2011
Saturday 24th September, SERRL E-1-2-3
Category Circuit race, Hog Hill
On form Simon 5th after being involved in a race long
break that lapped the field full report coming soon.
Saturday 10th September, SERRL 3rd
Category Circuit race, Hog Hill
This event was run in the reverse direction today. Upon
warming up on the little finishing circuit at the top of the
hill I sussed out that you had to be first into the last
corner before the rise to the finish. After 4 laps two
riders moved clear of the bunch so I thought I would bridge
the gap on the hill, however it took me almost a lap to
catch the leading pair. One rider, a junior, was very strong
on the climb and next time round we dropped the 3rd rider.
We worked well together and stayed away for 5 laps but it
was too early in the race and we gradually slowed and were
caught by the bunch. To cut a long story short it ended as a
bunch sprint. I got myself near the front for the final
climb, and hung on to 3rd place over the top of the hill,
then forcing myself to lead through the final bend kicking
hard up to the finish. I was not sure who was around me so
unfortunately no time for a Usain Bolt style victory salute,
just a clenched fist as I went over the line. At last a win
for 2011 after 4 second places. I enjoyed some beer that
night.
Sat 20th Aug - Older Mans Road Race,
Ellens Green, Surrey
A British Cycling event for riders over the age of 35. Sixty
riders including two National Champions lined up for 10 laps
of a rolling 6.2 mile circuit.
The first lap was amazingly fast and Simon had not warmed up
at all and struggled at times. After 30 miles started to
find his legs and worked with six or so riders at the front
of the bunch to bring a dangerous break away back. With 10
mile to go Simon rode across a small gap to a lone rider,
the two swelled to six and dangled off the front of the
bunch by about 15 seconds. Once through the finish with a
lap to go the break away group was hoping to get out of
sight of the bunch, the group worked quite well together but
were caught with five miles to go. With four to go on a
slight rise Simon attacked with another rider sitting on, a
good gap was established and the two then worked well
together on a fast section of the course to the start of the
finish straight. With only a handful of seconds lead on the
bunch it was do or die and all of a sudden through the
winding finish lane the yellow flag appeared and Simon was
stuck on the front to lead the sprint out. However he had no
sprint and was glad of the second place. Andrew Edwards of
the Kingston Wheelers was the clear winner. A great race
promotion and with a generous prize list the race was hard
fought with an average speed of 25.2 mph for the 62 miles
Wed 24th Aug – Quest Veterans, Minet
Park
A crash on a local road delayed the start of the race and
with failing light at this time of year the race was cut
short to just 41 minutes. A windy night at the circuit would
usually split the field but with the short duration of race
the bunch was held together. On the bell lap the pack eased
off going up the finish straight, so a perfect opportunity
for an attack, Simon took his chance dragging Paul Crook,
Duncan Sherwood and one other along, a small gap was held
the whole of the last lap until the 100 meters to go when
the bunch latched on to the back of the group. Super
sprinter Paul Crook timed his sprint perfectly coming off
Simon`s wheel to win, Duncan hung on for 8th place and Simon
was swallowed up and spat out the back.
Southend and County Bank Holiday
Criteriums – Hog Hill.
A Windy day at Hog Hill means a hard race up the finish
climb on the circuit. 65 3RD Cat riders lined up for a 32
mile race. Up the Hogenburg for the last time with two
riders away that clipped off the front the previous lap,
Simon sprinted into a block head wind to take 4th in the
bunch sprint and 6th place overall.
Wed 31st Aug – Quest Veterans, Minet
Park
The final event of the series was a pretty short event due
to failing light. Racing for 40 minutes is not long enough
to split the field so another bunch sprint was on the cards.
However on a windy night the second fastest average speed of
the series was recorded, 26.2 mph. Paul Crook from the West
Drayton Mountain Bike Club was the clear winner, The
Hillingdon CC for the first time this year only had one
rider entered, Simon, who finished in 9th place.
Incidentally so good is Paul Crooks Sprint that of the ten
evening events, Paul rode eight and won seven. Not bad ehh,
well done Paul.
British Cycling National Veterans Road
Race Championships
31st July 2010
This event was held around 3 different circuits based on the
Chobham Common circuit near Chobham, Surrey.
Race distance was 75 miles and with a quality field of 80
riders averaged just over 25 mph for the undulating course.
Simon Williams was the lone club rider in the event and
after stepping up his training for the last five weeks in
preparation for the race distance unfortunately went down
with a cold the preceding day. Simon decided to ride at the
last minute, but was never going to be at his best. The pace
was fast from the beginning with lots of breakaway groups
going clear but chased down by the fast moving pack. Simon
tried a couple of moves, once on the main climb of the race
with about 30 miles to go and once on the finish drag with
about 15 miles remaining but was soon reeled in and with
nothing left in the legs rode in with the main bunch
sprinting for 10th place. The event was won by Martin Smith,
Primal Europe/Rutland Training.
Quest Masters series Hillingdon
circuit 15th July
Paul Crook took the sprint with Duncan Sherwood close behind
6th followed by Simon Williams
8th
then Andy Barnes.
Quest Masters series Hillingdon
circuit 29th June
jumping across in the last 2 lap. With the bunch
still at 7 seconds on the last lap the group had to work
hard to stay clear and with Moffat leading out the sprint
Scott powered past to take the win with Simon an excellent
2nd. Andrew Barnes rode well in the bunch meant it was a
great night for the Hillingdon.
Attracting a large 70 plus field charging around Hillingdon,
with attacks from Simon Scott and a few more usual
suspects kept the bunch on there toes. With 5 Laps to go two
Finchley riders broke clear ,Then Scott jumped across
bringing a small group with him including Simon.
The group of 6 riders worked well to stay clear by a narrow
7 seconds with an inform
Jim
Moffat
jumping across in the last 2 lap.
With the bunch still at 7 seconds on the last lap the group
had to work hard to stay clear and with Moffat leading out
the sprint Scott powered past to take the win with Simon an
excellent 2nd. Andrew Barnes rode well in the bunch meant it
was a great night for the Hillingdon.
Quest Masters series Hillingdon
circuit 15th June
With the wind strong on the back straight attack's
came thick and fast with Simon and Scott getting involved in
a lot of the moves. Scott getting away at half way with
Ashley Holding only to get caught with 1 Laps to go by 6
riders then the bunch.
Paul Crook took the sprint with Ashley 4th and Scott 5th
with Duncan Sherwood close behind 8th followed by Simon Williams
then Andy Barnes.
Quest Masters series Hillingdon
circuit 1st June
With attack's from Simon and Scott throughout the race saw
Scott getting across to a getting fitter Colin Rosier near
the end of the race only to get caught with 2 Laps to go.
Vince Halpern powered in to win the bunch sprint with Scott
managing 5th Stuart
Grimes Simon and Andy
close behind .
National Youth Series 7th May U16
Will Houghton unfortunately crashed in the first lap
of this race with a rider cutting across him.
He has sustained some cuts and bruises but is keen to get
out there as soon as possible.
Quest Masters series Hillingdon
circuit 4th May
Attracting another large 60 plus field charging around Hillingdon.
With an attack from Simon early on in the race, being
brought back everything was coming back to the bunch
but with 14 Laps to go Scott went clear with two strong
riders in tow managing to stay clear for around 10 Laps, But
only to be hauled in by the bunch with 3 to go. Paul Crook with his
killer sprint powered away again with Vince Halpen hot on
his heels with Ashley Holding taking 3rd, Scott 8th , Stuart
Grimes has now joined and finished 9th , Simon and Andy
close behind .
Quest Masters series Hillingdon circuit 20th April
Attracting all the best 40 yrs Plus riders around the south
saw a large 60 man bunch charging around Hillingdon. But
with the conditions very calm and bunch moving so fast it
was all down to a bunch sprint Simon and Scott both got in
good positions on the last 2 corners. Paul Crook with his
killer sprint powered away with Ashley Holding taking 2nd
and Scott 3rd. Simon 12th with Andrew Barnes finishing in
the bunch.
Westerly Crits 17 th April
Will Houghton road his first RR on Saturday with an early
break of 2 riders going from the gun they set a fast pace.
Two more riders went clear with Will chasing solo behind.
Over the next 10 Laps that's how it stayed with the bunch
coming in a few minutes behind.
Two of the rider's were in a different age cat so he took
3rd.
Simon rode the E123 race in the afternoon and finished
safely in the bunch with Tony Gibb taking the victory
Racing has started with Peter Jones Scott Holmes and
Simon Williams riding some of the MTB club Saturday events
around Hillingdon Circuit. Peter is looking fit with Scott
attacking in his race and staying away for over 10 Laps only
to be caught with 4 to go. This event had the biggest field
at Hillingdon with 120 riders.
Simon is riding well and enjoyed his first race of the season.
Scott Holmes Attacking
***********************************************************************
2010 Season
Scott rode the Willesden RR on 19-09-10 75 miles E-1-2-3
Windy conditions but some great racing with 8 riders going
clear from the first lap only to be brought back at halfway
then with 3 riders going clear straight after with 3 more
bridging the gap 1 lap later. Then 15 riders including Scott
escaped from the bunch with Scott going clear with 8 miles
to go only to be brought back by the group 1 mile from the
finish coming in 18th overall as they all crossed the line.
Scott and Alexey rode the High Wycombe RR on 12-09-10 50
miles 2-3-4
Scott managed to get into all the moves of the day but it
all came down to a bunch sprint but with 400 mtrs to go
Scott broke a spoke in his front wheel and ended his chances
of a podium place. Aleyey riding his first 2-3-4 Cat RR rode
well to stay in this fast moving race for 2 of the 4 Lap
event.
New member Alexey has his first taste of Road Racing
He rode the 4th Cat Race at Hillingdon Circuit on the 4th
Sept
Alex his father said he rode well and attacked with 3 Laps
to go but with a fast moving bunch got swept up before the
finish.
Next week he will be riding the High Wycombe RR with the
experienced Scott Holmes on the 12 th Sept held in Oakley at
10.30.
Monday 30-08-10 Terry Cronin Masters E-1-2-3-4
With only 15 riders signing on it was always going to be a
strange race but with two 1st cats and
M Smith an Elite rider it was never going to be easy. M
Smith eventually broke free and soon had a healthy gap and
with around 7 laps to go S Holmes attacked and stayed clear
for 3-4 Laps before being hauled in by the group. Smith
winning on his own in a strong wind was impressive with V
Halpern leading the group in with Simon Williams 5th and a
tired S Holmes 8th .
Monday 30-08-10 Kenton circuit Race 2-3-4
Scott was ready to race again and this 40 lap race was full
of action Scott found himself in several moves within the
race but it was not until the last 4 laps that 2 riders
eventual broke clear to take the first 2 places. The bunch
came charging in with Scott finishing 12th. “Good days
training”
High Wycombe Race 28-08-10 E-1-2-3
The race started fast with an early break with Scott in the
move but got brought back only to be followed by more moves.
As the bunch re-grouped Elite Sigma sport rider broke clear
Scott saw his chance and quickly latched on after 2 very
hard laps they were joined by Aw rider Alex persons and a up
and coming Junior. They soon had 40 seconds and with all the
rider taking good turns it was looking good. 10
riders went clear from the bunch but did not make a real
impact on the break.
With 7 Laps to go Sigma Sport rider attacked hard and lost
the junior rider and with 3 to go he tried again but Holmes
and Persons were not going anywhere. But the 2 riders were
taking a chance in the last 2 laps playing cat and mouse.
Scott keeped the pace high as 3 rider were
rapidly bridging the gap including the junior. After towing the other 2 around to the finish
Alex Persons took the
sprint from Betts with Scott coming in a happy 3rd with the
next 3 close behind.
QUEST E-1-2-3 Circuit National Masters series 25th July 50
miles
50 laps around Hillingdon is always hard and with a group of
around 8 going at half way it was going to be tough with an
average speed of 26.5 mph. When Paul Doel and Gabillini went
across it was time to make our move. Simon following Scott
who sprinted across within half a lap made the junction. The
break soon lapped the field and with a few attacks near the
end that never looked like staying away. It was down to a
sprint, with strong man Martin Smith an Elite rider taking a
well deserved Victory, Scott 2nd and Simon 3rd . Peter Jones
rode but is still struggling to find his form this year.
ROAD RACE Masters 40-50 CHAMPIONSHIP ( B C ) 75 miles
July 2010
The event was held on a large 18 mile course near Saffron
Waldron Essex .
The Race was stopped 3 times due to house riders on the
course,And in the 50-60 age race a rider and horse rider
both were knocked off and the race was stopped and will have
to be re- run.
It was a pity there was no Motto bike marshals as this would
have prevented the problem.
But back to the racing. There was a very strong field with
Roy Chamberlain Ben Luckwell Gary Dodd etc With attacks
going and coming back it looked like a bunch sprint but with
5 miles to go up a narrow lane with a few twists 10 riders
held a 15 sec gap with Gary Dodd amongst them .They just
managed to stay away to fight of the charging bunch with
Gary Dodd taking the Champs. Duncan leading out with
Scott Trying to get up there but in the sprint on such
a narrow road it was very hard and the best Scott could do
was 10th in the sprint and 20th overal.
It was a fast Race but both Scott and Duncan both kicking
them self's to miss out on the split.
ROAD RACE Divisional CHAMPIONSHIP ( B C ) 85 miles
26mph
With the temperature in the mid twenties and no wind, there
was little chance for anyone to make a race winning break
stick such was the strength in-depth within the 77 strong
field of riders. That didn’t deter those willing to give it
a go however but no sooner was a break for freedom made,
that the bunch swallowed them back up again.
The most notable of the breaks was up to 20 seconds by
Ashley Cox (Team Corley Cycles) and Mike Jackson (CC Luton)
which managed to stay away for almost one lap of the 10.4
mile gently undulating circuit.
With four laps on the board, the race seemed to settle down
to a moderately high speed lapping at 25 mph. This pace put
a stop to any further attacks and as a result forced a bunch
finish which Simon Gaywood (Team Corley Cycles) took by two
clear bike lengths after launching his attack at the foot of
the climb to the finish.
Simon Williams enjoyed the race riding well and lapping up
the sunshine.
Scott got himself in two moves only to be brought back but
managed to get into the mix with a strong finish at the end.
1. Simon Gaywood Team Corley Cycles
2. Will Fox Team Zappi's
3. Jake Hales Team Corley Cycles
4. Paul Crook Beyond Mountain Bikes / RRP / WDMBC
5. Sam Parker Team Zappi's
6. James Jones Beeline Bicycles RT
7. Alexander King Endura Racing
8. Robert King AWCycles.co.uk
9. Scott Holmes Hillingdon CC
10. Luke Merrilees WyndyMilla Maxifuel
11. Tom Kirk Team Zappi's
12. Mike Wragg Team Zappi's
13. John Wager Felt-Colbornes RT
14. Douglas Coleman Anders Electronics / TMG Horizon
15. Paul Londors Python RT
16. Lewis Atkins Orbea / For Goodness Shakes! RT
17. Tim Carter Team Virgin Active
18. mIKE Smith Team Corley Cycles
19. Mike Debney London Dynamo
20. Chris Snook Banjocycles.com
Finished in Bunch Simon Williams
Scott in a 4 man break with 2 laps to go
***************************************************************************
Chas Messenger 60 mile 2-3-4
With rain and narrow hilly country lanes with 3 nasty climbs
per lap (5 Laps)the field of 70 riders was soon split to
peaces after the second climb. 20 riders lead the way with a
group of 10 then a scattering of riders left behind. Scott
lead a group 3 of originally 10 across the line to take 19th
place.
Scott has been riding BC events so far this year and is
slowly making progress in the longer E1234 events he hopes
to be up there in the top 15 soon .
Duncan
is of to a great start with his first race, an excellent 4th
place from a break of 6 riders
WXCRL QinetiQ Saturday
Circuits 1
Duncan's
Report:
Report from HCC/Fit4life, Southern Section Sat. 13th March -
E123 Barnesfield Heath 3rd lap got across to break of 4 with
one other now 6, soon he dropped off. 5 going round
taking their trun. My legs started to go and missed a
few turns. Last lap someone attacks up the hill, 2 of
us can't respond we chase but fail, carry on alone going as
hard as I can to keep clear of the bunch. i eased up
the last bit and rolled for 4th. First event over!
Scott Holmes
Rode Roy Thame cup with the countries best E-1-2 0 on the
13-03-10 including National Champ Kristen House it was
hard. First 3 Laps were quick but in 5 min surges and
coupled with dodgy pot holes and long deep grooves in the road
with 80 riders
it was scary as well. The back straight had a cross wind and
the peloton was lined out in the opposite gutter and when
the Rapha squad finally put the hammer down it split into 3
groups, I was in the second split with around 20 riders
I came in 57th just behind last years winner Justin Hoy.
Looking back it was a good race and a nice start to the
season Bc web-site has a full report sadly I was not
mentioned.
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