Open 10 and SCCU 25

Unlike the weather, the 2019 season has started to warm up and already the TT’ers have added to the club’s honours board.

The KPRC Open 10 was a resounding success, Dale returned a 22:00 and an eighth place, demonstrating that not only can the club host a class event, but we have riders who are challenging for top places too.  Of the 150 entrants there were 40 women, 5 trikes, two tandems and fifteen Phoenix who rode the course.  The field was the largest anyone could recall, given the fact that a few of our members are more at home with a ration book than facebook – that really is quite an accomplishment.

The marshals, helpers, cake-bakers and organisers really raised the bar and many riders stated an intention to ride the Frank Cubis Memorial 50 later this year, based on their happy experience.

Despite a chill in the air and low cloud cover, the surrounding Surrey Hills kept the rain from the course until the last few riders hit the Clark Green turn in very light drizzle.  The persistent northerly wind ensured the return trip to the comfort of the HQ and the promise of some Hot Cross Buns was a tough stint.

Only one second split the fastest three riders in the Pete Mitchell Memorial Bicycle 10.  Stuart Bettis (South Downs Bikes/Casco Pets) posted 21:27 just edging Grant Woodthorpe (Twickenham CC) and Keith Lea (Paceline RT) who returned 21:26.

Sarah Matthews (…a3crg) led the women back to the shed with 24:03 followed by Elise Sherwell (Blazing Saddles) at 24:21 and Jayne Paine (Les Filles) with 25:25.  It was encouraging to see some many women support this event – and entirely fitting given the strong women’s representation in the Phoenix Club.

The Tandem 10 was won by Jonathan and Simon Pontin (Addiscombe CC) who thundered in a 21:04, before taking each other on in the singles format.

Five Trikes lined up to honour Phoenix stalwart Frank Cubis, Mark Vowells posting a 25:24 to claim the honour with a 25:24. The SCCU hosted the 25 mile TT on Sunday 14th April in sub-zero conditions, on a hastily amended course.  Credit to the SCCU for quickly arranging a new start point and building in two loops of the Ockley, Capel, Beare Green circuit and in doing so they may have stumbled over a good sporting course.  Mark Smith (Crawley Wheelers) came home first despite dropping his chain in the proximity of Elliott (who has not claimed responsibility)!  Kim rode an outstanding race and fought her way to the women’s podium for a respectable third place.  This is a fantastic achievement, particularly in such horrific conditions and – like Dale in the KPRC Open 10 – one in which the whole club can celebrate and be proud.  The severrrrrn points earned on Sunday takes her to the top of the pops in the Women’s Scratch competition.

Kim and Christine Glew are among the top ladies competing for the SCCU 10 mile award, Kim is also among the top three in the SCCU 25 mile competition.  Great news for the club.

Table toppers should not get too comfortable though.  The Club’s speedsters have all been enjoying a spot of sangria and tapas in Majorca, sharpening their tan lines in time for the Summer Series of Evening 10’s where we all know – trophies can be won and lost. 

The Evening 10’s kick off April 24th – the day after St George’s day.  So get down to Holmwood and do battle with the dragon that is the G10/42.  Meanwhile, catch the club’s Instagram feed for more illustrative catch-up with the club’s news, this can be found at Kingston_phoenix_rc, give it a follow and contribute to the fun.