Team 10 Record Terminated!

Breaking News!

Nigel 'Terminator' Hale smashes the TSE 10 mile time trial record with a blistering 20.01.

Riding in the VTTA series based on the E2/10 course near Newmarket, Nigel improved on his lifetime personal best by 5 seconds as well as scalping the existing team record that was set by Martib Jones (20.20) last year.

Nigel Hale 20.01 - pic Davey Jones

Wait till he gets favourable conditions.

Brilliant ride, well done Nigel!

Bling and Hockers post-PBs! 8 out of 10 riders prefer Whiskers. Hale on the podium.

It's difficult knowing where to start with the plaudits this week as the TSE riders manage to out perform themselves all over the shop.

On the hotly contested ECCA 25 that was run on 25/06/16 Sam 'Bling' Hayes and Hugo 'Hockers' Hocknell gave their respective PB's a real tidy up as they battled the conditions on the famously renowned Newmarket based course. Sam reduced his 25 mile PB significantly to post a 52.57. We'll have to check the record books but that may well be bragging rights in the team for quite some time. Hot on his (w)heels was Hockers. He also smashed his PB with a time of 54.12 despite a run of Hockers Jnr based contagion. It's a real shame that we didn't have a third rider as a team time and team record would have been a possibility. Chapeau!

Meanwhile, in a galaxy far, far away, or Northamptonshire as it is called, Steve 'Whiskers' Franklin turned in his performance of the season to date (so say we) in Rd 6 of the 2016 N&DCA TT series. Although Steve is still learning his craft he's evidently becoming an ardent student as he nailed a 53.06 for the 20.8 mile sufferfest around Lamport and Old. Running him close was James Gomm. Despite suffering a bout of hayfever and panda-eyes, plus the obligatory hold up with cars, Gommo notched 53.36. Another solid performance.

Simon Doyle and David Ledgerton were on the road a tad later. They also got the same soaking that Steve and James got. Ledgie consolidated his position in the points series with a 56.56. Simon improved on his 2015 time by over a minute, posting a time of 50.10. This should help 'Speedy' claw up the points board.

Completing the day's racing was Dave Wentworth. Dave pitched up to the Dunstable RC event on the Tring based F11/10 to record another +25mph time of 23.48. Gladly a less eventful post-race scenario greeted him this week.

Sunday (26/06/2016) saw another run of miserable weather as 4 riders set off for (potential) glory, again on the F11/10 course in the NORLOND Combine 10 TT. Our Stella (Artois not McCartney) loving DS (Ric Palmer) made a most welcome debut to the open TT scene following a 2 year sabbatical. Ric managed to break his tri-bars on the outward leg but he persevered and got on the drops to post a 25.38. This is a great achievement as a) he had the courage to enter and break his open 'duck' and b) it was a tough old day. Try riding for 6 miles in to a headwind....

Keeping Ric company were: Nigel Hale, posting a 21.23 (Nigel routinely posts short-20s so this shows how hard things were); Simon Doyle who was back in action for another double-header, he was a minute or so down on the last F11/10 endeavour (22.10) and finally; Steve Robinson who brought the team in to the reckoning for the team prize with a 23.19. Steve was held up significantly at turn #1, thereby robbing him of a long 22. Breaking news - Nigel looks like he landed himself in 3rd spot in the solo competition. Even more reason to celebrate.

Well, that's all for now folks. Stay tuned for more top class time trial reportage in the near future.

Nice 'n' Speedy does it

It's hard to keep track of what the TSE riders are up to at the moment such is the variety and geographic spread of the time trials we are riding. 

Here's this week's round up.

During the week Nigel 'Ernie the Derny' Hale took a punt on the  E2/10 (almost literally as it was that wet), to ride round 2 of the VTTA series that runs during June. He had to settle for a 21 this week. By his own standards he viewed the ride as "not that good". Which by other peoples' standards translates to a great performance.

On Saturday 18th June, 2016, Roy 'Ox' Robinson took to the  Thanet RC 10 mile time trial at Fowlmead Country Park near Deal, Kent. Roy set a new course PB by 40 seconds with a  28:27 in windy conditions. "Satisfying" was the verdict from the great man himself. 

Meanwhile in Essex, David Ledgerton was our sole representative in the Victoria CC Rd 2 10 miler. The usual E1/10 course was subject to roadworks so the E91/10 near Chelmsford had been employed by the organisers. David clocked 26.33 for the sporting course. Hugo Hocknell was incapacitated by a bug. 

In the "3 up team" version of the same event Sam Hayes, Steve Robinson and Simon Doyle reformed to do battle with a strong field. A new triumvirate of Chelmer CC claimed top spot but our trio put in an improved shift on round 1 to clock 22.34 on their inaugural run on this course, The TSE lads take the series lead but will be up against it in the next two rounds. "Gotta be in it to win it" and all that. 

Simon (Speedy to his mates) went on to do a hot-shoe-shuffle to get across to Tring, Herts for the F11/10 based Hemel Hempstead CC 10. With 6 hours between rides an intense set of stretching, foam rolling and banana eating helped him to bag a 21.00 time for his second event of the day. A lifetime best by 44 seconds. It's not often we go fast-course riding but Simon's time shows how you can benefit from riding SPOCOs and technical circuits. Joining him in the event were Chris Hartley and Dave Wentworth. Chris recorded another 23 for the distance in the overflow event (23.56). Dave recorded 23.08 in the main event with Simon. 

Rounding off a Saturday of activity was James Gomm. Riding the Herts Wheelers' F20/10 near Ware, James was held up by what seems to be a convoy of every vehicle within 100 miles of Hertford. This robbed James of a 10 mile PB by nanoseconds. 23.20 was recorded. It is only a matter of time before he cracks a 22. Keep calm and carry on James!

And finally, congratulations to TSE alumni Martin Jones on a new 25 mile PB. Well done Martin.

Our thoughts are with Dave Wentworth, whose wife Jill was taken ill during the course of Saturday afternoon - now on the mend apparently. 

Back in the game

Well done to Rik Palmer for pinning a number on after a couple of years' break. A very creditable 28.12 in the Hitchin Nomads CC non-aero 10.

Onwards and upwards Rik.

Rik (l) and Nigel Hale (r) at the finish

Hail Nigel - fastest on the roster for 10 miles

It was Nigel Hale's turn to take the plaudits this week with a simply stunning 20.22 for 10 miles. Taking part in event one of a four series VTTA E2/10 set of races, Nigel was within 1 second of the team's previous best at the distance. Martin Jones's record is safe by the skin of its teeth, well at least until Thursday and round 2. Nigel is now the quickest on the current roster and is certainly coming in to some form (despite him saying otherwise, frequently!).

Over the weekend (11th May) a mass of TSE riders took part in round 5 of the N&DCA series.  Andy Roffe returned to action again and proved that his form is coming along nicely. There was no truth in the rumour that he ate all the cakes at the HQ afterwards.

This latest event was based on the N15 course (over a 15 mile distance) near Sawtry. Sam Hayes was quickest again, consolidating his position on the leaderboard. Simon Doyle had a PB, as did James Gomm (which he clipped again the following day).

Sam Hayes 34.19, Simon Doyle 35.33, Andy Roffe 36.25, Steve Robinson 36.43, James Gomm 37.57, Steve Franklin 38.40, David Ledgerton 40.22, Roy Robinson 44.40, Stuart Hocknell 57.10.

Our mate Simon Norman from BRRT won with a blisteringly quick 31. Well done Simon.

The N&DCA series pits team mates against their peers over 10 races, the points gained from race form the basis of how well riders are performing against the field over the year. There'll be a few diversions to go and ride some vanity courses which offer an opportunity to obtain a flattering PB time, but the series is where the real tests of ability seem to be occurring. Loads more racing to come over the next few weeks.

Race round up - May/June 2016

In case Andy Roffe has ridden and I have forgotten about it, he did really well, whatever it was he did. If he didn't ride, then I am sure he will smash it up next time out.

In other news, Hugo Hocknell smashes out a 55 and Chris Hartley dips under the hour. Some people ride in threes and Roy gets his didgeridoo primed for action. Rik Palmer also managed to eat a spoonful of Chicken Naga but he moaned about how hot it was so we won't be making a big deal of it.

So here goes.

On 29th May 2016 during the ECCA Championship event Hugo clocked 55.54. Hugo was in good company as Alex Dowsett (Movistar) took the national 25 record time with a stunning 44.29. Well done Alex! Hockers had already posted a 54.44 in the Welsh CA championship earlier in May. 25s seem to be Hocker's forte this year. Not to be out done, Chris also met his goals for the year with a 'long 59' (59.44) in the Shaftesbury CC event on the same course (04 June 2016).

In the Hitchin Nomads CC promoted F14/25 (28 May 2016), Nigel Hale (59.24) and James Gomm (1.03.54) took to the rolling Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire countryside.

Nigel Hale on the F14/25 going under the hour on a really hard roadman's course. Pic M Webb.

Earlier that day, four of Gomm and Hales' team mates participated in Rd1 of the Victoria CC 10.2 competition. David Ledgerton was the solo solo, recording a strong time of 26.19. In an inaugural outing as a trio, Simon Doyle, Sam Hayes and Steve Robinson rode the 3up team time trial part of the same event. The boys came in second by a margin of 20s. Chelmer CC took the win in the 3up but round 2 may see the boys go quicker.

And if that wasn't enough....

Roy Robinson at the ToC - pic David Ledgerton

Roy Robinson, David Ledgerton, Steve Franklin, Steve Robinson, James Gomm and Simon Doyle took part in the Tour of Cambridgeshire Chrono. The closed-road 17 miler was part of the world masters UCI qualification process. Roy may well be looking to get his sun lotion out as he is on the cusp of qualification and ready to go to Australia (for the World Champs). Like a good wine, Roy is improving with age. Results to follow.

A good day's racing on closed roads, in good company. Happy days.

Roffe to the races we go - N&DCA Round 4 round up

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!

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.

James Gomm on the new rig - pic D Jones (who else?)

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.

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.

New boy James Gomm (pic Davey Jones)

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.

Nigel Hale in action on the IRC 10 (pic Mike Webb)

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.

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

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.

Simon Doyle - Welwyn Wheelers Hilly 2016 (Davey Jones)