It was a special night as the riders were privileged to be timed by Ken Williams and Glyn Evans, life members of Ystwyth CC. The ten riders on the start line enjoyed a tailwind on the way out, which made for some quick times to the turnaround but more of a battle on the return leg.

The men’s overall event saw Caron Pugh take the win with a strong ride, crossing the line in 22.49. Taking second place on the podium, Ciaran Rowett who stormed the course on his road bike to finish in 24.54. completing the podium in third overall place and setting a new V70 record on the course was Mike Fitch in 29.10.

In the ladies overall event Emma Palfrey stormed the course to set a new ladies fastest time of 25.33, showing her time trial strength this season. In second place was Anita Saycell in 27.30 and completing the podium in third place Elaine Rowlands in 31.35.

In the the Men’s road bike category, there was a clear winner with Ciaran Rowett over four minutes ahead of the next riders. In a battle for second, Caron CC riders Mike Fitch and Gwion James both recorded the same times to share second place, with their 29.10. In third place Martin Williams in 30.05.

In the ladies road bike category, Elaine Rowlands took the win in 31.35.

Well done to all the riders that competed on the night, and thank you to the TT organisers, our special time keepers Ken and Glyn and the marshals Scott and Gwen, all helping to make the evening a great event and ensuring the safety of the riders.

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 11 (Cwm Rheidol)
Caron Owen Pugh (11.05) 22.49
Ciaran Rowett R (12.10) 24.54
Emma Palfrey (12.27) 25.33
Anita Saycell (13.11) 27.30
Mike Fitch R (14.02) 29.10
Gwion James R (14.00) 29.10
Martin Williams R (14.36) 30.05
Toby Driver R (14.40) 30.10
Elaine Rowlands R (15.04) 31.35
Dave Reed R (16.15) 34.40
Timekeepers
Ken Williams & Glyn Evans
Marshall’s
Scott Tompsett & Gwen

With seven riders on the start list and a combined age of 384, it was definitely a night for the seniors to shine.

With the previous two rounds being cancelled, the riders were rested and ready to take on the undulating 10 mile course in the scenic Rheidol valley. The weather was warm with very little wind to assist the riders on the outward or return leg.

Caron Pugh had a great ride to take the overall win for the men in 22.55 and is edging closer to the men’s senior club record held by Gareth Hodgson set in 2019. In second overall place Ian Brandreth crossed the line in 28.24 and set a new personal best time. Taking the third overall spot and smashing the 30 minute barrier was Mike Fitch, with 29.26.

In the ladies overall placings Anita Saycell took the win with her time of 27.26, while Elaine Rowlands took the overall win for the road bike category with her time of 32.12.

The men’s road bike category (no TT bars) saw Ian Brandreth take the win, Mike Fitch in second place and Martin Williams completing the podium in third place.

Well done to all the riders that competed on the night, and thank you to the TT organisers and time keepers ensuring the safety of the riders.

The next event sees the Catalina Architecture TT Series return to the Llety Gwyn 10 mile course on Wednesday 11th August.

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 14
Caron Owen Pugh 22.55
Anita Saycell 27.26
Ian Brandreth R 28.24
Mike Fitch R 29.26
Martin Williams R 30.02
Elaine Rowlands R 32.12
Dave Reed R 35.29
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray

As part of the 2021 TT series there will be a rider chosen each month for this prize. This isn’t necessarily about the fastest but about attitude and effort.

The TT organisers’ are pleased to announce that the Catalina Architecture June rider of the month is local Caron Cycling Club and Ystwyth CC club member, Mike Fitch. Mike has been riding strongly this season, regularly making the journey from Tregaron to compete in the time trials. He has been producing some fantastic times for his V70 age group, from 10 mile events to the 1 mile hill climb, and adding his name to the Ystwyth CC time trial records board.

Congratulations to Mike Fitch on receiving his Catalina Architecture TT rider of the month prize.

Ken Williams and Glyn Evans, both life members of Ystwyth CC have given over 80 years combined service to Welsh Cycling as National Commissaires and to Ystwyth CC. The club have been very grateful for all their knowledge, expertise and help over the many years. As well as their services to Welsh Cycling, Ken and Glyn have organised local road races, commissaired countless club events and for many years also ran the weekly club time trials to name just a few things.

This evening, at the club’s Cwm Rheidol time trial, Shelley Childs, also a life member, presented Ken and Glyn with their retirement gifts from Ystwyth CC.

Then for one final time Ken and Glyn both agreed to officiate and time keep for the riders.

Diolch yn fawr Ken and Glyn for all your time and services to Ystwyth CC and Welsh Cycling and we are very privileged to have you both as life members and wish you all the best with your retirement.

The Ystwyth Time Trial Championships proved to be a great event. The early start meant very little traffic and the riders were treated to smooth tarmac, good conditions and with a gentle breeze helping on the return leg.

It was a great chance for the riders to set themselves a time on this gently rolling course and with the promise of some great coffee afterwards from the race HQ, Caffi Gruff.

In the Men’s Road Bike Ystwyth Time Trial Championship, junior rider Llion Rees-Jenkins flew around the course to take the win in 42.49. In second place, Daniel O’Brien showed his current form to cross the line in 43.25 and completing the podium having only taken up cycling in 2018, local rider Stuart George in 43.44.

The Ladies Road Bike Ystwyth Time Trial Championship, saw Elaine Rowlands storm the course to keep the championship crown from 2019, with her time of 54.37.

The overall men’s Ystwyth Time Trial Champion winner was Gruff Lewis, showing his form this season to average over 28mph with his finish time of 35.20. Dafydd Wright powered his way around the course to take second place in 37.17 and completing the podium for the Club Championship honours, saw Caron Pugh flying to take 3rd place in 38.39.

The overall ladies Ystwyth Time Trial Champion winner was Emma Palfrey in 23.30, showing her strength this season to take the ladies win and in second place Anita Saycell in 45.44.

Well done to all the riders, and thank you to the TT organisers Andy Hunt and Derek Rattray for organising this Championship and to Scott Tompsett as chief marshal and to Caffi Gruff for providing the race HQ and refreshments.

Ystwyth Time Trial Championship 2021
Gruffudd Lewis (18.39) 35.20
Dafydd Wright (19.36) 37.17
Caron Owen Pugh (20.25) 38.39
Llion Rees-Jenkins R (22.31) 42.49
Daniel O’Brien R (22.59) 43.25
Stuart George R (23.10) 43.44
Rhodri Jenkins R (23.32) 43.53
Emma Palfrey (23.30) 44.34
Thomas Mason (23.50) 45.09
Anita Saycell (24.03) 45.44
Mike Fitch R (26.31) 50.20
Elaine Rowlands R (28.53) 54.37
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Chief Marshall
Scott Tompsett

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This week proved another exciting week out on the road with riders taking advantage of the good weather and the light winds to set some blistering times.

This week the Junior riders Thomas Mason and Lowri Richards are both showing their strength week on week competing on road bikes against seasoned seniors and producing fast times each ride.

In the Road Bike men’s category this week, Ciaran Rowett stormed the course to take the win in 24.32, in second place, junior rider Thomas Mason in 26.15 and completing the podium Ian Brandreth in 28.51.

In the Road Bike ladies category, Lowri Richards took the win on the night with 26.26 and Elaine Rowlands took second place with her time of 31.30.

The overall fastest men on the night, saw Gruff Lewis showing his current form on the course to finish only twelve seconds outside of the fastest time ever recorded on the Llety Gwyn course, which Gruff set in 2018. The second fastest rider on the night was Ciaran Rowett in 24.32 and in third place junior rider Thomas Mason in 26.15.

The overall, fastest ladies on the night saw Emma Palfrey storm the course, to take the win and set a new personal best time, with 25.24. Second fastest lady was junior rider Lowri Richards in 26.26 and Elaine Rowlands completed the podium with 31.30.

Well done to all the riders that competed on the night, and thank you to the TT organisers, race photographer Aled Richards and to the Marshalls’ ensuring the safety of the riders.

The next event sees the Catalina Architecture TT Series return to the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course on Wednesday 14th July .

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 10 – Llety Gwyn 10 Results.
Gruffudd Lewis 20.47
Ciaran Rowett R 24.32
Emma Palfrey 25.24
Thomas Mason R 26.15
Lowri Richards R 26.26
Ian Brandreth R 28.51
Mike Fitch R 29.48
Martin Williams R 30.25
Elaine Rowlands R 31.30
Michael Clarke R 31.35
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s
Anita Saycell & Nia Richards

Who will be crowned the Club Champions for 2021? This Sunday (11th July) sees the return of the Club Championship on the gently rolling course from Tre’ddol to Machynlleth and back. The riders will take on the 16.5 mile route to test themselves and against each other.

View the route here: 16.7 mi Road Cycling Route on Strava

There will be TT and road bike categories, so it doesn’t matter what bike you have – come along, have a go and set yourself a time on this course.

The course HQ will be at Caffi Gruff, in Talybont and parking is available in the car park adjacent to the school.

Further details will be posted by the TT organisers on the Club Facebook page.

Eight riders took on the hilly Devil’s Bridge TT and were treated to a warm evening with a gentle tailwind helping them up the long undulating climb.

This is one of the most scenic courses, starting near to Southgate and following the road towards Devil’s Bridge. The riders had to negotiate fresh chippings and a shorter course due to traffic lights, but the 8 miles proved a good test of the legs and a great evening of racing.

In the men’s event, Caron Pugh came out on top, taking the win with 23.57 and averaging over 20mph over the hilly course. The battle for second and third place was between the V70 riders Martin Williams and Mike Fitch. Taking the second place was Martin Williams in 32.34 nudging Mike Fitch (33.19) into third place.

In the ladies event, Emma Palfrey showed her strength on the hills taking the win in 26.48. In second place was Anita Saycell (30.15) and completing the podium was Elaine Rowlands in 36.29.

Well done to all the riders, and a thank you to the TT organisers and marshals.

The next event sees a flatter return to the Llety Gwyn 10 mile course.

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 9 – Devils Bridge Hilly (short course 8.1miles)
Caron Owen Pugh 23.57
Emma Palfrey 26.48
Anita Saycell 30.15
Martin Williams 32.34
Mike Fitch 33.19
Elaine Rowlands 36.29
Michael Clarke 36.54
Dave Reed 46.10
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s
Scott Tompsett & Gwen

One of the Ystwyth CC’s newer members, Damian Burgess is taking on a great challenge and raising money for two important charities, the British Heart Foundation and Mind.

Damian bought his first road bike and took up cycling during lockdown and hasn’t looked back, training outdoors when he can or indoors on Zwift.

Next month, around the 20th July, Damian will ride self-supported and take on the 2000km challenge with over 30,000m of climbing and will aim to finish in under 12 days. This would be a challenge in itself on a road bike, but too make it even tougher his route starts at Land’s End, finishes at John O’Groats and will take in tracks and gravel as well as road sections. The route is an established route known as the GB Divide.

We wish Damian all the best with the rest of his training and the challenge and if anyone is able to donate the details are on Damian’s webpage: DBxGB

After the busy Triple Crown weekend many riders were taking a well earned rest, however six riders braved the course and the damp conditions to test themselves on the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile time trial course.

In the men’s event junior rider Griff Lewis stormed the course and showed his form by taking the overall win and the road bike win with his 23.14 time. The second podium (overall and road bike) placing went to Ian Brandreth with his 29.52 and completing the podium (overall and road bike) Michael Clarke in 32.15.

The ladies event saw junior Lowri Richards take the road bike win and second overall in 27.27, with Elaine Rowlands riding her way to second place in the road bike event with her time of 32.15. In the non-road bike category, Emma Palfrey, having won the TT Triple Crown at the weekend, took the win with her time of 26.33.

Well done and thank you to all the riders that braved the weather, and thank you to the TT organisers, marshalls and Aled Richards for his photographs.

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 8 – Results
Griff Lewis 23.14
Emma Palfrey 26.33
Lowri Richards 27.27
Ian Brandreth 29.52
Elaine Rowlands 32.15
Michael Clarke 32.15
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s
Nia Richards