Round 18 – Clarach Hill Climb (5th September)

The final event in a successful 2021 series took place early on Sunday the 5th September. Eight riders braved the 1 mile tough climb starting near Llangorwen Church which headed up towards the entrance to Frongoch farm.

It was to be a fast morning which involved re-writing the club record books across the various age categories.

In the men’s event Ciaran Rowett flew up the hill, showing his prowess on the climbs and finished first in a blistering 4.31. Only five seconds separated the second and third placed up and coming junior riders. Just squeezing into second place, Llion Rees-Jenkins flew up the climb in 5.01 and was followed closely by Thomas Mason who showing his strength this season, finished in 5.06 and set a new first claim club junior record.

In the ladies event it was good to see the Brewer sisters back competing on local roads. Leah Brewer, showed her strength on the climbs taking the win with a new ladies club record time of 4.52 which she previously set herself three years ago. In second place, Lois, hot on her sister’s heels crossed the line in a fast 5.04.

There were further records with Martin Williams setting a new club record for the V70 age group in 7.18 and Tim Strang setting a second claim V60 record.

All the records can be seen on the club website and if anyone has any amendments please do let the club know! Time Trial Records – Clwb Beicio Ystwyth Cycling Club

A thank you to Catalina Architecture for sponsoring the 2021 series, the TT organisers, time keepers, race photographers, along with everybody that has been able to help over the series keeping the riders safe. Most importantly a special mention and thank you to all the riders that have taken part over the year – the club hope you enjoyed and look forward to seeing you next year!

Leah Brewer – ladies overall winner and club record holder (photo credit: Leeroy Mason)
Ciaran Rowett – men’s overall hill climb winner (photo credit: Leeroy Mason)

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 18 – Clarach Hill Climb Results
Ciaran Rowett 4.31
Leah Brewer 4.52 (senior ladies first claim club record)
Llion Rees-Jenkins 5.01
Lois Brewer 5.04
Thomas Mason 5.06 (junior men’s first claim club record)
Tim Strang 5.55 (V60 men’s second claim record)
Martin Williams 7.18 (V70 men’s first claim club record)
Mike Fitch 7.42 (V70 men’s second claim record)
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt, Derek Rattray & Elaine Rowlands

(photo credits: Leeroy Mason)

Round 17 Catalina Architecture TT Series – Devil’s Bridge Hilly 25th August

Nine riders took on the Devil’s Bridge 16 mile hilly time trial. It proved a good night, with only a gentle breeze and warm air. This rolling course tested the riders’ end of season fitness as well as their bike choice, with many riders choosing a road bike over a time trial bike.

The ride of the evening went to Nick Livermore, who set a blistering time with 43.26 and finished first overall with a 4 minute margin. Second on the podium was Caron Pugh with a swift time of 47.47, and completing the podium, Andy Hunt with a great ride to cross the line in 48.14.

The women’s overall event was won by Emma Palfrey, flying around the course to finish in 53.56.

Well done to all the riders and those that were able to help on the night, making it a safe event.

The final event of the Catalina Architecture TT series will be on Sunday 5th September. This will be the 1 mile Clarach hill climb.

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 17 Devils Bridge Hilly.
Results
Nick Livermore 43.26
Caron Owen Pugh 47.47
Andy Hunt 48.14
Thomas Mason 52.02
Emma Palfrey 53.56
Tim Strang 58.08
Andy Starr 1.01.47
Mike Fitch 1.02.13
Martin Williams 1.06.03
Timekeepers
Derek Rattray & Elaine Rowlands
Marshall
Anita Saycell

Nick Livermore storming the course to take the overall win (photo credit: Leeroy Mason)

(photo credits: Leeroy Mason)

Round 16 Catalina Architecture TT Series – Cwm Rheidol 18th August

The conditions were good for the last 10 mile time trial of the year. The twelve riders enjoyed their last chance to test their legs over the gently rolling Cwm Rheidol course.

The evening was dominated by the Caffi Gruff race team, who took the top three overall placings. Dafydd Wright stormed the course to take the overall win in a fantastic time of 22.02. Steffan James took the road bike win and second overall in a storming ride of 23.42, while Jack Ramsbottom proving he can take on hills and time trials took the third overall place in 23.42.

In the ladies event, Emma Palfrey took the overall win with a storming ride to finish in 26.08. Anita Saycell took the second spot in 27.25 and Elaine Rowlands, current V50 course record holder took the third overall place and the road bike win in 31.40.

On the evening Mike Fitch proved age is no barrier and set the fastest recorded time on the course for the V70 age group with his time of 29.08.

Well done to all the riders that competed on the night, and a thank you to the TT organisers, time keepers and marshall’s that assisted on the night to ensure the safety of the riders.

Next week the series returns to the Devil’s Bridge Hilly course on the 25th August and then the final round, Sunday 5th September on the 1 mile Clarach hill climb.  https://www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 16 – Cwm Rheidol
Dafydd Wright 22.02
Steffan James 23.42
Jack Ramsbottom 23.42
Llion Rees-Jenkins 24.29
Andy Hunt 24.57
Rhodri Jenkins 25.45
Emma Palfrey 26.08
Anita Saycell 27.25
Adam Smith 27.56
Owen Thomas 28.48
Mike Fitch 29.08
Elaine Rowlands 31.40
Timekeepers
Derek Rattray & Andrew Davies
Marshall’s
Scott Tompsett. Gwen & Osian

Overall winner on the night Dafydd Wright (Photo credit: Ade Price)

Round 15 Catalina Architecture TT Series – 11th August

It was the riders’ last chance to test themselves on the flatter 10 mile Llety Gwyn course as the end of the time trial season fast approaches.

Eight riders lined up to take on the course. The rain kept at bay but the south westerly breeze didn’t seem to help the riders much in either direction.

The conditions however proved no issue for the overall men’s winner, local pro rider Gruff Lewis. Gruff had a fantastic ride to equal his own course record set in 2018 with his time of 20.36. Next on the men’s podium, in second place was Ystwyth CC rider Caron Pugh with a strong ride and crossing the line in 23.10. In third place, and swapping the stopwatch for the TT bike was Andy Hunt in 24.21.

The overall ladies winner was Emma Palfrey, taking the top spot with a great ride to finish in 25.37. In second place Anita Saycell in 27.23 and completing the podium, Elaine Rowlands in 31.50.

The road bike men’s winner was Owen Thomas, making a return to the time trials with an impressive ride time of 29.51. In second place was the V70 course record holder, Martin Williams in 30.13.

The road bike ladies winner was the holder of the ladies V50 course record Elaine Rowlands, with a great ride and crossing the line in 31.50.

Well done and thank you to all the riders that competed on the night, and a thank you to the TT organisers, time keepers and chief marshall that assisted on the night to ensure the safety of the riders.

Next week the series returns to the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course: https://www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/

Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 15 – Llety Gwyn 10
Gruffudd Lewis 20.36
Caron Owen Pugh 23.10
Andy Hunt 24.21
Emma Palfrey 25.37
Anita Saycell 27.23
Owen Thomas 29.51
Martin Williams 30.13
Elaine Rowlands 31.50
Time Keepers
Derek Rattray & Andrew Davies
Chief Marshall
Scott Tompsett

Men’s winner and current course record holder – Gruff Lewis
Photo credit: Leeroy Mason

Chaingang is back but different!

The club chaingang is back for a few weeks before we lose the evening light.

It will be a slightly shorter route to keep it safer, with riders making their own way to the Golf Club in Borth. The route will then head clockwise from the Borth Golf Club heading north to Ynyslas, then to Tre’r-ddol and the finish in the Rhydypennau School layby.

View the new chaingang route.

The aim of the chaingang is to ride in small groups, taking short turns on the front. The aim is to keep the pace smooth and consistent and work together as a group. You usually find yourself riding a slightly faster pace because you have recovery time when sitting behind the other riders.

Check out the club guidance and tips for riding in a group

No booking is needed, turn up and have a go. The more riders there are the more group pace options there will be.

Where? Meet at the entrance to Borth Golf Club

When? Starting this Thursday 12th August and every Thursday (until we lose the day light!)

Time? Meet at 6:30pm at the Borth Golf Club

Route: 9.6 mi Road Cycling Route on Strava

Ride for Rhodri – 14th August

On Saturday 14th August Clwb Caron are organising a challenge ride in memory of club member Rhodri Davies. Rhodri was a regular at the Ystwyth CC spin sessions and a friend to many Ystwyth CC riders and it would be great for as many Ystwyth CC riders to take part as possible. It’s a great chance to enjoy some cycling on different roads and help support an important charity in Rhodri’s memory.

To encourage as many Ystwyth CC riders as possible to take part, there won’t be any social rides planned on the Sunday 15th August.

There are different distances on offer from a 20 mile family ride up to an epic 150 mile option, with distances in between.

Routes:

50 mile loop Tregaron, Llanddewi, Cwmann, Llanybydder, Llanwnen, Lampeter.,Llangybi,Tregaron, Bonrhydfendigaid, Tyngraig, Comin Lledrod Common, Tyngraig, Tregaron.

20 mile loop Tregaron, Llanddewi, Cwmann, right turn after Lampeter Coop, Llanfair Clydogau, Llanddewi, Tregaron.

All the proceeds from the event are going to the charity Tir Dewi who provide invaluable support for farmers across Wales. If anyone is unable to ride and would like to donate there is a Just Giving Tir Dewi page.

Round 11 Catalina Architecture TT Series – 14th July

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

Emma Palfrey setting a course time for the ladies on the Cwm Rheidol course (photo credit Ade Price)
Ken Williams and Glyn Evans timekeeping for the riders

Round 14 Catalina Architecture TT Series – 4th August

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

Ian Brandreth (on the left) winner of the road bike category and Caron Pugh (on the right) overall winner
Elaine Rowlands winner of the road bike category
Mike Fitch – third overall and second in the road bike category
Martin Williams – third in the road bike category
Dave Reed – fourth in the road bike category

    Catalina Architecture June rider of the month

    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.

    Mike Fitch receiving the June rider of the month Catalina Architecture prize