Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday June 19th 2019

With the promise of a good evening, it was great to see new faces as well as returning riders taking on the Llety Gwyn 10 mile course.

The men’s road bike category saw Rhys Evans taking the win in a fast time of 24.25, followed by Mike Sherman in 26.15 and up and coming junior rider Griff Lewis taking the third spot in 26.23.

The overall men’s event saw a great battle for podium places with less than 45 seconds between all top three placings. Ieuan Andy Davies proved the strongest on the evening taking the top podium spot with a 23.10, closely followed by Steffan Roberts in 23.33 and Caron Pugh in 23.53.

The women’s event saw Anita Saycell take the win with 26.04 and Emma Palfrey taking the second spot in 27.06.

Thank you to Andy H for organising, and to Derek, Esme and Katie Miles for marshalling.

Next week the event returns to the Nant yr Arian 12 mile TT course, involving a descent to Lovesgrove roundabout then a return and steady climb back up to the start.  The event starts at the earlier time of 6.30pm.

To find a list of the up and coming time trials, course descriptions and records: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday June 19th 2019

Ieuan Andy Davies 23.10
Steffan Roberts 23.33
Caron Pugh 23.53
Rhys Jeffreys 24.18
Rhys Evans R 24.25
Dafydd Wright 25.04
Anita Saycell 26.04
Mike Sherman R 26.15
Griff Lewis R 26.23
Andy Starr 26.54
Emma Palfrey 27.06
Martyn Saycell 27.13
Owen Thomas R 28.08
Alan Haird 28.21
Nick Thompson R 29.36
David Wright R 29.40
Simon Pitt R 33.24

Simon Pitt on the start line ready to take on the 10 miles

Cwm Rheidol 10 – Wednesday June 12th 2019

With the series returning to the rolling Cwm Rheidol course, 12 riders took on the evening event with the promise of tea, coffee and cake at the finish line.

The Women’s overall win went to Helen Marshall with a fast ride on the night, crossing the line in 26.44, followed by Emma Palfrey in second place with 27.05. 

The men’s overall event was won by Steffan Roberts in 23.23, with Richard Eakins closely following in 23.54 earning him the road bike category win also, and completing the podium, Caron Pugh in 24.10.

The men’s road bike category had a clear winner with Richard Eakins storming accross the line in 23.54, with junior ride Griff Lewis taking second place with a fantastic time of 26.19 and taking the third spot, Justin Manley in 28.02.

With the Club Time Trial Championships soon to be held on the Sunday 30th June, riders were encouraged to enter before the 28th June.  A copy of the entry form can be found below and returned to Andy at the next time trial along with £3.

Thanks as always to all the riders taking part, to Andy H for organising, and to Derek, Nia, Rhys and Scott for their help on the night.

Next week, Wednesday 19th June, the event returns to the Llety Gwyn course for a 7pm start with signing on at Plascrug Leisure Centre beforehand.

More details on 2019 club time trial series, results and records can be found on the club website: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Cwm Rheidol 10 – Wednesday June 12th  2019

Steffan Roberts (11.25) 23.23
Richard Eakins R (11.35) 23.54
Caron Pugh (11.41) 24.10
Dafydd Wright (11.39) 24.32
Griff Lewis R (12.32) 26.19
Helen Marshall (12.49) 26.44
Emma Palfrey (12.56) 27.05
Rhodri Duffee (13.00) 27.06
Justin Manley R (13.02) 28.02
Ade Price R (13.53) 28.51
David Wright R (13.53) 29.24
Toby Driver (14.34) 30.20

Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday 5th June 2019

The weekly Ystwyth CC series saw the return to the Llety Gwyn route on Wednesday with some fast times being set.

In the women’s overall placings, Amanda Binks took the win in 28.23, followed by Elaine Rowlands taking second place, and the road bike win in 31.16.

In the men’s road bike category, Ciaran Rowett had a storming ride to take first place in 24.24, with Mike Tarling, West Wales Racing Team taking second place in 24.37 and Geoff Mowatt completing the podium in third place with 26.29.

The Men’s overall category was won by Junior rider Josh Tarling, in a fantastic time of 20.59, followed by Alastair Ribbands in 22.19 and completeing the podium, fresh from his two podium placings in the Welsh Championships, Ieuan Andy Davies in a time of 22.54.

Thanks as always to Andy H for organising the event, and to Derek, Nia and Esme for their help on the evening to make the event possible.

Next week the event returns to the Cwm Rheidol course:  https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday 5th June 2019

(1/2 splits in brackets)

Josh Tarling (10:21) 20:59
Alastair Ribbands (11:03) 22:19
Ieuan Andy Davies (11:20) 22:54
Finlay Tarling (11:26) 23:04
Steff Roberts (11:37) 23:38
Caron Pugh (11:55) 24:09
Steffan Owens (11:47) 24:22
Ciaran Rowett R (12:10) 24:24
Dafydd Wright (12:00) 24:29
Michael Tarling R (12:08) 24:37
Alan Cole (12:51) 25:49
Geoff Mowatt R (12:55) 26:29
Rhodri Duffee (13:12) 26:39
Justin Manley R (13:44) 27:56
Owen Thomas R (13:50) 28:16
Amanda Binks (14:10) 28:23
Alan Haird (13:55) 28:31
David Wright R (14:35) 29:32
Ian Brandreth R (14:45) 29:40
Elaine Rowlands R (15:24) 31:16
Simon Pitt R (16:28) 32:55


Ieuan Andy Davies taking 3rd place overall after two podium placings at the Welsh Championships at the weekend

Riders take on the Devil’s Bridge revised course – 29th May 2019

With a revised shorter course due to roadworks, the riders were able to enjoy a different route and distance.  Unfortunately the weather was not kind and only the hardy riders took on the hilly 10 miles in the rain and wind.

In the men’s event, seeing a return to form, Ieuan Andy Davies took the top spot in 27.56, closely followed by Kristian Bond riding his first TT event of the year and finishing 2nd in 28.22. Rhys Jeffreys completed the podium taking third place in 29.57.

In the ladies event, Helen Marshall took the win in a time of 32.35, with Emma Palfrey following in second place with 33.29 and Elaine Rowlands completing the podium in 39.15.

Well done to all riders and a thank you to Derek and Andy H for setting up the revised course for the riders and marshalling in those conditions!

The time trial series returns to the Llety Gwyn course on Wednesday 5th June.  More details can be found here: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Devil’s Bridge Hilly Revised (10mile)

Ieuan Andy Davies 27.56
Kristian Bond 28.22
Rhys Jeffreys 29.57
Caron Pugh 30.56
Helen Marshall 32.35
Emma Palfrey 33.29
Rhodri Duffee 33.34
Owen Thomas 35.04
Elaine Rowlands 39.15

Abercyclefest Time Trial 2019

With the Abercyclefest week in full swing, this event was part of the mid-week activities on offer for cyclists to enjoy.

With a record number of riders this year lining up on the start line, the scenic course down the Rheidol Valley and the promise of tea and cakes at the finish, was looking good for the 34 riders.

It proved to be an evening of fast times with the women’s road bike category won by Elaine Rowlands in 30.48 setting another course V50 record in the process. In second place and riding her first time trial, Susi Collins Howgill crossed the line in 34.31.

The men’s road bike category was hotly contested with Rhys Evans taking the win in an impressive 24.49, Owen Thomas in second with a strong 28.05 and taking the third podium spot only just behind Owen, Dan Ramsbottom in 28.15.

A special mention should also go to long time club member Dave Fazakerley, setting a fantastic time of 31.57, could this be the new club V70 record? 

With the women’s overall placings, only 35 seconds separated the top three girls, Anita Saycell took the win in 26.39, with Emma Palfrey only just behind in second place 26.56 and Helen Marshall taking the third spot in 27.14.

The overall men’s event was a very competitive field with West Wales Cycle Racing Team, junior rider Josh Tarling taking the win with an impressive 21.13 and only just 10 seconds off the course record,  closely followed by the current course record holder, Gruff Lewis (Ribble Pro Cycling) in 21.28 and triathlete and club member Gareth Hodgson taking the third podium spot in 22.22 and setting a new record for the senior men’s time.

It was great to see so many riders, many riding their first time trial and taking on the 10 mile challenge.

Thank you to all the riders for taking part, marshals, time keepers and everyone else that made the event a great evening.

For a full schedule of what’s on this week as part of the Abercyclefest take a look at: Abercyclefest

More details of the Ystwyth CC weekly time trial series can be found at: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Cwm Rheidol 10. Wednesday 22nd May 2019

(1/2 splits in brackets)
Josh Tarling (10.22) 21.13
Gruff Lewis (10.38) 21.28
Gareth Hodgson (10.54) 22.22
Ieuan Andy Davies (11.13) 23.01
Finlay Tarling (11.25) 23.16
Steffan Roberts (11.54) 24.04
Caron Pugh (11.51) 24.09
Rhys Jeffreys (11.50) 24.22
Dafydd Wright (12.03) 24.26
Rhys Evans R (12.27) 24.49
Alan Cole (12.58) 26.10
Anita Saycell (13.00) 26.39
Emma Palfrey (13.19) 26.56
Rhodri Duffee (13.20) 27.13
Helen Marshall (13.39) 27.14
Tim Strang (13.26) 27.18
Andy Cox (13.31) 27.52
Owen Thomas R (13.47) 28.05
Dan Ramsbottom R (13.45) 28.15
Tony Jones R (14.17) 28.29
David Jones R (14.11) 28.52
Gari Jones R (14.07) 28.55
Julian Morgan R (14.25) 29.36
Warwick Neville R (15.03) 29.48
David Wright R (14.42) 30.24
Nick Thompson (15.14) 30.26
Elaine Rowlands R (15.00) 30.48
Dave Fazakerley R (15.42) 31.57
Susi Collins Howgill R (17.07) 34.31
Llyr Morgan R (17.51) 36.35
Alan Haird (17.34) 36.54 CR*
Michael Tarling DNF
Martyn Saycell DQ
*CR in this case denotes Clown Record

New ladies V50 record – Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday May 15th

With the weather warm and the wind slight, it was promising a good night for the 20 riders taking on the Llety Gwyn 10 mile time trial.

It was great to see new faces testing themselves against the clock, as well as returning riders from 2018 to test themselves on this course for 2019.

This week the riders had the extra stats to analyse with their halfway way times, thanks to Glyn Williams.

It was great to see professional rider Gruff Lewis (Ribble Pro Cycling) making a return to the club time trials following his busy racing start to the season, which recently saw him in the televised Tour de Yorkshire.

The road bike men’s category this week saw Wayne Maguire take the win with a clear margin in 25min19sec, Owen Thomas took the second place in 27min58sec and third place went to Bryn Harrison in 29min.20sec.

In the ladies road bike category junior rider Lowri Richards, took the win in 27.57, followed by Katie Miles 28min34sec and Elaine Rowlands setting another V50 record and personal best with 30min 00sec.

The overall men’s win went to Ribble Pro Cycling rider Gruff Lewis with a 22min15sec, with Ieuan Andy Davies hot on his heels and making a return to the time trials for 2019, taking the second place with 22min38sec and Steffan Roberts taking third place with 23min17sec.

The overall ladies category was hotly contested this week with 7 ladies on the start line, 5 of which all dipping under the 28 minute mark.   The overall win went to Anita Saycell in 26min19sec, with Emma Palfrey making a return for 2019 with a storming 26min43sec and only just nudging  Helen Marshall into third place with a time of 26min46sec.

Thanks to all the marshals this week and the race photographer, Aled Richards for his great photos of the riders.

Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday May 15th
(halfway split in brackets)

Gruff Lewis (11.16) 22.15
Ieuan Andy Davies (11.33) 22.38
Steffan Roberts (11.53) 23.17
Caron Pugh (12.22) 24.06
Wayne Maguire R (12.52) 25.19
Anita Saycell (13.16) 26.19
Andy Starr (13.50) 26.39
Emma Palfrey (13.25) 26.43
Helen Marshall (13.30) 26.46
Amanda Binks (13.50) 27.10
Lowri Richards R (14.14) 27.57
Owen Thomas R (14.08) 27.58
Justin Manley R (14.20) 28.01
Katie Miles R (14.36) 28.34
Alan Haird (14.35) 28.43
Bryn Harrison R (14.35) 29.20
Elaine Rowlands R (15.15) 30.00
Toby Driver R (15.10) 30.01
Simon Pitt R (16.25) 32.29
Rhodri Duffee DQ

Elaine Rowlands on her way to setting a new V50 record  (Photo: Aled Richards)


Steffan Roberts on his way to taking 3rd place overall (Photo: Aled Richards)

Aber Cycle Fest returns even bigger for 2019

Aber Cycle Fest is back again for 2019, and runs from Saturday 18th May to Monday 27th May. Ystwyth CC is proud to be closely associated with the festival, and our members certainly enjoy the huge variety of cycling that it brings to Aberystwyth and the surrounding area. Full details of all the events are available here: https://www.abercyclefest.co.uk/

You can support the festival in various ways, as spectators, cyclists and marshalls. Registration is open for the town centre criterium races, which this year incorporate the Welsh Circuit Race Championships. The full list of races is available here, as is online entry, and there are races for children, novices and seasoned racers alike: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/195523/Welsh-Criterium-Championships-&-Aberystwyth-Promenade-Criteriums

Registration is also open for the Welsh Wild West sportive, with four distances offering something for everyone, and we’d encourage our riders to get their entries in: https://www.abercyclefest.co.uk/whats-on/sportive/

Our members’ efforts as volunteers on the final Cycle Fest weekend are crucial to the success of the festival, and we’d encourage everyone who won’t be riding at the above events to consider volunteering as marshalls. Please register your interest here https://www.abercyclefest.co.uk/volunteers/ – various shifts are available, you’ll be supported throughout, and we’re extremely grateful as a club to you for your help.

Fringe events are taking place at various venues in the town during the week, including a film evening at the National Library of Wales (21st May – tickets available here), a BMX display and skills workshop at the Parc Kronberg skatepark (23rd May), and our 10-mile time trial at Cwmrheidol (22nd May).

The two new events added are a 212km in a day ‘Afan Outdoor Audax’ (18th May), and Summit Cycles Mountain Bike Discovery Day at the Nant yr Arian visitor centre (19th May). As always, the festival is brought to a close on Bank Holiday Monday with a head-to-head hill climb challenge on the fearsome 25% gradient Cefn Llan hill in Llanbadarn, which always attracts huge crowds.

Rain holds for round six – May 8th 2019

Cwm Rheidol 10. May 8th 2019

With the weather looking favourable it was promising to be a good night for the riders taking on the 10 mile time trial on the Cwm Rheidol course. 

Riders start at one minute intervals, with the course heading out to Lovesgrove roundabout and returning the same way.  With 13 riders lined up to challenge themselves against the clock it was going to be a good night.

Student and regular rider with the club Ciaran Rowett, took on the course with his road bike and set a storming time to take third place overall and the road bike category win in 25mins 00sec, in second place on a road bike Owen Thomas crossed the line in 28.33 and David Wright knocking over a minute from his time a couple of weeks ago on this course, crossed the line in third place with 30.24.

Elaine Rowlands had a great ride taking the women’s road bike win with 31.31 and in the process setting a new V50 course record and course Personal Best.

The men’s overall winner saw Steffan Roberts take the podium spot with 23.46, Caron Pugh taking second place with a new personal best time on this course in 24.23 and Ciaran Rowett in third palce with 25.00.

The women’s overall podium saw Anita Saycell crossing the line in 27.14 to take the win, with Helen Marshall riding strongly following her win at Porthcawl triathlon on Sunday with 27.43 and Elaine Rowlands taking the third podium spot in 31.31.

A thank you to Derek and Andy H in timing, pushing off and setting up the course for the riders.

Next week the time trial series returns to the Llety Gwyn course on the 15th May, 7pm start.  More details can be found here: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Cwm Rheidol 10. May 8th 2019

Steffan Roberts 23.46
Caron Pugh 24.23
Ciaran Rowett R 25.00
Dafydd Wright 25.04
Anita Saycell 27.14
Andy Starr 27.18
Rhodri Duffee 27.29
Helen Marshall 27.43
Owen Thomas R 28.33
David Wright R 30.24
Toby Driver R 31.20
Elaine Rowlands R 31.31
Simon Pitt R 35.20

Rhodri Duffee riding strongly to finish 6th overall male

Return to the Llety Gwyn course – 1st May 2019

With the club time trial returning this week to the Llety Gwyn course, originally named after a nearby hotel, now a housing estate in Llanbadarn, 15 riders lined up for the start of this 10 mile event.

With the riders setting off at minute intervals to test themselves against the clock on this faster course, it proved to be a good night for personal best times despite the north westerly cross winds.

Wayne Maguire took the road bike win with a storming ride, crossing the line in 25.49, Owen Thomas following into second place with a swift 27.48 and David Wright taking the third podium spot in 30.27.

The women’s road bike win went to Elaine Rowlands in 31.09, with Lainy Harrison in second place on the night in 32.41.

The overall men’s win saw Steffan Roberts dipping under the 24 minutes this season, finishing in 23.41, with Caron Pugh hot on his wheels and only 8 seconds behind with a new personal best of 23.49.  Young rider Dafydd Wright had another fantastic ride to take third place in 24.41.

The overall women’s win went to Anita Saycell in 26.27, with second place and riding her first TT of the year, Helen Marshall crossing the line with a strong ride in 27.11 and Elaine Rowlands in third place in 31.09.

Next week riders are welcome to test out their baking skills as the course returns to Cwm Rheidol, with tea, coffee and cakes at the finish.

Huge thanks as always to Andy H, Derek and Scott T.  in giving up their time and making the event possible.

Llety Gwyn 10. Weds May 1st

Steffan Roberts 23.41
Caron Pugh 23.49
Dafydd Wright 24.41
Wayne Maguire R 25.49
Ian Stevens 26.15
Dilwyn Griffiths 26.22
Anita Saycell 26.27
Alan Cole 26.35
Andy Starr 26.57
Helen Marshall 27.11
Owen Thomas R 27.48
David Wright R 30.27
Elaine Rowlands R 31.09
Lainy Harrison R 32.41
Simon Pitt R 34.13

Owen Thomas on his way to taking third spot on the road bike podium

Five riders and two new records – Nant yr Arian Hilly. April 24th 2019.

With only five riders braving the elements this course is a fast descent down to the Lovesgove roundabout, then a six mile climb back up to the finish at Nant yr Arian.  With the riders signing on, the evening was chilly, with a slight headwind on the ascent back to the finish, but luckily not as wet as forecast.  The damp roads splitting the field between using a road bike or  a TT bike.

In the men’s overall category Caron Pugh decided to use his road bike and took the win and a new personal best on the evening with a 34.44, with Steffan Roberts favouring his TT bike, closely following in second place in 35.15 and Owen Thomas taking third place with a strong ride in 42.37.

It was to be the ladies on the night that set new course records.  In the women’s overall category first place went to Amanda Binks with a strong ride in 41.10 who set a new V40 record and second place went to Elaine Rowlands who also set a new V50 record in the process with 48.57.

Thank you to Andy H, Derek and Scott T for making the event possible.

Nant yr Arian Hilly. April 24th 2019.

(halfway split in brackets)

Caron Pugh (11.51) 34.44
Steffan Roberts (11.33) 35.15
Amanda Binks (13.35) 41.10
Owen Thomas R (13.23) 42.37
Elaine Rowlands R (14.03) 48.57

R (No Tri Bars)

Caron Pugh on his way to taking the overall win

Amanda Binks on her way to setting a new V40 record