22.42
Caron Owen Pugh 22.49
Matthew Burle 23.13
Emma Palfrey 25.53
Jonathan Price 26.04
Dylan Jones 26.11
Lowri Richards 26.21
Thomas Mason 26.45
Andy Starr 27.59
Martin Williams 30.02
Scott Tompsett & Gerwyn Humphreys 2up 30.47
Dave Reed 35.44

Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s
Andrew Davies, Paul Tedaldi, Elaine Rowlands, Nia Richards, Helen Jackson
& Anita Saycell

Lowri Richards storming to win the ladies road bike category winner (Photo credit: Aled Richards)
Finlay Tarling on his way to take the overall men’s win (Photo credit: Aled Richards)
Leah Dixon setting a new course record and taking the overall ladies win (Photo credit: Aled Richards)
Thomas Mason on his way to take the road bike category win
Martin Williams setting a new Ystwyth CC 10 mile age course record (Photo Credit: Paul Tedaldi)

Return of the Catalina Architecture TT Series – 5th May 2021

The Catalina Architecture TT Series returned with a (Covid safe) bang for the first round of 2021 with sixteen riders taking on the 10 mile challenge.

The opening night was held on the Cwm Rheidol course. Each rider started at 1 minute intervals to test their form and fitness over the ten miles and set their benchmark time for the start of the series.

Starting at the Statkraft Visitor Centre, the riders headed down to the half way point at Lovesgrove roundabout and then returned back to complete the 10 miles.

This is often known as the race of truth because there is no hiding in a pack or drafting, it’s just the rider setting their own time against the elements and the clock.

The opening round didn’t disappoint, with a fast field racing on the night it was no surprise that the first ten riders all finished under an impressive 25 minutes. Josh Tarling (FlandersColor Galloo) stormed around the course and took the overall men’s win on the night and in doing so, set a new men’s course record, with his time of 20.35, knocking 2 seconds off his record from last year.

The second overall men’s place went to Gruff Lewis (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling) with a fast ride on the opening night and crossing the line in 21.24. Taking the third podium spot, junior rider Finlay Tarling (WORX Factory Racing) finishing with an impressive 21.50.

In the men’s road bike category, Griff Lewis (Backstedt Bike Performance RC) flew around the course to take the win in 23.09, followed by Steff James (Caffi Gruff Race Team) in 23.56, and in third place with a time of 24.16 and completing the podium was Hefin Evans (Caffi Gruff Race Team).

In the women’s race Emma Palfrey took the win on the night with 27.25, closely followed by Lowri Richards (Backstedt Bike Performance RC) in 27.58 and completing the podium in third place Anita Saycell in 28.11.

Lowri Richards also took the winning spot for the women’s road bike category with her time of 27.58.

To view a full list of upcoming events in the 2021 Catalina Architecture TT Series: https://www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/

A very big thank you to all the riders, the organisers, Aled Richards for his photos and to everybody that helped during the evening to ensure the riders had a safe and well organised event.

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 1 – Cwmrheidol 10
Joshua Tarling 20.35 (9.54)
Gruffudd Lewis 21.24 (10.27)
Finlay Tarling 21.50 (10.24)
Griff Lewis 23.09 (11.03)
Caron Owen Pugh 23.28 (11.17)
Steffan James 23.56 (11.30)
Henry Moss 23.58 (11.35)
Hefin Evans 24.16 (11.52)
Jack Ramsbottom 24.24 (11.50)
Adam Hepburn 24.33 (11.48)
Llion Rees-Jenkins 26.17 (12.37)
Rhodri Jenkins 26.32 (12.43)
Emma Palfrey 27.25
Lowri Richards 27.58 (13.25)
Anita Saycell 28.11 (13.29)
Dave Reed 38.04 (17.17)
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s
Scott Tompsett & Gwen
Andrew Davies
David Wright

Ystwyth CC rider starting the first club time trial of 2021.
Ystwyth CC’s Dave Reed starting the Catalina Architecture 2021 series

Be part of the action – join Ystwyth CC for 2021!


As a club we are pleased to announce we are back and able to offer local events and club rides again for club members from the 2nd May, following the Welsh Government’s relaxation in regulations.

Good news alert! Anyone that was a member for 2020 has had their membership rolled over for 2021 so no need to do anything!

For any new potential members, the 2021 club membership runs from January to December, you can sign up online and costs;

membership

The Catalina Architecture TT series returns for 2021

The time trials are back! Sign up and have a go for 2021 – they are great events for all riders to challenge themselves against the clock. All the courses are in or near Aberystwyth, making it easy to access and take part in a weekly local event.

All club members are welcome, and no special equipment is needed. Just bring yourself, £3 and a road worthy bike with a rear light.

Also, returning to sponsor the series this year, the club are grateful to Catalina Architecture + Design Ltd.

The first Covid safe event starts on Wednesday 5th May. This will be held on the 10 mile course starting at Statkraft Visitor Centre.

If you would like to ride the 10 mile Cwm Rheidol course before the first TT, sign up to ride the Sunday club ride on the 2nd May (booking link will be emailed to all club members). This will be a chance to ride the course and ask any TT questions on the Sunday club ride.

Further details on how to sign up for the first TT will be posted before Wednesday 5th May on the club Facebook site.

A list of the 2021 TT dates can be found here: 2021 Catalina Architecture Time Trial Series

Club rides are returning!

It’s great news that outdoor group activity, organised by official clubs can restart from the 26th April 2021. Following this Welsh Government announcement the club will be co-ordinating Sunday rides starting from the 2nd May 2021.

The club will start with small groups of riders and pre-booking will be required to ensure we can safely organise the rides. Over time we hope to increase the number of rides available and different pace groups.

Each week the ride options available will be emailed to club members (about two days beforehand) along with a booking link.

Please ensure you select a ride that is appropriate to your current pace to ensure everyone enjoys the ride and stays together (2 meters apart).

It is fantastic to be able to offer club rides again and catch up with old and new faces.

Hanging up the clipboard after 40 years of service as a cycling Commissaire

Ystwyth Cycle Club have been very fortunate to have the support and expertise for many years from club life member Ken Williams is his role as a National Commissaire.

Ken will be stepping down from this role after a long service of over forty years to Welsh Cycling as a Commissaire, of which over twenty eight of these years were as a National Commissaire. Ken could regularly be found Commissairing at races all over the country ensuring they were run safely and fairly.

The club would like to wish Ken all the best with his retirement from his role of Commissaire and thank him for all his work and help over the many years. Diolch yn fawr Ken.

Ken William’s in his early days racing for Ystwyth CC at the start of the Welsh Brewer’s Road Race in 1970, which started in Aberystwyth.
A cycle Race in Aberystwyth 1983. Ken Williams is in the dark suit holding the clip board and the Mayor of Aberystwyth has the finish flag.
Ken and Glyn Evans , are life members of YCC. At the time of the photo, they were two of only five National Commissaires in Wales
Tour of the Mining Valleys Ystwyth CC Road Race 2014 – Ken is on the finish line as Race Commissaire

YCC jersey challenge is launched for 2021

We are launching the 2021 YCC jersey challenge and encouraging club members to upload their photos of their club jersey whilst out riding.

All club members that upload a photo will receive a small gift at the end of the year.

It is crucial that current guidelines are adhered to. Check out Welsh Cycling for a summary of latest rules/regulations: Welsh Cycling Coronavirus / Covid-19 Update

There are a number of ways you can upload your photos;

Instagram: #ystwythcc @ystwythcc

Facebook: #yccjersey2021 Clwb Beicio Ystwyth

E-mail: ystwythcc@gmail.com

Closing date: 19th November 2021.

Submit as many photos as you would like but only one gift per club member.

Photo: Kristian Bond

AGM round up – Club President presentation & good news for 2020 members!

At the recent club AGM, it was great to have over 20 attendees (online) to help make the decisions shaping the club for 2021.

The full minutes will be circulated soon to club members, but in the meantime we can share some updates for those that were unable to attend.

2021 Committee

The committee for 2021 can be seen on the website: Committee – Clwb Beicio Ystwyth Cycling Club the main change is that John Gee has kindly stepped forward to take over from Lowri as Treasurer. The club are very grateful for all the work and time Lowri has given to the club in this role and Lowri will be working alongside John to arrange the handover when safe to do so.

There is a role vacant for 2021 if anyone is interested! The Press Secretary role involves writing short blog posts on club news and activities and the use of social media to promote these. E-mail ystwythcc@gmail.com if interested in this role or have any questions.

Membership rolled over for 2020 Club Members

There was a decision at the AGM to roll over the membership for 2020 club members, which is great news and those that joined this year do not have to rejoin for 2021.

Club President presentation

We are sad to announce that Leif, our Club President, Life Member and regular club rider has made the move to Denmark and will be greatly missed.

Andy Davies (Club Chairman) presented a club jersey and mounted photo montage to Leif for his commitment to the club over the many years. Leif is happy to continue as the Club President and will be returning regularly post-Covid to visit his family in the area.

On behalf of the club we will all miss Leif who was a regular rider every Sunday. Leif and his wife Kirsten were also regular volunteers at club events and both were accredited cycling race marshals and could be spotted at cycle events throughout Wales.

Leif has been an integral part of the club for a long time and we wish Leif and Kirsten the very best wishes from everyone in Ystwyth CC.

End of 2020…

On the whole it’s been a quiet year for the club, however it’s been great to see so many people out cycling and hopefully when it’s safe to do so we’ll see lots of new faces in 2021.

Thanks to Andy and Derek for safely running the welcomed TT events this year and also thanks to Andy for his work in setting up the Club Zwift TT’s during the lockdown and the quiz!

The Club would like to wish all members a great Christmas break, stay safe and well and hopefully see you all at some point in 2021.

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda