Holme Valley Wheelers Cycling Club

RACING NEWS

The Sovereign 10 mile Time Trials are approaching their final month already. It seems in every aspect of life we have not had summer but especially so when you venture up to the Sovereign to ride the 10 course. Inevitably the wind is twice as gusty as further down the valley and the black clouds seem thicker and heavier. Consequently good nights producing good times have been scarce.Last week saw a good turn out with 18 local riders braving the strong breeze but fine weather. Only Steve Robinson rode a ‘fast’ time (24:11) for the sporting course with 2nd placed Steve Rimmer over a minute and a half behind, 25:56. Rachael Mellor was fastest lady in 27:58, Samantha Mannion next in 30:15 and H. Simpson 31:51 - a good ride for her first. Other riders on the night were: - Nigel Dickinson 26:53, Andrew Kerry 27:14, Mick Fothergill 27:23, Gary Terry 27:37, Nick Mannion 28:11, Huw Firth 28:37, Mick Cole 28:38, Greg Parkin 29:14, Gordon Moss and Ian Lindsey both in 29:18, P. Mullins 29:55, G. Laight 30:04, Chris Fisher 37:31. With just five 10 mile TT’s left competition will be hotting up for top spot, still held by Steve Rimmer, with Andrew Kerry moving into second. Samantha Mannion continues to lead the ladies competition.

Most of the regular riders were out early Sunday morning for the Yorkshire Cycling Federation 50 mile Time Trial on the normally fast course from Boroughbridge to Catterick and back. Despite the race starting before 7am the wind was already up and blowing straight into the riders as they headed out for the 25-mile turn around. After the race Rachael Mellor was heard to say she was going so slowly into the headwind that she was considering getting off to make sure her brakes were not locked on! Many riders called it a day as they fought against strong winds. But - as soon as you turned for home speeds jumped up almost 10mph to be cruising back to Boroughbridge with a roaring tail wind easily touching 30mph. Carl Saint (Yorkshire Road Club) still celebrating his recent Championship record easily won the event with a brilliant time for the day of 1 hour 45 mins and 48 seconds. Gary Terry was the fastest Wheeler home with a good time of 2:05:47, just 2 minutes outside his personal best - a good ride for the day. Next rider home was Andrew Kerry, using this ride as part of his training for his Ironman race in September, in a time of 2:10:45. Rachael Mellor was first lady Wheeler home with a time of 2:09:48, with Samantha Mannion coming in 2:22:05. Mick Cole from Huddersfield Road Club had a good ride for the conditions in 2:10:13, excellent for 63 years young!

Holme Valley Wheelers Girls ride their First Time Trial

Sunday the 20th April saw Rowena France and Athena Mellor take part in their first open Time Trial, a British Schools Cycling Association 10 mile event. In blustery and cold conditions Rowena won the under 15 years  section and Athena was 3rd in the Under 16 section. Both girls enjoyed their first open event.

HVW Ladies and their awards

Holme Valley Wheelers ladies with their trophies from 2006

[left to right: Samantha Mannion, Trish Griffin & Rachel Mellor]