With only two chances left this season to ride the faster Llety Gwyn course, eight riders turned out to test themselves on the well established 10 mile TT course.
The predicted rain stayed away and the North Westerly wind proved in the favour of the cyclists, with some great times (and course records) on the night.
It promised to be an exciting night with the 2023 Cwm Rheidol course record breakers, Caron and Rich both riding head to head to battle it out on the Llety Gwyn course.
The men’s overall race didn’t disappoint, both Richard and Caron went faster than the club record set in 2022 by Caron himself (21.56). However, it was Richard Pizzey to cross the line first in 21.33 and followed closely (only two seconds behind!) by Caron in 21.35, for second place. Ieuan Andy completed the podium with 22.21, riding strongly and showing his form this season.
In the women’s race, Emma Palfrey took the win with a great ride, crossing the line in 25.41.
In the road bike category it was great to welcome back to Aberystwyth, Andrew Knowles. Andrew took the road bike win on the night, with his swift time of 26.14. In second place, and setting some fast times this season in the V60 category Tim Strang, 29.34.
With only four time trials left in the series, riders have a couple of chances left to test themselves. Next week, the series returns to the scenic Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course, starting at the Butterfly Farm. Everyone welcome.
Huge thanks to Andy H, Derek, Scott and Glyn for making the TT this week possible, keeping us safe, and to all the riders for taking part and supporting the event.
Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 Round 12 – Llety Gwyn 10 Richard Pizzey 21.33 Caron Owen Pugh 21.35 Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.21 Emma Palfrey 25.41 Andrew Knowles R 26.14 Anita Saycell 26.23 Tim Strang R 29.34 Arwel Wyn Jones DNF Timekeepers & Marshal’s Derek Rattray, Scott Tompsett & Glyn Williams
The local 10 weekly time trial was proving as exciting as the Tour de France, with some great local battles between riders!
The north westerly wind was against the riders heading out, especially by Blaengeuffordd and didn’t really seem to help much on the return leg, maybe this was more to do with the tiring legs! A special mention to the fantastic encouragement at the halfway turn from Osian!
The overall men saw a really exciting battle, with Caron coming out on top this week with 21.46, he is edging closer to take back his course record from Richard Pizzey, only 6 seconds faster on this course. In second place, Ieuan Andy in top form from racing the British nationals in 22.20 and completing the podium in an absolutely incredible time on a road bike, Jack Ramsbottom in 23.07.
In the women’s event and edging under the 27 minute barrier, Anita took the podium in 26.58.
The road bike category saw all the riders come under the 30 minute barrier, which on this rolling course is good going! The winner, in a fantastic time of 23.07, was Jack Ramsbottom. Then coming across the line in second place, Andy Hicklin in 24.33. It’s been great to welcome Andy from Peak Road Club while he has been here in Aberystwyth. Completing the podium, and proving that holiday legs weren’t going to hold him back, Arwel Jones in 25.16.
Thanks to Andy, Derek, Scott and Osian for making the event possible and to all the riders that took on the 10 mile course!
Next week is a chance for riders to try a different course at a slightly earlier start time (6.30pm). Starting at Nant yr Arian, and heading down to Lovesgrove roundabout and back again. Details of all our TT courses can be found here. Everyone welcome, come along to set a time on this course. If it’s your first time you’re guaranteed a PB! All the upcoming dates for the series can be found here.
Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023. Round 10. Cwmrheidol 10 Caron Owen Pugh 21.46 Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.20 Jack Ramsbottom R 23.07 Andy Hicklin R 24.33 Arwel Wyn Jones R 25.16 Reggie Middleton R 25.44 Anita Saycell 26.58 Tim Strang R 29.07 Time Keepers & marshal’s Derek Rattray & Scott Tompsett
With the rain staying away it was only the wind to contend with for round nine in the TT series.
With a few riders away this week, seven riders lined up to take on the flatter Llety Gwyn 10 mile course down the scenic Rheidol valley.
It proved a great night, with all the riders finishing under the thirty minute barrier. There was an exciting battle for the top two overall men, Ieuan Andy and Caron, they finished with only one second separating them! Fantastic rides by both riders. In third place and completing the podium, Paul Brewer with a strong ride to finish with 25.27.
Not to be out done by her dad’s place on the podium, Lois stormed her way around the course to finish first in 25.19, earning her two new club records!
In the road bike category, Rhodri powered around the course to finish in first place with a time of 25.56, with Tim riding strongly to finish in second place.
Overall Men
1st – Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.09
2nd – Caron Owen Pugh 22.10
3rd – Paul Brewer 25.27
Overall Ladies
1st – Lois Brewer 25.19
2nd – Anita Saycell 26.45
Men’s road bike category winners:
1st – Rhodri Jenkins R 25.56
2nd – Tim Strang R 29.44
Full Results:
Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 – Round 9. Llety Gwyn 10. Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.09 Caron Owen Pugh 22.10 Lois Brewer 25.19 Paul Brewer 25.27 Rhodri Jenkins R 25.56 Anita Saycell 26.45 Tim Strang R 29.44 Timekeepers Elaine Rowlands & Glyn Williams
Thanks to everyone that rode, the time keepers and marshals. Without you we wouldn’t have a TT series – diolch yn fawr!
This Wednesday saw riders take on round 8 of the Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023. Due to traffic lights on the course, the riders were ‘treated’ to a shorter 6.8 mile TT.
It was great to see new as well as returning riders this week on the start line, especially Karen and Chris racing their first TT on a tandem! The weather stayed dry, but there was a fairly strong breeze from the south west, not making it an easy TT for the riders.
In the men’s category it was great to see Caron back racing the TTs and holding his form for a strong win on the night. Chasing him down was Ieuan Andy, in top shape from his three recent Welsh Championship wins. Completing the men’s podium in third place was Llion, who is showing his strength this season and still only a junior rider.
In the women’s event, it was great to see Emma Palfrey back riding the TTs and racing strongly to take the win.
The road bike category saw Ieuan Andy take the win, then only 23 seconds behind was junior rider Llion and for the third place, chasing down his son, saw Rhodri cross the line to complete the podium.
Thanks to Andy H for organising, and all the time keepers and marshals, without you all there would be no racing!
Next week the course returns to the flatter Llety Gwyn 10 mile course, everyone welcome! Come along to test yourself against the clock and enjoy a catch up afterwards.
(thanks to Bethan for the photos)
Overall Men
1st – Caron Owen Pugh 15.09
2nd – Ieuan Andrew Davies R 15.50
3rd – Llion Rees-Jenkins R 16.13
Overall Ladies
1st – Emma Palfrey 18.15
2nd – Anita Saycell 18.44
Men’s road bike category winners:
1st – Ieuan Andrew Davies R 15.50
2nd – Llion Rees-Jenkins R 16.13
3rd – Rhodri Jenkins R 18.23
Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 – Round 8. Cwmrheidol Short Course 6.8miles Caron Owen Pugh 15.09 Ieuan Andrew Davies R 15.50 Llion Rees-Jenkins R 16.13 Tony Jones 17.29 Emma Palfrey 18.15 Rhodri Jenkins R 18.23 Anita Saycell 18.44 Ade Price 19.11 Chris Ware & Karen Isobel Tandem 19.26 Timekeepers Elaine Rowlands & Scott Tompsett
The club have two main sponsors Summit Cycles and Cambrian Tyres. This year we have agreed new sponsorship agreements for the club and it’s members. We are pleased to announce the latest agreement with Cambrian Tyres, all club members will receive 40% of bicycle tyres and accessories from the Cambrian Tyres website. Details have been emailed to club members.
It’s not too late to join the club and benefit from this great offer! The membership year runs from January to December.
This was round 7 of the Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023. The heavy rain earlier on, meant that only the hardy were on the start line! Luckily the weather brightened up and eight riders took on the 10 mile course to test themselves.
Well done to all the riders, some fantastic times! Thanks to the all the time keepers and marshals, without you all there would be no racing!
Next week the course returns to the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile Course, everyone welcome! Come along to test yourself against the clock and enjoy a catch up afterwards.
Overall Men
1st – Gruffudd Lewis 21.24
2nd – Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.17
3rd – Andy Hicklin 25.03
Overall Ladies
1st – Emma Palfrey 25.23
Men’s road bike category winners:
1st – Andy Hicklin 25.03
2nd – Arwel Wyn Jones 25.06
3rd – Ian Brandreth 28.32
Full results:
Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 – Round 7. Llety Gwyn 10. Gruffudd Lewis 21.24 Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.17 Andy Hicklin R 25.03 Arwel Wyn Jones R 25.06 Emma Palfrey 25.23 David Jones 27.25 Ian Brandreth R 28.32 Tim Strang R 29.28 Time Keepers: Derek Rattray & Elaine Rowlands Marshals: Scott Tompsett & Osian
What a weekend! In only it’s third year, the Triple Crown event sees a weekend of great local racing. Testing the riders over a number of different local courses from a short opening prologue to a longer hilly time trial. With four events in total over the three days, it was all to play for. Riders could choose as many or as few stages as they wanted, but each event counted to the overall General Classification (GC). Prizes were available after each stage, and the overall GC, thanks to our club sponsor Summit Cycles.
The Triple Crown began on Friday with the Prologue, attracting 11 riders to the start line. The flat, short event made for some exciting racing.
Rich came out on top, with an impressive 2.09, to set the bar for the weekend and Lois top lady with 2.32. It was promising an exciting weekend with another three events to still count for the overall Triple Crown.
Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2023 – Prologue Results
Richard Pizzey 2.09 Llion Rees-Jenkins 2.19 Arwel Wyn Jones 2.30 Lois Brewer 2.32 Shelley Childs 2.32 Anita Saycell 2.36 Rhodri Jenkins 2.37 Glyn Williams 2.37 Leah Brewer 2.43 Ian Brandreth 2.53 Mike Fitch 3.00
Prologue tactics and finish line prizes:
Next onto Saturday morning with the Clarach Hill Climb. This 1 mile hill climb, with a gradient of around 8% average was always going to be a test for the riders, short but careful pacing was needed to the top. The riders had some great encouragement up the hill which helped them to dig deep to the finish line.
Clarach Hill TT profile:
The hill climb saw some fast times with Rich coming out on top again, not just taking the win but also setting a new YCC record! Junior rider Llion only 41 seconds behind and Arwel powering up the hill to take the third place. Taking the ladies win, Lois showed her hill climbing form with an impressive time to take the win, with sister Leah only 6 seconds behind for second and Anita in third. With the fast times, there didn’t seem to be any sign of tired legs!
Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2023 – Stage 1. Clarach Hill Climb Results
Richard Pizzey 3.59 Llion Rees-Jenkins 4.40 Lois Brewer 5.09 Arwel Wyn Jones 5.10 Leah Brewer 5.15 Rhodri Jenkins 6.01 Tim Strang 6.01 Anita Saycell 6.40 Toby Driver 7.07 Ian Brandreth 7.24 Mike Fitch 8.12
Clarach Hill Climb contemplation before and after:
Onto the next event Saturday evening, the Devil’s Bridge Hilly. With the weather dry and warm, it was a chance to see if the overall Triple Crown GC would be shaken up.
The riders had over 25km and 500 meters of climbing along the scenic road to Devil’s Bridge and then around to the finish at Nant yr Arian.
Rich powered around the course, taking the win, with Llion flying along to take second place and Arwel completing the podium with a strong ride to finish third.
Clwb Beicio Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2023 – Stage 2. Devils Bridge Hilly. Results. Richard Pizzey 41.31 Llion Rees-Jenkins 44.02 Arwel Wyn Jones 46.32 Rhodri Jenkins 52.15 Anita Saycell 55.55 Tim Strang 56.37 Ian Brandreth 1.02.03
Start and finish photos – Devil’s Bridge TT:
The Triple Crown then moved onto the final event on Sunday morning. Legs were getting tired, but riders had everything to ride for to keep or improve their GC positions.
Overnight the heavy rain had cleared the air and the roads were left dry for the start of the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile time trial.
The top three riders proved they were not going to be pushed off the leader board. Rich not showing any signs of slowing down, took the overall win and set a new YCC course record by 4 seconds! Llion showing his form this summer, absolutely flew the course to take second place, and what must be a PB and Arwel showing his return to form this season crossed the line in third.
Clwb Beicio Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2023. Stage 3. Cwm Rheidol 10. Richard Pizzey 21.40 Llion Rees-Jenkins 22.53 Arwel Wyn Jones R 25.07 Rhodri Jenkins R 27.17 Anita Saycell 27.24 Mike Fitch 29.20 Tim Strang R 29.24 Ian Brandreth R 30.16 Toby Driver R 30.37
Cwm Rheidol TT Photos:
After a fantastic weekend of racing, the Triple Crown GC was decided. With thirteen riders taking part over the weekend, the overall GC win went to Rich, having dominated each event over the weekend. In second place, junior rider Llion, showing his form this season claiming second place and great to see Arwel back racing and on top form to take third place on the podium.
In the ladies event, Anita took the GC win, with Lois taking second place and only 17 seconds behind on the GC, sister Leah.
Thanks go to our club sponsor Summit Cycles in providing all the prizes and a huge thank you to Andy H, Derek, Elaine and everyone else that helped out, rode and supported the events over the weekend, without you all there would be no event – diolch yn fawr.
General Classification Richard Pizzey (4) 1.09.19 Llion Rees-Jenkins (4) 1.13.54 Arwel Wyn Jones (4) 1.19.19 Rhodri Jenkins (4) 1.28.10 Anita Saycell (4) 1.33.11 Tim Strang (3) 1.35.11 Ian Brandreth (4) 1.42.36 Lois Brewer (2) 1.44.56 Leah Brewer (2) 1.45.13 Mike Fitch (3) 1.45.47 Toby Driver (2) 1.46.08 Shelley Childs (1) 1.48.23 Glyn Williams (1) 1.48.28
The weekend kicked off with a successful first round of the Junior Summer Series on Friday, held at Blaendolau playing fields. Well done to all the juniors that took part and hope you all enjoyed! The next event in the series is round 2 at Llanidloes, on the 17 June. More details can be found on the Ystwyth Juniors Facebook page.
Then on Saturday, Welsh Cycling hosted the Welsh Time Trial Championships in Newcastle Emlyn with two riders flying the Ystwyth CC colours, Andy Hunt and Anita. The rain stayed away for the sporting 13 mile course. Each rider being set off every one minute in their category.
Andy H rode a great TT to take 4th in the Masters 40-49 Welsh Championship, narrowly missing out on a podium place by only 25 seconds.
Anita crossed the line to take the Masters Women’s 40-49 Championship first place and Welsh jersey.
Andy H at the start of the Welsh Time Trial Championships:
Sunday was a busy day on the bikes. While the men’s Welsh Road Race Championship was being held in Newcastle Emlyn, Welsh Cycling ran some skills challenges in the town for the children, it was great to see some Ystwyth jerseys taking part!
Well done also to all the Caffi Gruff riders in the Welsh Championships over the weekend on their performances, there was some great racing and results over the weekend!
Representing the club further afield on Sunday, Toby took on the Round Norfolk Epic, completing over 215km, 9 hours in the saddle in temperatures hovering around 30 degrees – well done Toby!
And finally, Sunday saw a fab turnout for the club café meet up road rides with 11 riders on the 9.30 no drop ride. It was great to see new as well returning faces!
The club are grateful to Yr Hen Lew Du for a very warm welcome and for hosting the tea, coffee and delicious cake (If you haven’t yet tried the homemade lemon drizzle cake…you’re definitely missing out!!) The monthly café meet up is payed for by the club and a chance to catch up – no need to arrive on a bike, just drop by!
Just a reminder, there’s no TT this Wednesday, in preparation for the Ystwyth CC Triple Crown.
There are events for everyone over the weekend, from a 1km time trial to a rolling 24 mile event. Lots of prizes available and all events help to count for the overall Triple Crown. More details will be posted on the Club Facebook page. Come down and have a go – all welcome!
The weather was again warm and sunny for the rolling ten mile course starting in the Rheidol valley. The eleven riders contended with an Easterly wind, which helped them on the way out to the turn around point at Lovesgrove roundabout.
It was to be another record breaking night with great times by all riders.
Overall Men
1st – Joshua Tarling 18.33
2nd – Caron Owen Pugh 21.44
3rd – Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.07
Overall Ladies
1st – Lois Brewer 25.32
Men’s road bike category winners:
1st – Llion Rees-Jenkins 23.42
2nd – Arwel Wyn Jones 25.20
3rd – Rhodri Jenkins 27.39
On the night there were also four new records:
New male course record – Josh Tarling (Ineos Grenadiers), 18.33 (Previously set by Josh in 2021, with his time of 20.35).
Fastest Ystwyth CC male senior rider on this course (first claim) – Caron Pugh, 21.44. (Previously set by Caron earlier in the season, with his time of 21.58).
Fastest Ystwyth CC female senior rider on this course (first claim) – Lois Brewer, 25.32. (Previously set by Lois earlier in the season, with her time of 25.42).
Fastest V50 on this course (second claim) – Ieuan Andy Davies, 22.07 (Previously set by Ieuan Andy earlier in the season, with his time of 22.17).
Full Results:
Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 Round 6. Cwmrheidol 10. Joshua Tarling (8.33) 18.33 CR Caron Owen Pugh (9.49) 21.44 Ieuan Andrew Davies (9.45) 22.07 Rhys Evans (10.28) 23.16 Llion Rees-Jenkins (10.35) R 23.42 Paul Brewer (11.10) 25.11 Arwel Wyn Jones R (11.08) 25.20 Lois Brewer (11.30) 25.32 Rhodri Jenkins R (12.05) 27.39 Tim Strang R (12.43) 29.04 David Wright R (13.30) 31.48 Timekeepers Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray Marshals Elaine Rowlands, Scott Tompsett & Bethan Rees-Jenkins
Note: R – No tri bars
Thank you to all the riders, organisers, marshals and time keepers. Without you there would be no events!
The next club event is the Triple Crown Weekend – everyone welcome! Ride as few or as many events that you would like over the weekend but each one will count towards the overall Triple Crown.
Josh on his way to setting the new Cwm Rheidol course record(photo credit: Aled Richards):
A weekend ahead promising some great racing, with events ranging from a 1km sprint to a 24 mile rolling course. Riders can choose as many events as they would like to ride, but the more events ridden the more points towards the Ystwyth CC Triple Crown award!
Lots of other prizes on offer for each event – see the club Facebook page for more details.
