Celebrating the year – Ystwyth CC Dinner and Awards

The club enjoyed their annual dinner at the Tafarn y Maes, Capel Bangor on Friday evening.  The evening was a chance to celebrate the year, catch up off the bike and celebrate club achievements.
Ystwyth CC were grateful to their special guests that attended, the life members, local pro rider Gruff Lewis and the club sponsors, Summit Cycles and Cambrian Tyres.
During the evening the club held a raffle, which raised £236.90 which will be donated to the local MIND charity in Aberystwyth.  A special thank you to everyone who bought tickets and raffle prize donators;  
  • Summit Cycles
  • Cambrian Tyres
  • Life Member, John Gisbourne
  • Club Kit Secretary, Paul Tedaldi
The evening ended on a high with the annual club awards being hosted by the Club Membership Secretary and long time club member, Andy Davies. 
 
Life Member Glyn Evans, presented Ieuan Andy Davies with the ‘Men’s TT League Winner’ award.
Ken Williams, Life Member presented Anita Saycell with the ‘Ladies TT League Winner’ award.
Leif Skot, Life Member presented Rhys Jeffreys with the ‘Handicap TT’ award.

Club sponsor, Summit Cycles (Joe) presented the ‘Club Person of the Year’ award to Derek Rattray.  
Life Member and representing the club sponsor, Cambrian Tyres, Shelley Childs presents Ieuan Andy Davies with the ‘Club Road Race Award’.

John Gisbourne, Life Member presented Andy Hunt with the ‘Hilly Time Trial Award’.

 Club Sponsor, Summit Cycles (Jim) presented Gruff Lewis with the ‘Hill Climb’ Award.

Gruff Lewis, local pro rider for Team Ribble Cycling presented Steffan James with the ‘Most Improved Rider’ award.

A special thank you from Ystwyth CC to all the Life Members that were able to attend the Annual Dinner and present the awards.  From left to right; Glyn Evans, Ken Williams, John Gisbourne, Leif Skot and Shelley Childs.

The club would like to thank Tafarn Y Maes for providing fantastic food and hosting Ystwyth CC for the evening and the Club Social Secretary for all her hard work in arranging the event.
The next club event planned is the Summit Cycles Mince Pie rides on the Sunday 22nd December: https://www.facebook.com/events/592851238117666/

Ystwyth CC Annual Club Dinner 2019

The annual Club Dinner is the Friday 6th December, 7pm arrival at the Tafarn y Maes, Capel Bangor.

The tickets are now on sale, first come first served!! The cost is £25 a ticket for a 3 course meal and a great evening. Cheques payable to ‘Ystwyth CC’ or cash.

All club members have been emailed details on how to purchase a ticket from Susi.

The menu can be found below.  Please let Susi know if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.

If there is enough interest a bus will be organised to/from town.

There will be a raffle on the evening with all the proceeds going to MIND charity. There will be some great prizes on offer!! Raffle tickets can be purchased on the night £1 a ticket or in advance from Susi.

CANCELLED ….AGM @ Caffi Gruff – 29th November 2019

** This event is CANCELLED and will be rearranged for January **

We are very grateful to our local pro rider and Welsh road race champion, Gruff Lewis providing the venue for the club AGM.  We’ll be starting at 7pm in Caffi Gruff on the Friday 29th November 2019.  
It’s a great chance to catch up, enjoy good coffee, hear a round up of the year and have your say and vote on club matters for 2020.
All club members will be emailed the Agenda and will be eligible to vote on the night.  
Past minutes from the club AGM can all be found on the Ystwyth CC website.

Great 2019 Road Racing Season for Ystwyth CC

Ystwyth CC have been well represented on the road this year with a record number of club members earning their 2nd category race licences and earning some great results along the way. 

To be able to gain a 2nd category licence involves riders earning a total of 40 points.  This is no mean feat as riders often have to travel many miles to be able to race and then need to be able to finish in the top ten to be able to earn the points.

It is great to see Lois and Leah secure their 2nd category (cat) licences, having travelled over 3,500 miles to get to races this year proving their dedication and commitment to race.  With a few crashes on the way, Leah had a big ‘off’ at the York Omnium (where Lois had a great 2nd overall) and they both crashed out at the Fete du Velo in Redbourne (Herts).  They made up for this with top ten placings at all the races they entered.  They’re now both in full ‘Zwift mode’, riding for Team Fearless in the Zwift Classic series (and winning some $$ along the way!).

Representing the men on the road, Steff James after only racing for 12 months has earnt his 2nd cat licence this year.  With a great season racing regularly and three successful wins at Pembrey during the summer. 

Ieuan Andy Davies has regained his 2nd licence after returning strongly to the racing season this year and podium placings for the Masters 50+ category for the Welsh Criterium, Welsh Time Trial and the Welsh Road Race Championships.

Kristian Bond retained his 2nd category licence for 2019 and has been racing on the road and most recently raced the L’etape de la Defonce 2 day stage race, near Cowbridge along with Richard Eakins and Dave Jones.

Richard Eakins has had a great season racing for Ystwyth CC and again with his 2nd category licence he has raced on the road with many top ten placings.

David Jones has represented the club racing circuit races and the 2 day stage race with Richard  Eakins and Kristian Bond.

The junior riders have also been proudly wearing the club colours on the road with Griff Lewis (under 16 boys) and Llion Rees-Jenkins (under 14 boys), both in the youth category racing on various circuit courses throughout the year and with fantastic results.

A few local riders have had the opportunity to join bigger race teams, Richard Pizzey has had a fantastic season and results and gained his 2nd category licence this year and now rides for Ale UK.  Whilst Jack Woolley has been training hard with the Ystwyth CC riders and rides this year for BIKESTRONG-KTM, he has had another great season including wins at Pembrey race circuit and regular top three placings at races.

A special mention to pro local rider Gruff Lewis on his Welsh Road Race Championships win this year, a fantastic achievement.

Representing the Masters 40+ men has seen Wayne Maguire riding strongly this year to gain two top ten finishes. Malcolm Dines has also competed regularly down at Pembrey Circuit.

Representing the Masters 40+ ladies on the road has seen Anita on the podium for the V40 Welsh time Trial Championships.

The club are proud of all those that have been representing the club at road events thoughout the year.  If anyone is intersted in road racing have a chat to those in the club for advice and check out: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/article/izn20141114-How-to-get-into-road-racing—Racesmart-0

Lois and Leah earn their 2nd category race licences for 2019

Shelley nominated for Welsh Cycling Award

On the 12th October, Welsh Cycling are holding their annual Awards Dinner to celebrate the year and achievements at the Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground in Cardiff.

Last year Kristian Bond, recieved a nomination as club rider of the year and Ystwyth CC recieved a nomination for club of the year, making it through to the final three clubs.

This year, 2019 we were proud to be selected for club of the month in June by Welsh Cycling https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/wales/development/article/20190612-wc-development-Ystwyth-Cycling-Club-feature-as-June-s-Club-of-the-month-0 and we are also very proud that one of our life members, Shelley Childs has recieved a nomination …offically announced on the 9th September.

The deadline for tickets for anyone able to attend the Awards Dinner is the 12th September and they can be purchased online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/welsh-cycling-awards-2019-tickets-58782795925

Shelley Childs, Ystwyth CC Life Member and Aberystwyth Cycle Festival organiser
 
 
 
 

Records Tumble at the Ystwyth CC Hill Climb

Hill Climb – 28th August 2019

The hill climb saw some great racing to round up a successful timetrial season.  With 18 riders taking to the start line in Llangorwen it promised to be an exciting event.  The riders started at 1 minute intervals and had to ride as hard and fast as they can up hill for 1 mile to the finish line.

The ladies competion had a record turn out and was hotly contested.  Proving fastest on the evening was Eva Marshall crossing the line in 5mins45secs, followed closely by junior West Wales Racing Team rider, Lowri Richards in 6min.01sec, who has resently represented Wales on the track. Taking the third podium spot, was Ystwyth CC’s Katie Miles showing her strength on the hills to finish in 6min25sec.

Setting a new ladies V50 record on the hill climb was Elaine Rowlands, crossing the line in 7mins and 27sec. Elaine has had a fantastic season setting in total four age course records. 

In the men’s competition, it was going to be a fast night with 10 riders all dipping under 5mins30sec for the climb.

Local pro rider from Talybont, Gruff Lewis took the win in 4min08sec.  Battling it out for second place saw Richard Eakins and Adam Hepburn cross the line in the same time, 4min15sec.  Rhys Evans took the third place, only 1 second behind in 4min16sec.

Another record was set on the night.  The V50 hill climb men’s record previously held by Paul Brewer in 2018, was broken by Ieuan Andy Davies crossing the line strongly in 4min55sec.

The club would like to thank series organiser Andy Hunt for putting on a successful series this year and also thank all the riders for taking part.  A huge thank you to Derek and Scott for all their regular help and to everbody else that has been able to help out with marshalling, time keeping, photographs and cakes all of which help to make the series a great event 🙂

Katie on her way to third place and Elaine setting the new V50 record
Photo: Aled Richards


Ieuan Andy Davies on his way to setting the men’s V50 course record
Photo: Aled Richards

Cwm Rheidol 10. Wednesday August 13th 2019

Riders were treated to dry weather for the last chance to test themselves on the Cwm Rheidol 10 mile course for 2019.  With conditions fairly good, it would be interesting to see what riders could pull out of the bag with their last chance to improve on their course times.

In the ladies road bike category, Elaine Rowlands continued to show her strength, crossing the line first in 29.54, breaking that 30 minute barrier and setting another new V50 record.

In the overall ladies event, Anita Saycell took the win in 26.00, setting the V40 record, with Helen Marshall closely behind in 26.55, and Elaine Rowlands taking the third podium place in 29.54 with her V50 record time.

In the men’s road bike category, Adam Hepburn was the clear winner, crossing the line in 24.37.  In second place was Justin Manley, with a strong ride to finish in 27.53.  The third place went to Toby Driver breaking the 30 minute barrier and finishing in 29.42.

The overall men’s event saw a battle for the three podium places, with Rhys Jeffreys coming out on top with a personal best time of 22.46, placing him in first place.  Andy Hunt continued to show his form this year with a storming ride to take second place in 23.28 and Steffan Roberts following closely behind to take the third podium spot with another strong ride finishing in 24.15.

Thanks need to go to all the riders, Andy Hunt for organising, and to Derek, Katie, Scott and Gwen for time keeping and marshalling.

With only 2 events left for 2019, it’s a great chance to come along, set a time and enjoy catching up with other riders.

21/08/2019 Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
28/08/2019 Clarach Hill Climb 1 mile –  7.00pm

Cwm Rheidol 10. Wednesday August 13th 2019

Rhys Jeffreys (11.22) 22.46
Andy Hunt (11.35) 23.28
Steffan Roberts (11.56) 24.15
Adam Hepburn (12.22) 24.37
Anita Saycell (12.51) 26.00
Helen Marshall (13.26) 26.55
Rhodri Duffee (13.31) 27.21
Justin Manley (13.50) 27.53
Toby Driver (14.52) 29.42
Elaine Rowlands (14.40) 29.54

Rhodri Duffee on his way to crossing the line in 27.21

Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday August 7th 2019

It proved to be a fast night on the Llety Gwyn 10 mile TT course, with personal best times and course records broken.
The men’s overall podium was a battle with the top four riders all under the 24 minute barrier.
The current men’s senior record set by Shelley Childs in 1996, was equalled tonight by Rhys Jeffreys with his time of 22.46 earning him first place overall.
In second place and only one second behind was Ieuan Andy Davies in a time of 22.47.  Following closely behind was Andy Hunt, TT organiser in a storming time of 23.28.
The road bike podium place went to Steffan James in an amazing 23.37 earning him fourth place overall.  Dafydd Wright rode strongly to take second place crossing the line in 25.15, followed closely by Wayne Maguire showing his current form finishing in 25.41.
The overall women’s event saw Emma Palfrey ride strongly to take the win in 27.17, followed by junior rider Lowri Richards in 28.49 and taking third place and setting a new V50 course record, Elaine Rowlands in 29.40.
It was great to see David Casso-Davies returning to ride this course on the same bike he last used to TT when he was seventeen years old.
Thank you to all the riders, Andy Hunt for organising, and to Derek, Scott, Katie and Glyn for their help on the night.
With only 3 events left there is something for everyone from 1 mile to the 10 mile course.  It’s a great chance to come along, set a time and enjoy catching up with other riders.
14/08/2019 Cwm Rheidol 10 mile – 7.00pm
21/08/2019 Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
28/08/2019 Clarach Hill Climb 1 mile –  7.00pm
Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday August 7th 2019
R=No TT bars.
Time in brackets are the halfway splits.
Rhys Jeffreys (11.32) 22.46
Ieuan Andy Davies (11.21) 22.47
Andy Hunt (11.47) 23.28
Steffan James R (11.47) 23.37
Dafydd Wright R (12.27) 25.15
Wayne Maguire R (12.46) 25.41
Rhodri Duffee (13.13) 26.28
Mike Sherman R (13.07) 26.40
Emma Palfrey (13.43) 27.17
Justin Manley R (13.31) 27.18
Andre Marsh (13.38) 27.38
Lowri Richards R (14.26) 28.49
Elaine Rowlands R (14.40) 29.40
David Casso-Davies R (15.14) 30.27
Nia Richards R (16.39) 32.53
Caron Pugh DNF
David Casso-Davies riding the same bike he last used on this TT course when he was 17 years old
Rhys Jeffreys being counted down before riding away with the overall win

Devils Bridge Hilly Revised 8 mile TT – 31st July 2019

With traffic lights still on the course at Devil’s Bridge, it meant that the riders would be ‘treated’ to a much shorter time trial.  With the revised route starting at Southgate and climbing continuously to the finish, it may have been shorter but definitely not any easier.

With eight riders taking on the course in wet conditions, it was going to be a good night to see who would be strongest mentally and physically on this shorter hilly course.

With no ladies riding, it was left to the men to battle it out for the podium.  The rider that proved the strongest on the evening was TT organiser Andy Hunt in a time of 27.50 earning the top podium spot.  Finishing closely behind was Rhys Evans in 28.08, and taking the third podium spot was Adam Hepburn in 28.38.

Well done to all the riders in tough conditions and to Derek, Nia and Scott for marshalling and time keeping the event.

With only 5 events left there is something for everyone from 1 mile to the 10 mile course.  It’s a great chance to come along, set a time and enjoy catching up with other riders.

07/08/2019  Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
14/08/2019 Cwm Rheidol 10 mile – 7.00pm
21/08/2019 Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
28/08/2019 Clarach Hill Climb 1 mile –  7.00pm

More details on the club website: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Devils Bridge Hilly Revised.
Andy Hunt 27.50
Rhys Evans 28.08
Adam Hepburn 28.38
Caron Pugh 28.52
Rhodri Duffee 33.33
Andre Marsh 33.58
Owen Thomas 36.22
Gari Jones 36.55


Cwm Rheidol 10. Wednesday July 24th 2019

With soaring record temperatures throughout the UK, it was going to prove a night of hot competition.

The men’s road bike category saw Adam Hepburn burn away the competition to take the win and 4th overall with 24.14.  It was great to see Shelley Childs return to the TT scene and take the second place on the road bike podium with 28.14. David Casso-Davies, setting faster times each week completed the podium in 28.41.

The overall men’s event was hotly contested, with all three podium places under the 24 minutes and less than 45 seconds separating the winners. 

Caron Pugh rode away with the win and in doing so set a personal best time of 22.47, and only 25 seconds away from the senior men’s record on this course, which was set by Gareth Hodgson earlier this year.  Ieuan Andy Davies also had a storming ride crossing the line in 22.54, and only 25 seconds from the V50 record.  Taking the third podium spot was Rhys Jeffreys improving his times each week and setting a new personal best to take the overall third place in 23.31.

The women’s road bike win went to Theresa Sharland, riding her first time trial and breaking the 30minute barrier, crossing the line in 29.03.

The overall women’s category saw Anita Saycell take the win in 27.39, only just ahead by 4 seconds from Helen Marshall in 27.43.

Thank you to all the riders, Andy Hunt for organising and time keeping and Scott for his help on the night.

With only 5 events left there is something for everyone from 1 mile to the hilly 22 mile event.  It’s a great chance to come along, set a time and enjoy catching up with other riders.

31/07/2019 Devils Bridge Hilly 22 mile – 6:30pm
07/08/2019  Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
14/08/2019 Cwm Rheidol 10 mile – 7.00pm
21/08/2019 Llety Gwyn 10 mile – 7.00pm
28/08/2019 Clarach Hill Climb 1 mile –  7.00pm

More details on the club website: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Cwm Rheidol 10. Wednesday July 24th 2019

Caron Pugh 22.47
Ieuan Andy Davies 22.54
Rhys Jeffreys 23.31
Adam Hepburn R 24.14
Patrick Mayo 25.21
Dilwyn Griffiths 25.35
Andy Starr 26.53
Rhodri Duffee 27.16
Anita Saycell 27.39
Helen Marshall 27.43
Andre Marsh 28.02
Shelley Childs R 28.14
David Casso-Davies R 28.41
Theresa Sharland R 29.03

Start of the Cwm Rheidol TT

Caron Pugh on his way to a PB and overall win

Shelley Childs on his way to second place in the road bike category

Rhodri Duffey on his way to 7th overall place