The 15 riders on the 2nd September faced autumnal blustery weather as they took on the scenic Cwm Rheidol time trial course.
Junior rider, Lowri Richards starred as the first overall lady, and first road bike winner across the line in a time of 27.54, with Elaine Rowlands following up in second place overall and second in the road bike category with 31.44.
Owen Evans took the mens road category win with 24.39, followed closely by Rhodri Jenkins with 25.38 and completing the podium, junior rider Llion Rees-Jenkins in 27.17.
The mens overall winners saw junior Dafydd Wright take the win on the night in a superb time of 22.30, followed closely by Ieuan Andy Davies in 22.58 and completing the podium in third place Caron Pugh with 23.20.
Thank you to all the riders for taking part and to the time keepers and marshals.
Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 7 Results. Dafydd Wright 22.30 Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.58 Caron Owen Pugh 23.20 Owen Evans R 24.39 Tim Davies 25.24 Rhodri Jenkins R 25.38 Rhys Jeffreys 26.35 Llion Rees-Jenkins R 27.17 Tony Jones R 27.18 Lowri Richards R 27.54 Richard Thomas R 28.05 Liam Morgans 28.31 David Wright R 29.08 Elaine Rowlands R 31.44 Huw Jones DNF Timekeepers Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray Marshals Nia Richards
Tony Jones riding well to place 4th in the road bike category. Photo: Aled Richards
For the first time ever all the local stars had pre-entered to ride the inaugural Catalina Architecture Ystwyth CC time trial starting in the scenic Rheidol Valley. It was going to be a great night to see who would come out on top.
One of the stars taking part, was none other than climbing specialist Stevie Williams, who is currently racing for Team Bahrain McLaren. His team mates include the likes of Mikel Landa and Mark Cavendish.
The next local star on the start list, is regularly seen racing the local time trials in between his racing schedule is Gruff Lewis, who races for Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling Team and is the current course record holder.
The next two up and coming riders to complete the star studded line up were the Tarling brothers, Josh racing for Backstedt Bike Performance Race Club and Finlay racing for WORX Factory Racing.
All 18 riders were treated to ideal conditions on the night with a gentle south westerly breeze to help them slightly on the return leg.
The first overall woman across the line and road bike category winner was junior rider Lowri Richards with 27.33 setting a new seasons best time and following in second place Elaine Rowlands with 31.36.
The road bike category saw Rhodri Jenkins take the win with 25.21, followed by Will Thomas 26.20 and completing the podium, junior rider Llion Rees-Jenkins, all setting new personal best times.
The battle of the local stars and overall positions saw junior rider Josh Tarling come out on top with a new course record 20.37, hot on his heels and only 14 seconds behind, Gruff Lewis crossed the line in 20.51 and Stevie Williams who is usually more at home racing with the pros up hills that a flat TT completed the podium in third place with 21.22.
Ystwyth CC first claim riders are also on top form with Caron Pugh edging closer to the senior club course record set by Gareth Hodgson in 2019 (22.22) , Caron crossed the line with 22.37. Rhys Jeffreys also clocked an impressive 23.01 to cross the line in 7th place.
It is great to see the club time trials back in full swing and a chance for the riders to test themselves against the clock each week.
With the promise of reasonable weather , eighteen riders had pre-entered to take on the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile time trial for round five of the Catalina Architecture TT Series.
With a south easterly wind the riders had a helping hand to the halfway turnaround at Lovesgrove roundabout but had to work hard to maintain their speed on the return leg.
The road bike category was hotly contested with Rhodri Jenkins storming over the line in 25.55, placing him 6th rider overall. Second over the line was Will Thomas with another fast road bike time of 26.39 and junior rider improving week on week Llion Rees-Jenkins with a fantastic 27.39.
The ladies road bike category saw junior rider Lowri Richards set a season’s course best with 27.41 earning her the win on the night. Elaine Rowlands crossed the line in second place and also set a personal course best for the year with 31.54 and placing 1st V50.
The overall win on the night went to Josh Tarling in a superb 20.57, matching his previous time and course junior record. Ieuan Andy Davies crossed the line second with a new personal best time and earning himself the V50 course record, with 22.17. Third overall place went to Caron Pugh, who continues to lower his times each week and finished in 22.42 with a new personal best time.
The ladies overall win went to Anita Saycell finishing in 26.50, second lady across the line was junior rider Lowri Richards in 27.41 and completing the podium Elaine Rowlands in 31.54.
Well done to all the riders taking on the Cwm Rheidol course, and a special mention to all the juniors riding their first season of time trials, Llion, Gerwyn and Gwion and improving week on week. Thanks also to the time keepers, marshals and to Aled Richards for the great photos.
Next week the riders are back on the Cwm Rheidol course.
Caron Pugh riding his way onto the podium and Rhodri Jenkins on his way to taking the road bike category win Photos: Aled Richards
Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 5 – 20th August 2020 Results Joshua Tarling 20.57 Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.17 Caron Owen Pugh 22.42 Finlay Tarling 22.47 Michael Tarling 25.08 Rhodri Jenkins 25.55 Will Thomas 26.39 Anita Saycell 26.50 Llion Rees-Jenkins 27.39 Lowri Richards 27.41 David Wright 28.41 Toby Driver 30.07 Elaine Rowlands 31.54 Gerwyn Humphreys 31.39 Gwion Humphreys 36.39 Scott Tompsett DNF Rhys Evans DNF
With the promise of a fast night, with warm air and very little wind it was going to be a great night for local time trialling. The nineteen club members prepared themselves for the 10 mile out and back TT course and didn’t disappoint.
The ladies overall winners and road category winners were Katie Miles in 27.03 who is having a great season on the bike and riding strongly. Following closely behind was junior rider Lowri Richards in 27.24 and completing the podium was Elaine Rowlands with 31.02 and earning 1st V50 female rider across the line.
The overall men’s winner went to Josh Tarling who had a fantastic ride to place first overall and in the process set a new junior course record in 20.44. The senior and overall course record is still held by local pro cyclist Gruff Lewis, this was set in 2018 (20.35), hot on Josh’s wheels was younger brother FinlayTarling in 21.33 and in third place Ieuan Andy Davies in 21.48, setting another record on the night with a new V50 course record.
The road bike category men’s winners were Henry Moss in 24.56, Rhodri Jenkins in 25.58 and third place went to Tony Jones in 26.04.
Congratulations to all the riders on the night and to the time keepers and marshalls for their help.
Catalina Architecture TT Series 2020 Round 4 – Wednesday 12th August Llety Gwyn 10
Joshua Tarling 20.44 Finlay Tarling 21.33 Ieuan Andrew Davies 21.48 Rhys Jeffreys 22.32 Dafydd Wright 22.36 Huw Jones 22.37 Rhys Evans 22.38 Caron Owen Pugh 22.41 Henry Moss 24.56 Daniel O’Brien 25.00 Rhodri Jenkins 25.58 Tony Jones 26.04 Llion Rees-Jenkins 26.32 Katie Miles 27.03 Lowri Richards 27.24 David Wright 28.29 Gerwyn Humphreys 30.01 Elaine Rowlands 31.02 Gwion Humphreys DNF Timekeepers: Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray (David Wright) Marshall’s : Scott Tompsett & Gwen Helen Jackson Nia Richards
Ystwyth CC Riders ready to race Round 4 of the Catalina Architecture TT series
As part of the 2020 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 over the month.
The TT organisers are pleased to announce that the Catalina Architecture July rider of the month is a rider that has made enormous improvements over the last few years and is having a fantastic season so far. He is a junior rider racing for Caffi Gruff Race Team as well as Ystwyth CC. He regularly competes in the Ystwyth TT’s with a chat and a smile with other riders, before getting down to business and battling out the TT’s and regularly finishing in a podium position.
Congratulations to Dafydd Wright on receiving his Catalina Architecture TT rider of the month.
Dafydd Wright receiving his Catalina Architecture TT rider of the month gifts.
Wednesday (5th August) proved to be an exciting night for local time trialling. The Cwm Rheidol 10 mile time trial course was broken not by one but by two riders on the night.
The course record was set in 2018 by Gruff Lewis and has stood for two years at 21.03. Round 3 of the Catalina Architecture TT series saw Gruff Lewis break his own record and set the bar higher with 20.51. Junior rider Josh Tarling also broke the previous course record on the night and crossed the line in second place with a blistering time of 20.57. Ieuan Andy Davies completed the overall podium with third place and first V50 rider, 22.34.
First male V40 across the line on the night was Scott Tompsett having a great season so far and finishing in 23.43.
The men’s road bike category saw Richard Eakins take the win in 24.25, followed by junior riders Gerwyn Humpheys taking second place and Gwion Humpheys completing the podium in third place. Both Gerwyn and Gwion were riding cross bikes and completing their first time trial.
The ladies podium saw Eva Marshall take the win on the night with 28.09, closely followed by Lowri Richards in 28.14, and Elaine Rowlands in third place and first V50 rider with 32.05.
Well done to all the riders and thank you to the time keepers Andy H and Derek R and marshals Nia R and Helen J for their help.
Elaine Rowlands riding her way to third lady overall and 1st V50 lady. Photo credit: Aled Richards
Catalina Architecture TT Series 2020 Rd3
Results
Gruffudd Lewis 20.51
Joshua Tarling 20.57
Ieuan Andrew Davies 22.34
Finlay Tarling 22.44
Rhys Evans 23.07
Caron Owen Pugh 23.19
Scott Tompsett 23.43
Richard Eakins R 24.25
Eva Marshall R 28.09
Lowri Richards R 28.14
Elaine Rowlands R 32.05
Gerwyn Humphreys R 32.23
Gwion Humphreys R 33.28
Timekeepers
Andy Hunt & Derek Rattray
Marshall’s
Nia Richards & Helen Jackson
The fourteen riders that braved the damp conditions last Wednesday (29th July) were treated to a south westerly wind which helped slightly with the tough relentless climb from Southgate to Devil’s Bridge.
This was the second round in the Catalina Architecture TT series and proved an exciting event with some of the strongest local riders competing.
The overall first place went to local pro rider Gruff Lewis, with a time of 39.31. Second place and still a junior rider was Josh Tarling with a fast time of 40.01 and third place, was won by another upcoming and local junior rider, Dafydd Wright with a swift 42.49.
The first male V40 and in overall fifth place across the line, was Rhys Jeffreys in 44.34. With the male V50 category won by Ieuan Andy Davies in 45.10.
The first overall ladies winner and junior was Lowri Richards with a fast time of 48.13, followed by Elaine Rowlands in second place and first V50 rider in 64.03.
Congratualtions to all the riders taking on the hilly route and to Andy H and Derek for time keeping and to Scott T and Gwen for marshalling.
Lowri Richards the first junior and lady across the line and Dafydd Wright on his way to a podium third place. Photo Credit: Ade Price
The full results are below:
Catalina Architecture TT Series Round 2 – Devils Bridge Hilly (Revised 15.8m) Gruffudd Lewis 39.31 Joshua Tarling 40.01 Dafydd Wright 42.49 Finlay Tarling 43.57 Rhys Jeffreys 44.34 Ieuan Andrew Davies 45.10 Caron Owen Pugh 45.17 Huw Jones 45.21 Lowri Richards 48.13 Rhodri Jenkins & Llion Rees-Jenkins 2up 49.16 Will Thomas 51.00 Gari Jones 57.59 Elaine Rowlands 64.03 Michael Tarling DNF
Ystwyth CC member Gethin Howells took on the Everesting challenge in June this year and achieved the incredible feat of climbing 8848 meters on a local gravel climb known as the ‘legburner’, earning his place in the Everesting Hall of Fame.
This is known as the most difficult climbing challenge in the world. The idea is simple, pick any hill, anywhere in the world and complete repetitions of that hill in one go until you reach 8848 meters which is equivalent to – yep you guessed it…Everest.
Gethin has shared his Everesting experience…
“I’m quite a fan of band wagons. A couple of years ago I jumped on the gravel riding band wagon and over the Covid lockdown Everesting turned out to the wagon to jump on as everyone was having a go. As I’d been training quite hard over the last few months (exactly why I’m not sure!!) I thought I’d combine my love of gravel riding with the new world wide obsession of Everesting. I played around with a few locations for the attempt but eventually decided that it had to be the Legburner as it’s such a local icon. The weather wasn’t amazing on the day of the attempt however this probably helped me as I don’t do too well with hot weather and the tail wind up the climb was not unwelcome!!! After starting just before 5am, the first half flew by. I had great legs and hit the half way point in less than six and a half hours. Inevitably the second half felt a lot harder but fortunately this is when all the friends and family I’d told about the attempt turned up despite the wind and rain at times and rode a few laps with me or passed me supplies from my box of goodies. My low point was at 32 laps, I wasn’t sure if I could make it but once I got to 40 laps I knew there was no quitting after that point. I reached the magic number of 8848m just before the end of lap 48 but did one more just to make sure I’d done enough. It was a seriously tough day out however it was probably less than 24hrs before I started dreaming of the next stupid challenge to pit myself against!!”
In the photos are Katie Miles, Huw Richards and Alan Cole.
With all the safety measures in place and following the advice and guidance of the Cycling Time Trials Association the Ystwyth CC club time trials are back for 2020.
It was great to see a club activity return after four months of all activities being suspended. The rain stopped in plenty of time and the gentle south westerly breeze provided great conditions for riders on the Llety Gwyn 10 mile course.
Eight riders had signed on for the first time trial of 2020. A time trial is often known as the ‘race of truth’, with just the rider against the clock. With the new regulations, riders started themselves and were not given a holding start. Each rider then set off every two minutes to ensure as much spacing as possible on the road.
With the good conditions there were some very fast times recorded on the course. The overall ladies winner of round 1 and also a junior rider went to Lowri Richards in a superb time of 27.47 also earning her first place in the ladies road bike category. The overall mens winner was another junior rider Dafydd Wright in a fantastic time and new course personal best of 22.15. In second place across the line, was Rhys Jeffreys in 22.36 with a new personal best time and riding his way closer to breaking the V40 course record set by Danny Thorogood in 2009. Following in third place, was Scott Tompsett in 23.48, setting another new personal best time.
The road bike category winners were Wayne Maguire, crossing the line in 25.21 and Lowri Richards with 27.47.
A thank you to all the riders for taking part in the first event of 2020 and following all the new guidance to keep themselves and others safe. Thank you also to the organisers, Andy Hunt and Derek Rattray and to Andy Davies for marshalling.
The next event in the series is the Devils Bridge Hilly on Wednesday 29th July. The full list of events in the series can be found here: https://www.ystwyth.cc/2020-time-trial-series/ Details about how and where to sign on will be posted on the Club Facebook page before the event.
Catalina Architecture TT Series – Round 1 Results (22nd July 2020)
Dafydd Wright 22.15 Rhys Jeffreys 22.36 Scott Tompsett 23.48 Wayne Maguire R 25.21 Andy Starr 27.01 Lowri Richards R 27.47 Anita Saycell R 27.50 Toby Driver R 30.01
