Return of the Catalina Architecture TT Series – 5th May 2021

The Catalina Architecture TT Series returned with a (Covid safe) bang for the first round of 2021 with sixteen riders taking on the 10 mile challenge.

The opening night was held on the Cwm Rheidol course. Each rider started at 1 minute intervals to test their form and fitness over the ten miles and set their benchmark time for the start of the series.

Starting at the Statkraft Visitor Centre, the riders headed down to the half way point at Lovesgrove roundabout and then returned back to complete the 10 miles.

This is often known as the race of truth because there is no hiding in a pack or drafting, it’s just the rider setting their own time against the elements and the clock.

The opening round didn’t disappoint, with a fast field racing on the night it was no surprise that the first ten riders all finished under an impressive 25 minutes. Josh Tarling (FlandersColor Galloo) stormed around the course and took the overall men’s win on the night and in doing so, set a new men’s course record, with his time of 20.35, knocking 2 seconds off his record from last year.

The second overall men’s place went to Gruff Lewis (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling) with a fast ride on the opening night and crossing the line in 21.24. Taking the third podium spot, junior rider Finlay Tarling (WORX Factory Racing) finishing with an impressive 21.50.

In the men’s road bike category, Griff Lewis (Backstedt Bike Performance RC) flew around the course to take the win in 23.09, followed by Steff James (Caffi Gruff Race Team) in 23.56, and in third place with a time of 24.16 and completing the podium was Hefin Evans (Caffi Gruff Race Team).

In the women’s race Emma Palfrey took the win on the night with 27.25, closely followed by Lowri Richards (Backstedt Bike Performance RC) in 27.58 and completing the podium in third place Anita Saycell in 28.11.

Lowri Richards also took the winning spot for the women’s road bike category with her time of 27.58.

To view a full list of upcoming events in the 2021 Catalina Architecture TT Series: http://www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/

A very big thank you to all the riders, the organisers, Aled Richards for his photos and to everybody that helped during the evening to ensure the riders had a safe and well organised event.

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 1 – Cwmrheidol 10
Joshua Tarling 20.35 (9.54)
Gruffudd Lewis 21.24 (10.27)
Finlay Tarling 21.50 (10.24)
Griff Lewis 23.09 (11.03)
Caron Owen Pugh 23.28 (11.17)
Steffan James 23.56 (11.30)
Henry Moss 23.58 (11.35)
Hefin Evans 24.16 (11.52)
Jack Ramsbottom 24.24 (11.50)
Adam Hepburn 24.33 (11.48)
Llion Rees-Jenkins 26.17 (12.37)
Rhodri Jenkins 26.32 (12.43)
Emma Palfrey 27.25
Lowri Richards 27.58 (13.25)
Anita Saycell 28.11 (13.29)
Dave Reed 38.04 (17.17)
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s
Scott Tompsett & Gwen
Andrew Davies
David Wright

Ystwyth CC rider  starting the first club time trial of 2021.
Ystwyth CC’s Dave Reed starting the Catalina Architecture 2021 series