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.
Shelley presenting Glyn Evans and Ken Williams with their retirement giftsKen and Glyn officiating and time keeping for one final timeLife Members Glyn and Ken receiving their retirement gifts at the Cwm Rheidol time trial
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
Gruff Lewis – Winner of the overall Men’s Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Leeroy Mason)
Dafydd Wright – 2nd overall in the Men’s Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Leeroy Mason)
Caron Pugh – 3rd overall in the Men’s Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Ade Price)
Llion Rees-Jenkins – Winner of the Men’s Road Bike Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Leeroy Mason)
Daniel O’Brien – 2nd in the Men’s Road Bike Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Leeroy Mason)
Stuart George – 3rd in the Men’s Road Bike Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Leeroy Mason)
Emma Palfrey – winner of the overall Ladies Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Leeroy Mason)
Anita Saycell – 2nd overall in the Ladies Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Leeroy Mason)
Elaine Rowlands – Winner of the Ladies Road Bike Ystwyth Club Championship (photo credit – Leeroy Mason)
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 .
Junior rider Lowri Richards has been competing regularly at national (u16) level all over the UK, from Scarborough to London and regularly returns to compete on the Ystwyth TT courses. Photo Credit: Aled RichardsJunior Thomas Mason has been enjoying his first successful year competing in the Ystwyth time trials and holding his own against many of the senior riders. Photo Credit: Aled Richards
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.
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
Caron Pugh took 3rd on the Triple Crown Clarach Hill Climb earlier in the month and went on to take the Devil’s Bridge hilly overall win on the 30th June (Photo credit: Ian Ramsbottom)
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
Photo credit: Ffocws MediaPhoto credit: Ffocws MediaPhoto credit: Ffocws Media
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
Elaine Rowlands on her way to second place on the podium in the ladies road bike category (Photo credit: Aled Richards)Griff Lewis storming the course to take the road bike win and the overall win (Photo credit: Aled Richards)
The inaugural Ystwyth TT Triple Crown took place over the two days, 19-20th June and saw 25 riders taking part in the events. With three events on offer riders could choose from the 1 mile Clarach hill climb, 10 mile Cwm Rheidol TT or the 16 mile Devil’s Bridge Hilly TT. However to qualify for the Triple Crown, riders would have to complete all three events.
The Ystwyth TT Triple Crown began with an early start at Llangorwen Church and the 12 riders took their turn to take on the 1 mile Clarach Hill Climb challenge. It was a competitive event with Jack Ramsbottom posting the fastest time of the morning 3.53, which was only 17 seconds off the fastest time ever recorded on the hill climb, which was set by Stevie Williams in 3.36 in 2017. The fastest lady on the day was Emma Palfrey storming her way up the hill to take the win in an impressive 5.22.
Jack Ramsbottom storming the Clarach Hill Climb for the overall win (Photo Credit: Ian Ramsbottom)
Stage 1- Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown – Clarach Hill Climb Jack Ramsbottom 3.53 Nick Livermore 4.20 Caron Owen Pugh 4.27 Dafydd Wright 4.31 Gruffudd Pugh-Jones 4.34 Llion Rees-Jenkins 4.54 Thomas Mason 5.14 Emma Palfrey 5.22 Anita Saycell 6.27 Toby Driver 6.45 Ian Brandreth 6.58 Mike Fitch 8.05
Next on to the evening event, the 10 mile Cwm Rheidol TT. A course many riders are familiar with and regularly race. The 17 riders entered faced a fast leg to the turn but had a tough battle against the wind on the way back. The ride of the evening and with the overall win, was from Dafydd Wright, posting 22.09, followed by Nick Livermore who did an incredible ride on a road bike to take second place in 22.43 and Caron Pugh completed the overall podium in 23.01. For the ladies event Emma Palfrey won the overall event with her time of 25.52, in second place Anita Saycell with 26.34 and back to racing TT’s and completing the podium Elaine Rowlands in 33.12.
Stage 2Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown – Cwmrheidol 10 Dafydd Wright (9.48) 22.09 Nick Livermore R (10.03) 22.43 Caron Owen Pugh (10.05) 23.01 Jack Ramsbottom R (10.22) 23.43 Llion Rees-Jenkins R (11.25) 25.23 Rhodri Jenkins R (11.30) 25.43 Emma Palfrey (11.55) 25.52 Thomas Mason R (11.38) 26.20 Anita Saycell (11.38) 26.34 Gwion James R (12.45) 28.24 Andrew Davies R (12.45) 29.16 Ian Brandreth R (12.53) 29.29 Mike Fitch R (12.55) 30.11 Toby Driver R (13.22) 30.29 David Wright R (12.36) 30.42 Elaine Rowlands R (14.06) 33.12 Dave Reed R (14.30) 36.10
Dafydd Wright on his way to winning Stage 2 – Cwm Rheidol 10 (Photo Credit: Ade Price)
After two events the General Classification was looking exciting with only a minute separating the top four riders.
After a good nights sleep, riders returned bright and early for the final and most brutal event the Devil’s Bridge Hilly. The 16 riders faced an unrelenting headwind all the way to Devil’s Bridge and only enjoyed a tailwind for the last few miles to the finish. Taking the overall win, with a storming ride was Jack Woolley in 44.01, followed by a strong ride by Dafydd Wright, finishing in 44.53 and taking third spot, Griff Lewis, who has recently returned back from competing in the Junior Tour of Yorkshire, finished in a time of 44.58. In the ladies event Emma Palfrey took the win with 53.53 and Anita Saycell took the second spot in 58.09.
Jack Woolley 44.01 Dafydd Wright 44.53 Griff Lewis 44.58 Jack Ramsbottom 45.22 Nick Livermore 45.40 Rhys Iorwerth Evans 46.58 Gruffudd Pugh-Jones 48.02 Caron Owen Pugh 4815 Llion Rees-Jenkins 50.33 Thomas Mason 53.22 Emma Palfrey 53.53 Anita Saycell 58.09 Harry Moore 1.01.58 Ian Brandreth 1.06.49 Mike Fitch 1.09.09 Dave Reed 1.31.11
Jack Woolley storming Stage 3 to take the win (Photo credit: Ian Ramsbottom)
With three very different TT events over the weekend, the Triple Crown General Classification was always going to be a great achievement for each rider to complete. From the 25 riders, there were 10 that completed all three events. Dafydd Wright proved his strength over the hills as well as the flats to take the GC win with his accumulated time of 1.11.33, Nick Livermore took the second place in the GC with his impressive rides over the weekend giving his accumulated time of 1.12.43, and in third GC place only 15 seconds behind was Jack Ramsbottom flying over the weekend and earning his GC time of 1.12.58.
In the ladies GC Emma Palfrey took a convincing win showing her strength over the weekend with her GC time of 1.25.07 and in second place Anita Saycell with her GC time of 1.31.10.
Dafydd Wright winning the overall General Classification (GC) (Photo credit: Ian Ramsbottom)Emma Palfrey on her way to winning the overall ladies General Classification (GC) (Photo credit: Ian Ramsbottom)
Ystwyth Time Trial Triple Crown 2021 – General Classification
Dafydd Wright 1.11.33 Nick Livermore 1.12.43 Jack Ramsbottom 1.12.58 Caron Owen Pugh 1.15.43 Llion Rees-Jenkins 1.20.50 Thomas Mason 1.24.56 Emma Palfrey 1.25.07 Anita Saycell 1.31.10 Ian Brandreth 1.43.16 Mike Fitch 1.47.25
A thank you and huge well done to all the riders that competed over the weekend. Also a very big thank you to the organisers Andy Hunt and Derek Rattray and to all those that were able to help marshal, take photos and came along to support the riders. With all your support it helped to make the event safe, supportive and fun for all the riders! Diolch yn fawr bawb!
Ystwyth Cycle Club have been very fortunate to have the support and expertise for many years from club life member Glyn Evans. After more than 40 years of commissaire service, many of which as a National Commissaire, Glyn will be taking a well earned break and enjoying his retirement.
The club would like to wish Glyn all the best with his retirement and thank him for all his work and help over the many years. Diolch yn fawr Glyn.
Glyn Evans (centre) in his early racing days for Ystwyth CCGlyn Evans (far left). At the time of the photo Glyn and Ken Williams (far right) were two of only five National Commissaires in WalesGlyn (on the left) as one of the Commissaires for the local Tour of the Mining Valleys road race in 2014
While the Welsh football team were playing an impressive game against Turkey, five riders turned up to test their form on the Llety Gwyn TT 10 mile course.
The rain held off and with only a gentle breeze to contend with, it promised to be a fast night.
In the men’s overall and road bike category, young local rider Thomas Mason had a storming ride to take the win on the night with 25.56. The second and third spots were hotly contended by two strong V70 riders, Mike Fitch and Martin Williams, with Mike taking second place (30.02) and Martin Williams completing the podium in 30.25.
In the women’s event Emma Palfrey had an impressive ride to take the ladies win and first place overall, with her personal best time of 25.37. Taking second place on the ladies podium was Anita Saycell with her time of 26.38.
Well done and thank you to all the riders that competed on the night, and a very big thank you to the TT organisers and marshalls that assisted to ensure the safety of the riders.
With the TT Triple Crown Event this weekend 19-20 June (open to non-club members), Ystwyth CC is looking forward to an action packed weekend with lots of prizes on offer.
Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 7– Llety Gwyn 10 Results Emma Palfrey 25.37 Thomas Mason R 25.56 Anita Saycell 26.38 Mike Fitch R 30.02 Martin Williams R 30.25 Timekeepers Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray Marshall’s Scott Tompsett & Gwen
Thomas Mason on his way to winning the men’s event overall and also taking the road bike category win (Photo credit: T. Mason)Emma Palfrey on her way to taking the ladies win and setting a new personal best time (Photo credit: T. Mason)
