What a weekend! In only it’s third year, the Triple Crown event sees a weekend of great local racing. Testing the riders over a number of different local courses from a short opening prologue to a longer hilly time trial. With four events in total over the three days, it was all to play for. Riders could choose as many or as few stages as they wanted, but each event counted to the overall General Classification (GC). Prizes were available after each stage, and the overall GC, thanks to our club sponsor Summit Cycles.

The Triple Crown began on Friday with the Prologue, attracting 11 riders to the start line. The flat, short event made for some exciting racing.

Rich came out on top, with an impressive 2.09, to set the bar for the weekend and Lois top lady with 2.32. It was promising an exciting weekend with another three events to still count for the overall Triple Crown.

Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2023 – Prologue Results

Richard Pizzey 2.09
Llion Rees-Jenkins 2.19
Arwel Wyn Jones 2.30
Lois Brewer 2.32
Shelley Childs 2.32
Anita Saycell 2.36
Rhodri Jenkins 2.37
Glyn Williams 2.37
Leah Brewer 2.43
Ian Brandreth 2.53
Mike Fitch 3.00

Prologue tactics and finish line prizes:

Next onto Saturday morning with the Clarach Hill Climb. This 1 mile hill climb, with a gradient of around 8% average was always going to be a test for the riders, short but careful pacing was needed to the top. The riders had some great encouragement up the hill which helped them to dig deep to the finish line.

Clarach Hill TT profile:

The hill climb saw some fast times with Rich coming out on top again, not just taking the win but also setting a new YCC record! Junior rider Llion only 41 seconds behind and Arwel powering up the hill to take the third place. Taking the ladies win, Lois showed her hill climbing form with an impressive time to take the win, with sister Leah only 6 seconds behind for second and Anita in third. With the fast times, there didn’t seem to be any sign of tired legs!

Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2023 – Stage 1. Clarach Hill Climb Results

Richard Pizzey 3.59
Llion Rees-Jenkins 4.40
Lois Brewer 5.09
Arwel Wyn Jones 5.10
Leah Brewer 5.15
Rhodri Jenkins 6.01
Tim Strang 6.01
Anita Saycell 6.40
Toby Driver 7.07
Ian Brandreth 7.24
Mike Fitch 8.12

Clarach Hill Climb contemplation before and after:

Onto the next event Saturday evening, the Devil’s Bridge Hilly. With the weather dry and warm, it was a chance to see if the overall Triple Crown GC would be shaken up.

The riders had over 25km and 500 meters of climbing along the scenic road to Devil’s Bridge and then around to the finish at Nant yr Arian.

Rich powered around the course, taking the win, with Llion flying along to take second place and Arwel completing the podium with a strong ride to finish third.

Clwb Beicio Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2023 – Stage 2. Devils Bridge Hilly. Results.
Richard Pizzey 41.31
Llion Rees-Jenkins 44.02
Arwel Wyn Jones 46.32
Rhodri Jenkins 52.15
Anita Saycell 55.55
Tim Strang 56.37
Ian Brandreth 1.02.03

Start and finish photos – Devil’s Bridge TT:

The Triple Crown then moved onto the final event on Sunday morning. Legs were getting tired, but riders had everything to ride for to keep or improve their GC positions.

Overnight the heavy rain had cleared the air and the roads were left dry for the start of the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile time trial.

The top three riders proved they were not going to be pushed off the leader board. Rich not showing any signs of slowing down, took the overall win and set a new YCC course record by 4 seconds! Llion showing his form this summer, absolutely flew the course to take second place, and what must be a PB and Arwel showing his return to form this season crossed the line in third.

Clwb Beicio Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2023. Stage 3. Cwm Rheidol 10.
Richard Pizzey 21.40
Llion Rees-Jenkins 22.53
Arwel Wyn Jones R 25.07
Rhodri Jenkins R 27.17
Anita Saycell 27.24
Mike Fitch 29.20
Tim Strang R 29.24
Ian Brandreth R 30.16
Toby Driver R 30.37

Cwm Rheidol TT Photos:

After a fantastic weekend of racing, the Triple Crown GC was decided. With thirteen riders taking part over the weekend, the overall GC win went to Rich, having dominated each event over the weekend. In second place, junior rider Llion, showing his form this season claiming second place and great to see Arwel back racing and on top form to take third place on the podium.

In the ladies event, Anita took the GC win, with Lois taking second place and only 17 seconds behind on the GC, sister Leah.

Thanks go to our club sponsor Summit Cycles in providing all the prizes and a huge thank you to Andy H, Derek, Elaine and everyone else that helped out, rode and supported the events over the weekend, without you all there would be no event – diolch yn fawr.

General Classification
Richard Pizzey (4) 1.09.19
Llion Rees-Jenkins (4) 1.13.54
Arwel Wyn Jones (4) 1.19.19
Rhodri Jenkins (4) 1.28.10
Anita Saycell (4) 1.33.11
Tim Strang (3) 1.35.11
Ian Brandreth (4) 1.42.36
Lois Brewer (2) 1.44.56
Leah Brewer (2) 1.45.13
Mike Fitch (3) 1.45.47
Toby Driver (2) 1.46.08
Shelley Childs (1) 1.48.23
Glyn Williams (1) 1.48.28

The weekend kicked off with a successful first round of the Junior Summer Series on Friday, held at Blaendolau playing fields. Well done to all the juniors that took part and hope you all enjoyed! The next event in the series is round 2 at Llanidloes, on the 17 June. More details can be found on the Ystwyth Juniors Facebook page.

Then on Saturday, Welsh Cycling hosted the Welsh Time Trial Championships in Newcastle Emlyn with two riders flying the Ystwyth CC colours, Andy Hunt and Anita. The rain stayed away for the sporting 13 mile course. Each rider being set off every one minute in their category.

Andy H rode a great TT to take 4th in the Masters 40-49 Welsh Championship, narrowly missing out on a podium place by only 25 seconds.

Anita crossed the line to take the Masters Women’s 40-49 Championship first place and Welsh jersey.

Andy H at the start of the Welsh Time Trial Championships:

Sunday was a busy day on the bikes. While the men’s Welsh Road Race Championship was being held in Newcastle Emlyn, Welsh Cycling ran some skills challenges in the town for the children, it was great to see some Ystwyth jerseys taking part!

Well done also to all the Caffi Gruff riders in the Welsh Championships over the weekend on their performances, there was some great racing and results over the weekend!

Representing the club further afield on Sunday, Toby took on the Round Norfolk Epic, completing over 215km, 9 hours in the saddle in temperatures hovering around 30 degrees – well done Toby!

And finally, Sunday saw a fab turnout for the club café meet up road rides with 11 riders on the 9.30 no drop ride. It was great to see new as well returning faces!

The club are grateful to Yr Hen Lew Du for a very warm welcome and for hosting the tea, coffee and delicious cake (If you haven’t yet tried the homemade lemon drizzle cake…you’re definitely missing out!!) The monthly café meet up is payed for by the club and a chance to catch up – no need to arrive on a bike, just drop by!

Just a reminder, there’s no TT this Wednesday, in preparation for the Ystwyth CC Triple Crown.

There are events for everyone over the weekend, from a 1km time trial to a rolling 24 mile event. Lots of prizes available and all events help to count for the overall Triple Crown. More details will be posted on the Club Facebook page. Come down and have a go – all welcome!

This was round 6 of the Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 and the last chance for riders to test themselves before the Triple Crown weekend next week (16, 17, 18 June).

The weather was again warm and sunny for the rolling ten mile course starting in the Rheidol valley. The eleven riders contended with an Easterly wind, which helped them on the way out to the turn around point at Lovesgrove roundabout.

It was to be another record breaking night with great times by all riders.

Overall Men

1st – Joshua Tarling 18.33

2nd – Caron Owen Pugh 21.44

3rd – Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.07

Overall Ladies

1st – Lois Brewer 25.32

Men’s road bike category winners:

1st – Llion Rees-Jenkins 23.42

2nd – Arwel Wyn Jones 25.20

3rd – Rhodri Jenkins 27.39

On the night there were also four new records:

New male course record – Josh Tarling (Ineos Grenadiers), 18.33
(Previously set by Josh in 2021, with his time of 20.35).

Fastest Ystwyth CC male senior rider on this course (first claim) – Caron Pugh, 21.44.
(Previously set by Caron earlier in the season, with his time of 21.58).

Fastest Ystwyth CC female senior rider on this course (first claim) – Lois Brewer, 25.32.
(Previously set by Lois earlier in the season, with her time of 25.42).

Fastest V50 on this course (second claim) – Ieuan Andy Davies, 22.07
(Previously set by Ieuan Andy earlier in the season, with his time of 22.17).

Full Results:

Catalina Architecture & Design Ltd TT Series 2023 Round 6. Cwmrheidol 10.
Joshua Tarling (8.33) 18.33 CR
Caron Owen Pugh (9.49) 21.44
Ieuan Andrew Davies (9.45) 22.07
Rhys Evans (10.28) 23.16
Llion Rees-Jenkins (10.35) R 23.42
Paul Brewer (11.10) 25.11
Arwel Wyn Jones R (11.08) 25.20
Lois Brewer (11.30) 25.32
Rhodri Jenkins R (12.05) 27.39
Tim Strang R (12.43) 29.04
David Wright R (13.30) 31.48
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshals
Elaine Rowlands, Scott Tompsett & Bethan Rees-Jenkins

Note: R – No tri bars

Thank you to all the riders, organisers, marshals and time keepers. Without you there would be no events!

The next club event is the Triple Crown Weekend – everyone welcome! Ride as few or as many events that you would like over the weekend but each one will count towards the overall Triple Crown.

Josh on his way to setting the new Cwm Rheidol course record (photo credit: Aled Richards):

A weekend ahead promising some great racing, with events ranging from a 1km sprint to a 24 mile rolling course. Riders can choose as many events as they would like to ride, but the more events ridden the more points towards the Ystwyth CC Triple Crown award!

Lots of other prizes on offer for each event – see the club Facebook page for more details.

With the amazing weather it was great to see so many people out enjoying the sunshine over the weekend.

On Sunday the Ystwyth Juniors headed to the Mawddach trail, and judging by the smiles and ice creams it looked the perfect ride!!

The club had two paced road groups riding on Sunday morning, the 8.30 group taking in Cwm Elan and the 9am group heading north to take in the coastal views around Aberdyfi.

Leah and Lois were busy racing for the club in Ystwyth colours this weekend at the Tour of Cambridgeshire. Lois raced the TT on Saturday, coming in a fantastic 4th place. On the Sunday Leah and Lois both raced the fully closed roads, Tour of Cambridgeshire Road Race. Leah coming in 6th and Lois 9th, which qualifies them both to compete in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships. Huge well done to both of you and fantastic to see the club colours represented!

Coming up this week;

Wednesday – Cwm Rheidol 10 mile TT – everyone welcome.

Thursday – Chaingang

Thursday – MTB social ride (check MTB Facebook page for more info)

Friday – First Round of the Ystwyth Juniors Children’s Summer Series – First race starts at 6pm if anyone able to help, please let Scott/Tom know.

Sunday – various paced road rides all heading back to Yr Hen Lew Du for 11.30am for tea, coffee and cake provided by the club. See the club Facebook page for ride details.

Lois in action at the Tour of Cambridgeshire TT:

The sun was out but there was a strong Easterly wind to contend with, making the return leg tough going for round five of the 2023 Catalina Architecture Time Trial Series.

Twelve riders signed on to take on this unique hilly time trial. It proved an all round test of downhill skill, as well as sustained power for the six miles uphill to return to the finish line.

Nant yr Arian elevation profile:

In the overall men’s category absolutely flying on the night was Jack Ramsbottom (Caffi Gruff) crossing the line in 31.34 on his road bike to take the win. Crossing the line in second place on his TT bike was Caron Pugh (Ystwyth CC) in 32.05, Caron was just 5 seconds from the club rider’s senior record set by Tom Swingler in 2015. Completing the podium in third place was Daf Wright (Caffi Gruff) on his TT bike, with a fantastic ride to cross the line in 33.31.

In the overall women’s category it was an exciting race with both Lois and Lowri riding faster than the course record previously set by Helen Marshal in 2014 (38.10). On the night Lois Brewer (Ystwyth CC) on her TT bike showed her strength crossing the line for first place 36.17, followed by Lowri Richards (Tofauti Everyone Active) opting for her road bike, crossed the line in second place with 37.29. Completing the podium, Anita finished in third place in 43.40.

Overall Men:

1st – Jack Ramsbottom 31.34

2nd – Caron Owen Pugh 32.05

3rd – Daf Wright 33.31

Overall Ladies:

1st – Lois Brewer 36.17

2nd – Lowri Richards 37.29

3rd – Anita Saycell 43.40

New records set on the night:

Fastest Ystwyth CC female senior rider on this course (first claim) – Lois Brewer, 36.17.
(Previously held by Helen Marshall set in 2014, time of 38.10).

Fastest Ystwyth CC V60 rider on this course (first claim) – Tim Strang, 42.23. (No previous V60 record).

Fastest Junior rider on this course (first claim) – Reggie Middleton 37.51. (No previous Junior record).

Thank you to all the riders and a very big thank you to all the timekeepers and marshals who stood in the cold wind to make this event possible.

Next week the event returns to the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course, everyone welcome, come along to have a go and test yourself against the clock over this 10 mile course.

Full results:

Catalina Architecture & Design TT Series 2023 – Round 5. Nant-yr-Arian Hilly.
Jack Ramsbottom 31.34
Caron Owen Pugh 32.05
Daf Wright 33.31
Andy Hunt 33.58
Andrew Hicklin 34.57
Lois Brewer 36.17
Arwel Wyn Jones 36.44
Iestyn Stephens 36.58
Lowri Richards 37.29
Reggie Middleton 37.51
Tim Strang 42.23
Anita Saycell 43.40
Timekeepers
Derek Rattray & Elaine Rowlands
Chief Marshal
Scott Tompsett

With a return to the faster course this week, the event saw thirteen riders sign on to test themselves on this 10 mile course.

The weather stayed warm and sunny, with a North Westerly breeze which slightly helped on the outward leg.

Again this week saw all the riders under the 30 minute barrier.

The overall win went to Caron Pugh in top form this year crossing the line in 21.58, only two seconds off the senior club course record he set himself in 2022. In second overall place, Daf Wright also having a storming season finished in 22.45, closely followed by Ieuan Andy on his road bike riding strongly to finish in 23.06.

In the ladies race, Lois Brewer fresh from her racing in Essex at the weekend, took the overall win in a fantastic time of 25.26, taking four seconds off the club course record she set herself last year. Crossing the line in second place, Anita Saycell in 27.11.

In the road bike category, Ieuan Andy took the overall win, with Joe Watling crossing the line second showing his strength this year, crossing the line in 25.21, and completing the podium, and it was great to welcome back Andrew Hinklin from Peak Road Club who crossed the line in third place with 25.23.

Overall Men

1st – Caron Owen Pugh (21.58)

2nd – Daf Wright (22.45)

3rd – Ieuan Andrew Davies (23.06)

Overall Ladies

1st – Lois Brewer – (25.26) *New Club Course Record (was 25.30 set by Lois in 2022)

2nd – Anita Saycell (27.11)

Men’s road bike category winners:

1st – Ieuan Andrew Davies (23.06)

2nd – Joe Watling (25.21)

3rd – Andrew Hicklin (25.23)

Next week the series heads to the hilly Nant Yr Arian TT: 2023 Catalina Architecture Time Trial Series

Full Results for the Catalina Architecture & Design TT Series 2023
Round 4. Llety Gwyn 10. Weds May 24th.

Caron Pugh 21.58
Daf Wright 22.45
Ieuan Andy Davies (R) 23.06
Dylan Gwynne Jones 24.49
Paul Brewer 25.11
Joe Watling (R) 25.21
Andrew Hicklin (R) 25.23
Lois Brewer 25.26
Arwel Jones (R) 25.31
Iestyn Stephens 25.54
Reggie Middleton (R) 26.00
Anita Saycell 27.11
Tim Strang (R) 29.11

Thanks to all the riders, Derek Rattray and Andrew Davies for timekeeping, Scott, Gwen and Osian, Tom and Steffan and Iestyn’s dad for marshalling. All of whom there would be no event without you, diolch yn fawr!

It was a busy weekend, starting with the great news that the club have agreed a new sponsorship deal for 2023 with our local bike shop Summit Cycles. We are grateful to Joe for supporting the club and offering some great member only benefits.

With the lovely dry and sunny weekend, it was great to see so many riders out on the road, gravel and MTB.

On the Sunday there were two paced club road rides that both headed South to take in the rolling Ceredigion lanes and it was great to welcome some new faces.

Heading further afield and flying the Ystwyth colours, were Lois and Leah Brewer, racing in the Lea Valley Road Race in Essex on the Hanningfield circuit. Both had a fantastic race, after two riders attacked on the prime and stayed away, the girls finished at the front of the chasing bunch earning 6th (Lois) and 7th (Leah) to secure their 2nd category licences. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to their training and racing this season all over the U.K.

The weekend also saw the Junior section jointly launch their 2023 Summer Series with Hafren Cycling Club, with the first event, the 9th June in Aberystwyth. More details on the Junior Facebook Page.

For anyone new to the club (and on Strava) don’t forget there is the Ystwyth CC Strava Club available to join. We’re starting to use some of the club features to send out invites for rides, cafe meet ups etc. in addition to posting on the Ystwyth CC Facebook page.

With a forecast that looks like it belongs to Tenerife, hopefully everyone can enjoy getting out and about on the trails and road.

Just a reminder:

Wednesday 24th May – Catalina Architecture + Design Time Trial Series returns to the Llety Gwyn course. Everyone welcome – come along to set yourself a time on the 10 mile course. More details will be posted on the club facebook page.

Thursday 25th May – MTB ride (tbc) details will be posted on the Mountain Bike Facebook page.

Thursday 25th May – Chaingang (Borth loop)

Sunday 28th May – Club Sunday Road Rides. More details will be posted on the club Facebook page.

With near perfect conditions, fourteen riders signed on to test themselves on the gently rolling 10 mile course as part of the Catalina Architecture + Design Time Trial Series.

It proved a fast warm night with all the riders completing the course in under 30 minutes.

Caron set a blistering pace to cross the line taking the win and the men’s senior club record, with his 21.58. Followed by a flying ride by Jack Ramsbottom (Caffi Gruff) on his road bike, finishing in 22.39 for second overall place and completing the podium, riding his road bike, Ieuan Andy Davies (Caffi Gruff) with a strong ride to finish in 23.01.

It was great to see more ladies out on the course this week. Absolutely flying this season and taking the overall win was Lowri Richards (Tofauti Everyone Active) with a fantastic ride to set a new female course record with 24.14. Fresh from racing road and crits this season, it was great to see club rider Lois Brewer showing her strength on the TT’s, her time earning her the senior club course record and the fastest YCC senior over any 10 mile course, well done Lois! To complete the podium, Anita Saycell crossed the line with her 27.31.

The road bike category had only men competing this week, with the top spot going to Jack Ramsbottom for 1st place, 2nd to Ieuan Andrew Davies and completing the podium guest rider from Peak Road Club, Andrew Hicklin in 3rd.

Overall Men

1st – Caron Owen Pugh (21.58)

2nd – Jack Ramsbottom (22.39)

3rd – Ieuan Andrew Davies (23.01)

Overall Ladies

1st – Lowri Richards – (24.14)

2nd – Lois Brewer (25.42)

3rd – Anita Saycell (27.31)

Men’s road bike category winners:

1st – Jack Ramsbottom (22.39)

2nd – Ieuan Andrew Davies (23.01)

3rd – Andrew Hicklin (25.12)

The evening also saw four new records:

Fastest Ystwyth CC male senior rider on this course (first claim) – Caron Pugh, 21.58.
(Previously held by Gareth Hodgson set in 2019, with his 22.22).

Fastest Ystwyth CC female senior rider on this course (first claim) – Lois Brewer, 25.42.
(Previously held by Anita Saycell set in 2018, with her 25.48).

Fastest female course record – Lowri Richards 24.14.
(Beating her own course record set in 2022, with her 24.31).

Fastest Ystwyth CC senior female over any 10 mile course (first claim) – Lois Brewer 25.42.
(Previously held by Anita Saycell set in 2018, with her 25.44).

For a full list of Ystwyth CC records: http://www.ystwyth.cc/time-trial-records/

Full Results:

Catalina Architecture & Design TT Series 2023 – Round 3. Cwm Rheidol 10
Caron Owen Pugh 21.58
Jack Ramsbottom R 22.39
Ieuan Andrew Davies R 23.01
Daf Wright 23.07
Lowri Richards 24.14
Andrew Hicklin R 25.12
Joe Watling R 25.25
Lois Brewer 25.42
Arwel Wyn Jones R 25.47
Iestyn Stephen 25.51
Reggie Middleton R 26.29
Anita Saycell 27.31
Tim Strang R 29.17
Toby Everard 29.47
Time Keepers
Andy Hunt, Derek Rattray & Elaine Rowlands
Marshalls
Scott Tompsett & Paul Brewer

Note: R – No tri bars

Thanks go to all the riders and to those organising and helping on the night to make the event possible.

Next week the series heads back to the flatter Llety Gwyn 10 mile course. Full details of the series can be found here: http://www.ystwyth.cc/time-trial-series/

Lowri on her way to setting a new Cwm Rheidol course record.

Photo Credit: Aled Richards

The weather finally turned a corner and the club saw a great turn out for the Tour of Pembrokeshire on a very sunny Saturday.

With a choice of distances, 25, 60, 80 and the 105 miles, Ystwyth CC members Nia, Lynfa and Paul Brewer took on the ultimate distance with nearly 10,000 feet of climbing. Elaine Brewer enjoyed the 25mile event, which was no breeze with nearly 1,500feet of climbing. This looked a tough but great event and a huge well done to all Ystwyth CC riders that took on the Tour.

Sunday proved to be another busy YCC day. Leah and Lois Brewer, not to be outdone by their parents were in action racing the town centre crit in Warwick, and continuing their top racing form. Leah crossed the line in 5th place and Lois just outside a top 10 place in 11th.

The juniors were also busy over the weekend with Lowri competing in the second round of the Welsh MTB series, and crossing the line in 4th place! More junior weekend activities can be found on the Ystwyth Juniors Facebook page: Ystwyth Juniors | Facebook

Closer to home we had a great turn out for the monthly café meet up rides, with 3 different paced groups out riding before heading on to Yr Hen Lew Du for tea, coffee and cake provided by the club and hosted by Gwydion and Sara.

It’s always great to hear what everyone’s up to – drop ystwythcc@gmail.com an email with any news/updates or share on the club social media channels.