The season long Northampton and District series is rapidly reaching it's conclusion, and with one round to go the team are still holding 3 places in the top 10 thanks to some superb riding.
On Saturday the strongest ride of round 9 was Sam Hayes, who finished 7th on the day by covering the lumpy 20 mile circuit at Naseby in an astounding 48:08. This keeps him in a strong 3rd place overall.
Next up was Hugo Hocknell who clocked 49:47 for 14th place on the day and 7th currently in the series. Rounding out the top 10 in the series is Steve Robinson who finished the day with a strong 20th place and a time of 52:41 (a course PB by 2:10).
Lyndon lewis was next up for the team with 1:02:58 and Stuart Hocknell clocked 1:08:48.
Tuesday 9 September 2014
Sam & Steve win round 4 of the Victoria CC and take the series overall
It was all to play for in the final round of the Victoria CC 10.2 last weekend. Steve & Sam were leading the overall series, but their main rivals from East London Velo were hot and the heels. It was a winner takes all head to head in the last of the 4 rounds.
On the day the Team Salesengine duo stormed round the course to win the event with a new PB of 23:05 with their main rivals slipping to third with 23:22. This gave Steve and Sam the overall victory for the series by a single point.
On the day the Team Salesengine duo stormed round the course to win the event with a new PB of 23:05 with their main rivals slipping to third with 23:22. This gave Steve and Sam the overall victory for the series by a single point.
Roy takes a top 20 at the ECCA
He may have only been able to race sporadically this year, but Roy Robinson was in action at the midweek ECCA 10 on the E91 at Great Dunmow.
Never the fastest course in the world, the day was dry but with a nagging cross wind across the course that made things tough both ways. Roy battled well to clock 30:45 and finish 18th overall on the day.
With the season almost done this should provide a great boost for a focused winter and a lot more racing in 2015.
Never the fastest course in the world, the day was dry but with a nagging cross wind across the course that made things tough both ways. Roy battled well to clock 30:45 and finish 18th overall on the day.
With the season almost done this should provide a great boost for a focused winter and a lot more racing in 2015.
Monday 18 August 2014
Hugo leads the team at the Chronos RT 10
When the wind is blowing at around 20 mph the F2 outside Cambridge is one of the last courses you want to be on. It may have a super smooth surface, but it is very exposed which impacts on the times.
None of this seemed to slow Hugo Hocknell though who blasted round in 22:00 to take 16th place in the field of 88.
Next up for the team was David Ledgerton, celebrating finally being able to string some races together after an injury hit season with an excellent 25:41. Stuart Hocknell was next up, riding strongly in the tough conditions to clock 30:41.
None of this seemed to slow Hugo Hocknell though who blasted round in 22:00 to take 16th place in the field of 88.
Next up for the team was David Ledgerton, celebrating finally being able to string some races together after an injury hit season with an excellent 25:41. Stuart Hocknell was next up, riding strongly in the tough conditions to clock 30:41.
Steve & Ben take 2nd place at the Bicester Airfield 10
Having survived their soaking on the F12, Steve Robinson and Ben Robinson were back in action on the evening of Tuesday 12th for the Bicester Millennium airfield 10.
A strong wind was blowing across the airfield, and in the 2.5 mile lap there was over a mile directly into the teeth of it which took the edge off the times.
Despite this the duo still managed to take 1 whole second off their PB to finish in 26:07 and take 2nd place out of the 5 tandems on the day.
A strong wind was blowing across the airfield, and in the 2.5 mile lap there was over a mile directly into the teeth of it which took the edge off the times.
Despite this the duo still managed to take 1 whole second off their PB to finish in 26:07 and take 2nd place out of the 5 tandems on the day.
Wednesday 6 August 2014
Sam smashes his lifetime PB on the E2
After going close to a lifetime best and a sub 21 minute ride several times Sam Hayes was beginning to wonder whether that 20 minute ride was ever going to happen, despite assurances from many in the team that he had the form and simply needed the day.
On Saturday as Sam lined up for the start of the ECCA 10 it has to be said that it didn't look like the perfect day for a PB, but a superb ride saw him take 26 seconds from his previous best time to clock 20:41 and take 7th place overall. We're not sure if even 4 days later he has stopped grinning !
Usually Hugo Hocknell would be battling with Sam for the hour of fastest from the team, but a midweek illness took its toll and he was a bit short of that final top end speed on the day. That said, a 21:23 and 21st place was still an excellent result.
Chris Hartley was the third counter for the team, with a sub 24 minute ride (23:58) and Stuart Hocknell went agonisingly close to breaking the 20 mph barrier with his 30:03, whjch ranks as his 3rd quickest time at the distance this year.
On Saturday as Sam lined up for the start of the ECCA 10 it has to be said that it didn't look like the perfect day for a PB, but a superb ride saw him take 26 seconds from his previous best time to clock 20:41 and take 7th place overall. We're not sure if even 4 days later he has stopped grinning !
Usually Hugo Hocknell would be battling with Sam for the hour of fastest from the team, but a midweek illness took its toll and he was a bit short of that final top end speed on the day. That said, a 21:23 and 21st place was still an excellent result.
Chris Hartley was the third counter for the team, with a sub 24 minute ride (23:58) and Stuart Hocknell went agonisingly close to breaking the 20 mph barrier with his 30:03, whjch ranks as his 3rd quickest time at the distance this year.
Ben Robinson makes his tandem debut - and bags a win
Youngest member of the Sales Engine team Ben Robinson made his racing debut in possibly the wettest conditions of the season at the Leighton Buzzard 10 on Saturday.
Paired with his dad Steve, the duo battled against the torrential rain to clock 26:08 to win the event by 55 seconds. It was a great start to what will hopefully be a flourishing racing career!
Paired with his dad Steve, the duo battled against the torrential rain to clock 26:08 to win the event by 55 seconds. It was a great start to what will hopefully be a flourishing racing career!
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| It got even wetter after this pic was taken! |
Sunday 3 August 2014
Dave Wentworth does a short 23 at the Whitewebbs CC 10
The F20/10 at Hoddesdon has been steadily building a reputation as one of the fastest courses in the country, and has helped Phil Silver deliver a storming mid 20 minute 10 already this year, so Dave Wentworth travelled to it with high hopes.
Unfortunately for Dave, like a number of roads in our region the A10 has recently been re-surfaced which has taken the edge off the times and made some sections more of a slog than they were.
This was reflected in the times at the Whitewebbs CC 10 where it seemed it was quick, but no long lightning fast. On the day Dave rode well to record 23:07, a bit outside what he had hoped for, but a great result given the new conditions for the course.
Unfortunately for Dave, like a number of roads in our region the A10 has recently been re-surfaced which has taken the edge off the times and made some sections more of a slog than they were.
This was reflected in the times at the Whitewebbs CC 10 where it seemed it was quick, but no long lightning fast. On the day Dave rode well to record 23:07, a bit outside what he had hoped for, but a great result given the new conditions for the course.
Steve Robinson get back into the 21s at the VTTA
A gap of 19 years separated Steve Robinson's last 2 rides of less than 22 minutes for 10 miles. After a strong winter and a lot of quality racing Steve knew that all he needed was a good day and a fast course and a quick time was on the cards.
On the day the wind was stronger than hoped, but warm and dry conditions and the fact that the F11 at Tring is known to be one of the quickest courses in the country promised a good time.
As it turned out this was the case and Steve knocked 21 seconds off his fastest time of this century to record 21:45. Next in his sights is his lifetime best of 21:18 set all the way back in 1995.
On the day the wind was stronger than hoped, but warm and dry conditions and the fact that the F11 at Tring is known to be one of the quickest courses in the country promised a good time.
As it turned out this was the case and Steve knocked 21 seconds off his fastest time of this century to record 21:45. Next in his sights is his lifetime best of 21:18 set all the way back in 1995.
Sam and Steve take the win at round 2 of the Victoria CC 10.2
After narrowly missing out on the win in round one of the Victoria CC 10.2 mile team time trial in June, Steve Robinson and Sam Hayes went one better in round 2 to take the prize on the day and take the lead in the overall series.
Their time of 23:39 was a fraction down on their round one time, but gave them the win by 37 seconds from a battling Finchley Road team.
With 2 rounds left the duo lead the standings in the 2-up section, but with their rivals from round one back in action in round 3 they face a battle to win the overall.
Their time of 23:39 was a fraction down on their round one time, but gave them the win by 37 seconds from a battling Finchley Road team.
With 2 rounds left the duo lead the standings in the 2-up section, but with their rivals from round one back in action in round 3 they face a battle to win the overall.
Round 7 of the N&DCA series - 4 in top 20 and 2nd team
After their victorious performance in round 6 the team went into round 7 of the Northampton & District eerie with high hopes, but narrowly missed out on the team prize by just 11 seconds and had to settle for second.
As in round 7 Sam Hayes lead the team home with an excellent 22:57 for 9th place, but he was pushed all the way by Hugo Hocknell who was just 6 seconds behind to finish in 11th. Simon Doyle was again part of the team prize, with his ride of 24:00 edging out his long-time team rival Steve Robinson who clocked 24:22.
Lyndon Lewis showed that his form is coming now he is back to regular racing by recording 28:34 around the lumpy circuit to finish in 37th and Stuart Hocknell finished comfortably in the top 50 with 33:26.
With three rounds to go the team now stand in 2nd place in the overall team standings, so a big push could see them lift the trophy at the end of the year.
As in round 7 Sam Hayes lead the team home with an excellent 22:57 for 9th place, but he was pushed all the way by Hugo Hocknell who was just 6 seconds behind to finish in 11th. Simon Doyle was again part of the team prize, with his ride of 24:00 edging out his long-time team rival Steve Robinson who clocked 24:22.
Lyndon Lewis showed that his form is coming now he is back to regular racing by recording 28:34 around the lumpy circuit to finish in 37th and Stuart Hocknell finished comfortably in the top 50 with 33:26.
With three rounds to go the team now stand in 2nd place in the overall team standings, so a big push could see them lift the trophy at the end of the year.
Simon Doyle smashes the hour
Simon Doyle and Phil Silver travelled down to Bentley in Oxfordshire for the Hounslow and District 25 with a view to coming away with some quick times.
Unfortunately for Phil an early puncture put paid to his efforts, but Simon avoided the bad luck and blasted round the course to record an excellent time of 57:42.
In his first season with the team this time already puts Simon as the 4th fastest member of the team at the distance, and with his ever improving form there is more to come for sure. Phil will be back to fight another day...
Team Salesengine take the team prize at round 6 of the N&DCA
A strong team performance at round 6 of the N&DCA series saw Team Salesengine taking the team honours against some quality opposition.
Leading the team home, and taking a superb 5th place overall was Sam Hayes who clocked a time of 49:31. Next up was Simon Doyle who showed what a great addition he has been to the squad by clocking 51:50 for 13th on the day. The last of the three counting members for the team prize was Steve Robinson who recorded 53:14.
A strong ride of 1:02:33 saw Lyndon Lewis take 33rd place and Stuart Hocknell finished in 38th with 1:08:32.
Leading the team home, and taking a superb 5th place overall was Sam Hayes who clocked a time of 49:31. Next up was Simon Doyle who showed what a great addition he has been to the squad by clocking 51:50 for 13th on the day. The last of the three counting members for the team prize was Steve Robinson who recorded 53:14.
A strong ride of 1:02:33 saw Lyndon Lewis take 33rd place and Stuart Hocknell finished in 38th with 1:08:32.
Hugo takes a top 10 in the Fenland Clarion 25
Hugo Hocknell showed that his form is as strong as ever with a superb performance in the Fenland Clarion 25 to take 8th place in a competitive field with a time of 58:45.
Hugo was backed up on the day by his Dad Stuart he finished in 40th place with 1:19:15.
Hugo was backed up on the day by his Dad Stuart he finished in 40th place with 1:19:15.
Sunday 22 June 2014
Steve & Sam pipped at the Victoria CC 10.2
Saturday morning brought perfect conditions for round 2 of the Victoria CC 10.2 mile TT near Saffron Walden.
Steve Robinson and Sam Hayes were aiming for victory in the 2-up competition while Rik Palmer was enjoying his ever improving form in the solo event.
This was the first time Steve & Sam had ridden as a team and the duo gelled almost perfectly right from the start, with Sam using his extra power on the climbs and Steve grimly hanging on then helping force the pace on the flats. The pair averaged 26.1mph over the undulating course to stop the clock with 23:24, just 11 seconds behind the winners Nick White and David Bamford.
In the solo event Rik Palmer showed that he is getting back to his best with a superb time of 25:19, almost 2 minutes quicker than he was this time last year. Its brilliant to see Rik enjoying his racing so much, and that super fast time now just needs the right day/right course.
Steve Robinson and Sam Hayes were aiming for victory in the 2-up competition while Rik Palmer was enjoying his ever improving form in the solo event.
This was the first time Steve & Sam had ridden as a team and the duo gelled almost perfectly right from the start, with Sam using his extra power on the climbs and Steve grimly hanging on then helping force the pace on the flats. The pair averaged 26.1mph over the undulating course to stop the clock with 23:24, just 11 seconds behind the winners Nick White and David Bamford.
Phil Silver does a 56 and takes a 5th place in the same week
Most riders who have taken 20 years out of a sport take at least a season to get back into the swing of things, but it seems it has taken Phil Silver just a few months.
On Thursday evening Phil entered his first 25 for a few decades and blasted round the F20/25 in 56:50, the third fastest time recorded by a Team Salesengine rider.
On Sunday morning Phil then backed up this ride with 5th place in the Spalding CC 25. A slower course meant the time was adrift of his midweek shenanigans, but a 58:54 is still a great time, and the placing shows how competitive Phil is becoming.
On Thursday evening Phil entered his first 25 for a few decades and blasted round the F20/25 in 56:50, the third fastest time recorded by a Team Salesengine rider.
On Sunday morning Phil then backed up this ride with 5th place in the Spalding CC 25. A slower course meant the time was adrift of his midweek shenanigans, but a 58:54 is still a great time, and the placing shows how competitive Phil is becoming.
Sunday 8 June 2014
Team SalesEngine on the podium at Milton Keynes
The fast team of Hugo Hocknell, Stephen Mavin, Phil Silver and (guest TSE member for the day) Dave Mclean rode at a simply stunning pace to record 26:03 and grab third place overall.
A little further back was the veteran team of Simon Doyle, Chris Hartley and Steve Robinson. With Lyndon Lewis out through illness the three had to ride one man short but still clocked an excellent 29:51. The time looks even better when you consider that the afternoon before saw Chris riding a 25 mile time trial and Simon doing battle in a 10, so there was only one pair of fresh legs in the team!
Phil Silver shows his class at the Beds Road 10
In his comeback year, and only his second open event Phil Silver showed that his form his improving rapidly as he showed a clean pair of heels to his team mates and most of the rest of the field.
On a blustery day on the F15/10 at Brogborough Phil stormed the course in 22:30 to put him well up the field. It was a great time that proves that although form can be temporary class is permanent.
Second for Team SalesEngine was a rider making his debut in team colours. Simon Doyle is a long-term friend of the squad, and his decision to ride for us is cracking news. His time of 23:23 was a strong one, and just enough to edge out Ric Palmer (23:45) and Dave Wentworth (23:56).
On a blustery day on the F15/10 at Brogborough Phil stormed the course in 22:30 to put him well up the field. It was a great time that proves that although form can be temporary class is permanent.
Second for Team SalesEngine was a rider making his debut in team colours. Simon Doyle is a long-term friend of the squad, and his decision to ride for us is cracking news. His time of 23:23 was a strong one, and just enough to edge out Ric Palmer (23:45) and Dave Wentworth (23:56).
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| Simon Doyle in full flight at the Beds road CC 10 |
Steve & Sam win the Eastern Counties tandem championship
The 2013 Eastern Counties championship proved to be bitter sweet for Steve Robinson and Sam Hayes as it saw the pair record their first sub 20 minute ride, but it was only good enough for third place overall.
This year they returned to the E2 determined to fight for the win. On the day the conditions were warm and calm, so a fast time looked on the cards. And do it proved with the duo storming the course in a new PB of 19:46, good enough to give them the overall win by a scant 4 seconds from Stuart Clark and Kevin Darragh.
Chris Hartley was the sole member of the team in the solo event. He showed his ever improving form with an excellent 23:50.
This year they returned to the E2 determined to fight for the win. On the day the conditions were warm and calm, so a fast time looked on the cards. And do it proved with the duo storming the course in a new PB of 19:46, good enough to give them the overall win by a scant 4 seconds from Stuart Clark and Kevin Darragh.
Chris Hartley was the sole member of the team in the solo event. He showed his ever improving form with an excellent 23:50.
Friday 16 May 2014
Steve Robinson clocks a PB at the VTTA National Champs
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| Steve Robinson battles to a PB |
Having had a strong and consistent winter though, Steve Robinson managed to just squeeze inside his previous personal best (set on the same course) with a time of 22:06.
Also riding the event was Dave Wentworth who finished a little behind Steve with a time of 22:37, but as Dave gives a way a good few years to Steve, his veterans target time (calculated against an age target) of +5:01 put him higher up the finishing order than Steve's +3:58.
There is never much between these two, so the battles will no doubt continue across the season for sure.
Sam Hayes takes 8th overall at the Cambridge CC 10
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| Sam Hayes smashing it! |
Sam Hayes took full advantage of the conditions to blast round the dual carriageway course in a stunning 21:23 to take 8th place overall on the day.
Stephen Mavin was another to make the most of the conditions with a simply awesome 21:40 which bagged him 13th on the day and a new Personal best into the bargain.
Normally we'd have expected Hugo Hocknell to push Sam close, but on the day his 22:02 was a it adrift. the fact that he had become a father for the first time only the day before probably markes this out as the ride of the day. Congratulations from us all Hockers :-)
As well as that good news the 3 set a new team record for Team Salesengine with a combined time of 1:05:05 taking over a minute off the previous best.
Team out in force and flying at Rd 2 of the N&DCA series
The second round of the season long series saw six members of the team battling extremely strong winds at the N1/10 course at Sawtry near Peterborough.
Sam Hayes continued to show his strong form with a superb 22:46 to take 17th place against an extremely strong field. Hot on his heels was Hugo Hocknell who clocked 22:53 with Stephen Mavin not far behind with 23:30.
The combined time for the three was good enough to take second placed team on the day.
Steve Robinson clocked a course PB despite the wind to finish in a respectable 24:35 Lyndon Lewis went close to an evens ride despite the wind with 30:48 and Stuart Hocknell clocked 33:12.
Sam Hayes continued to show his strong form with a superb 22:46 to take 17th place against an extremely strong field. Hot on his heels was Hugo Hocknell who clocked 22:53 with Stephen Mavin not far behind with 23:30.
The combined time for the three was good enough to take second placed team on the day.
Steve Robinson clocked a course PB despite the wind to finish in a respectable 24:35 Lyndon Lewis went close to an evens ride despite the wind with 30:48 and Stuart Hocknell clocked 33:12.
Sunday 27 April 2014
Dave Wentworth posts a quick opening ride in the VTTA 10
Dave Wentworth proved again to be an inspiration to many of the younger members of the team by posting a superb time in the VTTA 10 on the K11 course in the Midlands.
The course is quick but not super fast, which makes his time of 23:25 look even better. Finishing in 48th place in a high quality field Dave has again showed that a winter of hard work will pay dividends as he sets his sights on another lifetime personal best this year.
The course is quick but not super fast, which makes his time of 23:25 look even better. Finishing in 48th place in a high quality field Dave has again showed that a winter of hard work will pay dividends as he sets his sights on another lifetime personal best this year.
Hugo takes the honours in round 1 of the Northampton & District Hilly
Dry but blustery conditions greeted the six members of the team who took to the start line for the first of the ten rounds of the Northampton & District Series.
Ever competitive both within the team and against many local rivals, this event served up a challenging 18.5 mile hilly route for the riders to battle around.
fastest for the team was Hugo Hocknell who clocked a superb 44:47 to take 15th place overall and bag some big points in the individual and team competitions. Hot on his heels was Sam Hayes who finished in 45:01 for 18th place.
A bit further back was Stephen Mavin who suffered some mechanical problems but still finished in 48:14 for 33rd and just 1 second back Steve Robinson who was hit with a bout of cramp half a mile from the line and lost time but still recorded 48:15.
In his first event of the year Lyndon Lewis rode strongly to finish in 1:01:01 and not far behind was Stuart Hocknell with 1:06:31.
Round 2 of the series is just 2 weeks away, and it looks like there will be some cracking racing through the season with more members of the team waiting in the wings to get started.
Ever competitive both within the team and against many local rivals, this event served up a challenging 18.5 mile hilly route for the riders to battle around.
fastest for the team was Hugo Hocknell who clocked a superb 44:47 to take 15th place overall and bag some big points in the individual and team competitions. Hot on his heels was Sam Hayes who finished in 45:01 for 18th place.
A bit further back was Stephen Mavin who suffered some mechanical problems but still finished in 48:14 for 33rd and just 1 second back Steve Robinson who was hit with a bout of cramp half a mile from the line and lost time but still recorded 48:15.
In his first event of the year Lyndon Lewis rode strongly to finish in 1:01:01 and not far behind was Stuart Hocknell with 1:06:31.
Round 2 of the series is just 2 weeks away, and it looks like there will be some cracking racing through the season with more members of the team waiting in the wings to get started.
Sam takes 7th overall in the Icknield Hilly
After several fast rides in club events which showed that his winter training was working, Sam Hayes opened his account for the year with a cracking ride in the Icknield Hilly Time Trial.
Road works on the course had led to a different circuit to usual, but this didn't put Sam off as he hammered round in 46:45 for 7th place overall.
With Hugo on top form as well it looks like being a tight battle for the honour of fastest member of the team this season.
Road works on the course had led to a different circuit to usual, but this didn't put Sam off as he hammered round in 46:45 for 7th place overall.
With Hugo on top form as well it looks like being a tight battle for the honour of fastest member of the team this season.
Hugo and Stuart fly the flag at the Team SalesEngine 10
Saturday April 5th was the big day for the team as we promoted another successful 10 mile time trial on the rapid F2 course at Hardwick outside Cambridge.
By splitting their marshalling duty Hugo Hocknell and Stuart Hocknell were able to both help the team promote the event and also race as well.
Hugo became the first member of the team to clock a rapid time this year with a superb 21:52 which got him 16th place against one of the strongest fields we've seen in the area in years.
Stuart also showed ever improving form with an inside evens time of 29:52.
By splitting their marshalling duty Hugo Hocknell and Stuart Hocknell were able to both help the team promote the event and also race as well.
Hugo became the first member of the team to clock a rapid time this year with a superb 21:52 which got him 16th place against one of the strongest fields we've seen in the area in years.
Stuart also showed ever improving form with an inside evens time of 29:52.
Hugo takes a top 20 in the Kettering CC 20
It's still early season, but the Hocknell's are already out and about and braving the cold of early season racing conditions.
Continuing to show this early season form, Hugo Hocknell took a fine 16th place against a strong field with a time of 51:04.
Meanwhile, the most senior member of the team Stuart Hocknell also rode strongly to stop the clock at 1:13:44.
Continuing to show this early season form, Hugo Hocknell took a fine 16th place against a strong field with a time of 51:04.
Meanwhile, the most senior member of the team Stuart Hocknell also rode strongly to stop the clock at 1:13:44.
Saturday 1 March 2014
And we're off - Hugo goes top 5 in February
Whilst most of the team are still hunkered down on turbo trainers honing their form for the warmer days, Hugo Hocknell proved he is made of stronger stuff by starting his racing in February.
Surprisingly mild but blowy conditions greeted Hugo at the Kings Cliffe Flyer 12 mile test, and the lad put in a stunning opener that bodes well for the rest of his year.
A great ride from Chris Rimes with 28:15 may have bagged him the win, but Hugo was hot on his heels with 29:32, a time good enough for a strong 5th place and that was also 2 minutes faster than his 2013 time.
Looks like it is going to be another strong year for Hockers!
Surprisingly mild but blowy conditions greeted Hugo at the Kings Cliffe Flyer 12 mile test, and the lad put in a stunning opener that bodes well for the rest of his year.
A great ride from Chris Rimes with 28:15 may have bagged him the win, but Hugo was hot on his heels with 29:32, a time good enough for a strong 5th place and that was also 2 minutes faster than his 2013 time.
Looks like it is going to be another strong year for Hockers!
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