• Will Stephenson (Bournemouth Arrow/Hotel Collingwood)got his first victory of the season, winning the 3 / 4 at the Mountbatten centre, Portsmouth, in the latest round of the Ray Martin 150 distance league. In a fast race Stephenson was attacking throughout but could make nothing stick. Will took his chance on the last lap, as the pace eased, he went for a long one and just held on to take the win. “It was a quick race and I was pleased to get the first win of my season, I didn’t think I could sprint. I am looking forward to some road races where the hilly courses should suit me better. It capped off a good 7 days for the Arrow youngster, after placing 2nd at Mountbatten the week before, he moved onto Hillingdon at the weekend and came 7th in a 75 strong 2/3/4 race. Stephenson will be riding the Bristol 2 day junior stage race this weekend, the second round of the National Junior Series, along with Richard Horton (Bournemouth Jubilee)and Jordan Wade (Poole Wh) The 3 stage race consists of a road stage on Saturday and a road stage and criterium on Sunday. THe organiser is still short of a few marshalls for this event, details in handbook.
• After eight days of racing Sally Bigham (topeak-Ergon Racing Team) came out on top at the Cape Epic in South Africa. Racing in the Ladies pair’s category with Karien Van Jaarsveld the pair finished the Prologue Time Trial and seven off road stages, totaling over 700km, in 37.44.09 to win by nearly 2 hours. Closer to home, local off roaders were in action in the first round of the Southern X Country series at Checkendon, West Sussex, Darren Shepherd (Primera) was best place in 5th, Carol Tilley, Roland Tilley & Stephen Moors (Ridebike.co.uk), Gregg Shrosbree (Merida) were all trying to find form as the season hots up.
• Adam Topham (High Wycombe) powered his way to victory in the East Dorset C A 24 mile time trial. His winning time of 52.47 set a new course record for the rolling Badbury Rings circuit. After two punctures in recent races, Poole-based Topham was pleased to be off the mark “It was a relief to finish” he joked. The former county level squash player has turned to cycling and has is eye on the all the national championships, especially the 50 &100 mile races where he feels a medal is a real possibility.
• Road Racing will return to Moreton village, Dorset again this season. The popular Thursday evening circuit series will feature 13 races from May 13th to 4th August, with entry on the line. All riders will be expected to Marshall at least one event, a Moreton website will be launched soon with full details.
• Dan Ahearn (Cambridge Uni CC) produced a shock on his way to winning the New Forest club 10. Brockenhurst-Based Ahearn riding solo beat the much fancied two-up pairing of Julian Jenkinson & Stephen Whitewick. Ahearn is targeting the University Championships this year and it was his third win in as many weeks.
Club events get into full swing from next week, with BJW, New Forest cc and CC Weymouth on Tuesday, Poole Wh on Wednesday and hopefully Bournemouth arrow on Thursday.
Did the 164 last week.Pootlin back to the HQ after finishing&Dan Ahearn was motoring when he went past us.He broke one of our course records a couple of weeks ago.
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