News and Information

Reliability Ride Routes

2012-02-10T12:01:00.011Z

There seems to have been some confusion over the official routes for the reliability rides. As far as I know there are no official routes only historic routes. In reality the routes tend to have been modified over the years to take account of increasing traffic - moving on to smaller roads. Of course some people don't like change and insist the new routes are wrong. I put GPXs of the latest routes onto the website a couple of years ago and can be found on the 'downloads' page. I have also put maps of the routes in the 'club photos'; the maps are of the GPX routes on the website.

TERRY

2012-02-05T21:50:00.002Z

Well the snow does bring its challenges.

But for some of our members it brings out their artistic side...

Pic courtesy of Glen Taylor

Winter riding

2012-02-05T21:46:00.004Z

Here's another pic from one rider who got out today!

Hmm - he looks a bit knackered....

Ps Scroll down a bit

Pic courtesy of Peter Fenton

2012 Membership

2012-01-21T19:20:00.009Z

Dear All,

The membership for 2012 will soon be due.

Given that a number of you have been very keen and started sending in 2011 membership forms I'd thought that
I'd better make the 2012 forms available - please go to the CCC Message site for the junior and senior forms.

Chris

Winners take it all...

2011-11-27T08:04:00.009Z

Yesterday's end of season social and prize presentation proved a great success - with all tickets sold. Congratulations to all the award winners with special mention to Ken Miller who was presented with The Colborn Cup Club person of the year for always volunteering to Marshal, leading the newbies rides and leading Sunday club runs . The Soot Mynott trophy for Best club-runner was awarded to Malcolm Kitchen for his work in co-ordinating the Sunday morning GT group. Thank you to all those whom put so much effort and time into making sure the evening was such a friendly and well organised club gathering , they are Andy and Sarah Blower, Andy and Sarah Strickland, Chris Adams, Gill Shield, Julia and Jan Ertner, and MC for the evening Chris James. If I've missed anyone off the list please let me know. Many thanks to the staff of NAPP Sport and Social club who were welcoming hosts. The new club 'pop up' media stand added great impact, due to the generosity of CameoDisplays. A comprehensive list of trophy and award winners will be published in the next edition of club newsletter.

Tickets on sale now, contact Club Secretary...

2011-11-15T08:36:00.003Z

Tonight's the night...

2011-11-09T13:45:00.004Z

AGM for Cambridge Cycling Club will be held this evening at 7.30pm (Nov 14th 2011).

Please show your support for the club

and have a voice in how our club,

of 285 members, evolves in 2012.

Refreshments (including cakes)

will be served.

Christ Church Hall,

Newmarket Road, Cambridge.

Join together...

2011-10-28T17:24:00.003+01:00

A recent Sunday club Sporting ride participated in an event in Saffron Walden to attempt to get a cycle path built between the town and Audley End railway station.

The group had been diverted by club member Steve Lake to join in and lend some lycra-clad support to the Wenden Road cycle and walk event in Saffron Walden, organised by local residents to raise awareness for their campaign.

NB: Sporting run participants are the older folk wearing club kit and not the very young, healthy looking youth in the front row of the picture posted here!

You get what you give...

2011-10-07T12:23:00.007+01:00

AGM for Cambridge Cycling Club will be held at 7.30pm on November 14 2011.

It is very important

that all first claim club members attend. Please support the club and have a voice in how your club evolves in 2012.

Refreshments (including cakes)

will be served.

Christ Church Hall,

Newmarket Road, Cambridge.

Clap your hands say Yeah...

2011-10-06T17:25:00.004+01:00

With thanks to Andrew Strickland for the artwork.

Beginner’s Ride – Saturday September 3rd

2011-08-29T21:27:00.007+01:00

Meet at Addenbrooke’s 10 am. Regular members also welcome for a gentle ride through Fulbourn, Wilbrahams to Brinkley. Then south to Bartlow, Hadstock and Saffron Walden to the Riverside Barns at Ickleton for Coffee.

Back to Cambridge via Duxford, Whittlesford and the Shelfords - 30 miles to the Coffee Stop; 40 in total:

http://www.mapitnow.com/?maproute=40761

Should be back between 1 and 2 pm. Please ensure you carry a couple of spare inner tubes and a pump.

Ken Miller

Lake is 2011 ECCA Champion...

2011-07-25T08:58:00.005+01:00

Cambridge Cycling Club's Owen Lake is 2011 Senior Champion of the Eastern Counties.

Lake won the Eastern Counties Cycling association title in a 120km road race around Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages, starting from the County High School, and finishing in Littlebury.

The race started well with some aggressive racing from the start. Eventually, two riders got away, Russell Hampton (Sigma Sport) the eventual winner and Cambridge based Dave McLean (Pasta Montegrappa), and stayed away until 20km to go. Lake punctured only 15km into the race and subsequently spent 25km chasing back to the bunch. After a few attacks seven riders got ahead in a breakaway bid, Lake decided to wait in the chasing group for his chance, which actually came right at the end.

"The race finished up a 1 mile climb and I went up it in 4th place. Coming up the climb, the pace was quite high although everyone seemed to be waiting, not willing to risk attacking, so the main bunch was still together as we neared the finish" said Lake. With 250m to go, Lake took his opportunity, coming from 4th place to sprint round the two remaining riders with 100m left, to win the bunch sprint for 8th place and the ECCA Championship by 2 bike lengths. Lake won the ECCA Junior Championship title in 2009.

Attached photo shows : Owen Lake, 2011 ECCA champion, sits second from left in the chasing group. Photo: Mark Hopkins.

Platts breaks club 100 mile senior record..

2011-07-21T20:19:00.002+01:00

Cambridge Cycling Club rider Ken Platts continued his run of good form when he broke both club and regional records for 100 miles. Platts, riding in the Eastern Counties Cycling Association 100 mile Time Trial Championship, recorded a time of 3 hours 44 minutes 33 seconds.
This time is a new Cambridge Club senior record, beating the old mark by 1 minute 25seconds. But what is more remarkable is that Platts, aged 59, is a veteran rider, and his time reduced the record for his age group by a staggering 32 minutes. Not only that, but it set a new mark for the East Anglian region, beating the previous best by 21 minutes.
Platts, who is the current British Veterans Best All Rounder was placed 4th in the event, beaten only by riders many years his junior. The event was won by the British Senior Best All Rounder Champion, Julian Jenkinson.
Platts, who recently took the Cambridge CC 25 mile championship with a surprise win over in-form Basil Moss commented, “I was delighted with this performance. I tend to struggle a bit in the shorter, faster events these days as I don’t have the power that I used to. However, when stamina and experience count, as in longer events, it’s good to know I can still hold my own.” Photo by David Jones

Cambridge 300km Audax

2011-05-01T21:37:00.017+01:00

On the 30th April four Cambridge CC members joined forty other riders and completed a 300km Audax. The Audax was run by by Cambridge CC member Terry Dickerson.

Starting at 06.30h from Hauxton, the route went south to the first checkpoint at Sandon before heading to Thurleigh Farm Centre for breakfast. The riders then went through Earls Barton and then Market Harborough on the way to Wymondham in Leicestershire where they stopped at the Windmill and Tearooms at the 'top' of the course. The final 130km took a route through the fens and across the north of Peterborough and back to Hauxton. The full route can be found here.

Some photos of the event can be viewed in the club photos web album, click on the button to the right. Also a couple of blogs have been written by participants Gareth Rees and Ian Keller.

Opening Credits for Moss...

2011-04-08T18:25:00.004+01:00

A full field of riders on the opening night of the Cambridge CC 2011 club Time Trial series.
It was a nice evening with only a bit of a westerly wind blowing but the tough 10 mile Bottisham course was nevertheless as challanging as ever.
In form Basil Moss (pictured) took the honours and won the event in an impressive 22mins 35secs, Nathan Thompson 2nd in 22.50 and Owen Lake 3rd in 23.03.

7 CCC ladies rode last night which bodes well for this years women’s Cole cup TT competition. Laura Massey was fastest in a time of 27.31.

Thank you to the helpers without whom we cannot run these events.

Mick Draper: Time Keeper
Shane Noval: Push off
Tyler Denmead: Marshal
Andy Blower: Signs & Safety Thanks to Jan Ertner for report and Photo.

Spring has sprung...

2011-03-28T19:47:00.002+01:00

There was a full field of 100 for both of the recent Cambridge CC Audax events. The End of Hibernation was 200km in distance, while the End of Snooze was 100km. Participants rode a defined route which they had to complete within a maximum and minimum time limit. Organiser of the event Terry D baked cakes for the finishers to enjoy on arrival back at event HQ in Hauxton. An Audax is semi-competitive cycling event. Cambridge 300km Audax is on April 30th 2011 - it starts at 6.30am.

Photo by Simon Proven.

GT ...this Sunday

2011-03-16T12:18:00.008Z

The onset of Spring has seen a growing number of members turning out for Cambridge Cycling Club’s Sunday club rides.

Over the past years, the Gran Turismo group has been organised on an ad-hoc basis as and when numbers demand.

The GT group will span the gap between Touring and Intermediate groups – ideal for those wishing to target cycling events such as Audax and sportives.

GT will launch with an inaugural pedal to Great Dunmow this Sunday March 27th - led by Phil Hague.

GT group leaders will be co-ordinated by club member Malcolm Kitchen, who is looking for members to volunteer as leaders to get the group up and running.

Chris James, Club Runs Secretary for Cambridge CC, commented: “GT club runs on a regular basis it’s what the club needs, I’ll volunteer to lead one, it’s a good time of year to get it started.”

Photo by Phil O'Connor shows: GT group leader Malcolm Kitchen ‘enjoying’ climbing Star Hill during the 2011 edition of 100km Hell of the Ashdown sportive, which he competed in with fellow club members Phil Hague and Phil Skogstad.

Punrnell and Moss target the Sky...

2011-03-14T12:33:00.008Z

Two Cambridge cycling club members had a very exciting day's racing when they competed against a World class professional Cyclist Team Sky rider, and Commonwealth games medal holder, Alex Dowsett. Racing solo for 25 miles against the clock , in the Lea Valley cycling Club promoted event, Cambridge cyclist Basil Moss, riding his heavy duty winter bike, finished 4th in 58mins 09sec while his club mate Anthony Purnell finished just 20 seconds over the hour. Dowsett , who as a professional had been given honorary membership of Eastern Counties Cycling Association in order to do so, delivered by recording a 49.40 on the classic road course near Saffron Walden the magnitude of which can be judged by the fact that he broke the course record by 3 and a half minutes, there are unconfirmed reports that Shortly after the start the 2010 British U23 TT champion triggered the 30mph "please slow down" sign!

Photo by David Jones shows : Anthony Purnell in action on the E1.

Lake crests across the line in season opener...

2011-03-06T18:13:00.004Z

Cambridge cycling club member Owen Lake had a great performance in today's Crest Road Race, finishing 2nd. This season starter 115Km race held on roads near to Saffron Walden race is considered one of the most difficult races in the Eastern league road race calendar.
After an early breakaway from the main field went up the road Owen Lake and Jamie Caldwell (St Ives CC) attacked after 35km and bridged across to them - 10km later the duo broke away from the leading group and stayed ahead for the rest of the race. Half way through the race Lake and Caldwell had established a lead of over 2 minutes and held on to finish almost a minute ahead of the bunch after 80km on our own. In the sprint to the line, Jamie's experience and age (21) showed as he edged Owen (18) out into second place.

Good luck...

2011-02-16T15:46:00.003Z

Howes Cycles of Cambridge, established in 1840 and has remained in the same family since then with the current owner being the 6th generation, have been nominated in the Cambridge News Business Excellence awards.

The shop which, along with other selected local cycle retailers, offers club members discount on production of a current club membership card , is in the awards Small business of the Year category.

2011 Membership

2011-02-12T21:52:00.004Z

2011 membership forms are available from the 'Membership' section of this site, see the menu to the left. If you intend to rejoin the club this year please download a form and send it to the Membership Secretary, details on the form.

Cambridge CC Reliability rides

2011-02-12T21:37:00.004Z

The routes of the CCC 'reliability rides can be down loaded in gpx form from the 'Down Loads' page in the menu to the left. Alternatively right click on the following links and select 'save link as':
50mile to be held on 13th Feb can be found HERE
75mile to be held on 20th Feb can be found HERE
90mile to be held on 27th Feb can be found HERE

Winter warmer for Baumber...

2011-01-19T14:16:00.004Z

Cambridge cycling member member Peter Baumber has kicked started his 2011 season. He clocked 27mins 58secs when he braved the January cold to compete in the Breckland CC 10 mile TT.

Veteran racer Baumber finished in the top 20 in 18th place. Winner was Neil Hornett of Chelmer CC 21Min 56sSec.

Photo by David Jones, shows Peter Baumber racing in more sunnier climes than the winter conditions competitors endured in the Breckland.

Club trio triumph...

2011-01-11T08:56:00.004Z

Special mention was made at yesterday's club meeting of club member Ken Turner who has been awarded the Soot Mynott trophy for Cambridge cycling club, club run person for 2010 - he is pictured right participating the Touring run 100 mile ride which was promoted by Mr Turner.

Eric Gowland was awarded the club person of the year trophy and Andy Cockburn was inaugural winner of the club's Crebs Mountain bike cup.

Photo: Phil Mynott

Bike talk...

2011-01-10T08:34:00.006Z

Club social tonight at the award winning Salisbury Arms public house, 76 Tenison Rd, Cambridge, CB1 2DW starts at 8pm. ( www. thesalisburyarms.com - complete with agony problem page!) All members welcome to chat about cycling and your 2011 cycling targets. Preceded by club Committee meeting at 7pm in the Same location.

Photo: Phil Mynott

Pooley can look back on a great Season...

2011-01-01T10:01:00.005Z

Two championship cyclists with close links to Cambridge Cycling Club have been ranked high in a list of British cyclists of 2010.

Congratulations to Elite World champion cyclist Emma Pooley who has been voted Britain's number one cyclist of 2010 by Cycling Weekly.

Professional cyclist Pooley, the current Women's World and UK time trial Championship holder, participated in Cambridge Cycling Club chaingang while studying in Cambridge. It also signalled the start of her very successful coaching partnership with club member Tim Williams.

Congratulations also to serial National Time Trial championship title holder Michael Hutchinson, ranked at 28th in the Cycling Weekly list. Hutchinson, who set a new 10 mile TT competition record in 2010, is a Life-vice president of Cambridge Cycling Club.

Photo courtesy of www.PerfectCondition.ltd.uk

Slip sliding away...

2010-12-24T13:21:00.004Z

(Late) Race report from Thetford WS2

2010-12-22T17:49:00.004Z

The second round of the Thetford MTB Racing winter series took place on the 5th of December, offering the option ride as many laps as possible over either 2 or 4 hours. The sub-zero snowy weather of the previous two weeks gave way to 1-4 °C and left open sections of the course covered in melting snow. The course stuck to the drier “Brandon Country Park” side of the forest taking in many of the best sections of single track on that side of the forest with the start/finish accessed from Fire Road 6.

As usual, Thetford MTB put on a great event and provided motivation for a full field of 500 riders to get out and ride in the cold.

Cambridge had a good turnout for the event with multiple finishers in both the 4 hour and 2 hour events.
I was joined in the 4 hour event by Gordon Hollingworth who came in 14th 2 laps back while Jason Bouttell was 47th in the 2hour male race. Andrew Strickland also rode the hour event, finishing in 58th in the vets category.

Other local riders involved were tri ride regular Jared Walbridge who finished 31st in the 2 hour race Cambridge tri 31st on 4 laps and one time chain-gang regular Steve Hubbard who finished 25th in the 4 hour vets class.

My race.

At the start, Steve James (AW cycles) led out with Paul Ashby (Fat Birds CC) and I in close attendance. We quickly established a gap and settled down to start knocking out the laps. Near the end of Lap 1 Paul suffered a puncture which put him out of contention. Steve and I took turns to lead laps with our pace gradually slowing as the course deteriorated due to melting snow. We were lapping in just over half an hour so we would be doing 8 laps in total.

At the end of lap 7 I put in an attack attack on the climb up to the start/finish area.

After attacking, I quickly got a gap but then felt like I was pedalling through treacle, I couldn’t extend my lead but Steve couldn’t close it either. Over the top and through the start/finish, I kept the pressure on and managed to stretch the lead to over 15 seconds as I started the last lap. I was flat out for the whole lap, extending the gap until the bottom of the final two climbs. I was suddenly seeing stars and the last two climbs were a real struggle. I crawled over the line in 1st place with Steve coming in 20 seconds later.

The series takes a break now for Christmas, returning for the final two rounds on January the 30th and February the 27th. Both races would be a great way for anyone in the club to get taste of off road racing.

Grit and grip it..

2010-12-22T13:01:00.001Z

2010-12-20T19:34:00.000Z

Off - Road Ride tomorrow!

2010-12-18T14:35:00.004Z

Dear All,

Super Sue has ordained that we ride off road tomorrow!!

Please turn up at Addenbrookes on your MTB for an offroad ride out Balsham way.

I'm reckoning no cafe stop and coming back via the river route.

Kind regards

Chris

Piccie by kind permission of Glen Taylor

Cambridge CC Photos back on line

2010-11-21T15:39:00.005Z

The photos button has not bee working for a while. However a Picasa Web Album has now been set-up and some photos have been added. The idea is to make this a postable area for any club member to contribute to. Click on the CLUB Photos button above the calendar to have a look. Contact the the Web Master, details on the Who's Who link, if you would like to have posting access.
TERRY

Annual Club Dinner and Prize Presentation 2010

2010-11-07T19:54:00.006Z

Cambridge Cycling Club 2010 dinner and Prize presentation will be held on Saturday 11th December 2010.

Cambridge Meridian Golf Club , is the venue, with speaker , club member, Andy Cockburn an elite cross country and endurance mountain biker , 2010 Eastern region champion and top 10 finisher in the Nationals.

All members are welcome, with family and other guests. Come along to 'reflect' about the past 12 months of cycling and cheer on those fellow club mates who have made a 'big splash' with winning headlines - and see if you've won a trophy. Tickets now on sale - contact Julia. Please note booking deadline is December 2nd.

Legs in photo kindly supplied by club member Ken Turner.

AGM appoints it's first MTB guru..

2010-11-05T14:12:00.011Z

Despite being one of the oldest cycling clubs in the Uk, Cambridge Cycling club has no problem in staying one wheel length ahead of current trends. At yesterday's AGM ,In response to the massive growth in Mountain Bike (MTB) participation among it's 245 membership, the club has appointed Andy Cockburn as it's first MTB secretary. Mr Cockburn -pictured right- competes in MTB at a National level and as the current regional champion it is a great scoop for the club.

Mr Cockburn was voted into office at yesterdays club AGM during which Tyler Denmead was voted in as the club's Hon British Cycling secretary - to replace Eric Gowland who is stepping down after a very productive three years in which he has led the clubs road racing squad to many victories.

Sarah Blower is to continue in the role as Hon Club Clothier - a role she took on half way through this year when Alan Sparks moved away from the area. Mr Sparks was made a Life Vice-president of the club (LVP) in appreciation of his many years dedicated service in various posts most recent as club clothier.

Club Annual General Meeting

2010-10-24T19:28:00.003+01:00

Dear All,

The Annual General Meeting is on Thursday 4th November 7:30pm at Christ Church Hall (on Newmarket Road - opposite The Burleigh Arms)

The AGM is a good opportunity to hear how the club is getting on (a brief report is read out by each committee member) and to meet people from different bits of the club.

Hope to see you there!

Kind regards

Chris

Touring group go flat out...

2010-10-10T17:21:00.004+01:00

Nick two teas led Touring group on a ride across the flatlands today. Sunshine and an almost absent Fenland blow made up for lack of climbs!

For those on facebook more pics here.

12th September Tourists 100 mile ride

2010-09-09T20:12:00.003+01:00

A Touring Clubrun this Sunday 12th Sept will be our Annual Century Ride - STARTING AT 8.00am from Addenbrooke's. (There will also be a standard 9am touring ride). The route will be our (now) traditional one - unless there are road works. (www.idioms.org.uk/ccc/100mile)

We aim to be back in Cambridge by 5.30pm and some people have been known to go to the Cambridge Blue pub for re-hydration! Coffee stop at Grafham Water, lunch at Danish Camp, Willington and a tea stop either at Ashwell or at the Pig Farm Hinxworth.

Non-regular tourists welcome but at our pace. The weather forecast looks good for a great days riding.

Ken

Cambridge Audaxes, 26th September

2010-09-06T22:54:00.003+01:00

Cambridge CC member Simon Proven has organised for two Audaxes to run on 26th September. There is the now traditional 100km event that many members do each year. This year there is also the option of a 200km event. If you are intending to ride, please pre-enter as this makes things a lot easier for Simon and also we cannot guarantee that there will be entries available on the day. The event details can be found at:

Cambridge 100km
Cambridge 200km

Entry instructions and a link to an entry form can be found at the bottom of the page in the above links.

TERRY

Annual Tour de Cambridge MTB trip!

2010-08-30T18:18:00.003+01:00

Dear All,
There will be an MTB ride this coming Sunday (5th September) leaving from Addenbrooke's at 9am. The intention is to traverse a route that Grant and I have completed a number of times over the last few years. The route will take about five hours of riding to complete.
Please turn up with food; that said we'll aim to call in a cafe early afternoon.

Kind regards

Chris Adams

Tommy Platts is organising a curry!

2010-08-12T21:50:00.003+01:00

Dear All,

Tom is organising a curry rather soon so check out the message site for details before confirming your attendance!

Kind regards

Chris

Just because ..... it's that time of year!

2010-07-17T00:05:00.000+01:00

Ras de Cymru: Day 4, Stage 5.

2010-07-03T21:52:00.001+01:00

Apologies for the missed report; there is a brief one one the forum.

The penultimate stage of this 2010 addition included two 'categorized' climbs before an uphill finish.

Riders were attacking from the gun; after covering the early moves, I tucked in to the bunch while Tom took over at the front of the first climb with Basil safely tucked in. Tim an I were both briefly gapped on this hill when the strong climbers kicked for the KOM prime, but we chased back on without too much difficulty.

However, the pace was frantic leading up until the next climb, and while Tom and Basil managed to safely hold their position up front, Tim and I were struggling to work our way up with riders going backwards, forwards and every which way in between.

At the base of the very first climb, disaster struck me once again when two riders came together and dropped directly in front of me. I went into them and landed awkwardly on my knee, breaking open a wound from last weeks crash on the track.

As the bunch disappeared into the distance, I desperately got my bike back into running order and set off in pursuit - it was not too be though, with a minute already between them. To be honest, the onset of yet another setback more or less broke me, and I considered 'Wiggins-ing' my bike off a convenient Welsh hillside. When a large 'laughing group' of 20 odd riders caught me up, however, I tucked in with them instead and rolled round the course.

Meanwhile, back at the pointy end:

Tom & Basil continued to climb well, and easily settled in with the lead group, which whittled down to only around 20 riders at one point. Several joined back in on the descent, however, leaving a group of around 45 to finish. A small break of several riders out of GC contention did slip away and gain a couple of minutes on the bunch.

Basil rode well at the finish, tagging on to the sprint, and managed to gain several seconds on the rider immediately above him on GC. Tom rolled in with the rest of the GC bunch. Tim was gapped on the second climb, and his group rolled in around 8 minutes down on the winner, while my laughing group came in a minute later. I took some satisfaction from sprinting to second out of my group and gaining a few seconds - but not very much as the knee I banged in the crash seized up quite badly immediately afterward.

Our GC picture:

1st Mike Smith (Team Corley Cycles) 7:33:58

4th Basil Moss @ 39 Seconds

34th Tom Vickery @ 6:38

64th Tim Williams @ 19:57

74th Eric Gowland @ 30:58

Team GC: 5th @ 10:38

Tomorrow brings the finale: 43 odd miles of 'Welsh flat' racing, with a 4 mile climb to top it all off. Basil is well positioned, and Tom is climbing really well and should be able to help him up the climb. I'm hoping the freshly banged up knee I've currently got a pack of frozen peas on stays limber enough for me to provide some domestique support leading up to the finish.

One day to go.

Eric

Ras de Cymru Stage 2

2010-07-01T20:13:00.002+01:00

Hello,

I can report exciting news from the front today, as Basil took the stage victory from a two man breakaway, and moved to 3rd place on GC.

Basil and his co-escapist put the hammer down through some curves in a recently graveled portion of the course, and started working together in earnest when they realised they'd acquired a gap.This gap swung out to a minute and a half at one point, but this being the first road stage of a 5 day race, the bunch was reluctant to leave things be - at the end, the break finished a scant 12 seconds ahead, but with time bonuses Basil gained 27 seconds total.

Tom and Tim both finished comfortably in the bunch, with Tom doing some good police work to shut down several bridging attempts... and a late scare with a crash in the bunch a kilometer before the finish.

All debts must be paid, however, and I paid some fairly massive negative karma for Basil's success. I was perplexed to struggle quite badly the first time up the hill, but discovered the reason shortly thereafter when my rear wheel was flat as a pancake. I stopped for a wheel change, but had to wait until the end of the bunch, and then the group that got tailed off on the climb, and then the group that got tailed off before that...Although I got some help from the service car, this only got me as far as the laughing group, and with a hard charging bunch being stuck with everyone who couldn't make it up the climb was never going to end well. However, it ended even worse as the marshall who was supposed to direct us to the off-circuit finish left his post, and we rode an extra quarter lap before realising we'd missed the turn, reversing direction and riding back. In the end we were given a time 27 odd minutes down. Needless to say my hopes of bettering last year's GC position are crushed.

On the other hand, Basil won!!! Go Cambridge!!!Basil says I should aspire to the lantern rouge, but frankly if there is anything that could drag my morale even deeper into a deep dark pit of despair, that would probably be it.

GC After Stage 2:
1st: Colum O'Shea (Team Isle of Man) 2:39:11
3rd: Basil Moss @14 seconds
46th: Tom Vickery (Tom wants everyon to know he is the 2nd 4th cat on GC) @ 1:16
58th: Tim Williams @ 1:32
92nd: Eric Gowland @ 27:40 (Still don't want to talk about it).

Up Next:Tomorrow is the double header, with the Team TT in the morning and a tough, hilly road stage in the afternoon. Stay tuned!

Basil would like to dedicate his win today to Tom Platts, who underwent surgery today after his serious accident. The entire team, despite being caught up in the race, is thinking of Tom and hoping things went well.

-Eric-

Ras de Cymru Stage 1

2010-06-30T20:23:00.003+01:00

Stage 1 of the Ras de Cymru done and dusted.

Basil's crisis of the day: Brought the Carbon Wheels, but not the Carbon-Specific Brake Pads. Surprisingly local bike shops in Newport do indeed stock these items!

The local council decided to make things exciting for the organiser by erecting road works on the prologue course the day of the race. An alternte 'flat' course was found (as opposed to the original 6km TT with a 1km hill climb tagged on). Basil was very disappointed.

However, it turns out 'Welsh Flat' is quite different from 'Cambridge Flat', so all was not lost.

1 - Clive Nicholls (High Wycombe CC) 0:10:44
8 - Basil Moss 0:11:12 (Basil is medium-happy)
53 - Tom Vickery 0:11:47 (Tom is devastated, but at least has the excuse of being ill)
71 - Tim Williams 0:12:03 (Tim is, well... Tim. He is glad we don't have to defend any silly jerseys).
82 - Eric Gowland 0:12:13 (Let's not talk about it. Ever).

Tomorrow's stage promises 6 loops of a 9 mile 'hilly' circuit, complete with... (wait for it...) Rain!

Ras de Cymru 2010

2010-06-29T12:25:00.002+01:00

Hello Cambridge CC,

You may or may not be aware that Cambridge CC is returning to the Ras de Cymru (Tour of Wales) this year.

Our squad for the 2010 event:

Basil 'Anquetil' Moss
Tom 'Tri-boy' Vickery
Tim 'The Shaman' Williams
Eric 'No Known Appropriate Nickname' Gowland (that's me!).

The race is HQ'd at the University of Wales, Newport, in Caerleon. The stages are as follows:

Day 1: Stage 1 - Short Prologue with Hilltop finish.
Day 2: Stage 2 - Rolling Circuit Road Stage, Flat finish.
Day 3: Stage 3 - Rolling Team TT. Stage 4 - Hilly Circuit Road Stage, Long Drag finish.
Day 4: Stage 5 - Hilly Point-To-Point Race, Hilltop finish.
Day 5: Stage 6 - Flat Road Stage, 4-mile mountain-top finish.

I'll attempt to post the stories of our trials and tribulations via twitter (ego_land), on the club forum, and here.

Next report from the road!

-Eric-

Phew what a scorcher...

2010-06-28T20:28:00.002+01:00

The current hot spell saw seven 'newbies' join the Touring group club run on Sunday.

The group went to Safffron Walden via Duxford and Newport returning Linton then Balsham .. to return in time for those who wanted to watch the football .. if only we'ld known we would have stayed out for longer.

Some of the more frisky first timers should now be thinking about joining intermediates on their next outing.

Free Holiday

2010-06-12T19:26:00.004+01:00

Dear All,
Tony Purnell is unable to take up his cycling holiday and would like to know if a fellow club member would like to go in his place? Details on the message site.

Regards

Chris

Summer evening Tuesday rides

2010-05-24T18:50:00.002+01:00

Meet at 6.30pm at Addenbrooke's for an intermediate paced ride in two parts. An hour and a half spin, a stop for a beer (or lemonade) at about 8pm and a spin home for 9.30pm.

Have lights for the last dregs of the sun.

If you are interested please indicate on the message board. First ride on TUESDAY
8TH JUNE."

Glen Taylor*

*As pictured, far left!

Fund raising circuit cycle ride for Jimmy’s Night shelter

2010-05-18T22:51:00.002+01:00

Fancy cycling and trying to raise a few quid at the same time for Jimmy’s night shelter?

Sawston Church organised this last year (they run a regular Saturday ride) and intend to do so again this year on the Saturday 18th September.

Please look at the message site for more details.

Regards

Chris Adams

Tyler Denmead Victorious at St Ives Road Race

2010-05-09T23:46:00.003+01:00

The Mighty Tyler Denmead handed out pain and suffering to all at the St Ives race, until they could take it no longer. They then let him ride away on his own to somewhere where he couldn't hurt them any more. Nigel Hobday and Oly Caddy got fourth and fifth respectively, and Adam Fisher and Sam King finished in the bunch. They didn't bother to list the DNF's- that only 42 finished rather speaks for itself.

So thanks Tyler for latest latest reason for a post-chaingang pint of malty recovery drink! This splendid performance takes Cambridge CC up to fourth in the ERRL club league.

Words by Basil Moss

Father and Son gearing up for 24 hours in the saddle

2010-05-01T20:15:00.005+01:00

Club members Tim and Ali Walters are doing the London to Paris in support of Scope from the 23rd to the 24 July.

For ride info have a look at: www.london2paris24.com
They;ve got a blog at: www.corecambridge.com
Don't forget to visit their fund raising page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TimWalters

Have a good ride, lads.

Chris

Cambridge CC Misses the Win but Fights On.

2010-04-26T12:50:00.002+01:00

In a race that many considered ours to loose, Cambridge CC suffered through some ill luck at the Ed Taylor memorial this past Sunday at Thurlow, near Haverhill. The victory slipped from our grasp, but tactical dominance and some convincing top ten placings promised more to come for the club on the road.

With 10 riders starting in a field of 70, including last week's Ken Wright memorial winner Basil Moss, and last year's Ed Taylor winner Digby Symons, all eyes were on us to make something of our numerical advantage.

At this point in the narrative it should be noted that Digby was suffering from a late night, his wife Katie having delivered their first born the evening before. Digby assures us it was only at Katie's insistence that he lined up for the start of the race. At any rate, congratulations to these long time and stalwart club members; as of yesterday Hector and his mum were home, healthy, and happy. After some 'special modifications' I'm sure the dreaded tandem will return to the chain gang with a 3rd set of legs to punish us.

Back to the race; We tried not to disappoint the bunch and launched attacks early and often. However, the demanding course and eager legs kept things more or less together for the first 2 laps of 10. Under sustained pressure, Digby did manage to escape in a small break. East London Velo were quick to respond with an organised chase, however.

Around this time in the race, our up-and-coming junior Owen Lake slipped off the front with two other riders; Unfortunately one of them came across Owen's front wheel. Owen came through the resulting crash thankfully only with minor injuries, but damage to his bike meant he was unable to continue.

With ELV leading the charge, Digby's break was reeled back in; As soon as the catch was made, however, Cambridge CC's next card was played as Basil Moss and Tyler Denmead launched with one other rider. With two of our strongest riders now up the road and the bunch already under strain from it's previous chasing, things were looking good.

Looking good, that is, until Basil punctured one lap later. Undoubtedly the favorite going into the race, it was heart-breaking to see him standing by the road, wheel in hand, forlornly waiting for the non-existent race service. To make matters worse, strong-man Glenn Vinnicombe also punctured out of the race.

The fall of one hero made room for another though, and Tyler proved apt for the task. The re-invigorated bunch chased to within metres of his break, prompting his single remaining companion to sit up; Tyler, however, took one look over his shoulder and disdainfully attacked once more. He stretched his lead out again over the course of the next lap and a half, only to be brought back again by a now rapidly shrinking main field.

Not content with this, Tyler joined Tim Williams and two riders from other clubs in a 3rd venture off the front shortly after this catch. Now in the closing stages, for a half lap this move looked promising, but the bunch scented blood in the water, and several individual events to bridge the gap dragged the escapees back, despite our attempts to control the pace.

In the dying kilometers of the final lap, Oliver Caddy launched from the field with a few other riders; A short time later Digby initiated the bunch sprint. The two of them managed 5th and 6th respectively, whilst I managed to overcome some truly dreadful positioning mistakes to slip into 11th. Nigel Hobday, Tyler and Tim finished in the field but out of the points. Ben Biggs also rode, but I've not heard whether it was a mechanical or a little ways to go and re-finding his race legs that kept him from the finish.

Mike Auger of VC Norwich rode very strongly off the front of the field to take the win by many bike lengths.

The primes told the story of the race though, as Digby, Basil and Tyler were awarded several of these each. Tyler also most deservedly took the most aggressive rider award after his courageous tour-de-force.

It was a good race, tough, and exciting with lots of action; Whilst we're disappointed the win got away from us, we were all very happy with the way we rode. If a little luck (and no more punctures) come our way, a win will surely follow.

Eric Gowland

Road Secretary

Cambridge CC Victorious in Ken Wright Memorial Road Race

2010-04-19T10:19:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to Basil Moss on a fine win, and Cambridge CC's first open road win of the season.

After early efforts by Digby Symons, Glenn Vinnicombe and Tyler Denmead stretched the bunch in the opening kilometers, Basil launched a well timed attack. He was joined by Simon Asher of VC Norwich, and the bunch immediately relaxed enough to allow them to establish a minute's lead.

Whilst Basil and Simon road a fantastic 60 mile two-man TT, various attempts to chase and bridge were launched from the bunch, but none ever really established themselves and the lack of organisation kept the pace from eating to far into their lead. A crash shortly before the mid point slightly delayed the main field; one rider bounced into Digby's machine, sabotaging his rear dérailleur cable and leaving him stranded in the 11 sprocket. Despite temptation to carry on in this manliest of gear ratios, Digby elected to stop and attempt a quick repair. Unfortunately his mechanical skills failed him, and by the time he'd corrected the damage an insurmountable gap had opened to the field.

Down a man, Tyler, Glenn and myself did our best to keep the bunch together or ensure that we had a man following any chase or bridging efforts. But while there were one or two moments where Basil and Simon danced back in to sight, for the most part they held their gap. The last lap run-up to the sprint ate in to their advantage, but Finchley RT's powerful lead out train weren't able to close them down and Basil took the victory (although only with around a 10 second gap). Some late drama unfolded in the bunch sprint as a convoy of 3 vans managed to pull out in front of the bunch, but by this point Finchley was in full flight; A late escapee from St. Ives knicked the last podium spot before the Finchley boys claimed placings 4th, 5th and 6th. I managed to tag on to the end of their train and squeeze out 9th place.

A classy ride by Mr. Moss, and hopefully the first of more to come from Cambridge CC on the road!

COMITTEE NIGHT

2010-04-11T18:59:00.008+01:00

The next committee meeting is tomorrow night at The Salisbury, Tenison Road, Cambridge.

The meeting starts at 7pm and the social from 8pm. Hope to see you there.

Chris Adams

Ps I've enclosed a piccie of "Chrees" James wishing he was out on his bike instead.

Cambridge CC Audaxes, 21 March.

2010-03-28T17:15:00.015+01:00

It was a good day, sunny, maybe a little chilly at first, but the temperature soon shot up to 12^oC. OK so maybe it was not officially summer weather, but compared to what we have put up with this year it certainly seemed like it. The wind also looked favorable.

There were two rides arranged for the day; a 200km (End of Hibernation organised by John Juckes) and a 100km (End of Snooze organised by Terry Dickerson) starting at 8am and 10am respectively. Both rides headed east to Stradishall for the first control. Here the rides split, the 200 heading further east to Onehouse near Stowmarket and the 100 heading south to Finchingfield. Later, the 200 also headed back towards Finchingfield via Sudbury. The two rides then briefly followed the same route to Thaxted. The 100 route went directly north and the 200 westward to Hare Street before heading north and back to the HQ at Haslingfield.

About 70 riders had entered the 200 and 54 entered the 100. These were full fields and there was no room for on-the-line entries. Probably because of the good weather, most riders started and the vast majority of those finished. The 200km riders put in some very fast times, helped by the changing wind direction during the day. Not quite a tail wind all the way around but not far off (I expect the riders may not see it that way!).

Many of the returning riders said they enjoyed the rides, and were particularly grateful of the weather we had arranged. A feast of food greeted the riders on their return. In particular abundance were jam doughnuts (see picture). Overall the rides were a great success, making a financial surplus which will be donated to worthy causes.

Robinson becomes National Champion...

2010-03-14T17:58:00.006Z

Congratulations to club member Kevin Robinson who is the 2010 national duathlon champion for the 75 yr to 79 year group. In what was his first race for two years Kevin aged 75 took top honours in the field of six- the other 5 were DNF's.

Kevin celebrated by leading the touring ride to St Neots today - although someone forgot to tell him it was a touring ride , as he put the hammer down!

Audaxes on 21st March

2010-03-10T08:49:00.005Z

The two Audaxes, a 100km and a 200km, on the 21st March are filling up fast. Any club member that has not yet entered and is wanting to ride should enter now as the organisers cannot guarantee that there will be on-the-line entries available.

Cambridge CC @ Crest Spring Road Race This Sunday

2010-03-03T09:51:00.001Z

The traditional ERRL season opener takes place this Sunday (March 7th) on the course around Littlebury Green near Audley End.

Digby Symons, Owen Lake, Ralph Keeler, Glenn Vinnicombe and myself are on the start list. Oly Caddy, Tyler Denmead, and Chris Hughes are listed on the reserve list and may also get a ride.

The race kicks off at 9am and should run around 3 hours, covering a distance of 115km. It'd be great to see some Cambridge CC jerseys cheering us on, and the race is within easy club-run distance from Addenbrookes.

See you there!

Wet Wet Wet

2010-02-28T17:35:00.005Z

No, not the 80' pop group but a description of the 90mile reliability ride held on Sunday 28th February. The weather was truly unpleasant; rain, strong wind (but not as strong as forcast) and very cold (4degC). However, despite the conditions 11 intrepid souls headed in to the jaws of oblivion. Five in the Sporting ride and six in the Sporting+ group. As far as I know, all completed the route.

At a couple of points there was axle deep floods and over quite a bit of the route small rivers formed across or down the roads. A truly 'memorable' ride, congratulations to all those that completed the route.

NEW VENUE! CCC Comittee Meeting and Social

2010-02-23T22:06:00.010Z

The next club meeting will be held at a new venue - the Salisbury Arms in Tenison Road. Everyone is more than welcome to turn up from 8pm on Monday 1st March for a chat and have a few beers and talk cycling (What else?). There is a Committee meeting from 7-8pm which most members might want to aviod!

We will be in the room at the back of the pub which has been allocated to CCC.

Ps Err - the piccie is of The Blue but don't forget -turn up to The Salisbury on Tenison Road!

Snow does't stop play.

2010-02-21T20:15:00.012Z

The day of the 75mile reliability ride started off with slightly 'inclement' (wordnetweb definition: "weather unsuitable for outdoor activities") weather; about freezing and sleet and snow falling. Despite this, about 30 intrepid (or stupid) individuals started out. However, some fell by the way side either because of mechanical problems, punctures or because they wimped out (you know who you are).

I was in the sporting group with nine other riders but in the frist 10 miles I was having problems with ice build-up on the cassette , see the picture. For most of the early part of the ride I only had one gear as all of the others were iced up completely and the chain just slipped on these. Others abandond because of the same problem. However, bisarly, others did not seem to suffer from this icing at all.

Luckily, the weather did become less severe and the bikes and riders thawed; It was still very cold though. On the high ground there was a sprinkling of snow on the fields and slush on the roads.

We stopped at the Silver Ball at Reed, which has shown some improvements. The service was very quick and my egg and bacon toasted sandwich was quite good. The toilets have also been renovated (rebuilt). I may even start leading rides there again!!! Tom joined us at the Cafe

On the way back, once we had reached Littlington, the sun came out and the temperature rocketed to 5C. A slight tail wind bushed us along and all 10 of us in the sporting group completed the whole course. Despite the poor weather, I almost enjoyed the ride. Well done to all those that finished.

Roll on the 90', lets see what the weather can throw at us. Remember, next week the sporting ride starts at 08.30h and the sporting+ at the normal time of 09.00h.

Large Turnout for the 50mile 'Reliability Ride'

2010-02-14T18:57:00.007Z

Around 60 people turned up for the first of this year's 'reliability rides'; this was despite the inhospitable weather which was damp and just above freezing at the start. The photo shows the group getting ready to start the 50mile course which took in a 'circular' route to the south and east of Cambridge.Next week, on the 21st, sees the second of the series of three rides which is 75 miles (121km) for the Sporting and Sporting+ or there is the option of 100km for the Intermediates. Unlike the 50, there will be a cafe stop and the pace is a bit more measured. 09.00h start from Addenbrooke's.

On the 28th, the final ride, which is ~90miles (145km), will be held. This also has a (well deserved) cafe stop. The sporting group will start at 08.30h and the racers will chase the earlier group starting at 09.00h.

Hmm - snow...

2010-02-13T18:57:00.005Z

It's snowing again! Perhaps we should take up another sport?

Err - Hat modelled by Club Runs Capitan, Chrees James......

Membership Renewal

2010-02-05T15:33:00.003Z

"D'a Management" would like to thank all members that have renewed their membership for this year. If you have not yet renewed and are intending to do so, could you please do so as soon as possible; this helps the membership secretary to process them as a batch. Unrenewed memberships will lapse at the end of February.

Membership forms can be found on the membership page of the website

Cyclo Sportive verses Audax

2010-01-20T22:43:00.013Z

Over the last few years the so called cyclo sportive events have gained in popularity. I am sure the reasons for this up-surge are many and variable but I expect the challenge of riding in a semi-compettive event that challenges the riders physical and mental boundaries has somthing to do with it. For others the attraction is the opportunity to ride in different parts of the country.

The down sides of sportive riding are the relativly small number of events (~100/year) and the high cost of entry (£10-£50). However, you do usually get electronic timing and good feed stations and a sag-wagon.

Audaxes on the other hand are rather informal in terms of organisation which keeps the cost down to a more reasonable £3-£10 level; there are also around about 600 events run each year. Riders are expected to be self-reliant on the road but there are usually plenty of feed stations. On the Audax UK website where you can find a calendar of events and even see how well Cambridge CC is doing in the national points compettion.

Cambridge CC members will be running several Audax events this year, details here where you can follow the links to the details and entry froms. The first of the rides are on the 21 March when both a 100km and a 200km events will be run. Why not think about entering?

Happy New Year and things to look forward to in 2010.

2010-01-08T23:28:00.007Z

January - Time to make all those plans and set targets that seem like a good idea at the time! Renew membership of Cambridge CC.
February - Thaw! Use the Reliability Rides (14th, 21st and 28th) to start to get fit.
March - First ERRL road races of the year (7th). Aim to ride and finish one of the the Cambridge CC Audaxes (21st).
April - The Evening time trials start (1st?).
May - Cambridge CC retains the ECCA festival (1st-3rd) club team championship?
June - Do somthing for National Bike Week (12th-21st?)
July - Watch Le Tour (3rd-25th), of course.
August - Cambridge CC evening time trials finish (26th?).
September - Club Hill climb championship (2nd?). Ride the Cambridge Audax (26th)
October - Ride a few (more) clubruns for fun after a grulling season!
November - Something must happen in November?
December - Club Dinner. Reflect on all those things you did/didn't acheive!

Up for an MTB ride this Sunday?

2010-01-08T19:17:00.005Z

If so turn up (with your MTB) to Addies by 9am for an offroad club run.

Chris Adams

(Piccie by kind permission of Glen Taylor.)

Basil Loses Club Run Sprints!

2009-12-20T18:28:00.005Z

Firstly, you'll be pleased to hear that there was a club run today. However due to weather it was undertaken off road by myself (Chris Adams), Glen Taylor, Michael Halloran and Noelle Godfrey and Basil Moss.

The lost sprints? Basil had the following handicaps:
1. He was on a road bike with puny slicks
2. It was a fixed
3. Therefore he couldn't switch tractor ruts
4. I decided not to either
5. He probably only weighs 1.2 James Wards. (i.e. Nowt)

Maarvellous!

By Chris Adams

Ps I beat him up hills as well.

(Piccie by kind permission of Glen Taylor).

Dinner and Prize Presentation

2009-12-08T23:19:00.007Z

Last Friday some 70 members and their guests assembled to celebrate CCC at its annual dinner and prize presentation.

We were very privileged to have Emma Pooley, team Cervelo rider, silver medallist at the 2008 Olympics, winner of the Montreal World Cup race and much more, as our guest. She gave a great speech and presentation, detailing some of the highs and lows of a pro bike rider and her route to the top of women’s' cycling. She gave tribute to the Cambridge cycling scene and to CCC member Tim Williams who has been coaching her for a number of years

During the prize presentation, Tom Platts kept us all entertained with his dry and slightly self-deprecating banter. Emma handed out the prizes in what had been a very successful year for the club.

Andy is night star...

2009-10-15T14:36:00.003+01:00

Club member Andy Cockburn won the 2009 solo category of the "Dusk to Dawn" MTB race in Thetford forest. Andy came out on top of 130 solo competitors after 12 hours of non-stop MTB racing in the dark. An indication of his apparent domination was that he beat the 2nd placed solo rider by more than 38 minutes!

It´s also worth noting that Andy finished the season ranked 19th cross-country racer in the UK.

Cambridge Audax

2009-10-09T17:13:00.026+01:00

The Cambridge Audax is a bit of an Autum fixture. However, this year was a little bit different. Mike Stapleton (Cambridge CTC) had run the 100km Audax for many years but had decided to retire as an organizer. Simon Proven (Cambridge CC) stepped in and took on the challenge of organising this years event which ran on 27th September.

Before going to the start at Hinxton, I first went to the clubrun start and cajoled quite a few people in to riding the Audax. We 'wasted' a bit of time riding from Addenbrooke's to Hinxton by taking a non-direct route so we did not get to the Audax start too early. Tea an buscuits set me up for the start at 10am.

The pace of the front riders is usually very quick and this years event was no different. I found this out the hard way by stopping to take some photos at the top of the hill in Barley. Despite chasing very hard, I never saw the bunch again - thanks!

Most of the 60 riders that entered sensibly decided to take a bit more leisurely pace and make best use of the lovely weather that Simon had arranged for the day. Wall-to-wall sunshine.

I usually ride almost non-stop, but with one exception. By tradition, one of the controls has a bun stop - gert big Chelsea buns with lots of sugary goo, see the picture. I am glad to say that Simon had continued this tradition with a bun stop at Gravely (south of Huntingdon).

For me the final leg south was very fast, having joined a couple of riders that were just a bit too fast for me. I was OK on the flat but a small drag through Knappwell finally finished me off. Graham (Luton CC?) kept me company for the last few kilometres.

The HQ in Hinxton was a welcome sight, but not as welcome as the tea an cakes that were inside. I cannot write without mentioning the date and walnut cake which had to be one of the best cakes I have ever tasted. I bought three slices so sorry to anybody that arrived back late only to find none left.

Another great Cambridge Audax. I hope Simon (final picture). puts it on again next year and makes that cake again!!

Words and pictures by Terry Dickerson.

Intermediate riders take the rough with the smooth

2009-09-16T16:49:00.011+01:00

Sunday 13th September saw a large group of riders in the Intermediate Clubrun group which was heading for Finchingfield. As ride leader I decided to get a bit roughy-tufty with the group - some sections of rough stuff or off-road were planned into the route.

Actually the amount of off-road was quite small and not too rough at all and so it was not too much of a problem to those with road bikes. The excursions did make a talking point - and no complaints. However a faster splinter group did form just after the first off-road section so mabe they voted with their pedals! I thought it was quite fun but not as much fun as the smooth!

In Finchingfield we headed for the (relatively) newly opened Finchingfield Tea Rooms. Now, everybody knows I have a liking for cake and I chose a chocolate cake, see visual description opposite. Anyway the smooth came in the form of excellent butter icing. Delicious. I can heartily recommend the Finchingfield Tea Rooms for both the food and friendly service.

Cambridge stay on track to retain title for fourth year...

2009-09-13T08:22:00.007+01:00

Cambridge Cycling club have successfully defended their Eastern Region Team Pursuit title for the 4th year running at the 2009 Eastern Region Track Championships.

This years team kept strongmen Douglas Bradshaw & Rob Cox (pictured), with Digby Symons returning briefly from sabbatical in Copenhagen to take his place at the front of the formation once again. Eric Gowland stepped forward as the 4th man, describing himself as "a rookie amongst grizzled veterans".

Digby did a stellar job of winding up to speed from out of the starting blocks, and Douglas anchored once more with his double turns on the front. Cambridge CC finishing time was 3:24, only 2 seconds slower than last year which was impressive given the limited rehearsals the new line up have had and Douglas' lack of sleep over the past 7 weeks owing to his newborn son.

Other highlights of the day include Bradshaw finishing 4th in a hotly contested Individual Pursuit, Cox 3rd by mere inches in the senior sprint competition, Katie Symons giving an impressive showing in the Ladies Omnium (sorry Katie, haven't seen results yet!).

Thanks to Eric Gowland for detail.

One hundred and not out...

2009-09-09T15:12:00.004+01:00

A select group of Cambridge cycling members completed this years century ride. The ride which has become an annual fixture on the club calendar, which took place on the first Sunday in September , took in the cafe stops at Grafham water and Danish camps (near Bedford) was completed in an average speed of 14.8mph. In the photo (clockwise from front left) are Kevin Robertson , Sue Armstrong, Grant Armstrong and Keith Bullock enjoying a well earned rest and energy top up at Danish Camps.

Photo By Jon Schneider.

Pooleys Cambridge connection...

2009-09-08T15:50:00.006+01:00

Any fan of cycling who follows the sport on the world stage will know the name of Emma Pooley- Womens world Champion. Most members will know that she has past connections with Cambridge and our club .. but what are they? To help bring clarity to the subject Club member Tim Williams , who has known Emma since she first took up cycling, has kindly written the following.

'The gist of Emma's background is that she was in Cambridge as a student (Civil Engineering) and took up triathlon following a running injury.
I got to know her through the triathlon club (in 2003).
She was pretty good but not quite in the same league as Heather, Rachel Horn or Rosie Clarke. She was better at duathlon than triathlon (no swimming!) but still good enough to qualify for age-group world championships at both.
Her cycling improved substantially when she bought a bike that fitted her (her first bike was miles too big). That was the summer of 2004 I think.
Her cycling career really took off in 2005. She went to the Alps with the University CC in the spring and discovered that she could climb mountains better than most of the guys. When she got back to Cambridge she started riding the chain gang and was not only able to hang on, but to join in and do turns.
She tried road racing and made an instant impact. Her second or third race was the National Champs where she got into the break with Nicole Cooke and three other continental based riders. By the end of the year she'd raced for GB at the Newport World Cup (where she did very well) and the World Champs in Madrid (where she crashed and ended up in hospital).
That was all in her final year at University. Since then she's been living in Zurich and combining her cycling with a PhD in soil engineering. She's been able to combine the two largely because her professor is one Sarah Springman. Her performances during the last two years have been particularly remarkable given that she was a part-time amateur on a small amateur team competing against full-time professionals. She finished her post graduate contract in January and is now a full-time professional cyclist with the Cervelo Test Team.
So, though she was never a member of Cambridge CC she does consider the chain gang a significant part of her cycling education and was quite excited about coming to Cambridge to ride it the other day!'

Thanks to Tim Williams for the words and to Richard Wyatt for the exclusive photo of Emma.

Lake bursts on to podium in Autumnal opener...

2009-09-07T18:06:00.015+01:00

Congratulations to Owen Lake (pictured below right) for taking 2nd in this weekend's Falling Leaves road race with a well timed finishing sprint. He wasn't too far off the win!

It was a 'sticky' race - There were numerous attacks, which Cambridge CC managed to always be represented in, but no break managed to form of more than 2-3 riders, and this lacked the horsepower to escape from several motivated and well-represented teams in the bunch.

The final attempts being caught with half a lap to go, it came down to a bunch gallop up the finishing climb. A Shaftsbury rider managed to hang on for the win out of the lead group on the climb; Owen followed a late jump up the right hand side, climbing past his inadvertent lead-out man to make a strong bid for the win.

Honourable mention to Chris Hughes (pictured top left) for riding himself into the ground in a daring 1st lap 2-up breakaway attempt. All the boys did a good job of covering the moves and initiating a few of our own.

Words by Eric Gowland.

Cambridge win team prize in Norland 25...

2009-09-07T18:02:00.003+01:00

The Norlond 25 on September 5th embraced 2 laps of the sporting Guilden Morden circuit. Cambridge cycling Club member Nick Jackson was one of 4 riders inside the hour with 59.39. Good support from Angus Wilson, 1.02.04, and Thomas Platts, 1.03.00, (pictured) gave CCC the team prize by 4 minutes. Richard Glover recorded 1.05.03 and our sole lady entrant, Julia Ertner, was well pleased with her 1.14.46. The event was won by Jon Shubert in 57.33 and organised on behalf of the Norlond Combine by the North Road CC.

For more event photos, of Club members, by Dave Jones please visit Club Photos.

Words and photos by Dave Jones.

Hit and run driver jailed ...

2009-09-07T18:01:00.001+01:00

A businessman who admitted driving into a cyclist and leaving him for dead has been jailed for seven and a half years.

Brian Williams, 35, of Chester Avenue, Urmston, knocked down 21-year-old Billy Harrison in Urmston and failed to stop, in the early hours of 3 May.

When he returned to the scene later a Greater Manchester Police officer spotted human tissue on his clothing.

Williams tried to convince the officer it was tree sap, Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

The court was told he was twice the legal limit for drinking while driving and had no insurance.

Williams pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing.

Junior Tour of Wales August 29-31.

2009-09-03T12:24:00.009+01:00

Owen Lake (top picture) and Chris Hughes (bottom) of Cambridge CC along with another rider (Adam French) made up the the Eastern Region Development Squad in the Junior Tour of Wales. It was the first stage race for both CCC riders and was a real baptism of fire. Five stages in 3 days over the tough Welsh terrain was bad enough; add terrible weather conditions and competing against a field of predominantly second year juniors at the highest level and you get some idea of what the lads put themselves through. They both did a fantastic job in completing the Tour with respectable times - indeed finishing such a hard race can be considered a great success.

One of the real highlights of the three days was when Owen, Chris and George Pearl (Southend Wheelers) formed an alliance with the Isle of Man Squad to chase down a breakaway. Isle of Man's Tim Kenaugh eventually took the Yellow Jersey and the team showed their gratitude by loaning Owen a wheel when he punctured on the final stage,

Overall it was a great experience for the lads who enjoyed 3 days of hard racing thanks to the Eastern Region Squad run by Alan Rosner and funded by the Chris Negus Memorial Fund. They made some good friends in the Squad and as far afield as Team Scotland and the Isle of Man.

A full report and pictures can be found on the British Cycling website, a short cut is HERE. Both Chris and Owen should be proud of themselves and I hope the rest of the club is too. Why not tell them next time you see them.

Words Steve Lake and Terry Dickerson and photos by Steve Lake.

Victoria 10.2 mile Time Trial on the E1

2009-09-01T10:34:00.007+01:00

A chilly Saturday morning on 29th August greeted riders on the E1 on Saturday morning. It was noted by many riders that the leaves were already adopting an autumn hue. CCC had 5 riders. Ken Platts (top picture) came home in 3rd place in 22m 23s, just 18 seconds behind the winner. Martin Reynolds did a 23m 14s followed home by Nick Jackson, 23m 55s, Colin Davies, 26m 56s and Peter Baumber (bottom picture) 28m 08s. Angus Wilson teamed up with Malcolm Steer of the Finsbury Park and did a 24m 29s which I think was 6th in the 2-up grouping.
Words and pictures by David Jones.

Team Sanjan Design 10mile TT

2009-08-26T17:12:00.006+01:00

Last Saturday an afternoon event on the A428 included a section for the Old Skool series but no CCC riders fell into this category! Nevertheless we had 5 riders who did reasonably well on a difficult day. Previous events on this course have had a fierce breeze running either up or down the course. On Saturday it was relatively calm, at least at the HQ in Comberton, although once out on the course it proved hard out to the Caxton turn and not that easy on the return leg. Martin Reynolds (pictured) was our best rider with a 22 dead, for 14th place overall. Andrew Strickland was just 5 seconds adrift with Nick Jackson on 22.23. Andy Blower did 23 dead and Ken Miller recorded a 25.06.
Words and pictures by Dave Jones

Hudson marshals himself to club victory...

2009-08-21T14:37:00.005+01:00

Congratulations to Andy Hudson who has secured the title of club evening TT series '09 champion for himself, by winning the Morris Shield points competition.

A great turnout on a warm but very windy evening for the penultimate event of this years Cambridge Cycling Club Evening TT series , at Bottisham. The strong westerly wind made
the return leg a real killer. Ken did a great ride and his 22.26 (26.75mph)
gave him a winning margin of 45 sec. over 2nd placed Andy Strickland. Andy
Hudson, who suffered a mechanical problem on the way back, was joint 3rd with
Basil Moss. Second place is now certain for Andy Strickland , due to the ruling that any member who fails to volunteer for two marshaling stints is not eligible for Morris shield points. Next week promises a fight to the line between Basil Moss and Nick Jackson who will battle it out for 3rd place during the last , club, evening TT of this season.

Thank you to all the helpers: Mick Draper: Timekeeper, Alan Sparks: Pusher, Andy Blower: Signs and safety Andy Blower: Finish Line helper.

All results on Club TT result page.

Words Jan Ertner

2009-08-21T14:35:00.002+01:00

"It never gets easier, you just go faster". Greg LeMond

Club now third in Eastern road race league (ERRL)...

2009-08-19T09:24:00.006+01:00

Basil Moss (left) put in a stellar performance at this past Sunday's Ipswich BC Road Race, finishing on the podium in 3rd out of an E/1/2/3 field. Oliver Caddy also put in a solid ride to break a season-long run of ill luck and come home 13th.

Cambridge CC is now sitting 3rd in the ERRL league table. BMC UK looks set to take the title this year with a healthy lead at 146 points, or 29 points over 2nd placed Finchley RT. Cambridge CC is a further 9 points adrift, hotley pursued by East London Velo a mere 8 points back. This leaves us well in the mix for the runner-up spot, but pulling back BMC is a tall order with only 6 events left on the calendar.

Top 5, ERRL Leage Table as of 17/08/2009: BMC UK 146, Finchley RT 117,
Cambridge CC 108, East London Velo 100, Ipswich BC 75.

Thanks to Eric Gowland for update / photo by Malcolm Kitchen.

Barton 10 mile TT ...

2009-08-14T17:26:00.007+01:00

Yesterday evening there was a full field on the start sheet for the Barton 10 mile TT.
Now that Ken Platt is out of the frame in the fight for top spot in the club's Morris Shield league as it enters the final few weeks.
The attention is now on the battle between Andy Hudson (pictured left) and Andy Strickland (pictured right). Hudson did a super ride on the challenging Barton course and won in a time of 22.14 (27mph). Strickland posted 23mins and 29 secs. Eleven of the thirty-five participants were female. Thank you to all the helpers:
Time keepers: Mick draper & Peter Borowski. Finish line: Alan Sparks
Signs: Andy Blower. Pusher: Alex Eberlin. Marshal: Estelle Howard

Thanks to Jan Ertner for results (visit Club TT results for full list).

Blower, blows along on F1...

2009-08-10T12:08:00.007+01:00

Great performance by CCC riders on Sunday morning. Andy Blower (pictured right) improved 1.45 to record a 58.22 and Angus Wilson also improved 1.13 to 55.24. The team was supported by Nick Jackson (pictured left) who, after riding out to the event on the F1, did a 57.01. The event was won by Sam Barker with a 51.09. Cambridge CC narrowly missed the team prize. Words and photos by Dave Jones

Kiwi Phil raises £740...

2009-08-03T09:36:00.006+01:00

Congratulations to kind hearted Cambridge Cycling club member Phil 'kiwi' Skogsted who is on target to raise a bumper £740 miles for Breast Cancer Research , as a result of his taking part in the recent London to Cambridge cycle ride. The distance , which he completed in under 3 hours, was well within his means - which most of his sponsors who have known, so to have been able to get folk to part with their hard earned money in these credit crunch times is an act of extreme perseverance on his part. Thanks to all those club members who sponsored Phil.

2009-07-31T13:30:00.008+01:00

"In a sprint, with bodies everywhere all going at 70mph, I'd see the bodies, but he [Mark Cavendish] sees the gaps between the bodies"

Olympian Chris Boardman on what's needed for a perfect sprint finish. Source: The Independent online.

Morris shield is down to the wire...

2009-07-31T11:30:00.004+01:00

The rain cleared away and it turned out to be a reasonable evening on the tough Comberton circuit. Andy Hudson (pictured right)stormed around the 2 laps in 31.27 (26.14mph) taking maximum Morris Shield points. It will be down to the wire in this year MS comp. Between Hudson and Ken Platts, with Platts still needing to marshal one event. Well done to Andy Strickland who has already secured the 3rd spot.
Congratulations to Julia Ertner and Noelle Godfrey who have claimed first and second place respectively in the Cole Cup comp. Third place is still undecided so there is all to play during the last 4 events of the season.

Thanks to the helpers. Jan has posted all results on results page.

Sporting Club Run speeds to Risby

2009-07-26T22:28:00.023+01:00

The Sporting clubrun on the 26th July headed for Risby. The Sporting Clubrun is supposed to be well - sporty and today s ride lived up to the name. A group of about 11 head out from Addenbrooke's with a nice tail wind. I knew it was going to be a hard day when leaving a few seconds after the main group, I had to ride quite hard to catch up (See Note). We were quickly speeding along and averaging about 31km/h! I was sweating a bit but Dave and Rob decided it was not hard enough and kept falling back and sprinting to catch up; this tired them out as you can see opposite.

Skirting south of Newmarket, the undulating hills were already getting the better of me and I was dropped, in a minor way, in several places. Luckily A bit of effort on the flat/down hills meant I soon rejoined the back of the group.

As you can see from the photo of Dave, he was also struggling with the hills and became bad tempered. Dave conveniently obscured his temper with a smile when I took the photo.

Meanwhile Ron was also finding the pace too much and he became very tired, so much so he kept yawning and almost fell a sleep just after I took the photo to the right.

After fitting in a final loop, we arrived at Lizzy's Café at Risby where we all refuelled. Average speed was 'just' 29.9km/h.

Now in theory, the headwind should have made the return part of the ride much slower. But no, it was time to play, apparently. I was dropped a couple of more times on hills but the group waited for me (nice weren't they). Getting near Cambridge the attacks started flowing but luckily as this was on a down hill/flattish section I managed to keep almost in contact. Eventually, the group slowed and we reformed into one group. In Fullbourn we split, some going into Cambridge and some over Beechwood Hill. I cracked on Beechwood and rolled back home having covered 119km at an average of 28.5km/h.

Note. Guys, please please take it easy when leaving Addies or the cafe so the group can, well, become a group.

2009-07-26T19:15:00.003+01:00

"I keep telling myself that. If it’s hurting me, it’s bound to be hurting the other guys as well."

Words spoken by Bradley Wiggins, 4th overall Tour de France July 2009.

Club get team prize in the Crest 10.3 TT...

2009-07-24T18:12:00.003+01:00

Good day out for Cambridge CC riders in the Crest CC 10.3 mile TT . Ken Platts 22.13, Martin Reymolds 23.30, Marcus Kay, 26.14 ( pictured left), Colin Davies, 26.32 (pictured right), and Peter Baumber, 28.11. Ken was 2nd fastest overall. Cambridge CC won the team prize both on actual time and on standard improvement times. Photos and words by Dave Jones.

New tea room welcomes cyclists...

2009-07-11T09:35:00.006+01:00

Cambridge Cycling club members now have a choice of tea rooms to visit in Finchingfield - which was visited last weekend by a club run. The Bosworth Team rooms have now been joined by a Cycling friendly option. The Finchingfield Tea Rooms - near the war memorial - has been set up in the former lounge of David and Sarah. David is a keen cyclist, having ridden this year's London to Brighton cycle ride. Sarah home bakes all the cakes on the menu, which offers traditional teas and coffee and light lunches. The menu also offers to fill cyclists' bottles and there is a track pump if needed. It opens on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. More detail

Trio make sub hour cut in club 25 mile TT...

2009-07-10T15:08:00.006+01:00

Character building is the best way to describe the Cambridge Cycling Club Barton 25 mile TT, especially with
a fresh westerly wind blowing! Three competitors managed a sub hour ride, Andy Hudson won
in a time of 59.13 just one second ahead of Andy Strickland, 25.33 and 25.32 average Mph rspectively. Basil Moss, fresh back from the 5 day stage race Ras De Cymru, came third in 59.46. The race which was the 15th event of the clubs 2009 evening TT series may prove to be the turning point in the Morris Shield points league with points only being awarded to the 25 Mile TT finishers with none for the 10 mile entrants.
Ken Platts took the honours in the 10 mile event, which had a field of 9, with a winning time of 23.15.

Thanks to the helpers: Timing - Mick/Ted, Pushing - Simon Robinson, Signs/Safety - Alan Sparks,
Marshal 1 - Glenn Vinnicombe, Marshal 2 - Michael Holloran and Jan Ertner for results.

For all the results and more detail please visit Club Results page.

Photo (by Phil Mynott) Despite his all out effort Andy Strickland finished just one second behind the winner.

Club supporter gets on bike for works holiday...

2009-07-07T14:55:00.005+01:00

Howes Cycles a supporter of the club - with the 10% discount scheme it offers on products (including new cycles) to all club members, on production of a current Cambridge Cycling Club membership card - Have contacted us to point out that they will be closed for trading between 20th to 26th July due to a family holiday brought about by a number of anniversaries which need celebrating. As this is the first time in it's very long history it has been shut for a whole week , we will forgive them.

Come and Try TT images now posted...

2009-07-06T14:55:00.005+01:00

Club kit fit for chicks...

2009-07-06T11:58:00.009+01:00

Yesterday's Gt club run of eight had a 50/50 female to male ratio - which demonstrates the growing take up of Cycling by females - perhaps partly down to the increased exposure to the successes of cyclists like Pendleton and Pooley in the non-cycling press at large. The point of this post is to highlight, in response to a club run inquiry, the fact that Club clothier Alan Sparks has confirmed , today, that the club has in stock a line of club kit specifically cut for the female form. Middle age grumpies such as this blogger be assured that Mr and Mrs Sparks also have in stock classically designed and tailored club kit for those with well formed bellies due to intense nurturing. For more detail and to arrange a fitting club clothier details are on Who's who page.

Photo shows; Club Kit for fast ladies .. posed by Dutch supermodel De Graaf.

Final stage of Ras de Cymru...

2009-07-05T21:09:00.008+01:00

End of the race and the Cambridge CC team of Eric Gowland, Tom Vickery, Glenn Vinnicombe survived the five days of very hard racing in South wales. Hope you have enjoyed reading about the action as it unfolded big thank you to Eric for finding the time and energy at the end of each days racing to write a detailed report for posting here -Here is his final one

Stage 6 (Disasters and Silver Linings):

First I must apologize for mistakenly reporting that stage 4 was the shortest road stage. In actual fact, today's final stage, number 6, was the shortest. It did, however, have a 4 mile summit finish tagged on to it to toughen things up a little.

Cambridge CC started the day with a fair degree of optimism and excitement. Basil was 7th on GC and feeling strong, Glenn was riding in to form and Tom had been going good the whole time (curse that stage 2 mechanical!). We'd decided our best strategy was to attempt to trigger an early break that Basil could slip in to with the hopes of gaining back those 2 minutes of GC time. There were a number of teams in the same boat, so it seemed a likely plan to put the top 3 GC riders under pressure, and our best bet at taking a run at the win.

Glenn went as the flag dropped from the lead car while Basil watched for a likely counter attack to follow. Instead of the relatively sleepy bunch of yesterday, however, it seemed that everyone was interested and fireworks were flying from the start. Glenn took a couple more digs, but was swallowed up and the bunch remained strung out at full speed for most of the race. Whether other GC favorites were taking a dig or the leading teams playing a defensive game by keeping the speed too high for attacks, no one had any luck at escaping. We all remained tucked in, plan B being to climb with the favorites as best as possible and aim to gain a few places on GC.

Luck has not been a friend of our team this race however. Tom dropped a chain on a KOM hill a few kilometers before the final climb, and only a quick thinking and helpful mechanic from the service car saw him rolling again quick enough to regain the safety of the bunch. To be completely honest, his stellar form may have helped him pace back up as well. That disaster averted, we were struck again as I rolled up to Basil to advise him to find position for the final ascent; his front mech was jammed and would drop to the small chainring! He tried kicking it, and even fiddling by hand, but was stuck in the 52 for the beginning of the longest climb of the race.

There was little we could do, and although he dug deep in the first mile the gear was too much for him; He pulled over and sought assistance from the service car. A quick bike change saw him rolling, but the leaders were long gone. Basil put in a heroic effort, climbing his way back through much of the field, but still lost 3 minutes. This was a shame as his strength all week deserved better, and he was well up for the finish.

Meanwhile, I was experiencing my own localized hell as I struggle to maintain any kind of decent pace. I watched the majority of the field slip away from me, and with it any hope of attaining my goal of a top twenty. Illness and other disruptions to my preparation, poor sleep for the entire week, an unsettled stomach... the excuses come quickly, but the truth of the matter is that I just did not have the legs this week.

Glenn found his strength building however, riding past me on the climb. And Tom was the revelation and silver lining of the day; Even after his dropped chain and chase, he stuck with the GC favorites all the way to the top of the climb, finishing 7th amongst some very good climbers. If it wasn't for the extraordinarily bad timing of that slipped seat post on the 2nd stage, there is a very good chance he would have finished in the top ten.

And if it hadn't been for Basil's front mech... oh the 'might-have-beens'. This sport is soul destroying sometimes, when excellent form can be betrayed by mechanical mischance, and a run of good luck (ask anyone how many mechanical/puncture DNF's I have) can be spoiled by bad form.

It is better to focus on what we did accomplish in this race:

We nailed our team time trial, finishing 3rd in a field of very strong teams. This is especially rewarding to me as it is a discipline that requires teamwork, coordination and communication more than individual raw strength.

Basil, in his first season, was in the top ten for the majority of a stage race with probably one of the toughest '2nd cat' fields around, and would have stayed there if not for one mischance. As it was, the TTT gained him enough points for his 2nd category upgrade, and he had a fantastic amount of fun.

Tom showed fantastic form on all the climbs, and with that final stage performance nabbed his 3rd category upgrade. If we can disuade him from his Triathlete ways, he could be a very good road racer.

Glenn also nabbed his 2nd category upgrade from the TTT and got stronger and stronger as the race went on. His upbeat character certainly kept me going when the fatigue and stress were starting to wear.

As for myself, I got around. I knew I wasn't where I wanted to be at the start, but I take pride in getting the team together, and in the positive attitude and teamwork the boys demonstrated throughout. I'm already adjusting my grand strategy for next year (assuming we can get a team together?) and am thinking of adding one or two other stage races to Cambridge CC's calendar, as we had that much fun.

See you all on the road or off it,

Eric.

PS - I'll be down the Cambridge Blue monday night for those that would like to gab first hand about the race.

Stage 5 toughest day yet in Ras de Cymru..

2009-07-04T22:43:00.004+01:00

Just one more day to go for the Cambridge CC team in the 5 dfay stage road race Ras de Cymru in South Wales. The action is in top gear and Basil Moss ends today in 11 th place. Profile of one of the climbs shown - not like Cambridgeshire then!

Eric writes...Stage 5 (Surviving):

This was undoubtedly the toughest stage yet. 1km may not seem like a long climb but when it rears up at 16% to a windswept plateau, it is anything but easy. Add in tired legs and unfulfilled GC ambitions and you have a recipe for tough racing.

The stage started with a descent of several miles from the stage HQ, and the attacks started as soon as it flattened out. A few riders got clear very 'softly' as the bunch wasn't interested in much chasing before the first climb. The gap was up to 4 minutes quite quickly.

Enter the wall. This was a beast of a climb with nowhere to hide. Basil and Tom were climbing comfortably in the front if the bunch. I can't say the same, as I ended up in a group gapped off over the top the first two ascents, and Glenn was in a 3rd chase between me.

Despite suffering through two panicked chases, it all came back together both times when the bunch sat up after a fast descent. Pursuit of the break was disorganised, and confused as individual riders both bridged across and came back.

Tom did a stellar job of driving dome chasing, and Glenn did his share despite having to chase back to the bunch after each climb. Basil manged to avoid too much work, and marked one or two GC threats... Unfortunately the real threats had already slipped up the road.

The gap to the break came down to 1:30, but was 2:00 again by the finish. Basil and Tom did well to stay near the front of the bunch on the last climb, loosing only a few seconds. Glenn and I lost more than a minute to splits in the field, but I couldn't have climbed any harder.

In the end the break was the real winner, claiming the top 3 spots on the GC. Several teams missed out, us included.

Basil dropped to 11th at around 2:50 down. I fell out of the top 20 to 22nd at 3:59. Tom and Glenn both managed to improve there position slightly to 45th and 47th.

It was a tough and somewhat disappointing day. Given my lack of form I was happy to survive, as was Glenn. This is the toughest 2/3/4 racing I've ever seen: average speeds for stages 2 and 3 were over 40kph, and today was close to 37 with the climbing. I've done slower Elite races in the East.

It all might change tomorrow, with an actual summit finish to finalise the results. I'm expecting fireworks from the gun as several teams try to make up for their losses today. Stay tuned!

Scroll down to Wednesday post for start of daily reports of Cambridge CC progress in the Ras de Cymru.

Moss climbs to 5th overall after Stage 4 of Ras De Cymru

2009-07-03T18:37:00.005+01:00

Our Squad of four Cambridge CC racers -Vinnicombe,Moss, Vickery and Gowland have fought and survived another day and stage of the Ras De Cymru. Basil Moss -pictured - has climbed up in to 5th overall , Eric Gowland now in 18th sent this update.

"Stage 4: The easy one.

Today was the shortest, flatest road race stage of the Ras. It even started from just outside our Accomodation at 10:39, so it was all in all remarkeably civilised. 3 circuits with a smallish Eastern region style climb to the start/finish.

After yesterday's double header and with tomorrow looming, we were

expecting a more sedate stage. It seemed that the top of the GC was a little too tight for this though, and numerous attacks were sparking off.

The first of 3 circuits was very quick, but nothing stuck. The

second circuit was more sedate, until a large group rolled off the front. This spurred more chasing from the bunch and things were back together with a lap to go.

At this point 2 GC threats and a couple of opportunists snuck off the front. Basil ended up near the front and chasing, but Tom & Glenn soon rolled up and took over. Glenn actually organised the paceline and Tom took some monster pulls, including leading the bunch up the first half of the finishing climb.

The break stuck but only with 11 seconds advantage. More

interestingly, the bunch fractured in a couple of places on the

finishig climb. Basil and I were on the safe side, but a couple of

riders were caught out.

Stage 4 results:

Winner Richard Wood (Team Milton Keynes) 1:57:37. Basil and I [Eric]in the bunch at 0:26 (due to 15 second winning bonus). Tom and Glenn after a split at 0:43.Basil moved up to 5th thanks to those splits. I moved to 18th, primarily as someone punctured and lost 20 minutes (lesson: ride the same number of cogs as everyone else, ie 10 SPd).

I felt like a bit of a wus hiding in the bunch for most of the race, especially with my team mates working. I can only plead heavy legs and a little bit of fear!

Rumor has tomorrow marked as the toughest stage. 4 runs at what has been described as a 'wall' and the longest of all the stages. There's a good chance something will be shooken up tomorrow, we'll just have to see what!"

----------------------------

Eric Gowland

Sent from my iPhone

To read all reports from Ras de Cymru in order scroll down to wednesday - for link to Eric's twitter updates visit club messages (courtesy of ERRL forum)