Race report - Bossard Wheelers' Open 10 - 01/09/2012

Four Nomads competed in the Bossard Wheelers' promoted open 10 mile time trial on the Brogborough course south of Bedford. The conditions were taxing for all riders, with a stiff south-westerly wind making things tough on the return section of the course.

Simon Doyle was the fastest Nomad on the day, shaving five seconds off his course best for the season. His 23.26 was buoyed by a rapid first five miles, hitting the turn at 5.5 miles in around ten minutes. James Spence nicked second place in the pecking order by clocking a second per mile quicker over James Gomm. Clive Collins had to go in to "Magpie Mode" to borrow a wheel following a series of pre-start punctures. Collins' 26.46 was a great time for the distance and indicates a late season flourish may be on the cards. The event was won by David McGaw of Cambridge CC with a time of 21.11.

Simon Doyle, 23.26

James Spence, 25.20

James Gomm, 25.31

Clive Collins, 26.46

Race Report

Beds Roads CC Open 10 09/06/12

Hitchin Nomads were out in force once again this year on the F15/10 10 mile time trial course near Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire. The event being promoted by our friends in the Bedfordshire Road CC.

Comprising of a 5.5 mile outbound leg and and a 4.5 mile return, the course is proving to be a popular testing ground for the region. James Gomm and Clive Collins were first off for the Nomads and both recorded improvements for the distance during the earlier stages of the day. Gomm went under the 25 minute mark by one second (PB) and Collins sliced time from his previous course time with a strong 26.52.

James Gomm heading towards a personal best.

Riders reported that the headwind on the return leg was brutal, and this was confirmed by all Nomads as their quick outbound averages of circa 30mph were reduced on the way home.

James Spence, Andrew Herbert and finally Simon Doyle all set off during the last half hour of the day's racing. Spence recorded a season and course best 25.09 in his return to open riding. Doyle completed the course in 24.16 in his first week back on the bike since fracturing a collar bone in April.

Andrew Herbert on the way to a 21.51.

The performance of the day was recorded by Andrew Herbert with a 21.51 which was good enough for eighth place in a field of one hundred and three starters.

Clive Collins at the turn at 5.5 miles.

The Nomads' cumulative (best three) time was 1.11.06. Top seed (rider 120) Gavin Atkins of Hemel Hempstead CC took the victory with a time of 20.33.

Results

Andy Herbert 21.51

Simon Doyle 24.16

James Gomm 24.59

James Spence 25.09

Clive Collins 26.52

Links to BRCC Forum about the event: here. Images courtesy of Paul Holmes, BRCC.

Finsbury Park Open 50 10/06/12

John Harrison took part in the Finsbury Park CC Open 50 on 10th June and posted a 2.25.53 for the distance. The F1/50 course is a taxing route but Steve Berry of Team Swift prevailed with a very impressive 1.42.59.

Easter time trial results 2012

Several Nomads were in action in open time trials over the Easter weekend.

Welwyn Hilly, 26** mile sporting, 06/04/2012

Good Friday saw the traditional Welwyn Hilly sporting time trial run over 26 miles around Codicote, Hitchin, Offley and Kimpton. Clive Collins sporting the Nomads blue and gold posted 1.16.27.

**There are conflicting reports as to the exact distance of the course - needless to say it's tough no matter how long it is...

Clive Collins rides the Welwyn Wheelers' Good Friday classic.

Neil JJ Fraser and Ben Wilson  posted 1.06.57 and 1.10.47 respectively.

The event was won by Wouter Sybrandy of Team IG Sigma Sport with a strong time of 56.23, averaging just over 26mph for the demanding route. Full results from ctt.org.uk

Team SalesEngine.co.uk open 10, 07/04/2012

Five Nomads ventured to the F15/10 course near Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire to compete in the Team Salesengine.co.uk open 10. This was Steve Robinson's team's inaugural open event although many familiar faces, former Nomads and friends were at hand. Frank Turner who was Start Timekeeper also provide a critque of several rider's bikes (i.e. steel is good,  anything else is less so).

With expectations high, given the potential for the course to provide the foundation for a fast time, the Nomads team had to battle the cold and stiff northerly headwind on the 5.5 miles out to the turn.

Andy Herbert turned in one of the fastest Nomads' times for some period with a supreme 22.36, claiming 11th spot in the 92 rider field. Simon Doyle in his first open time trial since 2004 posted a robust 23.31.

The conditions seemed to have favoured the heavier riders who could push the bigger gears but this did not deter the hill specialists - Neil JJ Fraser from recording an impressive 24.04 and James Gomm marking a new PB for the distance with 25.23. Clive Collins despite being hampered by traffic on his ride posted 27.55.

Jason Gurney of www.Twenty3c.co.uk won the event with a time of 21.12. Full results from ctt.org.uk

The same course will be used in the Interclub 10 later in April. Initial feedback from the riders that it was one of the best events in terms of safety, marshalling and all round potential to record a personal or season's best.

The event also raised £350 for the East Anglia Air Ambulance.