It was great to get together again for the club annual dinner and awards, and big thanks to Elaine, for her hard work in organising the event for everyone.

The club returned to Tafarn Y Maes for a great welcome, top food and drinks.

During the meal riders took part in the raffle with lots of prizes on offer, including two vouchers kindly donated by our club sponsor Summit Cycles. We were also able to auction a fantastic signed print of Geraint Thomas, generously donated by Huw Fairclough.

We raised a total of £221 for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus. This amount will be added to the total raised during the memorial ride and presented to Papyrus.

Thanks to everyone that kindly donated prizes for the raffle, bought tickets and made a bid in the auction.

After the excitement of the auction and raffle, it was onto the awards, and a chance to recognise riders for their achievements as well as commitment to the club.

The 2023 winners announced on the night;

Mens TT League Winner – Caron Pugh

Women’s TT League Winner – Anita Saycell

Handicap TT winner – Arwel Jones

Club person of the year – Derek Rattray & Andy Hunt

Club Road Race Award – Leah Brewer

Hilly TT – Richard Pizzey

Hill Climb – Richard Pizzey

Most Improved – Glyn Williams

Club Mountain Biker of the Year – Dylan Williams

Thanks to everyone that was able to attend and made it an enjoyable evening. The next club event is the Mince Pie Ride on the 17th December – more details to follow.

The riders were ‘treated’ to a great end to a successful time trial series. The conditions were spot on for this course, a gentle tail wind helped to ease the riders up to Pontarfynach, ready for the descent to Lovesgrove. It was hoped that the full Devil’s Bridge Hilly route could be used, which would have been the first since 2018. Unfortunately, a set of temporary lights meant the start had to move along the course, leaving any club records standing for another year.

Six riders took on the Grand Finale. In the road bike category, it was great to welcome Gari Jones who came out on top to take the win, with Tim Strang riding strongly, until an unfortunate mechanical near the end, taking second place.

In the TT bike category, the season’s record breakers Caron and Rich had the battle for the top podium positions, with Rich taking the spoils for first place, Caron in second and Andy H, having a great season this year and fresh from the Caron 10 mile TT win the night before, completing the podium for third place.

Thanks to every rider that has taken part this year in the TT’s, it’s been a great season and we are really fortunate to have this racing on our doorstep.

Huge thanks to Andy H and Derek for all their work in organising a successful series, and to all to those that marshalled, timed and helped out over the season. Without you, there would be no events for the riders – diolch yn fawr!

Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series Grand Finale. Devils Bridge Hilly – 17.7m Pant-y-Crug- Lovesgrove
Richard Pizzey 40.04
Caron Owen Pugh 41.06
Andy Hunt 43.02
Anita Saycell 51.52
Gari Jones R 53.04
Tim Strang R 56.53
Time Keepers
Derek Rattray & Elaine Rowlands
Marshals
Scott Tompsett & Ian Brandreth

Photo credit: Ian Brandreth

Open to all riders from Ystwyth CC, Caron and Sarn Helen. We’ll be aiming to leave Plascrug Leisure Centre 9.30am for a relaxed, social ride.

Planned route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3130083704207596394

All riders are welcome. Ystwyth CC are hosting the event and providing the cake and refreshments post ride (no charge!).

We will aim to be back around 11.30am to Yr Hen Lew Du, Bridge Street, Aberystwyth, to enjoy a catch up off the bikes and refreshments.

With last weeks TT cancelled, the riders were able to race this week but on a shorter course.

Six riders turned up to test their legs and lungs along the rolling Rheidol valley.

It was great to see Dewi back on the TT bike this week and to also welcome Simon Williams riding his first TT!

The shorter course provided some exciting racing on the night. In the overall men’s category, Ieuan Andy took the win on his road bike, leaving Andy H and Dewi to battle out 2nd and 3rd place. It proved a great battle with Dewi taking second place by only 2 seconds! Andy having to settle for third spot on the podium this week.

In the road bike category (no tri bars), Ieuan Andy took the win with Mike Fitch riding strongly for second place.

Huge thanks to Elaine, Derek, Scott and Andy H.

There’s one more TT event in the series, the Devil’s Bridge Hilly, next Wednesday (30th August) with an earlier start time of 6.30pm.

Sign on details will be posted on the club facebook page before the event. It will be the last chance to test the legs, set a time and enjoy a chat afterwards!

Times of riders:

Ieuan Andy Davies 15.50

Dewi Hughes 16.31

Andy Hunt 16.33

Anita Saycell 18.49

Mike Fitch 20.25

Simon Williams 21.30

Ten riders turned up to take on the gently rolling Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course. With the light drawing in and the series coming to a close at the end of August, riders were keen to test themselves on this course.

It proved another exciting battle at the top. Caron and Rich were racing head to head for the win. Both riders in their best form this season. Caron had the edge this week and took the overall win, with a new Personal Best time of 21.28, proving that his potato mashing warm up an hour before, gave him the edge and also enabled him to take back the club course record from Rich, set at the Triple Crown event in June. Rich however wasn’t hanging around tonight and finished in 21.44 only 4 seconds away from his PB and the previous course record set this year. Completing the podium, Ieuan Andy in a storming ride on his ride bike, proving his preparation for the nationals is going well, he crossed the line in 23.36.

In the women’s event, Emma Palfrey had a great ride to set a new course PB and take the win on the night with a storming ride to finish across the line with 25.14.

In the road bike category (no tri bars), all riders had a great race and finished well under the 30 minute barrier. Ieuan Andy took the win, with Arwel taking second place this week and Tim Strang completing the podium in 29.21.

Overall Men

1st – Caron Owen Pugh 21.28 (new course record)

2nd – Richard Pizzey 21.44

3rd – Ieuan Andrew Davies R 23.36

Overall Ladies

1st – Emma Palfrey 25.14

2nd – Anita Saycell 28.15

Men’s road bike category winners:

1st – Ieuan Andrew Davies R 23.36

2nd – Arwel Wyn Jones R 25.20

3rd – Tim Strang R 29.21

Well done to all the riders tonight and thanks as always to all those marshalling, time keeping and organising to make this a great weekly event!

Next week (16th August) the series return to the Llety Gwyn 10 mile course. Everyone welcome! It’s a great workout and chance to test the legs.

Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023. Round 13.
Caron Owen Pugh 21.28 (new course record)
Richard Pizzey 21.44
Ieuan Andrew Davies R 23.36
Andy Hunt 23.45
Emma Palfrey 25.14
Arwel Wyn Jones R 25.20
Anita Saycell 28.15
David Jones 28.50
Tim Strang R 29.21
Mike Fitch R 29.50
Time Keepers.
Derek Rattray & Elaine Rowlands
Chief Marshal
Andrew Davies

The most scenic time trial start (in our opinion anyway!)

With only two chances left this season to ride the faster Llety Gwyn course, eight riders turned out to test themselves on the well established 10 mile TT course.

The predicted rain stayed away and the North Westerly wind proved in the favour of the cyclists, with some great times (and course records) on the night.

It promised to be an exciting night with the 2023 Cwm Rheidol course record breakers, Caron and Rich both riding head to head to battle it out on the Llety Gwyn course.

The men’s overall race didn’t disappoint, both Richard and Caron went faster than the club record set in 2022 by Caron himself (21.56). However, it was Richard Pizzey to cross the line first in 21.33 and followed closely (only two seconds behind!) by Caron in 21.35, for second place. Ieuan Andy completed the podium with 22.21, riding strongly and showing his form this season.

In the women’s race, Emma Palfrey took the win with a great ride, crossing the line in 25.41.

In the road bike category it was great to welcome back to Aberystwyth, Andrew Knowles. Andrew took the road bike win on the night, with his swift time of 26.14. In second place, and setting some fast times this season in the V60 category Tim Strang, 29.34.

With only four time trials left in the series, riders have a couple of chances left to test themselves. Next week, the series returns to the scenic Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course, starting at the Butterfly Farm. Everyone welcome.

Huge thanks to Andy H, Derek, Scott and Glyn for making the TT this week possible, keeping us safe, and to all the riders for taking part and supporting the event.

Overall Men

1st – Richard Pizzey 21.33 (New Club Course Record)

2nd – Caron Owen Pugh 21.35

3rd – Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.21

Overall Ladies

1st – Emma Palfrey 25.41

2nd – Anita Saycell 26.23

Men’s road bike category winners:

1st – Andrew Knowles 26.14

2nd – Tim Strang 29.34

Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 Round 12 – Llety Gwyn 10
Richard Pizzey 21.33
Caron Owen Pugh 21.35
Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.21
Emma Palfrey 25.41
Andrew Knowles R 26.14
Anita Saycell 26.23
Tim Strang R 29.34
Arwel Wyn Jones DNF
Timekeepers & Marshal’s
Derek Rattray, Scott Tompsett & Glyn Williams

The local 10 weekly time trial was proving as exciting as the Tour de France, with some great local battles between riders!

The north westerly wind was against the riders heading out, especially by Blaengeuffordd and didn’t really seem to help much on the return leg, maybe this was more to do with the tiring legs! A special mention to the fantastic encouragement at the halfway turn from Osian!

The overall men saw a really exciting battle, with Caron coming out on top this week with 21.46, he is edging closer to take back his course record from Richard Pizzey, only 6 seconds faster on this course. In second place, Ieuan Andy in top form from racing the British nationals in 22.20 and completing the podium in an absolutely incredible time on a road bike, Jack Ramsbottom in 23.07.

In the women’s event and edging under the 27 minute barrier, Anita took the podium in 26.58.

The road bike category saw all the riders come under the 30 minute barrier, which on this rolling course is good going! The winner, in a fantastic time of 23.07, was Jack Ramsbottom. Then coming across the line in second place, Andy Hicklin in 24.33. It’s been great to welcome Andy from Peak Road Club while he has been here in Aberystwyth. Completing the podium, and proving that holiday legs weren’t going to hold him back, Arwel Jones in 25.16.

Thanks to Andy, Derek, Scott and Osian for making the event possible and to all the riders that took on the 10 mile course!

Next week is a chance for riders to try a different course at a slightly earlier start time (6.30pm). Starting at Nant yr Arian, and heading down to Lovesgrove roundabout and back again. Details of all our TT courses can be found here. Everyone welcome, come along to set a time on this course. If it’s your first time you’re guaranteed a PB! All the upcoming dates for the series can be found here.

Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023. Round 10. Cwmrheidol 10
Caron Owen Pugh 21.46
Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.20
Jack Ramsbottom R 23.07
Andy Hicklin R 24.33
Arwel Wyn Jones R 25.16
Reggie Middleton R 25.44
Anita Saycell 26.58
Tim Strang R 29.07
Time Keepers & marshal’s
Derek Rattray & Scott Tompsett

R = No tri bars

With the rain staying away it was only the wind to contend with for round nine in the TT series.

With a few riders away this week, seven riders lined up to take on the flatter Llety Gwyn 10 mile course down the scenic Rheidol valley.

It proved a great night, with all the riders finishing under the thirty minute barrier. There was an exciting battle for the top two overall men, Ieuan Andy and Caron, they finished with only one second separating them! Fantastic rides by both riders. In third place and completing the podium, Paul Brewer with a strong ride to finish with 25.27.

Not to be out done by her dad’s place on the podium, Lois stormed her way around the course to finish first in 25.19, earning her two new club records!

In the road bike category, Rhodri powered around the course to finish in first place with a time of 25.56, with Tim riding strongly to finish in second place.

Overall Men

1st – Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.09

2nd – Caron Owen Pugh 22.10

3rd – Paul Brewer 25.27

Overall Ladies

1st – Lois Brewer 25.19

2nd – Anita Saycell 26.45

Men’s road bike category winners:

1st – Rhodri Jenkins R 25.56

2nd – Tim Strang R 29.44

Full Results:

Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 – Round 9. Llety Gwyn 10.
Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.09
Caron Owen Pugh 22.10
Lois Brewer 25.19
Paul Brewer 25.27
Rhodri Jenkins R 25.56
Anita Saycell 26.45
Tim Strang R 29.44
Timekeepers
Elaine Rowlands & Glyn Williams

Thanks to everyone that rode, the time keepers and marshals. Without you we wouldn’t have a TT series – diolch yn fawr!

The next TT (19th July) returns to the scenic Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course. Everyone welcome – come along and have a go!

This Wednesday saw riders take on round 8 of the Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023. Due to traffic lights on the course, the riders were ‘treated’ to a shorter 6.8 mile TT.

It was great to see new as well as returning riders this week on the start line, especially Karen and Chris racing their first TT on a tandem! The weather stayed dry, but there was a fairly strong breeze from the south west, not making it an easy TT for the riders.

In the men’s category it was great to see Caron back racing the TTs and holding his form for a strong win on the night. Chasing him down was Ieuan Andy, in top shape from his three recent Welsh Championship wins. Completing the men’s podium in third place was Llion, who is showing his strength this season and still only a junior rider.

In the women’s event, it was great to see Emma Palfrey back riding the TTs and racing strongly to take the win.

The road bike category saw Ieuan Andy take the win, then only 23 seconds behind was junior rider Llion and for the third place, chasing down his son, saw Rhodri cross the line to complete the podium.

Well done to all the riders! A full list of the upcoming TTs can be found here.

Thanks to Andy H for organising, and all the time keepers and marshals, without you all there would be no racing!

Next week the course returns to the flatter Llety Gwyn 10 mile course, everyone welcome! Come along to test yourself against the clock and enjoy a catch up afterwards.

(thanks to Bethan for the photos)

Overall Men

1st – Caron Owen Pugh 15.09

2nd – Ieuan Andrew Davies R 15.50

3rd – Llion Rees-Jenkins R 16.13

Overall Ladies

1st – Emma Palfrey 18.15

2nd – Anita Saycell 18.44

Men’s road bike category winners:

1st – Ieuan Andrew Davies R 15.50

2nd – Llion Rees-Jenkins R 16.13

3rd – Rhodri Jenkins R 18.23

Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 – Round 8. Cwmrheidol Short Course 6.8miles
Caron Owen Pugh 15.09
Ieuan Andrew Davies R 15.50
Llion Rees-Jenkins R 16.13
Tony Jones 17.29
Emma Palfrey 18.15
Rhodri Jenkins R 18.23
Anita Saycell 18.44
Ade Price 19.11
Chris Ware & Karen Isobel Tandem 19.26
Timekeepers
Elaine Rowlands & Scott Tompsett

R = no tri bars

The club have two main sponsors Summit Cycles and Cambrian Tyres. This year we have agreed new sponsorship agreements for the club and it’s members. We are pleased to announce the latest agreement with Cambrian Tyres, all club members will receive 40% of bicycle tyres and accessories from the Cambrian Tyres website. Details have been emailed to club members.

It’s not too late to join the club and benefit from this great offer! The membership year runs from January to December.

As well as supporting the club, you’ll also benefit from all the membership benefits available to you. More details here: Membership – Clwb Beicio Ystwyth Cycling Club