N&DCA Round 4
Start.
Wet. Windy. Wet and windy. Lumpy roads. Wind. Wetness. Hills. Wetness. Bendy roads. Wetness. Rain. Wind. Bendy roads again. Bizarre turn at the outer reaches of the course.
Perform above in reverse direction.
Finish.
Dry out. Wonder when you will find time to clean the bike thoroughly. Go to bed with Lemsip.
And so ended the N&DCA Round 4 which was hosted by A5 Rangers. The Litchborough based 19 miler was one of the toughest rides of the year to date. The elements didn't help the riders much at all but it was with great aplomb that Sam Hayes continued his rich run of form. Provisional marking gave Sam the nod somewhere near the very top of the series counting riders. Possibly 3rd place at time of writing. Sam posted a time of 45.08.
Sam's ride however was hugely over-shadowed (to the point where the author totally forgot in the first draft) by the return to racing of the veritable Andy Roffe. Like a cycling-Lazarus for the modern era, Roffe eschewed his recent diagnosis of DVT to pick the worst day possible, ever, to return to racing. Mentored by "special adviser", Chris Rimes, Roffe must have been spitting Victoria Sponge as he reintroduced his mind and body to the time trialling discipline. A time of 49.28 was a fantastic achievement (but not one that I remembered obviously), given that Andy has not spent much time getting race ready.
Well done Andy, great to have you back!
(Ed - Can you win next time, that way I'll remember to put you in the write up that Steve will conveniently ignore doing. Thanks).
The supporting cast was legion with Simon Doyle (47.24) being second in the TSE pecking order. Steve Robinson (48.33) held the continually improving James Gomm at bay (49.22). Steve Franklin produced some new found power output to make his mark with 50.13. David Ledgerton closed off the contribution with a 53.39.
Roy Robinson was a DNS with some flimsy excuse about being 70. Happy Birthday Roy! The team are all looking forward to taking to the line with you in your 8th decade.
Early indications point to the team competition tilting a bit more in TSE's favour. Onward and upward for Round 5. Let's hope the sun reappears by then.
VTTA Nationals
In drier but gusty conditions, Dave Wentworth competed on the A14/10a course to put TSE colours on the national map. Dave pushed a time of 25.08. Results still pending. Chapeau Dave!
Monday, 23 May 2016
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
Busy busy busy - TSE tap out some great times all over the UK
Another couple of weeks passes by and the TSE crew have been busy bunnies. Here are some highlights, posted before the memory fades.
Cambridge CC F2D/10 (30 April 2016)
The Hocknell duo were both in action on the 10 mile Cambourne based course. Stuart, making a very welcome return to racing and getting back in to the swing of competition, recorded 34.28.
James Gomm, sporting a new Ian Cammish sourced handlebar rig, smashed out the power to continue his improvement in form, to record 23.46 (one of his fastest 10s for a couple of years). It was Hockers junior however who came back top of the team pecking order, a 22.14 was a great return for the day given the strong headwind from the turn.
Simon Doyle punctured at the 6 mile mark. Fortunately he was rescued by John Iszzat of Team Vision Racing who was driving past. Thanks John!
Welsh CA Championships 25 mile (1 May 2016)
It was Hugo who again took the headlines with a barn-storming 55 minute ride on the R25/3H course. Hockers posted 55.32 to lay down the gauntlet to the team for the rest of the season. This may well be one of the fastest TSE 25 times recorded. Even more impressive given Hockers has been a tad off form going in to the event. In the second event of the day on the same course, Steve Franklin popped his "hour cherry" with his first sub-hour 25. A time of 58.13 means Steve is now mixing it up with the sub-hour crew and this time will be a good benchmark to beat later in the season. Chapeau.
Bossard Wheelers 10 mile F11/10 (7 May 2016)
Chris Hartley and Dave Wentworth took part in the Bossard Wheelers promoted 10 miler on the uber-fast F11 course near Tring. Dave squeezed the effort tube dry with a 22.36. Chris proved to be as consistent as ever with a 23.23 (course personal best).
Later that day....N&DCA Rd 3 Lamport (7 May 2016)
The rolling 10 mile 'out and back' course which runs west of Old, Northants proved to be fruitful for the 7 riders who pitched in for the latest round of the 10 race series. Sam Hayes was top of the shop for the team with a stunning 4th place ride. Simon Doyle managed to finish with a flat back tyre but came over the line in 23.59. Steve Robinson (24.50) and James Gomm (25.21) placed in the top 30. Steve Franklin recorded another solid ride with 26.10. David Ledgerton returned to full-on racing action to post a really creditable 26.52 for his inaugural ride in the series.
Former TSE rider, and friend of the team, Martin Jones (Team Bottrill) was 2nd with a brilliant 22.29. Martin's performances are worthy of high praise. Well done mate!
N&DCA Round 4 sees the team take to the 19 miler Litchborough course in a couple of weeks' time. Watch this space.
Cambridge CC F2D/10 (30 April 2016)
The Hocknell duo were both in action on the 10 mile Cambourne based course. Stuart, making a very welcome return to racing and getting back in to the swing of competition, recorded 34.28.
James Gomm, sporting a new Ian Cammish sourced handlebar rig, smashed out the power to continue his improvement in form, to record 23.46 (one of his fastest 10s for a couple of years). It was Hockers junior however who came back top of the team pecking order, a 22.14 was a great return for the day given the strong headwind from the turn.
 |
| James Gomm on the new rig - pic D Jones (who else?) |
Welsh CA Championships 25 mile (1 May 2016)
It was Hugo who again took the headlines with a barn-storming 55 minute ride on the R25/3H course. Hockers posted 55.32 to lay down the gauntlet to the team for the rest of the season. This may well be one of the fastest TSE 25 times recorded. Even more impressive given Hockers has been a tad off form going in to the event. In the second event of the day on the same course, Steve Franklin popped his "hour cherry" with his first sub-hour 25. A time of 58.13 means Steve is now mixing it up with the sub-hour crew and this time will be a good benchmark to beat later in the season. Chapeau.
Bossard Wheelers 10 mile F11/10 (7 May 2016)
Chris Hartley and Dave Wentworth took part in the Bossard Wheelers promoted 10 miler on the uber-fast F11 course near Tring. Dave squeezed the effort tube dry with a 22.36. Chris proved to be as consistent as ever with a 23.23 (course personal best).
Later that day....N&DCA Rd 3 Lamport (7 May 2016)
The rolling 10 mile 'out and back' course which runs west of Old, Northants proved to be fruitful for the 7 riders who pitched in for the latest round of the 10 race series. Sam Hayes was top of the shop for the team with a stunning 4th place ride. Simon Doyle managed to finish with a flat back tyre but came over the line in 23.59. Steve Robinson (24.50) and James Gomm (25.21) placed in the top 30. Steve Franklin recorded another solid ride with 26.10. David Ledgerton returned to full-on racing action to post a really creditable 26.52 for his inaugural ride in the series.
Former TSE rider, and friend of the team, Martin Jones (Team Bottrill) was 2nd with a brilliant 22.29. Martin's performances are worthy of high praise. Well done mate!
N&DCA Round 4 sees the team take to the 19 miler Litchborough course in a couple of weeks' time. Watch this space.
Sunday, 24 April 2016
The Engine revs up at the N&DCA Round 2
The team were out in force again over the weekend. Saturday (23 April, 2016) saw 7 team members take to the start line of the Northampton and District CA Round 2 event.
With points on offer for the solo and team prizes, it was form man Sam Hayes who completed the less than perfect course in the quickest time for TSE. Sam claimed 5th spot in the race with a time of 23.10 for the 10 miles.
Making his debut for the team was James Gomm. James is beginning his racing season in earnest now, so his rock-solid time of 26.20 bodes well for the future.
Stuart Hocknell made a very welcome return to racing following a period off the bike. This was probably one of the best things we've seen in the team for a while and we are all collectively chuffed to see Stuart back in action. Stuart came in with a time of 36.27.
Behind Stuart on the start sheet was his son, Hugo who recorded 25.42 for the distance. Steves Robinson and Franklin posted times of 24.45 and 25.33 respectively. Simon Doyle was last man off and despite destroying yet another skin suit came in with a time of 23.57.
Conditions were tough on the day with a brutal head wind to the turn and a really draggy road surface for about 6 miles of the course. Despite that, the team gave a good account of itself and bagged some good points for the relevant competitions.
Chris Rimes took the even more difficult option of running the results board in support of Fenland Clarion's Simon Pitchford.
Icknield RC - Interclub 10
As if racing in windy conditions on Saturday wasn't enough, Steve Robinson and James Gomm competed in the IRC hosted 10 miler around Ampthill. Representing their alma mater (Hitchin Nomads CC), James and Steve recorded great times of 25.20 and 24.10 respectively. Steve was particularly pleased to punch out some good power and speed. (n.b. times are provisional at time of writing).
Making his debut, Nigel Hale smashed out a 23.17 in his first race in TSE colours. Nigel's power and class on a bike is evergreen. We really look forward to seeing Nigel's season progress.
With points on offer for the solo and team prizes, it was form man Sam Hayes who completed the less than perfect course in the quickest time for TSE. Sam claimed 5th spot in the race with a time of 23.10 for the 10 miles.
Making his debut for the team was James Gomm. James is beginning his racing season in earnest now, so his rock-solid time of 26.20 bodes well for the future.
 |
| New boy James Gomm (pic Davey Jones) |
Behind Stuart on the start sheet was his son, Hugo who recorded 25.42 for the distance. Steves Robinson and Franklin posted times of 24.45 and 25.33 respectively. Simon Doyle was last man off and despite destroying yet another skin suit came in with a time of 23.57.
Conditions were tough on the day with a brutal head wind to the turn and a really draggy road surface for about 6 miles of the course. Despite that, the team gave a good account of itself and bagged some good points for the relevant competitions.
Chris Rimes took the even more difficult option of running the results board in support of Fenland Clarion's Simon Pitchford.
Icknield RC - Interclub 10
As if racing in windy conditions on Saturday wasn't enough, Steve Robinson and James Gomm competed in the IRC hosted 10 miler around Ampthill. Representing their alma mater (Hitchin Nomads CC), James and Steve recorded great times of 25.20 and 24.10 respectively. Steve was particularly pleased to punch out some good power and speed. (n.b. times are provisional at time of writing).
Making his debut, Nigel Hale smashed out a 23.17 in his first race in TSE colours. Nigel's power and class on a bike is evergreen. We really look forward to seeing Nigel's season progress.
 |
| Nigel Hale in action on the IRC 10 (pic Mike Webb) |
Sunday, 3 April 2016
TSE on tour - today's post is brought you by the course codes F, E, C and K!
Several of the team clocked up some motorway miles over the last week or so as they spread their wings across the regions. Each time trial region in the UK is described by a letter, so this caused much consternation for the DS as we were planning our racing schedule.
F is for 'Flipping hard even if it is shorter than it should be'
On Sunday 3rd April, 2016, David Ledgerton made his 2016 debut on the revised and foreshortened F12/30k, Icknield RC Hilly 13.8 mile course. David managed to record 39:49. We look forward to more to come from David as the season gets going.
C is for 'Cooking on gas for Whiskers'
Earlier in the day, in the Alford Wheelers 25 (based on the C25/10 course), Steve 'Whiskers' Franklin posted 1.05.07. The rolling course saw very few riders beat the hour. TSE alumnus Martin Jones (now with Team Bottrill) posted an impressive 57. Steve's time put him provisionally 2nd in his group and around 12th in the overall standings.
E is for 'eeeee, didn't he do well!'
On the preceding Saturday (2nd April), TSE fielded riders in two events. Roy Robinson took his winter form in to the Elite CC 10 on the rolling E91 course. The single carriageway course has a range of steady rises and drops. The cross-tailwind to the turn was complemented by an equally tough cross-headwind on the way back. Roy posted 29.33, which is a course PB by 74 seconds.
K is for 'too be honest K is a hard one to make a funny-ish heading for'
In the afternoon, Dave Wentworth made his 2016 debut as first rider off in the VTTA Midlands K11/10T. He rode to a sub-25 minute, 24.55 in what was a tough old day. The headwind on the way back for the turn, which is the longer run by about a mile, made matters pretty tough for all competitors.
Dave was complemented on the start line by Sam Hayes, posting a 22.29 and Simon Doyle, recording 23.01. Both Doyle and Hayes were about one and half minutes down on their best times, thereby demonstrating how tough it was.
Steve Robinson must have run over a black cat, after smashing a mirror, whilst spilling salt as he sat under a ladder. He punctured in the first 100 metres. Hopefully this will be the nadir of Steve's season and it's onward and upwards as the N&DCA series kicks in.
Good Friday? Not bad at all actually
On the Good Friday, Simon Doyle was the sole TSE rider in the Welwyn Wheelers 50km Hilly. Despite facing some very strong local teams, Doyle rode in to the top 20 with a great time of 1.22.36.
 |
| TSE HQ working out which courses to ride in the next few months. |
F is for 'Flipping hard even if it is shorter than it should be'
On Sunday 3rd April, 2016, David Ledgerton made his 2016 debut on the revised and foreshortened F12/30k, Icknield RC Hilly 13.8 mile course. David managed to record 39:49. We look forward to more to come from David as the season gets going.
C is for 'Cooking on gas for Whiskers'
Earlier in the day, in the Alford Wheelers 25 (based on the C25/10 course), Steve 'Whiskers' Franklin posted 1.05.07. The rolling course saw very few riders beat the hour. TSE alumnus Martin Jones (now with Team Bottrill) posted an impressive 57. Steve's time put him provisionally 2nd in his group and around 12th in the overall standings.
 |
| Steve Frankin - Alford Wheelers 25 2016 |
On the preceding Saturday (2nd April), TSE fielded riders in two events. Roy Robinson took his winter form in to the Elite CC 10 on the rolling E91 course. The single carriageway course has a range of steady rises and drops. The cross-tailwind to the turn was complemented by an equally tough cross-headwind on the way back. Roy posted 29.33, which is a course PB by 74 seconds.
K is for 'too be honest K is a hard one to make a funny-ish heading for'
In the afternoon, Dave Wentworth made his 2016 debut as first rider off in the VTTA Midlands K11/10T. He rode to a sub-25 minute, 24.55 in what was a tough old day. The headwind on the way back for the turn, which is the longer run by about a mile, made matters pretty tough for all competitors.
Dave was complemented on the start line by Sam Hayes, posting a 22.29 and Simon Doyle, recording 23.01. Both Doyle and Hayes were about one and half minutes down on their best times, thereby demonstrating how tough it was.
Steve Robinson must have run over a black cat, after smashing a mirror, whilst spilling salt as he sat under a ladder. He punctured in the first 100 metres. Hopefully this will be the nadir of Steve's season and it's onward and upwards as the N&DCA series kicks in.
Good Friday? Not bad at all actually
On the Good Friday, Simon Doyle was the sole TSE rider in the Welwyn Wheelers 50km Hilly. Despite facing some very strong local teams, Doyle rode in to the top 20 with a great time of 1.22.36.
 |
| Simon Doyle - Welwyn Wheelers Hilly 2016 (Davey Jones) |
Tuesday, 22 March 2016
The curtain rises on the 2016 season - PB's and top 10s abound
 |
| Dapper Snail's new motif for the TSE Apres-Smash It Up look |
After a winter of hard training for most of the team, March allowed several team members to open up the lungs in a number of time trials.
After a strong 2015 for 'the engine' the performance bar is set high but it looks like it is going to get raised again over the next few months.
New kit, new leisure wear (courtesy of Dapper Snail) and some new riders, means we move onward and upwards.
But it's on the road where things count.
PB #1 for the year please stand up
Opening up the Team Salesengine.co.uk account in this year's open events was Steve 'Whiskers' Franklin. Looking to progress in his second year with the team, Steve took to the start line of the VTTA 10 event held on the O3/10 course. Steve came in with a top 40 placing, posting a time of 23.04. No doubt Steve will be breaking the 23 minute barrier this year, and with some regularity. Steve had the distinction of being the first TSE member to grace the road in our new, Champion Systems supplied kit. A PB by 28 seconds for Steve augurs well for him, and for our new kit.
 |
| Steve zooming out of frame in our new kit, so fast it is too hard to photograph... |
The following day, 13 March 2016, Steve Robinson and Simon Doyle returned to the scene of their 2015 Lea Valley CC victory. The E1/25b course near Newport, Essex is a rolling as it is idyllic. This year Doyle and Robinson were defeated by a fogged up helmet visor. Steve's new Lazer lid managed to microwave his head at 13 miles meaning that the duo rolled over the line in a time of 1.01.24 (for 4th place).
Steve Robinson (l) and Simon Doyle (r) sporting the old and new kits on their way out to the turn. Picture from Davey Jones.
ECCA 10
On Saturday 19 March, a strong TSE team competed in the ECCA E2/10 event. With the reigning National Time Trial Champion, Alex Dowsett (Movistar) taking to the start line, all eyes were on this race. Dowsett smashed out the fourth fastest 10 on record (17.46) to put a 2 minute gap between him and the fastest amateur. If you want to know, 12 seconds per mile seems to be the gap between the best pros and the best amateurs. Sam 'Bling' Hayes clocked his 2nd fastest time at the distance ever with a 9th place, 21.00.
 |
| Sam Hayes at the start ahead of his 21.00 |
 |
| Bling Hayes in action, smashing out a 21.00 for 9th place |
 |
| Speedy on his way to a 21.52 pictures from Davey Jones |
Monday, 26 October 2015
2015 In Review - Another great season for Team Sales Engine
2015 saw the Team Sales Engine cadre expand and develop to new highs. Exisiting team members continued to compete and perform around the region at a very high standard. Our new members fitted in brilliantly and have helped move 'The Engine' up yet another level.
2015 Team
We welcomed five new riders this year. Martin Jones, Andy Roffe, Chris Rimes, Andy Blower and Steve Franklin. Our newbies complemented the existing active roster of Sam Hayes, Dave Wentworth, Chris Hartley, Roy Robinson, Stuart and Hugo Hocknell, Simon Doyle, David Ledgerton, team founder, Steve Robinson and his son, Ben Robinson.
Rick Palmer acted as the ever-present and enthusiastic DS for the group during his sabbatical from racing. Fortunately Rick never followed through with his promise of Ra-Ra skirt and pom-poms for the N&DCA series.
Outstanding performances
Martin Jones led the charge this year at the National level. Martin is the first TSE rider to step up to the CTT nationals and did the team proud with strong performances in the National 25 (54.15 for 51st in the country at the distance) and at the National 10. The 10 saw Martin held up by traffic but still record 21.46. Martin knocked out a series of 20 minute 10 mile performances wherever he rode, and was also our top points scorer in the N&DCA series. Martin was 3rd overall and 2nd in the short-course series. An amazingly consistent set of results proves that 'effort in' leads to 'rewards out'. A 20.21 TSE best for 10 miles says it all really.
Sam Hayes's season was equally impressive. Having kicked of the year with sub-hour 25 rides on the sporting courses of Essex and Herts, he went on to claim 5th spot in the N&DCA overall and 4th in the short-course events. Victories in the Victoria-2up team time trial series with Steve Robinson, saw Sam and Steve retain their 2014 title. In August Sam proved that he was in the form of his life, by blasting around the Tempsford based F1b/25 course in 54:33, to knock 9 seconds off his fastest ever 25. Sam also took half a minute out of his 2014 time at the RTTC National Closed Circuit Championship in October. He took 35th spot this time around.
We could probably fill a page on Sam and Martin alone but the team palmares for 2015 doesn't stop with Martin and Sam.
N&DCA Success
The Northants & District 10 race time trial series is one of the toughest and well regarded in the UK. Riders compete in a number of competitions based on age or distance, and its fair to say 'The Engine' did brilliantly well in all of them...
Firstly, the N&DCA 2015 team award saw TSE come home in 2nd spot. Fenland Clarion pipped us to the title by 3.5 points. Whilst we didn't retain our 2014 crown it is clear to see that this was a two-horse race again. In terms of performances the team punched well above its weight in terms of overall placing (best 3 rides on short courses plus best 3 rides on the remainder):
Great results given we were not at anything near full strength. Watch out next year for a real push to get the title back. Congratulations to all who took part and thanks to N&DCA for promoting this series.
Strength in depth - a selection of our riders' 'stand out' performances
In terms of more individual performances, Andy Roffe was a notable name on many 'Top 10' N&DCA results boards this year. In his TSE maiden season he also clocked 20.58 in the VTTA Championships in June. The '20' is sandwiched by a number of 21 minute and 22 minute rides for the 10 mile distance. Andy should be a contender for the N&DCAoverall next year having placed 5th in the short course series. Andy Blower's debut season saw him in action in three open events for us, the quickest run out was his contribution to the team at the Lampard RC 10 on the F15/10. 23.58 saw him clock a +25mph ride.
The 10 mile distance also proved fruitful for another of our newbies. Chris Rimes recorded 21 minute times in the Team Cambridge and Chronos RT events. Chris's time in the Chronos RT contributed to the team win for Chris, Sam and Simon. Chris figured in the early rounds of the N&DCA with a notable 8th place in Round 3 and capped off the season with a +25mph ride in Round 9.
Steve Franklin, in his inaugural season for the team posted a set of solid times around the K courses and on the N&DCA circuits. 23.35 at the Royal Sutton 10 (May) and a short-4 on the F14/25 were great times. The ever-improving Franklin will be posting quick times again next year. Steve was 16th in the N&DCA short-course series and 18th overall.
Dave Wentworth bashed out a 22.54 on the Icknield RC promoted 10 in September. He had preceded this tremendous ride with a number of 23s on the F and E courses, including the VTTA championships in June. In August Chris Hartley smashed around the 10 mile, Hull based V718 course in 23:05 to match his best ever performance at the distance to the second.
David Ledgerton made huge strides this year in terms of getting his performances to a level he was happy with. Dave bloomed with a 23 in the Team Cambridge 10 and a really good 1.05.12 in the Finsbury Park 25. A good winter should see Dave go well next year and build on 12th spot in the N&DCA 'Masters X' category and 24th overall.
In an up and down season Simon Doyle kicked off the year with victory in the Lea Valley 2up 25 mile TT with Steve Robinson (March). Having developed a lung infection his mid-season was impacted but he went on to record a life-time PB for 10 miles of 21.44, two sub-hour rides around F14/25 and a final flourish of 8th place in his age category at the National Closed Circuit series in October.
The Hocknell boys also have seasons to remember. Stuart was 3rd overall in the Masters Z category of the N&DCA series. Hugo knocked everyone for six by smashing out a 54.54 for 25 miles in the VTTA E2/25 in August. Hugo has suffered with a number of coughs and bugs this year, so to pull that out of the bag was a fantastic achievement. Chapeau!
Three generations of Robinsons troubled the timekeeper this year. The senior of the triumvirate, Roy Robinson, recorded 26.20 for 10 miles in two events, the Bossard 10 in August and the VTTA 10 in June. The Ox has certainly still got the power and he will be another one to watch in the improvement stakes.
Team founder, Steve Robinson posted victories with two 2up partners, Sam and Simon (see above). He also went on to clock a sub-hour 25 with a 58 on the F1b/25. Pretty good when you consider he hates riding for more than half an hour at a stretch. A 21 minute 10 tandem ride with Sam Hayes and 22 minute 10 solo performances underline his consistency and versatility. And finally, junior member of the squad, Ben Robinson scored notable tandem victories and age-related performances stoking around the Kettering CC and Norlond Combine events. Ben also took part in his first solo, open TT. A 10 around Bicester Airfield where he recorded 37.20, which is pretty impressive for a nine year old. A glowing career beckons.
And we've not even bothered reprising our efforts in the UCI Amateur World Championship qualifiers in the Tour of Cambridgeshire.
As well as some fantastic individual and team rides, we also promoted our own 'open' 10 mile time trial and hosted a round of the N&DCA. The team supported ECCA and other events through marshalling duties. Although we are racing mad, we are also aware of the need to put things back in to the sport.
Well that's it for 2015... we'd all like to say thanks to all of those of you who have supported us in whatever way you have, especially our significant others. Watch out for even more from 'The Engine' in 2016.
2015 Team
We welcomed five new riders this year. Martin Jones, Andy Roffe, Chris Rimes, Andy Blower and Steve Franklin. Our newbies complemented the existing active roster of Sam Hayes, Dave Wentworth, Chris Hartley, Roy Robinson, Stuart and Hugo Hocknell, Simon Doyle, David Ledgerton, team founder, Steve Robinson and his son, Ben Robinson.
Rick Palmer acted as the ever-present and enthusiastic DS for the group during his sabbatical from racing. Fortunately Rick never followed through with his promise of Ra-Ra skirt and pom-poms for the N&DCA series.
Outstanding performances
Martin Jones led the charge this year at the National level. Martin is the first TSE rider to step up to the CTT nationals and did the team proud with strong performances in the National 25 (54.15 for 51st in the country at the distance) and at the National 10. The 10 saw Martin held up by traffic but still record 21.46. Martin knocked out a series of 20 minute 10 mile performances wherever he rode, and was also our top points scorer in the N&DCA series. Martin was 3rd overall and 2nd in the short-course series. An amazingly consistent set of results proves that 'effort in' leads to 'rewards out'. A 20.21 TSE best for 10 miles says it all really.
 |
| Martin Jones |
 |
| Sam Hayes |
N&DCA Success
The Northants & District 10 race time trial series is one of the toughest and well regarded in the UK. Riders compete in a number of competitions based on age or distance, and its fair to say 'The Engine' did brilliantly well in all of them...
Firstly, the N&DCA 2015 team award saw TSE come home in 2nd spot. Fenland Clarion pipped us to the title by 3.5 points. Whilst we didn't retain our 2014 crown it is clear to see that this was a two-horse race again. In terms of performances the team punched well above its weight in terms of overall placing (best 3 rides on short courses plus best 3 rides on the remainder):
- 2 riders in the top 5
- 4 in the top 20
- 5 in the top 25
- 3 riders in the top 5
- 4 in the top 10
- 6 in the top 20
In the Masters Z
- 1 rider on the podium
Strength in depth - a selection of our riders' 'stand out' performances
In terms of more individual performances, Andy Roffe was a notable name on many 'Top 10' N&DCA results boards this year. In his TSE maiden season he also clocked 20.58 in the VTTA Championships in June. The '20' is sandwiched by a number of 21 minute and 22 minute rides for the 10 mile distance. Andy should be a contender for the N&DCAoverall next year having placed 5th in the short course series. Andy Blower's debut season saw him in action in three open events for us, the quickest run out was his contribution to the team at the Lampard RC 10 on the F15/10. 23.58 saw him clock a +25mph ride.
The 10 mile distance also proved fruitful for another of our newbies. Chris Rimes recorded 21 minute times in the Team Cambridge and Chronos RT events. Chris's time in the Chronos RT contributed to the team win for Chris, Sam and Simon. Chris figured in the early rounds of the N&DCA with a notable 8th place in Round 3 and capped off the season with a +25mph ride in Round 9.
Steve Franklin, in his inaugural season for the team posted a set of solid times around the K courses and on the N&DCA circuits. 23.35 at the Royal Sutton 10 (May) and a short-4 on the F14/25 were great times. The ever-improving Franklin will be posting quick times again next year. Steve was 16th in the N&DCA short-course series and 18th overall.
Dave Wentworth bashed out a 22.54 on the Icknield RC promoted 10 in September. He had preceded this tremendous ride with a number of 23s on the F and E courses, including the VTTA championships in June. In August Chris Hartley smashed around the 10 mile, Hull based V718 course in 23:05 to match his best ever performance at the distance to the second.
David Ledgerton made huge strides this year in terms of getting his performances to a level he was happy with. Dave bloomed with a 23 in the Team Cambridge 10 and a really good 1.05.12 in the Finsbury Park 25. A good winter should see Dave go well next year and build on 12th spot in the N&DCA 'Masters X' category and 24th overall.
In an up and down season Simon Doyle kicked off the year with victory in the Lea Valley 2up 25 mile TT with Steve Robinson (March). Having developed a lung infection his mid-season was impacted but he went on to record a life-time PB for 10 miles of 21.44, two sub-hour rides around F14/25 and a final flourish of 8th place in his age category at the National Closed Circuit series in October.
The Hocknell boys also have seasons to remember. Stuart was 3rd overall in the Masters Z category of the N&DCA series. Hugo knocked everyone for six by smashing out a 54.54 for 25 miles in the VTTA E2/25 in August. Hugo has suffered with a number of coughs and bugs this year, so to pull that out of the bag was a fantastic achievement. Chapeau!
Three generations of Robinsons troubled the timekeeper this year. The senior of the triumvirate, Roy Robinson, recorded 26.20 for 10 miles in two events, the Bossard 10 in August and the VTTA 10 in June. The Ox has certainly still got the power and he will be another one to watch in the improvement stakes.
Team founder, Steve Robinson posted victories with two 2up partners, Sam and Simon (see above). He also went on to clock a sub-hour 25 with a 58 on the F1b/25. Pretty good when you consider he hates riding for more than half an hour at a stretch. A 21 minute 10 tandem ride with Sam Hayes and 22 minute 10 solo performances underline his consistency and versatility. And finally, junior member of the squad, Ben Robinson scored notable tandem victories and age-related performances stoking around the Kettering CC and Norlond Combine events. Ben also took part in his first solo, open TT. A 10 around Bicester Airfield where he recorded 37.20, which is pretty impressive for a nine year old. A glowing career beckons.
 |
| Ben and Steve Robinson in Tandem action (Kettering CC) |
As well as some fantastic individual and team rides, we also promoted our own 'open' 10 mile time trial and hosted a round of the N&DCA. The team supported ECCA and other events through marshalling duties. Although we are racing mad, we are also aware of the need to put things back in to the sport.
Well that's it for 2015... we'd all like to say thanks to all of those of you who have supported us in whatever way you have, especially our significant others. Watch out for even more from 'The Engine' in 2016.
Monday, 19 October 2015
Curtain falls on spectacular 2015 season - RTTC National Circuit Championship - 18 October 2015
Sam Hayes and Simon Doyle represented Team Sales Engine in the National Circuit Championship which was held at Thruxton Park motor racing circuit in Hampshire. This is the second year that the event has been run by Cycling Time Trials (Road Time Trials Council) and Antelope RT.
Building on the 2014 format, the event has developed in to a 200 rider contest, with all ages and categories represented. The event is a closed road time trial that takes on 5 laps of the scenic Thruxton motor sport circuit with riders being set off at 30 second intervals.
The early rides saw the Juniors and Ladies do battle around the 2.3 mile circuit. Dame Sarah Storey took top honours in the female contest with a stunning time of 25.05 for the total 11.4 mile distance.
Simon was off #127, just after 10am, the wind had definitely picked up during the course of the morning, meaning a gritty head wind in the first half of the twisty road circuit. Lapping consistently, Simon put in a time of 26m 59s to average 25.57mph. This was good enough for 55th place on overall classification and 8th in the Masters A category (40-45). This more than made up for the mechanical issue that robbed him of a decent time in 2014.
Sam Hayes commenced 15 minutes later (#157), by which stage the conditions had deteriorated further. However, his current excellent form was more than enough to push him up the general classification list with a rock-solid 25m 52s time: an average speed of 26.68mph.
Sam's time was 48 seconds quicker than 2014, a great ride by the form man, and a fitting ending to a really progressive and remarkable season for the team.
Brett Harwood (Terry Wright Cycles RC) took top spot. Full results at CTT.org.uk - results. Thanks to all at CTT, Antelope RT and supporters, sponsors etc for making this such a great event.
Building on the 2014 format, the event has developed in to a 200 rider contest, with all ages and categories represented. The event is a closed road time trial that takes on 5 laps of the scenic Thruxton motor sport circuit with riders being set off at 30 second intervals.
The early rides saw the Juniors and Ladies do battle around the 2.3 mile circuit. Dame Sarah Storey took top honours in the female contest with a stunning time of 25.05 for the total 11.4 mile distance.
Simon was off #127, just after 10am, the wind had definitely picked up during the course of the morning, meaning a gritty head wind in the first half of the twisty road circuit. Lapping consistently, Simon put in a time of 26m 59s to average 25.57mph. This was good enough for 55th place on overall classification and 8th in the Masters A category (40-45). This more than made up for the mechanical issue that robbed him of a decent time in 2014.
 |
| Simon Doyle - Image from Charles Whitton |
 |
| Sam Hayes - image (c) Huw Williams |
Sam's time was 48 seconds quicker than 2014, a great ride by the form man, and a fitting ending to a really progressive and remarkable season for the team.
Brett Harwood (Terry Wright Cycles RC) took top spot. Full results at CTT.org.uk - results. Thanks to all at CTT, Antelope RT and supporters, sponsors etc for making this such a great event.
Friday, 2 October 2015
Martin Jones frustrated (but still quick) at the National 10
There's been little question about who has been the fastest member of Team Salesengine in 2015, with Martin Jones consistently topping the times for the team.
This speed carried Martin into the 10 mile National championships with high hopes of a top 50 finish. On the day Martin was on good form, but was really unfortunate to get caught at one of the main roundabouts on the course which cost him a huge chunk of time.
Having stopped and re-started he blasted to the finish to record a time of 21:46, just over 2 minutes behind the eventual winner Richard Bussell, and in a finishing position of 74th.
Martin estimates that the traffic disruption cost him in excess of 20 seconds, which would have seen him battling for a top 50 place. Luckily he was sanguine about the problems he faced, and has already re-focused on helping the team retain the Northampton & District series winners trophy that we won in 2014.
This speed carried Martin into the 10 mile National championships with high hopes of a top 50 finish. On the day Martin was on good form, but was really unfortunate to get caught at one of the main roundabouts on the course which cost him a huge chunk of time.
Having stopped and re-started he blasted to the finish to record a time of 21:46, just over 2 minutes behind the eventual winner Richard Bussell, and in a finishing position of 74th.
Martin estimates that the traffic disruption cost him in excess of 20 seconds, which would have seen him battling for a top 50 place. Luckily he was sanguine about the problems he faced, and has already re-focused on helping the team retain the Northampton & District series winners trophy that we won in 2014.
Team Salesengine place strongly at the Kettering CC 10
Almost perfect conditions greeted a number of members of Team Salesengine as they took to the start line of the Kettering CC 10 in late September.
First off for the Team was Roy (Ox) Robinson, who finished with a massive smile on his face in a time of 30:43 to take 48th place in the open TT bike event.
Sam Hayes was a force to be reckoned with in the road bike category, finishing in a superb 3rd place overall with a rapid time of 24:50.
Making his debut in Team Salesengine colours was an old friend of the team Neil Fitzgibbon. Having not raced for over a decade, Neil took to the start line with great base fitness, but no real idea of how competitive he would be. As it turns out, the answer was that he was absolutely flying, bagging a superb 10th place in the road bike event, and 2nd place in the novice category with his time of 25:44.
Steve and Ben Robinson were battling for honours in the tandem event, finishing in a strong 2nd place overall, and 1st place in the tandems with a junior rider section, in a time of 26:32.
As the season draws to a close the superbly organised Kettering event shows the strength in depth that Team Salesengine now has, and proved a great way to round off a superb season.
First off for the Team was Roy (Ox) Robinson, who finished with a massive smile on his face in a time of 30:43 to take 48th place in the open TT bike event.
Sam Hayes was a force to be reckoned with in the road bike category, finishing in a superb 3rd place overall with a rapid time of 24:50.
Making his debut in Team Salesengine colours was an old friend of the team Neil Fitzgibbon. Having not raced for over a decade, Neil took to the start line with great base fitness, but no real idea of how competitive he would be. As it turns out, the answer was that he was absolutely flying, bagging a superb 10th place in the road bike event, and 2nd place in the novice category with his time of 25:44.
Steve and Ben Robinson were battling for honours in the tandem event, finishing in a strong 2nd place overall, and 1st place in the tandems with a junior rider section, in a time of 26:32.
As the season draws to a close the superbly organised Kettering event shows the strength in depth that Team Salesengine now has, and proved a great way to round off a superb season.
Ben Robinson makes his solo 10 debut
Having been racing on the tandem for the last year, the youngest member of the Team Salesengine team made his solo time trial debut at the Bicester Millennium CC 10. The race took place on 4 laps of a 2.5 mile RAF airbase, and saw Ben at just 9 years old competing with riders at least a decade older.
Having clocked 42 minutes in training Ben was hopeful of getting close to 40 minutes and a 15 mph average, but determination and good weather conditions saw him smash his target. His efforts on the day delivered a new PB of 37:20, and he's already set his sights on going much quicker in 2016.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)