Hill Climb – 28th August 2019

The hill climb saw some great racing to round up a successful timetrial season.  With 18 riders taking to the start line in Llangorwen it promised to be an exciting event.  The riders started at 1 minute intervals and had to ride as hard and fast as they can up hill for 1 mile to the finish line.

The ladies competion had a record turn out and was hotly contested.  Proving fastest on the evening was Eva Marshall crossing the line in 5mins45secs, followed closely by junior West Wales Racing Team rider, Lowri Richards in 6min.01sec, who has resently represented Wales on the track. Taking the third podium spot, was Ystwyth CC’s Katie Miles showing her strength on the hills to finish in 6min25sec.

Setting a new ladies V50 record on the hill climb was Elaine Rowlands, crossing the line in 7mins and 27sec. Elaine has had a fantastic season setting in total four age course records. 

In the men’s competition, it was going to be a fast night with 10 riders all dipping under 5mins30sec for the climb.

Local pro rider from Talybont, Gruff Lewis took the win in 4min08sec.  Battling it out for second place saw Richard Eakins and Adam Hepburn cross the line in the same time, 4min15sec.  Rhys Evans took the third place, only 1 second behind in 4min16sec.

Another record was set on the night.  The V50 hill climb men’s record previously held by Paul Brewer in 2018, was broken by Ieuan Andy Davies crossing the line strongly in 4min55sec.

The club would like to thank series organiser Andy Hunt for putting on a successful series this year and also thank all the riders for taking part.  A huge thank you to Derek and Scott for all their regular help and to everbody else that has been able to help out with marshalling, time keeping, photographs and cakes all of which help to make the series a great event 🙂

Riders were treated to dry weather for the last chance to test themselves on the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course for 2019.  With conditions fairly good, it would be interesting to see what riders could pull out of the bag with their last chance to improve on their course times.

In the ladies road bike category, Elaine Rowlands continued to show her strength, crossing the line first in 29.54, breaking that 30 minute barrier and setting another new V50 record.

In the overall ladies event, Anita Saycell took the win in 26.00, setting the V40 record, with Helen Marshall closely behind in 26.55, and Elaine Rowlands taking the third podium place in 29.54 with her V50 record time.

In the men’s road bike category, Adam Hepburn was the clear winner, crossing the line in 24.37.  In second place was Justin Manley, with a strong ride to finish in 27.53.  The third place went to Toby Driver breaking the 30 minute barrier and finishing in 29.42.

The overall men’s event saw a battle for the three podium places, with Rhys Jeffreys coming out on top with a personal best time of 22.46, placing him in first place.  Andy Hunt continued to show his form this year with a storming ride to take second place in 23.28 and Steffan Roberts following closely behind to take the third podium spot with another strong ride finishing in 24.15.

Thanks need to go to all the riders, Andy Hunt for organising, and to Derek, Katie, Scott and Gwen for time keeping and marshalling.

With only 2 events left for 2019, it’s a great chance to come along, set a time and enjoy catching up with other riders.

21/08/2019 Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
28/08/2019 Clarach Hill Climb 1 mile –  7.00pm

Cwm Rheidol 10. Wednesday August 13th 2019

Rhys Jeffreys (11.22) 22.46
Andy Hunt (11.35) 23.28
Steffan Roberts (11.56) 24.15
Adam Hepburn (12.22) 24.37
Anita Saycell (12.51) 26.00
Helen Marshall (13.26) 26.55
Rhodri Duffee (13.31) 27.21
Justin Manley (13.50) 27.53
Toby Driver (14.52) 29.42
Elaine Rowlands (14.40) 29.54

With traffic lights still on the course at Devil’s Bridge, it meant that the riders would be ‘treated’ to a much shorter time trial.  With the revised route starting at Southgate and climbing continuously to the finish, it may have been shorter but definitely not any easier.

With eight riders taking on the course in wet conditions, it was going to be a good night to see who would be strongest mentally and physically on this shorter hilly course.

With no ladies riding, it was left to the men to battle it out for the podium.  The rider that proved the strongest on the evening was TT organiser Andy Hunt in a time of 27.50 earning the top podium spot.  Finishing closely behind was Rhys Evans in 28.08, and taking the third podium spot was Adam Hepburn in 28.38.

Well done to all the riders in tough conditions and to Derek, Nia and Scott for marshalling and time keeping the event.

With only 5 events left there is something for everyone from 1 mile to the 10 mile course.  It’s a great chance to come along, set a time and enjoy catching up with other riders.

07/08/2019  Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
14/08/2019 Cwm Rheidol 10 mile – 7.00pm
21/08/2019 Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
28/08/2019 Clarach Hill Climb 1 mile –  7.00pm

More details on the club website: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

With soaring record temperatures throughout the UK, it was going to prove a night of hot competition.

The men’s road bike category saw Adam Hepburn burn away the competition to take the win and 4th overall with 24.14.  It was great to see Shelley Childs return to the TT scene and take the second place on the road bike podium with 28.14. David Casso-Davies, setting faster times each week completed the podium in 28.41.

The overall men’s event was hotly contested, with all three podium places under the 24 minutes and less than 45 seconds separating the winners. 

Caron Pugh rode away with the win and in doing so set a personal best time of 22.47, and only 25 seconds away from the senior men’s record on this course, which was set by Gareth Hodgson earlier this year.  Ieuan Andy Davies also had a storming ride crossing the line in 22.54, and only 25 seconds from the V50 record.  Taking the third podium spot was Rhys Jeffreys improving his times each week and setting a new personal best to take the overall third place in 23.31.

The women’s road bike win went to Theresa Sharland, riding her first time trial and breaking the 30minute barrier, crossing the line in 29.03.

The overall women’s category saw Anita Saycell take the win in 27.39, only just ahead by 4 seconds from Helen Marshall in 27.43.

Thank you to all the riders, Andy Hunt for organising and time keeping and Scott for his help on the night.

With only 5 events left there is something for everyone from 1 mile to the hilly 22 mile event.  It’s a great chance to come along, set a time and enjoy catching up with other riders.

31/07/2019 Devils Bridge Hilly 22 mile – 6:30pm
07/08/2019  Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
14/08/2019 Cwm Rheidol 10 mile – 7.00pm
21/08/2019 Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
28/08/2019 Clarach Hill Climb 1 mile –  7.00pm

More details on the club website: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Cwm Rheidol 10. Wednesday July 24th 2019

Caron Pugh 22.47
Ieuan Andy Davies 22.54
Rhys Jeffreys 23.31
Adam Hepburn R 24.14
Patrick Mayo 25.21
Dilwyn Griffiths 25.35
Andy Starr 26.53
Rhodri Duffee 27.16
Anita Saycell 27.39
Helen Marshall 27.43
Andre Marsh 28.02
Shelley Childs R 28.14
David Casso-Davies R 28.41
Theresa Sharland R 29.03

A return to the fastest of the local courses saw six riders take on the evening club 10 mile time trial. 

It looked to be a fast night with the overall men’s event dominated by Ieuan Andy Davies in a time of 22.28 edging closer to his own V50 record set last year.  Steffan Roberts took second place in 23.30 with a great ride, and completing the podium was Caron Pugh, having improved on his times each week over the time trial season to cross the line in 23.55.

The road bike win went to Owen Evans in a very swift time of 25.03.

A thank you to all the riders, TT organiser Andy Hunt and to Scott and Mike for their help on the evening.

Next week’s time trial returns to the scenic Rheidol Valley for riders to enjoy the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course with tea, coffee and cakes at the finish.

With only 6 events left in the series it’s not too late to try out a time trial, it’s a great chance to set a personal time for the different courses and a great way to get a quality training ride in!

24/07/2019 Cwm Rheidol 10 mile – 7.00pm
31/07/2019 Devils Bridge Hilly 22 mile – 6:30pm
07/08/2019  Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
14/08/2019 Cwm Rheidol 10 mile – 7.00pm
21/08/2019 Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
28/08/2019 Clarach Hill Climb 1 mile –  7.00pm

More details on the club website: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Llety Gwyn 10 – Wednesday July 17th 2019

Ieuan Andy Davies 22.28
Steffan Roberts 23.30
Caron Pugh 23.55
Owen Evans R 25.03
Rhodri Duffee 26.49
Andre Marsh 27.27

With the Tour de France and the Ystwyth CC Time Trial season in full swing, riders are always hoping for that one night when good form and good weather combine together to produce personal best times.

With 10 riders taking on the scenic and slightly rolling 10 mile course following the Rheidol valley it was going to be interesting to see who had the legs on the night and who would be back first for the coffee and cake at the finish line!

With half the field on road bikes, the top two placings saw a closely fought battle between Rhys Evans and Owen Evans with Rhys just edging ahead in a time of 24.58 and Owen only 13 seconds behind taking 2nd place in 25.11.  Completing the road bike podium was Justin Manley riding strongly and crossing the line in 27.31.

The overall men’s event saw Ieuan Andy Davies taking the top spot in 22.32, only 3 seconds away from the V50 record he set last year.  Steffan Roberts took the second place with 23.23 and third overall,Rhys Evans crossed the line in 24.58.

The women’s overall event saw Anita Saycell take the win in 26.26 with Helen Marshall closely behind in 27.00.

Thank you to Andy H for organising and timekeeping, and to Scott T for marshalling and taking the halfway split times.  It is great to continue to see new faces each week.  If you haven’t yet had a go at a time trial there are still plenty of chances to come along and have a go!  More details can be found:  https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Next week sees a return to the Llety Gwyn course for the next time trial round on the Wednesday 17th June.

This event organised by Andy Hunt saw the 15 riders battling for the Club Championship honours.  It was great to be able to use Caffi Gruff in Talybont as the race HQ.  Riders were able to sign on and enjoy a pre-race coffee.

The pre-entries meant that the riders were seeded with their start time which made for a great event.  With prizes across the board for road bike and TT bike categories, plus a handicap category for the most improved rider there were plenty of prizes up for grabs.

The gently rolling 16.5 mile route started from Tre’ddol and headed out to Machynlleth to return the same way back to the finish.  The riders enjoyed smooth tarmac and quiet Sunday morning roads.  The tailwind to the turnaround provided some quick halfway splits, before the riders battled hard to return to the finish.

After the event, Caffi Gruff again gave the club a warm welcome back providing much needed coffee and cake while the winners were presented with their championship t-shirts.

Huge thank you to Andy H and Derek for organising this event and to Nia, John, Lynfa, Scott, Ian, Karen for all their help at the event and to Caffi Gruff for providing a great race HQ and refreshments.

Club Championship Winners for 2019

Female Road Bike Winner (no TT bars) – Elaine Rowlands

Male Road Bike Winner (no TT bars) – Rhys Evans

Female TT Bike Winner – Anita Saycell

Male TT Bike Winner – Ieuan Andy Davies

TT Handicap Winner – Caron Pugh

Another breezy night met the 16 riders on the faster of the club time trial courses, starting from Llanbadarn.  Apart from the breeze, the sun and warmth made it a great night.

The men’s road bike competition (no tri bars) was hotly contested with the top three riders all within a minute of each other. Steffan James took the win in 24.17, Adam Hepburn second in 24.29 and Owen Huw Evans taking the third spot in 25.11.

The overall men’s event was another closely fought battle with the top riders all within 50 seconds of each other.  Ieuan Andy Davies proved to be strongest on the night and took the win dipping under the 23 minutes with 22.59, Steffan Roberts close behind with 23.35 and Rhys Jeffreys hot on Steffan’s wheels with 23.47.

The women’s road bike winner was Katie Miles in 28.59, with Elaine Rowlands taking the second spot in 30.41.

The overall women’s event saw Helen Marshall and Emma Palfrey battle out for the win, with only 5 seconds separating them, Helen Marshall taking the top spot with 26.59 and Emma Palfrey second with 27.04.

A thank you to all the riders taking on the breezy time trial this week, Andy Hunt for organising and Derek for time keeping.

Next week sees the time trial series return to Cwm Rheidol 10 mile event, with the promise of tea and coffee (and cake!!) after the event.

More details about the series: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Llety Gwyn 10 – 3 July 2019

Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.59
Steffan Roberts 23.35
Rhys Jeffreys 23.47
Steffan James R 24.17
Adam Hepburn R 24.29
Owen Huw Evans R 25.11
Rhys Evans R 25.30
Wayne Maguire R 26.02
Andy Starr 26.46
Helen Marshall 26.59
Emma Palfrey 27.04
Katie Miles R 28.59
Julian Morgan R 29.04
Ian Brandreth R 30.07
Mike Fitch R 30.40
Elaine Rowlands R 30.41

With the warm summer weather, it was great to see the 16 riders deciding to tackle this week’s hilly time trial.

The riders had to contend with gusty North Easterly winds which tested the rider’s bike handling and choice of equipment, with many riders choosing a road bike over a TT bike for the course.

The Nant yr Arian course starts on the A44 near the turning to the visitor centre and descends to Lovesgove roundabout, where riders return back the same way, climbing the 6 miles to the finish line.

In the men’s overall event Gruff Lewis, recently crowned Welsh Road Race Champion rode past the field to take the win in 31.25.  He was followed by Ieuan Andy Davies, another podium finisher in the Welsh Championships in the Road Race and Time Trial, crossing the line in 33.37.  Time Trial Organiser and previous Welsh Championship hill climber, Andy Hunt took the third podium spot in 34.38.

In the women’s overall event, Helen Marshall crossed the line in a fast 40.48, and in doing so set a new V40 record, recently set by Amanda Binks.  Following in second place was Anita Saycell with 42.10 and in third place was Elaine Rowlands in 48.28, setting a V50 club record.

Thanks go to Derek, Rhys and Scott for time keeping and marshalling, and to the riders testing themselves against the clock on this tough course.

This Sunday 30th June, sees the annual club time trial championships and it is great to be able to use Caffi Gruff as the event HQ.  Riders need to pre enter by completing an entry form and enclose the £3 fee and return to Penparcau Butchers before 5pm this Friday.  Entry forms have been emailed to all members and available via the club Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/ystwythcc/

Nant yr Arian Hilly. Wednesday June 26th 2019

Gruff Lewis (??) 31.25
Ieuan Andy Davies (10.21) 33.37
Andy Hunt (11.20) 34.38
Caron Pugh (11.28) 35.33
Rhys Evans (12.56) 35.33
Steffan Roberts (11.15) 35.33
Alan Cole (12.56) 39.53
Andre Marsh (12.05) 40.33
Helen Marshall (13.22) 40.48
Rhodri Duffee (12.25) 42.10
Anita Saycell (13.30) 42.10
David Casso-Davies (12.48) 42.54
Owen Thomas (12.35) 43.17
Justin Manley (11.56) 43.49
Martyn Saycell (12.39) 44.30
Elaine Rowlands (13.17) 48.28