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Due to some
date clashes with disappointed invitees, the Ladies’ event comprised four
fewer riders than in 2008 but there was no shortfall in class.
On scratch was Michelle
Ayres, fourth in the Women’s BBAR competition in 2006 and just ahead on the
start card, Nikki Hunt, the current national VTTA women’s ten mile champion.
Also riding was the Willesden’s Gill Reynolds, one time member of the
Hillingdon and, for many years, a leading rider locally in women’s time
trials. Also riding was Joanna Austin who won the event in 2007, Audrey
Hughes, noted member of the CTC and a London West timekeeper, plus Jill
Lawrence, Philip Burgin’s partner who is a member of south London ‘Easy
Riding’ group of cyclists. First off was the most regular competitor of all
and six times winner of the event, Club President Connie May.
On a day of brilliant
sunshine but with a pretty fierce headwind into the finish, the result was a
win for Audrey Hughes.
Twenty-four men accepted
the invitation to ride this year which was an increase over 2008.
The field included Paul
Bennett, competition record holder at 25 miles in 1965 and Graham West,
National 50 mile champion in 1976. There was Colin Garnham, a boyhood member
of the South Ruislip CC, Chas Jepson, Treasurer of the VTTA London Group,
Dave Mee, one time local star from the Marlboro AC, Andrew Small, events
Secretary of London West and responsible for the whole Open and Club Event
programmes and not forgetting Brian Wright, also a past member of the South
Ruislip and now prominent in
Prime
Coaching.
For the first time we had
Tim Burrows who was club Junior Track Champion in 1974 to 1976 as well as
Junior BAR champion in the same years. Regular rider and outstanding star of
the Hillingdon on its formation, Roger Villiers. This year, Roger wangled a
ride for his son Mark who qualified by virtue of never having ridden a time
trial. Unfortunately Mark punctured so we have yet to learn if he has
inherited his Dad’s ability. Neil Ferrelly of the Hounslow was a first timer
but we were delighted to have the company of Jim McKay, Alan Gallacher, past
winner Alan Hodgson, and the voluble Ron Purdy.
As it turned out, it was
a close thing with Dave Mee winning just ahead of Pete Cross whose name
first appeared on the trophy in 1969!
The morning’s racing
concluded with the Championship 10 which produced another win for Graham
Weeks, our unbeatable and celebrated champion of champions. Graham also took
the Veterans’ Championship with his splendid ride.
Timekeeping for the first
time was Beryl Brooks whilst assisting the beleaguered event secretary was
Cecil Hambelton, Tony Norris and Brenda, their friends John and his wife.
Also in support were Sylvia Rowe, Brian and Pat Major and Peter Hoare.
Donations amounted to
£100.90.
A morning of sunshine,
affability and the sharing of a common interest.
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