Bossard Wheelers F15/10 Open Time Trial

F15/10 Bossard Wheelers courtesy of Davey Jones (near the 8 mile mark).

A windy day on the Brogborough based 10 course saw a LTS best for me as I clocked 22.19 for 10 miles. This, I think, was the second fastest time I have clocked at the distance, 21.52 being my best around 10-12 years ago on the F1/10 (on the A1 on a hot summer's afternoon).

It was hard work coming back from the turn at 5.5 mile but getting "stuck in" on the return leg made the (rapid) outbound leg count. Looking at the provisional results I was up on many of the riders I vie with on this course.

My team mates, Sam Hayes (21.54 for 9th place), Ric Palmer (23.48) and Chris Hartley (25.02) all did great rides, so on what could have been a bit of a challenging and daunting day modest celebration was the order of the evening. I thought the field was stronger than usual, due to a misprint many riders thought they were heading off for an afternoon on the much faster F11 course. So getting 20th place was very satisfying.

Geoff Bunyan and John Pick, along with Mark Gray and the BRCC guys provided light relief and general banter. Always good to see that although things are taken seriously, there is a good craic to be had and good camaraderie regardless of team or affiliation.

CTT Results available: here.

Victoria CC 10.2

I rode the Victoria CC 10.2 yesterday and actually did quite a good time of 23.37. The course is a beaut. Not a drag-strip or a "full on" SPOCO, more of a roadman's route with a nice couple of "S" bend sections in the leafy Essex villages around Saffron Walden.

Team mates Sam Hayes and Steve Robinson nailed the 2-up series award which was great for them as they have worked hard to accommodate each others' riding styles, strengths and weaknesses. Sam is probably the quicker "flat out" rider and Steve has great handling skills so it is a good combination. Having smashed some rapid times out on the tandem (sub 20 mins for 10 miles) it is fair to say they are well matched. Here's to a successful defence of the title in 2015.

Sam Hayes, Steve Robinson - Team Salesengine.co.uk - Victoria CC 2-up series winners 2014

Having not raced in any form of competition for a month was novel for me mid-season but it obviously shows that miles on the road (in preparation for Geneva-Nice in September) and rest (cider) can be of benefit.

Snaps captured from Davey Jones (gratis, he is a top man) and SportInPictures (for a couple of quid - below).

Davey Jones captures me at the turn at around 5 miles

Nearly home - great shot with about a mile to go from SportInPictures