Congleton Cycling Club

On the hottest day of the year the club 10 was run in 28 degree heat. Never the less 31 riders started and competition was as fierce as ever with six riders inside 23 minutes.
Steve Hulme came out on top with an excellent 21:40, only a second below his seasons best. Ben Norbury’s 21:47 was second with visitor Bradley Murphy (Wills Wheels) third in 22:21. Third in the club league competition went to Rob Dale in 23:20 (SB).
Best lady was club second claim member Charli Alston (Sport City Velo) in 26:00. We were pleased to hear that Chari has been selected to ride in GB colours in a race in Norway. She was closely followed by Hannah Rhodes Patterson of Durham University C.C. with 26:14 (Hannah’s father Adrian was a member in the 90’s). Club ladies were led by Sue Blake 27:50 from Denise Hurst 28:18 and Lesley Norbury 30:03.
Mark Allen was best Junior with 25:34 from Jake Nesbitt 27:03. Only two club riders improved their best times. Paul Dentith, riding an 81” fixed gear, got down to 24:43, to be best on handicap (net 18:58). Neil Clarke recorded 25:28 (net 19:39) and Steve Hulme (net 20:01), took second and third places respectively.
FULL RESULT
PHOTOS All of our events can be found in Ken Norbury’s Time Trial Album. Thanks to Ken.
VIDEO Thanks to Adrian Pennington
A great response to an appeal for volunteers, meant once again, that we were able to have a high safety profile with marshals on the course, and to run a high standard event. Thanks to everyone.

A great event was enjoyed by 62 riders, a club record entry for an evening TT. Unfortunately the result did not go our way. Congratulations to Macclesfield Wheelers whose aggregate for their best 6 riders of 5:46:18 beat our time of 6:01:46, which was itself an excellent performance. This means that we will be engraving the Karl Austin Memorial Shield with “Macclesfield Wheelers 2015”. They won by 23:19 over the two events.

Individually, the fastest rider was Macclesfields new sensation, Will Kershaw, still only 17 and riding his first ever 25, he stopped the watch on 55:57. He was followed by Ben Norbury 56:09 and Chris Quinn (Macclesfield) 56:30. There were 12 riders inside the hour. Others in our top 6 were Steve Hulme 56:48 (best veteran), Wayne Powell 1:01:28, David Farrington (first 25) 1:01:33, Mike Jones 1:02:16 (PB) and Steve Sladin 1:03:09 (PB).
Fastest Lady was second claim member Charli Alston (Sport City Velo) in 1:09:53, but maximum League points were taken by Sue Blake in 1:11:33 from Denise Hurst 1:13:01 and Lesley Norbury 1:18:14. Congleton junior honours went to Mark Allen with a PB 1:04:44.

There were many PB’s done on a warm calm night, but the biggest improver was Joe Langford with a 1:7:08, a 3:12 improvement giving a Nett 46:48 on handicap, beating James Walton 1:3:22,  2:55 improvement, Nett 47:05 and Mark Allen, 2:32 improvement, Nett 47:28.
We also had a record 21 volunteers on the event. Thanks to everyone involved, we got some great feedback from riders. A special thanks to Oliver Johnstone’s (Macclesfield Wheelers) wife who baked some cakes to add to the post event refreshments.
FULL RESULT
PHOTOS Thanks Ken Norbury
VIDEO Thanks Adrian Pennington

Ten club members lowered their PB’s last Tuesday on the Gawsworth 10 mile course. The muggy conditions with a light wind on their backs for the second half seemed to suit most riders. Twenty one home club riders were among the thirty seven starters. Fastest rider was Ben Norbury in 21:31, followed by Charlie Evans riding his wife’s TT bike in 22:17 and Rich Bowditch Jnr (Lyme RC) 22:31. Third place club rider points went to Mike Jones with 23:17. Charlies time also earned him maximum handicap points on the night with a nett 19:13. The ladies were led by Sue Blake in a new PB of 27:07 from Denise Hurst 28:29 ad Lesley Norbury 29:41. Best Junior was Mark Allen with 24:16 from Jake Niblett 26:42 (both PB’s). Fastest pedaller was undoubtedly Paul Dentith riding a 71” fixed gear who’s 25:45 equates to about 112 rpm!. Fastest road bike this week was visitor Ben Elliott (Paceline RT), who borrowed a bike from his dads (Tony Elliott) garage, and recorded 23:25.
A special mention in the “credits” this week to George Brockbank who brushed the gravel off the final corner. He would get the “Devotion to Duty award (if there was one!)

FULL RESULT.

PHOTO’s Thanks to Ken Norbury

VIDEO taken at the turn. Thanks to Adrian Pennington

Next Tuesday in the second leg of the Karl Austin Memorial interclub 25 vs Macclefield Wheelers. We have a deficit of 8:10 from the first leg so will have our work cut out to beat them. We hope for a good turnout. The event is still open to visitor club riders with signing on from 18:45 in the AZ car park near Monks Heath.

The best Tuesday evening weather of the year greeted the 27 starters this week. A headwind return favoured the strong riders. Ben Norbury and Steve Hulme again competed for fastest rider with Steve getting the better result in 21:39 to Bens 21:46, after Ben was stopped by traffic at Eaton. Third place went to Keith Dutton of Wills Wheels with 22:48, whilst Wayne Powell filled the third placed Congleton rider place in 23:19.

Four club ladies were in the field. Sue Blake was quickest in 27:57, followed by Denise Hurst 29:06, Claire Thompson 29:21 and Lesley Norbury 29:55. Mark Allen again took maximum Junior points with 24:36.

The top 4 on Handicap all managed to improve their PB’s. James Walton 24:33 was best followed by Duncan Poole 25:31, Steve Hulme and Dave Hurst 32:23.

See FULL RESULT

PHOTOS Thanks to Ken Norbury

VIDEO Thanks to Adrian Pennington

Thanks also to marshals and helpers. They never get named, but on this night, as on most nights they were. Les Lancaster, Roy Hayhurst, Adrian Pennington (all at the turn), George Brockbank (finish lane), Phil Allen (Pusher off), Rob Waghorn (Start Timekeeper), David McVitie (assistant finish time keeper) and Phil Gayes (usually rides, but assisting at finish), and of course Georgina Norton (Course safety signs, signing on and refreshments)

Megan Giglia represented Great Britain in last week’s Paracycling World Cup event at Maniago in north east Italy. Riding in the C3 category she won Bronze Medals in the 12.5 km Time Trial and in the 60 km Road Race.

Riding in scorching temperatures Megan, a Paralympic Academy rider completed the TT course in 23m 34s. Afterwards she said “It was a good result for a first

outcome, I didn’t put any expectations on myself as I didn’t want too much pressure so to come third was beyond what I expected.” In the road race, again in very hot conditions, she thought she had won in a sprint only to find that she had sprinted a lap too early.

The strong winds that have been with us all year blew from the SW, for riders in the first leg of the interclub 25 championship, Congleton C.C. vs. Macclesfield Wheelers this week. Eleven CCC riders lined up against 13 MW riders with the top 6 from each club counting in the competition. The Ben Norbury recorded 56:57 but was beaten by a single second by

Chris Quinn of Macclesfield Wheelers for individual honours. He was backed up by Steve Hulme, 57:27 (3rd in the event), Steve Sladin 1:4:15, James Walton 1:06:17, Mark Allen 1:07:16 (best junior) and Mark Tilstone 1:07:56.

They could not prevent Macclesfield Wheelers from winning the team event, and taking a lead of 8 minutes and 10 seconds forward to the second leg

Top Congleton lady was Sue Blake with 1:13:03 from Denise Hurst 1:15:26 and Lesley Norbury, making her debut at the distance with 1:17:46.

Amongst the guest riders, Jody Cundy returned for a second week, this time accompanied by another British C5 paralympic star, Crystal lane, a World Championship medallist on track and road. They rode a 2 up team time trial in 1:03:56.

 

 

Thanks to Macclesfield for promoting the event. We will be promoting the second and final leg on June 23rd.

FULL RESULT HERE

PHOTOS HERE Thanks to Ken Norbury

VIDEO HERE Thanks to Adrian Pennington

Last week’s club league 10 at Gawsworth, attracted 27 starters on a windy cool evening. The wind was mainly across the course so times were surprisingly quick. The head to head between Ben Norbury and Steve Hulme produced two fastest rides, with Ben recording 21:48 to Steve’s 22:10. Matt Stephenson of Wills Wheels was third in 22:49 with Steve Sladin third club finisher in 24:36, just ahead of best Junior Mark Allen 24:44. Jake Niblett was second junior in 27:10.
Best lady was visitor Claire Munton (Malteni RT) in 25:26 from Sue Blake 27:33 and another visitor Nicole Green (Cyclesport International) 27:41. The club “podium” was completed by Denise Hurst 28:45 and Lesley Norbury in a new PB of 29:11. Lesley’s time gave her maximum handicap points for the second week in succession.

Paul Dentith rode a 72 inch fixed gear to 26:20. This month he continues his assault on the Medium Gear League starting with the Bridlington CC 25 on May 31st followed by the Matlock CC 10 on June 2nd. He is currently 4th in that league.

Multi Paralymic gold medal winner Jody Cundy was a special guest at the event, He recorded a time of 23:56. A photograph of Jody on the start line was posted on the club’s Facebook page along with the results. This has reached more than 1500 people, which is a club record for a post reach!

FULL RESULT
PHOTOS Thanks to Ken Norbury
VIDEO Thanks to Adrian Pennington.
Thanks also to all the marshals and other helpers.
Next week (June 2nd) is the first of the interclub 25 mile TT’ s against Macclesfield Wheelers. This and a second event on June 23rd will decide the winner of the Karl Austin Memorial Shield for 2015. The first event is being promoted by Macclesfield Wheelers. As always we hope for a good club turnout. Guest riders are also welcome.

The field of 23 starters was smaller than normal on this very windy, chilly evening, on the Congleton-Holmes Chapel Road. Riders also faced a slightly longer route than previous events on this course, because the finish was about 150 yards further, following official measurement by the CTT course measurer. Never the less, some good times were set in the conditions.

Top spot again went to Ben Norbury with 22:31, the course record. Ben also held the record for the shorter course with 21:41. Steve Hulme got very close with 22:35 for second place (best veteran also 2nd on handicap). Visitor Ed Hopper from Audlem CC was third fastest in 23:54, just ahead of Rob Dale, 24:10, the 3rd placed Congleton rider.
Fastest lady for the second week running was visitor Claire Munton (Malteni RT) with 26:02. The Congleton ladies were headed by Sue Blake 28:56 from Denise Hurst 29:57 and Lesley Norbury 30:17. Lesley was  best on handicap with a nett 20:45, on a night when no one reduced their handicap allowance.
Mark Allen was unchallenged in the junior category with a time of 25:36. Also worthy of note was second claim member Alex McNicol (VC Moulin), who was fastest on a road bike in 25:01.
FULL RESULT.
Ken Norbury’s PHOTO’s. Thanks Ken.
Adrian Pennington’s VIDEO. Thanks Adrian
Thanks as ever to all the marshals and other helpers, to whom we are always indebted.

Last weeks club 10 at Chelford was cancelled because of a dangerously strong gusty wind. This weeks event at Gawsworth was just windy. Never the less some good times were recorded.
The best was 21:05 by Andy Magnier of Giordana RT from Ben Norbury 21:54 and Steve Hulme 22:12. Wayne Powell 23:19 took third place amongst the Congleton riders. Leek CC had nominated this event as their club 10 mile championship so we welcomed a larger than normal Leek contingent to the event. Their winner was Rich Whalley in 23:47. Charlie Evans (23:38) had competition in the road bike category, when Alex Royle (Army C.U.) left his TT bike at home, to record 22:30.

Sue Blake, “fresh” from a 2hr 28 min PB in the Dukinfield 50, three days earlier, was best of the Congleton ladies with 28:42 from Denise Hurst 29:28 and Lesley Norbury in a new PB of 29:32. Lesley’s time will once again place her high in the handicap league points this week. The actual fastest lady on the night, was visitor Claire Munton (Malteni RT) with 24:56.
Best Junior was Mark Allen in 25:07, from Jake Niblett in a new PB of 26:49. Jake’s time gave him first place in the event on handicap. Mark competed in a road race at Denbigh on Sunday where he spent most of the race chasing on his own after getting delayed by a mass pile up in the bunch, which happened on the first lap.
See the full TT result HERE.
Thanks to Ken Norbury for the photographs VIEW PHOTOS
Thanks also to all the marshals and helpers who make our events a success. Particular thanks this week to visitor Phil Pearce of Malteni RT who wore a Congleton marshal jacket on the finish lane turn.

Very chilly conditions with a stiff head wind on the longer outward leg, slowed most riders by over a minute compared to the previous week on this course.
Fastest of the 35 competitors was Ben Norbury in 22:07 followed by Mat Stephenson (Will Wheels) 22:31 and Steve Hulme 22:36 (also fastest veteran). Third place amongst Congleton riders was Wayne Powell in 24:12.
Fastest Lady was Sue Blake in 28:13 from Lesley Norbury 30:30 and Megan Giglia 31:48. Mark Allen was top junior in 25:46.
Competing on a 72 inch fixed gear, Paul Dentith returned 27:33. Paul is currently lying second in the national medium gear league after 8 events, although he has only done 3 events so far.
FULL RESULT.
PHOTOS. Thanks to Ken Norbury
VIDEO. Thanks to Adrian Pennington.
After 4 events our own TT league table is starting to take shape. Overall Ben Norbury, 120 points (maximum) leads from Steve Hulme 116 and Wayne Powell 105. Ben also leads the handicap league with 112 points from Steve Hulme 94 and Mark Allen 93. Lesley Norbury is also scoring well on handicap with a win and a third place in the last two weeks. The ladies are led by Sue Blake on maximum 40 points from Lesley 26 and Denise Hurst, 9. Juniors are led by mark Allen on a maximum of 40 points from Jake Nesbitt 18. The veterans table is topped by Steve Hulme on the maximum 120 points from Wayne Powell 115 and Bill Boynton 102.
TT LEAGUE TABLES.

50 riders signed on for the club 10 on the Gawsworth course, although one did not start. It would have been 51 but Ed Wright was knocked off in Congleton, on his way to sign on. Ed reported “I’m OK but my bikes k……ed!” That was not the only traffic incident. Adrian Pennington who was marshaling/filming at the Grove Island stopped a motorist attempting to go the wrong way around the island, averting what could have been a serious situation.
There were a lot of season’s best and personal best times set in the event in fine warm conditions. The fastest ride was 20:52 by Alex Royle (Army Cycling) Second was GB C5 paracycling international Jon Gildea (Sportgrub Kuota) 21:06, and third was our own Ben Norbury 21:34. Second and third counting Congleton riders were Steve Hulme 21:55 who was also best veteran, and Rob Dale 23:14.
Ladies honours went to Sue Blake in a new PB of 27:09 from Lesley Norbury also a PB in 29:43 and our own GB international C3 paracylist Megan Giglia 30:14.
Lesley was also best on handicap on the night with a nett 19:30 from new member Neil Clarke 19:31 (actual 26:06) and Sue Blake 19:34.
Mark Allen kept his spot as top junior with 24:46 from Alex Coates (Lyme R.C.) 25:21 and Joe Swinnerton (Swinnerton Cycles) 25:24. Remarkably Alex dead heated with his father Richard.
Full RESULT.
PHOTOS Thanks to Ken Norbury
VIDEO Thanks to Adrian Pennington
Thanks as always to the volunteer marshals and helpers without whom we could not run the events.

The second event in the evening league took place on a fine evening although there was a troublesome breeze on the return leg.
Fastest rider was Ben Norbury (pictured) in a course record 21:41 by a minute from Martin Parish (Crew Clarion Wheelers) with Steve Hulme third in 22:52. Third placed Congleton Rider was Rob Dale in 23:42.

Best Lady was Sue Blake (pictured)28:20 with Denise Hurst second in 28:57 and Leslie Norbury 30:13. GB Paracyclist, Megan Giglia, now preparing for the road season was a close 4th in 30:29.

 

 

Best Junior was Mark Allen (pictured)25:04 from Alex Coates Lyme R.C. 26:04, Sam French 26:52 and Jake Niblett 27:12.

The full RESULT

 

The event was not without controversy. Some called it “Roundaboutgate”, when a few riders took the fastest way at the turn roundabout, which was over it rather than round it. On this occasion it was judged that any time gained was not sufficient to make a difference in finish order, so the threatened 20 second penalty was not applied.

Thanks to Ken Norbury for the PHOTOGRAPHS and to Adrian Pennington for the VIDEO and also to all marshals and other helpers.

31 riders out tonight for the first TT of the season – the Hilly One. Excellent conditions, and a glorious sunset to cap the occasion. Did anyone else spot what I believe was a Sun Dog? Amazing… An excellent start to the season.
Andrew Magnier was fastest in 26:59 from Norbury 27:45 and Anthony Allen Macclesfield Wheelers 28:46. Ben took top points in the TT League followed by Steve Hulme 29:45 and Mike Jones 30:42. Top of the ladies was Sue Blake in 39:39, amazing when you consider that she rode 150 + miles in the Ludlow and back reliability trial on Sunday. Mark Tilston who also did the 150, complained of tired legs but still finished in 37:21. Junior honours went to Mark Allen in 32:27 from Jake Niblett who overcame a puncture before the start and a late start to get round in 33:45
Many thanks, as ever, to all the volunteers and caterers, who make these events the success they are.
See full result HERE
AP was at the junction with the Leek – Macc road with his video camera. See VIDEO Thanks Adrian.
Ken Norbury was at the Timbersbrook cross roads taking photos. See PHOTOS Thanks Ken

The Club has recently established a YouTube Channel which will be used for video footage anyone has captured and stories which may interest members.
The channel feed can be found HERE Thanks to Adrian Pennington.

Under the ‘Playlist’ tab the current recordings can be found indexed
If anyone has any footage they would like including or any queries please send them to congletoncyclingclub@hotmail.com

For new content update notifications, club members might like to subscribe to the channel.

The latest addition is the Womens C3 500 M TT at the Para Cycling World Championships featuring Megan Giglia.

Club member Megan Giglia competed in the UCI Paracycling World Track Championships last week in Holland. In her first year she just missed out on bronze medals in the C3 500 metre time trial and in the C3 3000 meter pursuit race.
In the 500 m TT she qualified for the bronze medal ride off with a time of 44.736 seconds and the just missed the medal by 0.002 seconds in the final.
In the 3000 meters again she qualified for the bronze medal ride off with a personal best time of 4 minutes 24.488 seconds and was again disappointed in the final ride with 4:27.918, leaving her fourth again.
Well done Megan. The club congratulates you on a great debut in the Worlds.

See more from British Cycling Here

Pete Akers Smith delivered the first of his Group Riding Skills coached sessions on Saturday March 21st at Eaton Bank Academy. The participants started with braking and cornering techniques before going on the following wheels and riding side by side in close proximity. Each session was finished off with a short pursuit race, to put the skills to a competitive test. All 15 participants had a great day.
There are two more sessions, one on March 28th, again at Eaton Bank and a final session at the Rob Holden closed road circuit Tameside, Manchester on Easter Sunday April 5th. Pete says that we hope to repeat the sessions. for other club members as required.
Thanks to Pete with help from Charlie Evans, Alison Langford for serving the refreshments and to Suzie Akers Smith for preparing a wonderful selection of wraps and cakes.
Thanks also to ken Norbury for the PHOTO’S OF THE DAY
Thanks also to Adrian Pennington who is making a video of the sessions. See VIDEO OF THE DAY. Adrian has also just launched a Congleton Cycling Club U Tube Channel to host videos of club activities.

Congratulations to Club Member John Broadbent on winning the Sports Personality of the Year for Leek, and being awarded runner up in the Staffordshire Moorlands Sports Personality of the Year (Leek, Biddulph and Cheadle). John was recognised for his achievements representing GBR over the last few years, in Triathlon events. You can read more at the attached link. Well done John!
See more HERE

The last survey conducted by the club indicated a desire for some proper coaching sessions, well here’s your opportunity.
Pete Smith has been on the British Cycling Level 2 Coaching course and has completed the three assessment days, the online study and exam sessions, and has just one last task to complete in order to qualify. This final task is to plan and deliver a series of six progressive coaching sessions.
After much consideration it has been decided that Group Riding would be a theme that could most benefit our current club members. So, with that in mind Pete has planned a series of six sessions, which will start with the basics and progress through riding in pairs, smaller groups, and chain gangs through to larger groups.
The sessions will be fun, involving, informative and a chance to learn and practice the proper skills and techniques required to ride safely and efficiently within a group. Most of you will realise that the majority of club members already ride in groups whenever the club goes out. But, how many club members have ever received any formal training? How safely and efficiently do you think club members currently ride when in a group? Have you ever ridden in a group where all the riders are truly working together efficiently and in a tight formation? Even if you think you are great at group riding, have you ever asked anyone for feedback concerning your skills? We can all improve if we are open minded enough.
So, this is your chance to learn the correct skills and techniques, gain some feedback and to experience what true group riding is like, with all riders singing from the same song sheet, working in harmony to enhance the group riding experience.
We will be looking at individual skills and techniques to start with from braking and cornering, working up to group techniques including holding a wheel, changing positions in a group, different formations, pace lines, through-and-off techniques and team time trials.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A RACER OR REALLY FAST, OR REALLY FIT, all you need is a road bike in good working order and a few hours to spend having fun. The sessions will have demonstrations, practice with coaching input and some fun activities with a little competition here and there, where the fastest individuals will not always win!
The first session is on Saturday 21st March at 11:45hrs (for a 12:00 start) until 16:00hrs This will involve 3x1hr coaching sessions with breaks. To be held at Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton.
The second session is on Saturday 28th March at 11:45hrs (for a 12:00 start) until 14:30hrs This will involve 2x1hr coaching sessions with breaks. To be held at Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton.
The final session will be a trip to the Roy Holden closed road cycle circuit at Tameside, Manchester on Easter Sunday 5th April at 14:45hrs (for a 15:00 start) until 17:00hrs This will involve 1x2hr coaching session with no formal break. This is a great opportunity to ride in group formations that would be illegal on the public highway and have some real fun in a safe, car free environment.
Pete would like to re-emphasise that these sessions are not geared towards thrashing around at breakneck speed, so all are welcome, whatever your current standard of riding. The techniques and skills will be useful for riding in any groups, be they a club run or a team time trial. It is NOT all about racing, although we will have some laid back competition (a few laps each) for fun towards the end of each session. These are more about practicing new skills and applying them so there are no prizes for team members that finish several laps apart from each other! In fact, there are no prizes at all, just a cuppa and a biscuit like on Tuesday night TTs!
Pete is fully insured, first aid qualified and will conduct the coaching under BC rules and guidelines. This does mean that numbers are limited to a maximum of 15 riders. The whole point of this is for you to get some enjoyment and maybe learn a few skills that can be applied when you ride with the club and for Pete to get qualified as a Level 2 Coach by delivering a progressive series of coaching sessions. With that in mind people need to commit to all three sessions. Riders cannot only turn up for the final session if they have not completed the first two days.
So, if you are interested, please check your email and reply to Pete Smith or contact Bob Norton. If more than 15 request a place Pete will draw names at random, but will also look to run the sessions again later in the year for any that miss out.
As mentioned, refreshments will be provided with some snacks and the best news is that all the sessions are completely free of charge!

The first look at the clubs season long points competition has just been published. Every member gets one point for taking part in or helping in various club activities. Counting events for 2015 are All Club Runs, All Reliability Trials, All Evening TT’s all club room attendance, All Saturday Training Rides (since Jan 1st,, all Tuesday evening spin sessions and other events agreed by the club committee.

Leading point scorer at the moment is John Jervis with 35 points followed by Sue Blake with 25 and Bob Norton with 24.

John also leads with 18 points in the Club Run Attendance competition for the Sid Hancock Plate, closely followed by Gill Jervis on 17 points. There is a three way tie for third place between Sue Blake, Stephen Kane and Bob Norton, all with 10 points.

The full listing can be found via the link Bob Job Attendance and TT Points Competitions

Well done to club member Megan Giglia on being selected for the GB Para cycling squad for next month’s UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships which has been announced by British Cycling. Megan suffered an acute brain haemorrhage/stroke in January 2013 which resulted in paralysis to her right side, aged just 27. She will travel to Apeldoorn in Holland for the Championships which take place March 26th – 29th. Megan joined the club last year, after being advised by her coach to get out with a good cycling club. She has worked hard over the winter despite having to fight back from a fractured Coccyx sustained when she crashed on a club run back in October.