News – Page 18 – Clwb Beicio Ystwyth Cycling Club

Aber Cycle Fest returns even bigger for 2019

Aber Cycle Fest is back again for 2019, and runs from Saturday 18th May to Monday 27th May. Ystwyth CC is proud to be closely associated with the festival, and our members certainly enjoy the huge variety of cycling that it brings to Aberystwyth and the surrounding area. Full details of all the events are available here: https://www.abercyclefest.co.uk/

You can support the festival in various ways, as spectators, cyclists and marshalls. Registration is open for the town centre criterium races, which this year incorporate the Welsh Circuit Race Championships. The full list of races is available here, as is online entry, and there are races for children, novices and seasoned racers alike: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/195523/Welsh-Criterium-Championships-&-Aberystwyth-Promenade-Criteriums

Registration is also open for the Welsh Wild West sportive, with four distances offering something for everyone, and we’d encourage our riders to get their entries in: https://www.abercyclefest.co.uk/whats-on/sportive/

Our members’ efforts as volunteers on the final Cycle Fest weekend are crucial to the success of the festival, and we’d encourage everyone who won’t be riding at the above events to consider volunteering as marshalls. Please register your interest here https://www.abercyclefest.co.uk/volunteers/ – various shifts are available, you’ll be supported throughout, and we’re extremely grateful as a club to you for your help.

Fringe events are taking place at various venues in the town during the week, including a film evening at the National Library of Wales (21st May – tickets available here), a BMX display and skills workshop at the Parc Kronberg skatepark (23rd May), and our 10-mile time trial at Cwmrheidol (22nd May).

The two new events added are a 212km in a day ‘Afan Outdoor Audax’ (18th May), and Summit Cycles Mountain Bike Discovery Day at the Nant yr Arian visitor centre (19th May). As always, the festival is brought to a close on Bank Holiday Monday with a head-to-head hill climb challenge on the fearsome 25% gradient Cefn Llan hill in Llanbadarn, which always attracts huge crowds.

Rain holds for round six – May 8th 2019

Cwm Rheidol 10. May 8th 2019

With the weather looking favourable it was promising to be a good night for the riders taking on the 10 mile time trial on the Cwm Rheidol course.

Riders start at one minute intervals, with the course heading out to Lovesgrove roundabout and returning the same way. With 13 riders lined up to challenge themselves against the clock it was going to be a good night.

Student and regular rider with the club Ciaran Rowett, took on the course with his road bike and set a storming time to take third place overall and the road bike category win in 25mins 00sec, in second place on a road bike Owen Thomas crossed the line in 28.33 and David Wright knocking over a minute from his time a couple of weeks ago on this course, crossed the line in third place with 30.24.

Elaine Rowlands had a great ride taking the women’s road bike win with 31.31 and in the process setting a new V50 course record and course Personal Best.

The men’s overall winner saw Steffan Roberts take the podium spot with 23.46, Caron Pugh taking second place with a new personal best time on this course in 24.23 and Ciaran Rowett in third palce with 25.00.

The women’s overall podium saw Anita Saycell crossing the line in 27.14 to take the win, with Helen Marshall riding strongly following her win at Porthcawl triathlon on Sunday with 27.43 and Elaine Rowlands taking the third podium spot in 31.31.

A thank you to Derek and Andy H in timing, pushing off and setting up the course for the riders.

Next week the time trial series returns to the Llety Gwyn course on the 15th May, 7pm start. More details can be found here: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Cwm Rheidol 10. May 8th 2019

Steffan Roberts 23.46
Caron Pugh 24.23
Ciaran Rowett R 25.00
Dafydd Wright 25.04
Anita Saycell 27.14
Andy Starr 27.18
Rhodri Duffee 27.29
Helen Marshall 27.43
Owen Thomas R 28.33
David Wright R 30.24
Toby Driver R 31.20
Elaine Rowlands R 31.31
Simon Pitt R 35.20

Rhodri Duffee riding strongly to finish 6th overall male

Return to the Llety Gwyn course – 1st May 2019

With the club time trial returning this week to the Llety Gwyn course, originally named after a nearby hotel, now a housing estate in Llanbadarn, 15 riders lined up for the start of this 10 mile event.

With the riders setting off at minute intervals to test themselves against the clock on this faster course, it proved to be a good night for personal best times despite the north westerly cross winds.

Wayne Maguire took the road bike win with a storming ride, crossing the line in 25.49, Owen Thomas following into second place with a swift 27.48 and David Wright taking the third podium spot in 30.27.

The women’s road bike win went to Elaine Rowlands in 31.09, with Lainy Harrison in second place on the night in 32.41.

The overall men’s win saw Steffan Roberts dipping under the 24 minutes this season, finishing in 23.41, with Caron Pugh hot on his wheels and only 8 seconds behind with a new personal best of 23.49. Young rider Dafydd Wright had another fantastic ride to take third place in 24.41.

The overall women’s win went to Anita Saycell in 26.27, with second place and riding her first TT of the year, Helen Marshall crossing the line with a strong ride in 27.11 and Elaine Rowlands in third place in 31.09.

Next week riders are welcome to test out their baking skills as the course returns to Cwm Rheidol, with tea, coffee and cakes at the finish.

Huge thanks as always to Andy H, Derek and Scott T. in giving up their time and making the event possible.

Llety Gwyn 10. Weds May 1st

Steffan Roberts 23.41
Caron Pugh 23.49
Dafydd Wright 24.41
Wayne Maguire R 25.49
Ian Stevens 26.15
Dilwyn Griffiths 26.22
Anita Saycell 26.27
Alan Cole 26.35
Andy Starr 26.57
Helen Marshall 27.11
Owen Thomas R 27.48
David Wright R 30.27
Elaine Rowlands R 31.09
Lainy Harrison R 32.41
Simon Pitt R 34.13

Owen Thomas on his way to taking third spot on the road bike podium

Five riders and two new records – Nant yr Arian Hilly. April 24th 2019.

With only five riders braving the elements this course is a fast descent down to the Lovesgove roundabout, then a six mile climb back up to the finish at Nant yr Arian. With the riders signing on, the evening was chilly, with a slight headwind on the ascent back to the finish, but luckily not as wet as forecast. The damp roads splitting the field between using a road bike or a TT bike.

In the men’s overall category Caron Pugh decided to use his road bike and took the win and a new personal best on the evening with a 34.44, with Steffan Roberts favouring his TT bike, closely following in second place in 35.15 and Owen Thomas taking third place with a strong ride in 42.37.

It was to be the ladies on the night that set new course records. In the women’s overall category first place went to Amanda Binks with a strong ride in 41.10 who set a new V40 record and second place went to Elaine Rowlands who also set a new V50 record in the process with 48.57.

Thank you to Andy H, Derek and Scott T for making the event possible.

Nant yr Arian Hilly. April 24th 2019.

(halfway split in brackets)

Caron Pugh (11.51) 34.44
Steffan Roberts (11.33) 35.15
Amanda Binks (13.35) 41.10
Owen Thomas R (13.23) 42.37
Elaine Rowlands R (14.03) 48.57

R (No Tri Bars)

Caron Pugh on his way to taking the overall win

Amanda Binks on her way to setting a new V40 record

Return to the Llety Gwyn course for round 3

On a mild spring evening the Ystwyth CC time trial returned to the Llety Gwyn course to see 19 riders testing themselves on the 10 mile route. With mild conditions it was going to be a good night for setting personal best times for the season.

In the men’s road bike category (no tri bars) this was closely contested with Jeff Saycell taking the win in an impressive 24.46, closely followed by Wayne Maguire in 25.11 and David Wright taking third place on the evening in 29.41.

In the women’s road bike category Katie Miles stormed home with the win in 28.46 and in doing so set herself a new personal best time. Elaine Rowlands took second place in 31.00 and in doing this set a new club V50 ladies record! In third place was Lainy Harrison setting a course personal best time in 33.11.

The overall men’s win went to Dewi Hughes, making an impressive return to the TT scene in 24.04, followed closely by Caron Pugh only 2 seconds behind in 24.06, and third place went to a very strong young rider Dafydd Wright in 24.16.

The overall women’s win went to Anita Saycell in 26.25, second to Katie Miles in 28.46 and third place to Elaine Rowlands in 31.00.

Thanks to Andy H, Derek and Scott T for helping on the evening.

Next week the time trial heads to a different course starting at Nant yr Arian at 6.30pm. More details on the club TT page: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/

Llety Gwyn 10. Wednesday April 17th 2019

Dewi Hughes 24.04
Caron Pugh 24.06
Dafydd Wright 24.19
Jeff Saycell R 24.46
Steffan Roberts 24.57
Wayne Maguire R 25.11
Anita Saycell 26.25
Rhodri Duffee 26.53
Martyn Saycell 27.00
Andy Starr 27.01
Katie Miles R 28.46
David Wright R 29.41
Elaine Rowlands R 31.00
Alan Lloyd R 31.42
Simon Pitt R 32.16
Lainy Harrison R 33.11
Angharad Jones R 33.20
Alex Lowe 34.41
Rachel Lilley R 38.40

Dewi Hughes signing on before taking the overall win

Spring sunshine for round two of the Ystwyth TT Series

The second event of the weekly series, saw 19 riders sign on for the start of the 10 mile time trial held on the Cwm Rheidol course. There were many riding their first time trial and setting brand new personal best times for their first 10 mile event, alongside riders returning from last year to test their form for the 2019 season.

With the promise of tea, coffee and cake, Steffan Roberts was the fastest man home in 24.07, followed closely by a fantastic ride from junior rider Dafydd Wright in 24.22 and hot on his heels, Henry Moss in 24.25 who also claimed the mens road bike (no tri bars) win on the evening.

In the women’s event, Anita Saycell took the win in 26.37, with up and coming junior rider Lowri Richards taking second place in 28.24 and also taking the overall women’s road bike win. Lowri was closely followed by Katie Miles taking third place in 29.40 and setting a new personal best time in the process.

The time trial route next week returns to Llety Gwyn with a later start time of 7pm. If you are interested in having a go take a look at the time trial page on the club website: https://www.bc-clubs.co.uk/ystwythcc/index.php/time-trials/ .

A thank you from all the riders to Andy H, Derek, Andy D and Nia R for their help on the night making the event possible.

Cwmrheidol 10. Weds April 10th 2019

Steffan Roberts 24.07
Dafydd Wright 24.22
Henry Moss (R) 24.25
Caron Pugh 24.44
Gethin Howell 24.56
Shelley Childs 25.00
Dilwyn Griffiths 25.49
Wayne Maguire (R) 26.36
Anita Saycell 26.37
Alan Cole 26.44
Rhodri Duffee 26.57
Patrick Mayo 27.19
Andy Starr 27.38
Lowri Richards (R) 28.24
Katie Miles (R) 29.40
David Wright (R) 31.51
Elaine Rowlands (R) 32.16
Lainy Harrison (R) 33.43
Simon Pitt (R) 35.00

(R) No tri bars

The start of the Cwm Rheidol event

Braving the weather for the first club 10

Llety Gwyn 10. April 3rd 2019

On a cold, wet evening five riders braved the wintery weather on the first time trial of the evening. It was great to see two new riders Daniel and Lainy riding their first club time trial with great results.

Steffan Roberts took the podium spot in 24.44, with Caron riding into a strong second place in 26.21 and Daniel taking the third place for the men in 27.45.

In the womens event Anita Saycell took the win in 27.00 with Lainy Harrison in second place riding strongly in her first time trial.

The stars of the night however were Andy Hunt and Derek Rattrey for timekeeping and marshalling in that weather!

Llety Gwyn 10. April 3rd 2019

Steffan Roberts 24.44
Caron Pugh 26.21
Anita Saycell 27.00
Daniel O’Brien 27.45
Andy Starr 28.16
Lainy Harrison 36.21

Hopefully better weather next week for a return to shorts and timing clock

2018 Ystwyth CC Dinner and Awards

It was fantastic to be able to celebrate a great year for the club at the Dandelion, Aberystwyth Golf Club. We were well catered for and looked after by the chef Arek providing us with good food https://www.dandelion-aberystwyth.co.uk/

It was an honour for the club to present the following awards to the riders on the night:

Men’s Time Trial 2018 League Winner – Ieuan Andy Davies
Women’s Time Trial 2018 League Winner – Anita Saycell
Handicap Time Trial Winner – Steffan Roberts
Club Road Race Award – Richard Eakins
Hilly Time Trial Trophy – Richard Pizzey
Hill Climb Trophy – Gruff Lewis

The club also have a special award which is voted for on the night by those present, the ‘Club Person of the Year’ award. The runners up were Mair Clarke, Andy Hunt and Derek Rattray, and Nia Peris was the overall winner with the most votes. Nia has worked tirelessly week in and week out as ride co-ordinator and as the club’s fantastic press secretary, supporting and promoting the club to a wider audience through the club’s social media platforms. Nia is a huge asset to the club and has encouraged and supported so many people with her enthusiasm on and off the bike, so it was great to be able to present Nia the award for 2018.

Another special award was made for Shelley Childs, presented by life members Ken Williams and Glyn Evans. Shelley received a life member award for all his work for the club year in and year out and for bringing the hugely successful Aber Cycle Fest to Aberystwyth. It was great to be able to say a huge thank you to Shelley for all his work for cycling in Aberystwyth and a honour to be able to award the life membership to him.

The evening was rounded up with a fantastic raffle raising £184 for the charity MIND in memory of Terry Davies. Thanks are due to everyone that donated prizes, especially to our club sponsors, Summit Cycles https://www.summitcycles.co.uk/ and Continental Tyres. Also a huge thank you to all the other donations, including Saddleback for the Castelli kit (thanks to Paul Tedaldi), Sports Massage Ceredigion https://www.facebook.com/sportsmassageceredigion/, Aberystwyth Boots courtesy of Darren Fountain, Lynfa’s lovely honey, Alison Jones Schoolwear and all other donations on the evening.

Ystwyth CC nominated for two awards at Welsh Cycling’s annual awards

The club are very proud to announce that we have one of our riders nominated for rider of the year: Kristian Bond, who has been racing at various events all over Wales with great success and achieved his 2^nd category licence this season as a result. Kristian began his season early with the popular and competitive event in Stourport in January and finished in the top 10 gaining his first points of the season. Kristian then went on to take a win at the HCC/MSW Thursday night Circuit Race in Shrewsbury and has raced regularly with many top 3 positions throughout the season. This has involved a huge commitment to the sport, when you consider the travelling from Aberystwyth to reach many of these races.

Not only do we have a rider nominated, we have also received a nomination for ‘Club of the year’ which is fantastic. The club are very proud and it’s down to the hard work of our race organisers, a fantastic Juniors section and most importantly the riders themselves for enjoying what the club offers and being part of Ystwyth CC. The club have a great ability to pull together to organise events, rides, work with other clubs and most importantly have fun and enjoy riding our bikes! Thanks to every member for riding, volunteering and being part of Ystwyth CC.

The winners will be decided by public vote and we will circulate the details when the voting is open.

Ystwyth CC report – round 22 – Wednesday 29th August 2018

Clarach Hill Climb

As the Ystwyth CC time trial series came to a close, 16 riders signed on for one more time for the Clarach Hill climb event. Taking on the famous local hill climb with it’s hairpin bend is always one of the highlights of the season with great support from members on the course.

In perfect conditions, riding a specialist hill climb bike, pro rider Gruff Lewis took the win in an astonishing 4 minutes. Second place and very close to taking the top spot, went to new Ystwyth CC club member Chris McLean in a very fast time of 4min and 10sec and third place to up and coming rider Owen Evans in a time of 4min and 25sec. In past events, all three of these times would have taken the win.

In the women’s event, Cat 2 racer Rebecca Richardson from Hafren took the win in a new course record of 4min and 36sec with Leah Brewer taking second and new Ystwyth CC rider course record in 5min 29 sec and Lois Brewer in third in a time of 5min 56sec.

Well done also to Finley Saycell, who helping at the start, then signed himself on the start sheet, and rode up complete with marshall vest.

A big thank you to the marshals on the night, and for the whole of the TT series for making the events happen and with a special mention to TT co-ordinator Andy Hunt for making the events happen each week.

The club Sunday rides will continue and the club looks forward to the 2019 TT series.