THE open cycling time trial season in the South started as it did in 2012 with Sotonian Harry Bulstrode victorious in both of the weekend’s Test Valley events, writes Bob Jolliffe……….
Bulstrode, riding for Peter Hansford Racing, was marginally slower than he was last year in the solo race on Saturday, this year promoted by Sotonia CC. He clocked a rapid 21min 30sec to beat all-rounder Richard Prebble into second by 31 seconds.
In the two-up team time trial promoted by Antelope Racing Team on Sunday, Bulstrode paired up with teammate Andy Bryson and raced around in 21-22 to push Totton’s Steve Whitewick and Ringwood’s James Gilfillan (velorefined aeronautics) into second by 11 seconds.
Nick O’Hara was the fastest of the New Forest CC contingent, taking sixth place in 23-17, behind Andover Wheelers’ S Healey (third in 23-00), Poole Wheelers’ super-veteran Terry Icke (23-07) and Bryson (23-08).
O’Hara’s clubmate Gary Lock decided not to start after snapping a tri bar rest while warming up. Fellow Foresters Stuart Peckham Martin Balk and Bob Jolliffe clocked 25-28, 31-14 and 31-41 respectively. Second Claim New Forest members Martin Beale and Rob Ellis (both VC St Raphael) finished with times of 24-12 and 26-13.
Balk rode Sunday’s two-up with Andover Wheelers’ Stewart Harrison and clocked 30-51, while Jolliffe rode solo and finished with 32-01.
“Shut Up Legs” Charity Ride
April brings a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride in the New Forest with Jens Voigt, arguably the most popular road professional racing today. Two time Tour de France Yellow Jersey wearer, with a team time trial and two individual stage wins on his extensive palmares, Voigt, who rides for www.radioshackleopardtrek.com, shows no signs of slowing down, as a great stage win in last year’s US Pro Challenge proved.
“For anyone who has enjoyed watching his fighting spirit, this is a ride not to miss,” said organiser and local fundraiser Stuart Grace, a second claim New Forest CC member from Ashley, New Milton.
The charity ride for www.epilepsysociety.org.uk will take place on Saturday, April 27.
Stuart is the father of Amy, who has suffered with epilepsy, ADHD and learning difficulties for 15 years. Throughout their long friendship with Jens, dad and daughter have received incredible support from him.
Jens said: "I'm looking forward to riding in the New Forest and raising a good deal of money for Amy's charity.”
How to get to chat to Jens: Become a personal or business sponsor for a minimum of £250 and meet him on the evening of April 26 at a social gathering; or ride the event, which will cover approximately 50 miles with 200 riders in groups of 16, leaving at five-minute intervals.
Stuart and Jens will leave with the first group and drop back to join the following groups at designated intervals. Groups will ride at about 16-18mph, and be small enough that everyone has the chance to ride with Jens.
Entry is £100 and includes free food and drink in the event headquarters after the ride, an item signed by Jens, and automatic entry in to a prize draw of cycling goodies from local retailers and Trek. Jens will also be available to chat throughout.
Payment is to be made no later than 14 days before the event, or places will be offered to other applicants.
To limit the risk of gatecrashers, the event location will only be sent out 48 hours before the event.
Non-riders can apply for a £20 wristband that entitles them to meet Jens back in the headquarters after the ride. Amy will have photos of Jens available, which he will sign for a donation to her Wishing Well.
This is a unique chance to meet a legendary “super-domestique” and raise money for a good cause.
Jens will have to leave immediately after the post-ride event for his next races in Europe and the USA, but Stuart and Amy say they are “extremely grateful” to RadioShack for letting him come to the UK during the racing season.
Everyone taking part is expected to have personal insurance either with the BCF or CTC as the organisers will not be held responsible for any accidents or injuries.
For more information contact stuart_singlespeed@hotmail.co.uk .
New Forest club event season begins
New Forest CC’s first “club” event, a 10-miler, starts at 9.30am on Sunday at Holmsley. Headquarters are at Goatspen car park.
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