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14th December 2003 - 2004 Events
I've finally found some time to put next seasons event list up here. There
are 13 events next year and the competition will revert back to its 'Best
of Six' format. I hope to have all the information here by the New Year. Events
here.
19th October 2003 -Final (provisional) points standings
With the win in three categories going down to the wire it has been an exciting
finale to this season's competition. Steve Marchant (Swindon RC) had secured
the overall win at the Weston Wheelers hilly in late September ahead of Mark
Dredge (Westbury Wheelers) but last year's runner up Pete Wheddon (Clevedon
& District RC) only secured third place in the very last event. Alan Griffiths
(Severn RC) repeats his fourth place from a year ago while David Kiddell (Cavalier
CC) moved up from seventh last year to fifth this time.
Having won the series it's no surprise that Steve Marchant secured the Vets
40-49 category ahead of Pete Wheddon and Bristol South's Dave Keene. The Vets
50 -59 has been the most keenly contested since its introduction in 2001 with
Terry Gradidge (Sodbury Cycle Sport) taking victory in the last event. Deposed
leader Dave Farmer (Dursley RC) salvages second while Paul Chapman (Severn
RC) takes third. John Murphy (Gloucester City CC) relegated Bernie Brown (severn
RC) into second place, having 'done the damage' in the Chippenham 100, in
the vets 60 plus category. Third spot was taken by Brian Barraclough (Interbike
RT) despite being in his seventies!
Emma Silversides (Cheltenham & County) was another rider to seal victory
in the final event as she overtook Claire Greenfield (Severn RC) for the top
honours. Last year's winner Ann Wooldridge (Walsall Roads CC) was third. Severn
RC were convincing winners of the team prize ahead of Dursley RC and Swindon
RC who took third ahead of Bristol South CC on the slopes of Burrington Combe.
Tom Price (Chippenham & District) was best place of the under 18s but
having only completed six events will sadly not be eligible for prizes. Full
tables here.
Final results still pending are Weston, Gloucester and Bristol South so the
tables will remain provisional until I have all the final results in.
19th October 2003 - Burrington Result
The event went pretty much to form with Danny Axford (Oxford Uni CC) taking
the win with a stunning 7:16.43 which put him just four seconds short of the
course record on a day when swirling winds at the top made for a challenging
finish. Axford started well, catching his minute man in no time at all but
despite a reported strong finish from Adrian Bird (Artic Shorter Rochford
RT) he could not repeat his win in the Severn hill climb a couple of weeks
earlier and came home second in a time of 7:35.08. Not far behind was Bird's
team mate Stewart House who was the victor the last time the event was held
on Burrington in 2001, this time he posted a 7:55.30 to be the final rider
inside eight minutes.
Bristol South's Rob Adams took a good fourth place with a 8:03.88 which put
him just ahead of Pete Wheddon (Clevedon & District RC) who almost missed
out on a ride after is entry took a very scenic journey to organiser Steve
Clarke's letter box. Wheddon posted 8:08.06 which was good enough for the
fastest vet prize by over a minute. Fastest lady was Emma Silversides (Cheltenham
& County) and this being her seventh ride also meant she took the win
in the women's competition overall. Fastest team were Severn RC who pipped
Artic Shorter Rochford RT by 10 seconds as Matt Lelliott, Alan Griffiths and
Kevin Thomas combined for a time of 25:40.23. Full result here.
Points to follow later.
11th October 2003 - Burrington Showdown
One of the biggest fields in years will face the two miles of purgatory that
is the Burrington Combe hill climb and traditional Hardrider Series closer;
45 riders in all. The vets 50-59 category will see a four way fight between
long time leader Paul Chapman (Severn RC), current leader Dave Farmer (Dursley
RC) and pretender to the throne Terry Gradidge (Sodbury Cycle-Sport). While
out of the running for victory Tony Emery could still do enough to secure
a top three placing.
The vets 60 plus and women's categories could see the leaders change at the
last throw of the dice. John Murphy (Gloucester City) who is currently 1 point
behind leader Bernie Brown has a seventh best score of 67 compared to Brown's
81 which means Brown must finish more than 14 places in front of Murphy to
win the title. It's a similar story for Emma Silversides who needs this event
to qualify and must finish no further than 22 places behind leader Claire
Greenfield (Severn RC) if she is to win.
With the rest of the categories all but settled it will be an interesting
battle for the race win with a strong showing from Artic Shorter Rochford
RT who's numbers include dominant victor of the recent Severn RC hill climb
Adrian Bird. Previous winner on Burrington Combe Danny Axford will also be
right up there. Swindon RC and Severn RC could challenge the Artic boys in
the team race. Full start list here.
5th October 2003 - Points update
The men's solo overall was settled after the last round but Steve Marchant's
win today has enabled him to finish with the maximum 840 points. Behind him
Severn RC's Alan Griffiths snatched a few points off David Kiddell (Cavalier
CC) and leap frogged him into third place. Derek Smetham completed his seventh
event and this enabled the Dursley rider to jump from 13th into sixth. These
riders will do well to hold their positions as last year's runner up Peter
Wheddon (Clevedon & District) plans to ride the final event and thus complete
his minimum seven although the best he can hope for is third place overall.
The race for the women's title will go down to the wire with Cheltenham's
Emma Silversides closing Claire Greenfield's (Severn RC) lead down to just
17 points with just six events completed. The other challenger and defending
champion Ann Wooldridge (Walsall Roads CC) has defaulted by not taking the
start of today's event. Chippenham and District youngster Tom Price will need
to ride the Bristol South hill climb if he is to win the under 18's competition.
The vets 40-49 category has already been won by Steve Marchant but Peter
Wheddon can steal second from early leader Dave Keene (Bristol South CC).
The vets 50 -59 category is coming to the boil nicely and is another category
that will rest on the outcome of the hill climb. Long time leader Paul Chapman
(Severn RC) has been knocked off the top spot by Dursley's Dave Farmer but
with Sodbury Cycle sport's Terry Gradidge vowing to ride the final hill climb
event to get his seventh ride in, he too could be beaten at the last. After
looking to have a comfortable lead in the Vets 60 plus category Severn RC's
Bernie Brown has seen his lead slashed to just one point and had he not beaten
John Murphy (Gloucester City CC) this morning then the two would have been
equal on points. This is another title that will be won or lost on the slopes
of Burrington Combe.
Severn RC have already secured their first team win in the series but defending
champions Dursley RC look to be going out with a flourish having taking over
in second spot from Bristol South CC. Third place is by no means assured for
Bristol South as Swindon RC could replace them on the podium. Severn RC's
'B' team is also under threat from the Gloucester City CC for the final top
five place.
The final event is the Bristol South Burrington Combe hill climb with entries
due to Steve Clarke by this Tuesday, 7th October. It should be a good event
so make sure you're there! Points tables here.
5th October 2003 - Gloucester City 25 Result
Despite some quality opposition Steve Marchant (Swindon RC) recorded his seventh
win of the series and secured the maximum 840 points to become the first rider
to ever do so. Marchant's time of 58:37 reflected the toughness of the course
and conditions with the first real taste of winter being felt on an otherwise
bright and sunny morning. Just under half a minute behind and the only other
rider under the hour with his 59:04 Adrian Bird (Artic Shorter Rochford RT)
took a well deserved second place a day after winning the Severn RC hill climb
in style. Third place went to a resurgent Peter Wheddon (Clevedon and District
RC) by just a single second from Severn RC's Alan Griffiths with times of
1:00:09 and 1:00:10 respectfully. Dursley man Derek Smetham was fifth in a
time of 1:01:03.
Emma Silversides was fastest lady by some eight minutes while Marchant was
fastest of the V4's. The V5 competition was hotly contested with Sodbury Cycle-Sport's
Terry Gradidge the best with a 1:07:52. Bernie Brown (Severn RC) looks to
have strengthened his lead in the V6 category with a win ahead of his closest
rival, Gloucester City's John Murphy. The team win on the day went to the
VC St Raphael trio of Andy Cook - 1:01:44, Jason Streather - 1:02:11 and Andrew
Russell - 1:04:20 for a combined time of 3:08:15 to give them just under a
minute to spare over 2003 team champions Severn RC. Full result here.
Points to follow by late afternoon.
1st October 2003 - Gloucester City 25 Start List
A reasonable turn out of 54 riders for the penultimate round of the 2003 Hardrider
Series this coming Sunday. Top seed is VC St. Raphael rider Andy Cook with
fellow '0's being Severn RC pair of Alan Griffiths and Dave Rudland, Dursley's
Derek Smetham and champion elect Steve Marchant (Swindon RC). Other riders
of note include third place sitter David Kiddell (Cavalier CC), Philip Curtis-Whitfield
(VC Bristol), Dursley RC's Bohdan Pawlyszyn, deposed series leader Mark Dredge
(westbury Wheelers) and last year's runner up Peter Wheddon (Clevedon and
District) who could now qualify if he rides the final round.
There is plenty of interest in the categories still to be decided and Emma
Silversides (Cheltenham & County) will need to make the most of leader
Claire Greenfield's (Severn RC) absence if she is to take the overall honours.
The other lady challenger, Ann Wooldridge (Walsall Roads CC), is on the start
list but will not take the start and thus can no longer qualify. In the V6
plus category Severn RC's Bernie Brown could consolidate his lead over Gloucester
City's John Murphy if he can finish close to or in front of his rival. Brown's
clubmate Paul Chapman could well lose his long time lead in the V5 category
as Dursley RC's Dave Farmer looks set to complete his seventh event having
beaten Chapman in each of their head to head encounters. Dursley look good
for the team win although the absence of a super fast third man may see them
miss out to VC St. Raphael. Looks like it's going to be a good race! Full
start list here.
21st September 2003 - Points Update
With still two events remaining in the 2003 series Steve Marchant has sealed
victory following his sixth win in today's Weston Hilly. It's yet another
impressive victory this year having already won the veterans section of the
Rudy Project Series and taken the national TT championship title for 40-44
year olds. The rest of the top 10 is beginning to take shape with Alan Griffiths
(Severn RC) the latest rider to benefit from riding his seventh event, moving
from 12th to 4th just 1 point behind David Kiddell (Cavalier CC).
With Griffiths completing his seventh event Severn RC have now done enough
to win their first team title having been runners up to the all conquering
Dursley RC for the last two years. The battle for second is still on with
Dursley able to wrestle the runner up spot from Bristol South, mathematically
at least. Along with his overall win Marchant has also secured the Vets 40-49
title from Bristol South's Dave Keene.
There is still all to ride for in the women's category with any one of three
ladies in with a shout of the win but Severn RC's Claire Greenfield, the current
leader, is in the best position as she has already completed seven events
and can now concentrate on improving her lowest score from the Rudy Project
event. Both second placed Emma Silversides (Cheltenham & County) and Ann
Wooldridge (Walsall Roads CC and Private Member) both need to complete the
remaining two events to stand any chance of beating Greenfield to the trophy.
Elsewhere Severn RC's Bernie Brown has a good lead over John Murphy (Gloucester
City) in the Vets 60 plus category with Murphy needing a minimum 15 points
to take victory. In the vets 50-59 category Brown's club mate Paul Chapman
has a less secure lead with Dursley rider Dave Farmer just 53 points behind
with still one more event to ride. 13 year old Tom Price needs only to ride
one more event to be sure of the win in the Junior and Juvenile standings,
a title that has not been awarded since 1999. Updated tables
here.
21st September 2003 - Weston Hilly Result
Swindon RC rider Steve Marchant underlined his status as the man to beat locally
on sporting courses with another emphatic victory in the Mendip hills this
morning. This was Marchant's sixth win of the series this year and betters
his previous best of five wins in one series from 1999. Marchant beat his
own course record, set last year in its inaugural use, taking 24 seconds off
that time with his 1:04:15. Enjoying a strong end of season is Cavalier CC's
David Kiddell and he followed up his third place in the previous round with
second today in a time of 1:08:01. A man who was livid with his third place
was Dursley RC fast man Derek Smetham whose 1:08:12 did not reflect the ride
he was having until he lost several minutes working his way through a convoy
of traffic caught behind two tractors. Smetham had a similar incident in last
year's event when he was held up by cows.
Repeating his fourth placed ride of a year ago Severn RC's top rider Alan
Griffiths managed a time of 1:08:32 which was exactly 30 seconds quicker than
last year. Rounding out the top five was another Dursley rider in the shape
of Neil Dimon who was pleased with his 1:09:53. Fastest lady was Cheltenham's
Emma Silversides in a time of 1:16:43 while Marchant was fastest of the vets
it was Dursley's Dave Farmer who was best V5 and 71 year old Brian Barraclough
(Interbike RT) was the best of the V6 plus group. Another ride of note was
that of 16 year old First Chard Wheelers rider Sam Reed who had an excellent
ride to finish seventh in a time of 1:10:10. Winning team were Dursley RC
with Smetham, Dimon and Farmer the top trio by just over a minute. Full result
here.
16th September 2003 - Weston Hilly Start list
A disappointing low turn out of just 33 riders for round twelve of the competition,
the Weston Wheelers Hilly 26 in the Mendip hills. The current top three overall
are all present as are a further four from the top 10. Leader of the ladies
competition Claire Greenfield (Severn RC) will face still competition from
Cheltenham rider Emma Silversides. The top three in the V5 vets category are
all missing but the leading riders in the V4 and V6 categories take part.
Dursley RC look to have the edge over Severn RC for the team win. Start list
here.
7th September 2003 - Chippemham 100
Having not attended this event myself I can't tell you a great deal about
it except that Bath CC rider John French took the win in a time of 4:16:24
for the revised course. It was Gloucester City who took a rare team win with
George Unsworth, John Murphy and Toby Wooldridge combining for a time of 14:21:03.
Fastest lady was visiting rider Angela Nainby of East Grinstead CC with
a time of 4:53:07. Full provisional result courtesy of Dave Keene here.
Updated points tables here.
24th August 2003 - Severn 28 Report
Swindon RC's Steve Marchant took the win in this new event on roads around
Marshfield, Castle Combe and Tormarton this morning to make it five wins from
seven in this season's WTTA Hardrider series. Marchant set a a time of 1:07:01
for the 28 mile rolling course which was 48 seconds too good for Mark Dredge
(Westbury Wheelers) although he was the only other rider under 1:09:00. Dredge
was left wondering just what he had to do to beat Marchant after only once
finishing ahead of him, back at the Chippenham hilly in March. Taking third
place on the day with a 1:09:35 was the Severn RC's leading rider Alan Griffiths
and he is now on course to improve on his fourth place overall last year.
Another man on a flyer was VC Bristol's Philip Curtis-Whitfield who was first
back to the time keeper with a 1:09:49 to finish fourth but despite this being
his best finish this year he slipped from sixth to eighth in the overall standings.
Fifth spot was filled by another Severn rider as Dave Rudland powered his
way round to a 1:10:07.
Winning team were Severn with Griffiths and Rudland being joined by Matt
Lelliott who's 1:11:45 provided a team time of 3:31:27 to give them almost
ten minutes to spare over the Dursley boys. Fastest lady, if only starter,
was Severn's Claire Greenfield so we will never know if her 1:18:48 would
have been too good for Judith Priest. Greenfield is now leading the women's
table ahead of Ann Wooldridge (Private). Fastest V4 was Marchant, fastest
V5 Jon Williams (Northover VT) and fastest V6 was visiting rider Stan Mills
of Yorkshire RC. Marchant now takes the lead in the V4 standings. Event result
here and updated
points tables here.
17th August 2003 - Severn 28
After an extended summer break the series resumes again this coming weekend
when the Severn RC promote a new event on a new course based at Marshfield
on the A420. There are only 41 riders in the field although they represent
a good selection of those at or very near the top of the current points standings
with eight of the top eleven riders overall down to ride. Scratch man is defending
series champ Steve Marchant although even if he win the event he can only
move up to second place behind long time leader Mark Dredge. Team wise Severn
look the strongest although Dursley are well represented. Claire Greenfield
(Severn RC) is poised to take over the lead in the women's competition while
Marchant will take the lead in the Vets 40-49 category. Full Start list here.
1st June 2003 - WTTA 100
The WTTA 100 scheduled for Sunday 20th July has unfortunately had to be cancelled.
This is because the Fairford Air Show also takes place on this weekend, and
the Wiltshire Police have advised us to cancel the event .....due to the huge
volume of traffic expected in the area. However the event won't be lost as
a counting round of the Hardrider series, as the organiser of the Chippenham
100 on September 7th has agreed to incorporate it into his event. However
the Vets 100 mile championship which was due to be part of the July event
will now be offered to another district as 7th September unfortunately is
now unsuitable, being the date of the Vets Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.
27th May 2003 - Association anniversary 10 and luncheon
Although you've missed the closing date for the WTTA 10 on the 7th June there
is still time to book your tickets for the buffet lunch and prize giving that
will follow the event. To be held at the Bradstone Pavilion, Ashton Keynes,
the main purpose of the event is to mark the Association's 75th year and there
will be information on display from across those years. If you would like
tickets, which are very reasonably priced at £4 each, or more information
then phone the Association chairman, Mr Mike Edwards on 01249 651497.
18th May 2003 - Part 2
The updated points tables are now available here.
Mark Dredge (Westbury Wheelers) goes into the summer break - the next event
being the 100 on 20th July - with a healthy lead over second placed Dave Rudland
(Severn RC) and his club mate Matt Lelliott who occupies third. After the
first nine events 14 riders have already banked the necessary seven events
to qualify for prizes with a further 71 riders still able to complete the
minimum seven events including the top four from 2002.
Severn RC maintain their team lead but Swindon RC and Dursley are beginning
to close them down while long time second placed team Bristol South will have
to work hard to maintain their position. Dave Keene of Bristol South leads
the vets 40-49 category but looks destined to keep it warm for Steve Marchant.
The vets 50-59 category is led by Paul Chapman of Severn RC but Tony Emery
of Dursley could still run him very close if he completes seven events. Chapman's
club mate Bernie Brown leads the vets 60 plus category but should Brian Newton
(Private) or Mike Lawrence (Clevedon) complete seven events then he could
find himself toppled.
Ann Wooldridge (Private) leads the women's category and may go unchallenged
if her closest rivals fail to complete seven events. Tom Price of Chippenham
and District leads the under 18s but unless Gloucester City's Tom Veale rides
the 100 his only challenge will come from club mate Stuart Archard.
18th May 2003 - Somer Valley Result
Swindon RC rider Steve Marchant took his fourth win of the series on a deceptively
tough new course using the A361 east of Shepton Mallett to Frome and A362
towards Warminster. The weather conditions made the return leg even tougher
as a strong westerly wind put up unwelcome resistance in the closing miles
while some of the riders were also treated to the odd downpour. Marchant took
just 1:07:35 to complete the 29 mile course which gave him a 1:22 margin of
victory over series leader Mark Dredge (Westbury Wheelers) and his 1:08:57.
Last year's series runner up Pete Wheddon (Clevedon & Dist.) took third
spot with 1:09:26 putting him 21 seconds ahead of an improving Dave Kiddell
(Cavalier CC) with 1:09:47.
Derek Smetham took the fifth spot in 1:11:32 and led his Dursley RC team
mates Neil Dimon - 1:11:46 - and Andy Booth - 1:12:51 to the team prize. Sadly
there were no ladies or under 18's in the race. Steve Marchant was fastest
vet while Terry Gradidge (Sodbury Cycle Sport) and Keith Wright (Chippenham
and District) won the V5 and V6 category prizes respectively. Full result
here.
14th May 2003 - Somer Valley Start List
We now have the start sheet for the Somer Valley Hilly 29 this Sunday. A disappointing
43 rider entry although there are plenty of good riders among them including
current series leader Mark Dredge and defending champion Steve Marchant. Most
likely to take the team win appear to be Dursley RC although they will have
competition from the Somerset RC. Full list here.
11th May 2003 - Updated Points
The updated points tables following yesterday's Westbury Event are now available.
Also following the final result of the WTTA hilly the two riders who had initially
been disqualified have been reprieved meaning that riders who finished 25th
or lower slip a place and a point each. Also, there were a couple of changes
to the Cheltenham result and points although the final result is still pending.
Just to clarify the position for the Somer Valley and Gillingham riders, as
both clubs affiliated after the 31st March only the points from races ridden
subsequent to their affiliations being paid can be included. Click here
for the tables.
10th May 2003 - Westbury Hilly Result
Rather than concentrate on the overall event result and the win for Stuart
Dangerfield ahead of Michael Hutchinson in a new course record time of 55:51
I shall discuss the riders in the hunt for series points.
The fastest rider in the hunt for points was 15th placed Richard Marsh of
Somer Valley CC, his club having affiliated last weekend, with a 1:01:24 which
gave him a ten second margin over Steve Marchant (Swindon RC) who himself
won the veteran's race with his 1:01:34. Third placed 'point hunter' was a
rapidly improving Lee Davis of Dursley RC with a 1:02:02 which placed him
18th overall. Just under a minute further back with a time of 1:03:00 was
runner up at the Cheltenham event Andrew Waddington (Swindon RC) in 23rd.
Cheltenham rider Emma Silversides was best placed of the ladies (fourth) in
the hunt for points with a time of 1:10:27 placing her 62nd overall.
The provisional result of the event can now be found here.
The points will be updated tomorrow.
5th May 2003 - Cheltenham Result
Having not started the last two events due to illness Steve Marchant (Swindon
RC) returned with a bang to take the win on a tough but bright morning. Marchant
covered the 23 and a bit mile course in exactly one hour to give him a winning
margin of 1:20 over club mate Andrew Waddington. Waddington was the first
of three riders all within 11 seconds of each other with Clevedon rider Peter
Wheddon - 1:01:28 - getting the better of Alan Griffiths (Severn RC) for third
by just three seconds. Griffiths had been second fastest at the end of the
first lap but lost out to Wheddon and Waddington over the second lap where
the wind seemed to gather more momentum. Fifth place was taken by series leader
Mark Dredge (Westbury Wheelers) in a time of 1:02:04 despite having been a
second quicker than Waddington after the first lap.
Fastest vet was winner Steve Marchant while Matt Lelliott (Severn RC) took
the award as fastest Espoir with his time of 1:02:32. In the ladies competition
it was visiting Marina Bloom (Walsall Roads CC) who impressed, taking the
win in a time of 1:7:46 putting her two and a half minutes ahead of the promoting
club's Emma Silversides. Fastest Juvenile rider was Tom Veale of Gloucester
City with a time of 1:11:23 compared to Tom Price's, several years his junior,
1:16:59. With Marchant and Waddington filling the top two places and Paul
Gregg (1:06:22) providing backup the Swindon RC took their first team win
of the series with a time of 3:07:42 which put them 17 seconds ahead of series
team leaders Severn RC. Full result here.
Updated points here.
1st May 2003 - Westbury Hilly start sheet
We now have the start sheet (via the CTT website) for the Westbury Hilly Rudy
Project event on the 10th May. Plenty of local riders are down to battle it
out with the likes of Hutchinson, Dangerfield and Butler. For the full list
click here.
30th April 2003 - Discussion Forum
A new discussion forum has now been included with this site so that you can
give your opinions on the series and enjoy a bit of friendly (and polite)
banter with fellow riders. Check it out here.
28th April 2003 - Cheltenham Start Sheet
After a weeks break the series continues this coming Bank Holiday Monday,
May 5th with the Cheltenham Hilly 23. 65 riders are due to take the start
and they include 13 of the top 15 in the overall standings thus far. With
this event being a District TT counter there are a couple of big name visitors
in the shape of Roger Iddles and Stuart Lemanski in the men's and Marina Bloom
in the ladies. Of the local fast men series leader Mark Dredge is present
as is defending champ Steve Marchant and runner up last year Pete Wheddon.
There are several strong team line ups with Dursley and Severn RC looking
most likely to do battle for the top honours while Bristol South, Swindon
RC and Gloucester will be ready to challenge if the top two falter. Full start
list here.
20th April 2003 - Trowbridge Result
Cold windy conditions greeted the riders this morning in round six of the
series, the Trowbridge Hilly 24. Richard Marsh (Somer Valley CC) picked up
his second win in the series after the Dursley event last week but this time
his winning time of 58:40 put him just 30 seconds ahead of current series
leader Mark Dredge (Westbury Wheelers). Three of the seeded riders failed
to start including last year's event winner Nik Gardiner (timetrial.co.uk)
and defending Hardrider champ Steve Marchant (Swindon RC) but it was another
seed, Steve Wilcox of RAF CC who took the final podium place with a 59:25.
Alan Griffiths (Severn RC) was fourth in 1:00:40 to better his sixth last
year while just behind him was Dave Kiddell (Cavalier CC) with 1:00:58.
Fastest Vet was former event winner Rob Pears (Bath CC) with a time of 1:01:19
while Judith Priest of Bristol South CC repeated her success of a week earlier
as fastest lady in a time of 1:08:47, this time beating Ann Wooldridge of
Walsall Roads CC. Fastest Junior rider was Stuart Archard of Chippenham &
District in 1:17:50. Winning team were Dursley RC (Dimon, Latham, Pawlyszyn)
in a time of 3:08:10 giving them 46 seconds to spare over Bristol South CC.
Full result here.
Updated points here.
13th April 2003 - Trowbridge start Sheet
As with today's Dursley event 63 riders are down to ride the Trowbridge Hilly
24 on the 20th April. The entry for this event is down by about 20 riders
over last year with several of the regulars missing, perhaps due to it being
Easter. Dursley RC, Severn RC and Chippenham have good numbers of riders in
the event but the team race is far from certain with a strong Bristol South
contingent also in the hunt. Current team leaders Severn RC are without two
of their 'A' team and this could see Bristol South take over as leading team
in the series.
Only six of the top ten series riders will battle it out in the Wiltshire
hills with the most notable absentees being second placed Matt Lelliott and
Philip Curtis-Whitfield who currently occupies fourth. As for likely winners
of the event Dursley winner Richard Marsh, Nikolaus Gardiner, Steve Marchant
and series leader Mark Dredge look set to fight it out against visiting seeded
riders Steve Wilcox (RAF CC) and Geraint Evans (Port Talbot Wheelers). Full
start list here.
13th April 2003
After taking a close second in the Bath Hilly three weeks ago Richard Marsh
(Somer Valley CC) took an emphatic win in the Dursley Hilly this morning.
Marsh covered the 21.3 mile course, shortened due to road works at Gossington
which meant the final climb up Taits Hill was omitted, in an impressive 53:04.
Over two minutes back in second place was Nik Gardiner (Timetrial.co.uk RT)
with a 55:29 while last year's winner Derek Smetham was third a further 26
seconds back with 55:55.
Current series leader Mark Dredge (Westbury Wheelers) was fourth in 57:01
while Matt Lelliott took fifth in 57:25 and led his club mates Alan Griffiths
and Dave Rudland to the team prize with a time of 2:55:43. Fastest Vet was
Dave Keene of Bristol South in 1:00:27 while club mate Judith Priest took
the ladies prize in 1:07:13 for a margin of 23 seconds over Emma Silversides
(Cheltenham & County). While there was no prize another ride of note was
that of 13 year old Tom Price (Chippenham & District) who climbed well
to finish in a time of 1:13:31. Full result here.
Updated points tables here.
7th April 2003
We now have the start sheet for the toughest of all the hillies, the Dursley
Hilly 24. 63 plucky souls intend to tackle the climbs of North Nibley, Old
London Road and Uley although due to road works the final climb of Taits Hill
will probably have to be lost (be thankful for small mercies!). As you might
expect, Dursley have the most riders although they will be without three of
their top riders for this one which means the strong line up from Severn RC
may end up doing battle with a similarly strong line up from Swindon RC for
the team title this time round. Names of note on the start sheet include Nikolaus
Gardiner, third in the Severn Hilly; Tim Melville, third in this event last
year and winner of two events so far this series, Steve Marchant. Last year's
winner Derek Smetham also returns but perhaps without the same form as 12
months ago and club mate Lee Davis is another man yet to reach top form. Full
start list here.
6th April 2003
After missing the last round Steve Marchant returned with a win in the WTTA
Hilly, taking the honours over Mark Dredge by just five seconds. There was
a slight but rising north easterly wind on the leg out to Wootton Bassett
but otherwise conditions were good. The revised course was just a smidge under
31.5 miles (by my computer anyway) and Marchant took just 1:13:06 to cover
the course which was, by hilly course standards, fairly easy. Michael Loader
of Yeovil CC made the long drive worthwhile as he took third spot from an
unseeded 53 with his 1:15:52. Just behind in fourth spot was Dave Rudland
with 1:16:11 and he led a further five riders all in the same minute.
Dursley RC won the team prize with a margin of around two minutes over Severn
RC while Steve Marchant, Anthony Richardson (Wyre Forest) and Tony Thorne
won the V4, V5 and V6+ category prizes respectively. Janet Wilson was the
only surviving lady by the finish and pick up the ladies prize for her trouble.
Young Tom Price put in a good ride to take the award for the youngest finisher
and the fastest under 18, beating his older club mate in the process. Full
result here. Updated
points tables here.
1st April 2003
The start sheet for the WTTA Hilly 31 is now in. This is fourth event and
now the third one to be affected by road works on the course. A revised course
description is included on the event page. A smaller field of 56 compared
to the 72 a year ago with Dursley RC looking a good bet for the team win while
last year's top two in the series, Steve Marchant and Pete Wheddon, return
after missing the 3rd round. Nine of the current top ten riders overall are
present for this one while another good turn out by the Severn should mean
they retain their team lead as the Bristol South 'A' team will be a man short.
Full start list here.
30th March 2003
It was second seed Tim Wood of Stourbridge CC who took the win on the emergency
version of the U16 course in a time of 1:00:58 which gave him a winning margin
of just 15 seconds over top seed Darren Willetts (On the Edge RT) and his
1:01:13. It was another visiting rider in the shape of Nik Gardiner (timetrial.co.uk
RT) who took the final podium place a further 1:11 behind Willetts in 1:02:24.
Mark Dredge (Westbury Wheelers) was best placed of those in the hunt for
points in fourth spot with his 1:03:46 which put him exactly two minutes ahead
of fifth placed Andrew Waddington (Swindon RC). Fastest of the Vets was Steve
Wixon (Severn RC) with an excellent 1:05:55 in his first year in the world
of standards and pluses. After being pipped for the title last week, Ann Wooldridge
(Walsall Roads CC) was leading lady with her 1:16:42. There was just one rider
under 18 and young Tom Price of Chippenham & District posted a creditable
1:27:51. The Severn Road Club took another team win this time with Steve Wixon
- 1:05:55, Alan Griffiths - 1:6:02 and Matt Lelliott - 1:06:26 for a combined
time of 3:18:23. Provisional result now on the event
page. Updated points tables here.
27th March 2003
A mixture of good and bad news on the road work front for the Severn Hilly
27 this Sunday. The road works at Tytherington have now concluded, unfortunately
there are now road works at the top end of the course at Taits Hill which
can not be worked around. As a result the course has been amended to two laps
of the southern circuit between Leyhill and Tytherington with an extra leg
on the second lap out to the roundabout north of Charfield and back to finish
just beyond the top of Charfield Hill. Full revised course details and profile
on the event page.
24th March 2003
We now have the start sheet for the Severn RC Hilly 27 to be held this coming
Sunday with a good size field of 81 riders set to do battle on the U16 course
between Bristol and Gloucester. There are currently road works on the course
at Tytherington which may mean the course will have to be shortened and all
the latest news on that situation will be posted here.
Defending Hardrider Champion and early series leader Steve Marchant (Swindon
RC) misses the event as does Pete Wheddon (Clevedon & Dist.) as they both
tackle the first round of the veteran national road race series. Six of the
top 10 riders thus far will take part with Mark Dredge (Westbury Whlrs) most
likely to take over as series leader. There are good team presences from the
top two teams in 2002, Dursley RC and Severn RC with the latter trying to
fend off the Bristol South's challenge following their rise to second team
after the Bath 30. Full start sheet here.
23rd March 2003
Defending Hardrider Champion Steve Marchant (Swindon RC) took the win today
in the Bath Hilly 30 getting the better of Mark Dredge (Westbury Wheelers)
this time round. Marchant had a winning margin of just 11 seconds over Richard
Marsh of Somer Valley CC. Dredge was third a further seven seconds back with
1:11:42. Visiting rider Ray Robinson was fourth with his 1:12:53 just ahead
of Pete Wheddon (Clevedon and District) and his 1:13:12. Dursley RC, lead
by Andy Booth were team winners while Emma Silversides took a deserved win
as fastest lady. Provisional result now on the event
page. Updated points tables here.
18th March 2003
The start sheet for round two, the Bath Hilly 30, can now be found on the
event page. Entry for
this event is down by a quarter on last year with just 60 riders, perhaps
due to the road works that had previously looked set to disrupted the event.
The Severn Road Club again have the most riders in the event and despite 3
of their top 5 riders from the Chippenham event not taking the start, look
likely to maintain their lead in the team competition. Dursley RC are a good
bet to win the team prize in this event. The top 5 riders in the overall standings
after round one are set to do battle again as are the top two ladies. Most
of the V6 riders return for round two but just two in the V5 category and
only a handful of the V4 riders are due to take part. The provisional result
will be posted here in the afternoon following the event.
9th March 2003
Colin Wallace of Port Talbot Wheelers won today's Chippenham Hilly on an emergency
version of the U83 course, without Lyneham Bank, in 57:28. On form Mark Dredge
of Westbury Wheelers was second with his 57:48 while defending Hardrider champion
Steve Marchant (Swindon RC) was 3rd in 58:01. The Severn Road Club were convincing
winners of the team prize while Ann Wooldridge took the ladies prize. Fastest
Vet was winner Colin Wallace while Tom Veale of Gloucester City CC was the
fastest under 18. Full provisional result on the event
page. First points tables here.
7th March 2003
Chippenham Course update. Due to roadworks at Wootton Bassett an emergency
version of the U83 Chippenham Hilly course will be used which avoids the problem
but will mean that Lyneham Bank can not be included. Details of the course
revision can be found on the event
page.
28th February 2003
Start sheet for the Chippenham & District Hilly 24, the first event of
2003, can now be found on the event
page. An improved entry over a year ago with 93 riders in all despite
the event not being listed as a District TT event in the handbook.
26th February 2003
Several of you have contacted me about the B3092 road closure that affects
the Bath Hilly. The organiser is aware of the problem and is currently considering
several options pending a progress report on the bridge works at the end of
the week. The event will go ahead.
I've also had several enquiries about event organiser contact details or
rather the lack of them. I've not included them for privacy reasons and of
course all details can be found in the CTT 2003 handbook. If you are one of
the event organisers and you are happy to have your address included on the
event page drop me an email.
19th January 2003
Following today's association AGM the affiliation rates for 2003 have been
revised upwards to £15 for clubs and £7 for private members. Affiliations
for 2003 are now due and should be sent to the association Treasurer David
Ashton (details on the affiliates page).
10th January 2003
It's been pointed out to me that there was an error in the points standings
for 2002 as J & D Deeming of Chippenham are the same person. This means
J Deeming moves up to 93rd overall and moves Chippenham "D" and
"E" up a couple of places in the team standings. Let me know if
you spot any more.
2nd January 2003
The contact details for the WTTA Treasurer have now been included on the affiliates
page along with links to those affiliated clubs with their own website. If
your club website is not linked then let me have the address and I'll add
it to the list (affiliated clubs only).
December 2002
After serving the series well for 11 years as series coordinator, David Ashton
is taking a well deserved rest. Taking over the reins will be Simon Townsend
who hopes to continue David's work and develop the series further. If you
are reading this then you will already be aware of one of the first additions
that Simon has instigated; this dedicated website for the series. |
