Nick
Stevens sent me a pic of Gouldy
riding for Wales in last weekend's Junior
Tour of Wales. The results are up on britishcycling.org.uk.1st September, 2003
I secured 2nd place in Category E (60+), which is what often happens when Ray Minovi (Warwickshire RC), but no other big hitters, puts in an appearance.
The E/F riders (5 of us) were sent off in front of a larger group of C/D's, the A/B's having already departed to cover one more lap than us. The course included one significant hill, of the sort where most vets engage the small ring, and where local time trials race down it but not up. Minovi and I dropped the other 3 E/F riders first time up the hill, and set about a purposeful 2-up. This was sufficient to secure my eventual placing.
We were caught by the survivors of the C/D race just after the hill on lap 3. Minovi latched on to the wheel of a strong escaper from the C/D group, whom I suspect of being local ex-pro Graham Moore, the winner in category D. These two disappeared rapidly into the distance. About two miles later I was caught by the C/D bunch, by now reduced to about 12 riders. I lost them again near the top of the hill on lap 4, but this left me with only a 5-mile solo ride to the finish, several minutes ahead of the other E/F riders.
- George Greaves.
29th August, 2003
Nick
Stevens sent me a pic of Gouldy
riding for Wales in last weekend's Junior
Tour of Wales. The results are up on britishcycling.org.uk.
"The event was sponsored by Dudleys Shopfitters of Risca, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Irwin Wright Dentistry of Newport, besides many other supporters. It is recognised as the top 3 day junior road race in Britain and is the final event counting in the season long Reynolds British National series" (from the official website).
- Sam.
29th August, 2003
I haven't had any race reports for a while. Anybody fancy submitting one?
If you're racing this weekend try writing it in your head while your riding. It might inspire you to attack so you can at least write an inteesting report!
- Sam.
27th August, 2003
Andy's found a photo of Ian Liddiat making his way up the dreaded climb in the Blagdon RR.
-Sam.
27th August, 2003
I was sent this email recently:
"Please find a presentation for a multi-sport, ecological and cultural bike marathon, organized by Eric Barone, the world record holder for speed on a bicycle.
We also want to inform you of our interest in finding a distributor who can represent us and commercialize the marathon in your country.
The concept of The Route of the Volcanos will be expanded to different countries in 2004 with 3 or 4 events.
We wish to thank you in advance for passing on this message, we will be interested to hear from all serious candidates.
You can contact us by telephone (+33 490 917 730) or by e-mail at patrice@routedesvolcans.com
More information on the website : http://www.routedesvolcans.com/indexus.html
Cordially,
Patrice Blain
La Souris Verte - France
Tel / fax : +33 490 917 730
Mobile : +33 608 834 475"
Anyone interested? I know Nickie's been getting into adventure racing.
- Sam.
27th August, 2003
George sent me some very nice photos taken of him during his L'Etape du Tour from Pau to Bayonne. There are three photos in the gallery.
Sorry for taking so long to get them on the website, George!
-Sam.
21st August, 2003
South African cyclists arrested after shoot-out.
Two South African cyclists were arrested on Sunday after a shoot-out in which they attempted to defend themselves against armed men who they claimed were trying to steal their bikes. According to reports on South African websites one of the attackers later died from gunshot wounds.
According to SAPA reports, Captain Tshisikhawe Ndou of the South African police said the two told police they were cycling along Boundary Road in Honeydew north of Johannesburg around 8am when six men armed with handguns ran into the road and tried to steal their bicycles. The two riders were carrying their own guns and in the ensuing confrontation one of the alleged robbers was shot twice in the face. His five companions ran away while he was later taken to hospital.
Ndou said police opened an attempted murder docket as a matter of procedure and the pair would spend the night in custody. They were due to appear in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Monday when the public prosecutor would take a decision on whether to pursue the case.
- Del.
18th August, 2003
The 3 day, 5 stage Junior Tour of Wales takes place this coming weekend through South East and Mid Wales. Chris has been entered as part of the Wales team, with Rob Partridge, Daniel Davies, Mike Cripps and Ben Simmons. Geraint will be representing Great Britain at the World Track Championships that weekend, so won't be racing in this local National Series event.
Go support the boys next weekend. Make your plans by getting more information from British Cycling here.
- Sam.
14th August, 2003
Andy Hoskins has sent me a handful of nice photos of himself and you lot racing this summer. Again, his father is the handy photographer. Go see them in the gallery.
- Sam.
14th August, 2003
Rod Robinson of Port Talbot Wheelers has been killed on a training ride. The full article is here.
Thanks to George for this information.
- Sam.
5th August, 2003
I have finally updated the Jif logo on the website to match that on our kit.
- Sam.
5th August, 2003
Phew what a scorcher....and not just Meeky's finishing gallop.
A strong showing from the Jif Squadra resulted in 6 riders lining up for the non-championship event to start the days racing. With Meeky, Beef, Paul R, Paul B, Andy and Bob we had numerical advantage but..ahem...still didn't manage to win.
The race was very dull to start with so I foolishly chipped off the front and put in a lap and a bit on my own until I was reeled back in. A few others had a go until eventually a couple of riders drifted off down the road. The Jif went on the counter attack with myself and Beefy Keith dragging 2 others off in pursuit We battered ourselves but didn't get there. In the gallop to decide the places Beef unleashed a fine sprint to take 4th and leave me languishing in 5th.
After doing a sterling job of blocking at the front of the bunch Stuey and Paul R led them home in 7th and 10th. Photos to follow.
- Andy.
5th August, 2003
Mid summer and typical mid-summer conditions for Llandow.
Howling wind and rain made for an interesting race, especially as the chicane was put in for the first time this year. The scratch group blew to pieces early on with myself, Andrew Russell(VC St Raphael) and Meirion (Cwmcarn Tarragon) moving clear on the third lap. What seemed like a good idea at the time didn't feel like one when 25laps later we had pulled back a lap on the 3rd cats.
The usual regrouping/arguing occurred as we all came together which nearly resulted in a hardcore trio from the 4th cat group staying away to the finish. After a bit of hasty chasing and a couple of hefty turns from "Iron" Mike Davies it was down to the sprint....and for Ross Sander (VC St Raphael) to beat me into second and Andrew Russell into third. F~#king trackies. Beefy just warming up his sprinting pins for the coming events took 6th.
- Andy.
5th August, 2003
There is now a longer report from the Junior National Road Race Champs that Geraint took 3rd place in back on the 27th July. The report was written by the winner, and can be read on the British Cycling website here.
- Sam.
4th August, 2003
Craig was at Pembrey last week in his photographer capacity. Here are his photos.
- Sam.
4th August, 2003
Small amounts of caffeine improve the stamina of endurance athletes by triggering muscles to burn fat instead of carbohydrate. Read about it on the BBC website.
- Sam.
2nd August, 2003
This Sunday - Gateway to the Beacons Road Race - Get the details from the Swansea Wheelers web-site. Keith, Andy, Clare, Paul R, Paul B and Bob are entered so come and join us.
Sunday 10 Aug - Abergavenny RC Road Race, 100km, 1030, 2,3,4,W,J, Gwernyfed Sports Centre
Sunday 17 Aug - Wasp Road Race, 110km, 1030, 2,3,4,W,J
Sunday 31 Aug - Cheltenham Road Race, 101km, 1300, 3,4,J, Beckford Village
Sunday 31 Aug - Cheltenham Womens Team Series, 73km, 1315, W, Beckford Village
Finally, this Sunday evening, Shot in the Dark, coffee and tall stories, from 1930.
- Bob.
2nd August, 2003
Bob has sent me the cross race calendar for the 2003-4 season, and it has been added to the races page.
- Sam.
1st August, 2003
The results of the recent poll, "Is it acceptable to use aggressive behaviour towards motorists when on a bicycle?" are:
Yes: 66%
No: 28%
Don't care: 6%
Which I think is rather interesting. The follow up poll is asking, "Is it acceptable to use aggressive behaviour towards cyclists when driving a car?" I'm omitting the "don't care" option as it's rather pointless: if you don't care, you won't vote, right? The poll is in the right-hand bar.
- Sam.
1st August, 2003
Ed Whyte sent me a couple of pics of Nick from the Horton-cum-Studley (is that real or have you made that up Ed?) road race near Oxford, promoted by Oxford City CC in July. The pics were taken by Lucy Power from Oxford Uni CC. Click the pic to see a larger image.
- Sam.
31st July, 2003
Anyone up for the cafe ("A Shot in the Dark") this Sunday from 7 onwards?
- Craig.
31st July, 2003
Bob Jones' new website, m4sport.co.uk, has gone live this week. Visit it to find out why you, as a competitive cyclist, need to visit him regularly to avoid injury or to recover from injury, and minimise your recovery times and benefit fully from your training regimen.
Oh yes, and I designed and created the site for him. If you'd like me to create a website for you, email me or speak to me on the bike.
- Sam.
30th July, 2003
"To all region officials, promoters, clubs and prospective users of the Newport Velodrome.
As the Wales National Velodrome nears completion with its use being programmed from the beginning of October, we in conjunction with the City of Newport invite potential users of the facility for a meeting to:-
a.. Have an input in the setting up of a working structure.
a.. Explain what is available within this state of
the art facility.
a.. How the Velodrome and the sports science/fitness
facilities can be booked.
a.. The implementation and management of track
leagues.
The Velodrome funded by the Sports Council of Wales has been built as a training venue for Welsh Cycling but we view this facility as being accessible to the whole of Southern Britain to promote and raise the standard of British track racing.
The meeting will be held at 7.00pm Monday 4th August at the Tennis Centre, Spytty Park Sports Centre, Newport (adjoining the Velodrome) from Junction 24 M4 Motorway, follow signs for the docks and the Tennis Centre/Stadium.
Please pass this invite on to representatives of clubs in your region and any other interested parties.
Bill Owen - Chairman Welsh Cycling.
Please reply to:-
Red House, Penpergwm, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 9UU
Tel. 01873 840530, Fax. 01873 840552, e. mail: wj.owen@virgin.net"
- Craig.
28th July, 2003
There are some nice photos of Chris from the Penarth Kermesse on the 19th July. The race was part of the national under 23 series, and the photos were taken by Larry Hickmott, who has very kindly let me use thumbnails of his images.
Go look at all the photos here, and see the results here, on the British Cycling website.
- Sam.
28th July, 2003
In yesterday's Junior National Road Race Champs all the way up in Crieff (Scotland) Geraint Thomas finished third to the winner Matt Brammeier (Life Repair) and second placed Mark Cavendish (Dataphonics RT).
Way to go Gez, flying the Jif colours!
Information is sparse, but keep an eye on the British Cycling website for more info.
- Sam.
24th July, 2003
If you haven't voted on the current poll yet, do it now. I'll be changing it when I can next be arsed, and will summarise the results on the website.
- Sam.
22nd July, 2003
After a certain amount of bother, for which see elsewhere, Barry Williams and I got to Toulouse 28 hours behind schedule. The last leg from Paris was done using Air France at an amazingly cheap price: 47 euros each. This was because (a) the customers in question are aged over 60, which helps (b) it was a very empty late evening flight on a Sunday immediately preceding Bastille Day.
A flattish ride of some 80 kms the next day shook the journey out of our legs. The next day was devoted to signing on and moving our base to a motel near the finish. After a very early start on Wednesday morning we parked our hire car near the start in Pau, and were in position for the start at 7 a.m.
I had been given a "priority" start number of 439, on the strength of a sufficiently good ride in 2002. This meant that I got over the start line within a minute of the nominal start time, as it happened in the company of Nick Kenwright, who gave me a good lead out for the first relatively flat 50 km, covered in 90 minutes. Then the climbing started.
The Col du Soudet announced itself with a stiff section with a 15% gradient, before settling down to 15 km of climbing with a gain of height of around 1000 metres (O.K., you would-be mathematicians, this means an average gradient of around 7%).
I was not very happy on the descent from the Soudet. It is narrow, twisting, and gravelly. I was passed by lots of less cautious riders going down. But, unlike an unfortunate Irish rider, I did not get helicoptered off to hospital.
The ascent of the Col du Bagargui was really tough. There were "only" 8 km of climbing, but kilometres 5 to 8 were at an average gradient of around 12%. The gradient was not constant, so some portions were noticeably steeper. I got up this section on my lowest gear of 39/28, riding out of the saddle almost all the time. Some riders were walking on this section.
After the next descent the Col du Burdincurucheta scarcely seemed to be a climb, but had a nice smooth open descent. I touched 45 mph down here without really trying.
The run in to Bayonne from here was a relatively flat 50 km or so, but in fact distinctly lumpy. I was passed by several groups of riders, none of whom I could hold on to for long on the ascents. I was a bit tired by then, but not as tired as all that. I presume these groups contained relatively strong riders who hadn't been chasing a good time in the way that I was. Perhaps I'd sneaked past them at the feeding stations, at only one of which I had stopped. At any rate I spent a fair amount of time riding alone against a stiffish head wind. I was pleased to get to the finish in 8 hours 3 minutes, more or less my personal target time, and 22 minutes inside the time required for a "gold medal" for my age group. In fact the medal in question is made of paper.
As reported on the Jif website, in 2002 I was the 2nd fastest British rider in my age group. In fact that year I was 29th fastest of the over-sixties, and 2053rd overall. This year I was 31st in the 60+ group, but 1591st overall. I can't tell you where I am in this year's British rankings. I noticed two English-looking names belonging to faster oldies, but there is a possibility that these might be Irish or American. Probably "Cycling Weekly" will tell us sometime in the depths of winter when they are short of other news.
I don't know if Barry Williams would want me to tell you in any detail how he got on. He hadn't been very well prior to the event, so decided to ride it in a steadier fashion, taking his camera with him. He finished in a reasonable time.
It is possible that I may have copies of some photos, taken by the official professional agency, in a few weeks from now.
- George Greaves.
22nd July, 2003
Andy Hoskins is having his 24th birthday party on Sunday (27th) at around 7.30ish, in Edwards, St Marys St.
- Sam.
21st July, 2003
This Thursday sees the final Llandow Crit of the season, sounds like a good opportunity for the 'Green Machine' to make its mark!
There's an open crit at the Southern Division Champs at Castle Combe next Sunday. The open event starts at 1000 and the Southern Champs then continue into the afternoon. Anyone interested?
- Bob.
17th July, 2003
Who knew Keith was an ex-international runner then? Bloody fast on his feet, that lad.
- Sam.
16th July, 2003
George (Greaves) has been having a bit of a problem getting to today's event, L'Etape du Tour, from Pau to Bayonne. He sent Del these emails:
Part I (Sunday 13th July).
"Barry and I left on time by bmibaby yesterday, bound for Toulouse. About 40 minutes into the flight they said, "We are having problems with the air conditioning." Then the cabin staff said "the oxygen masks are going to drop down". Two seconds later, the captain's voice came over very loud and clear (talking to air traffic control, I presume) saying "immediate descent" and the masks dropped down. I think Barry and others were frightened by this, not having made out the warning that it would happen. We were diverted to Jersey, where we were chased down the runway by some fire engines. The Fire Chief came on board at our isolated parking spot, but we were later told that the problem was a computer failure in the system that controls the cabin pressurisation.
It got worse. After about five hours they produced an aircraft, but said that "for operational reasons" they were flying back to Cardiff. They say they **may** be able to arrange a flight for us today.
If they don't then I will try to fly out tomorrow by BA from Gatwick. But I don't think Barry's commitment would be up to accompanying me in this event -- he has been troubled by a chest infection and is not sure that he will be fit enough to ride the event.
Maybe we'll meet up at signing-on in Pau on Tuesday."
Part II.
"Bmibaby offered us flights this afternoon to Paris instead of Toulouse, which they presumably can't do, so we accepted them.
See you in Pau, possibly."
Oh dear. Did they make it? Will we get a race report? Find out on www.cardiffjif.com. (Thanks Del).
Addendum: George was 2nd in his age group last year (60-65). Miguel Indurain, Abraham Olano and Alain Prost will be there today.
- Sam.
15th July, 2003
George Rose has written an open letter about the departure of Erin Hartwell as Welsh squad coach.
This comes via Del.
- Sam.
15th July, 2003
Coming back from Exeter on Sunday evening I somehow got the 'vote' for writing some sort of report on the weekend racing, so here goes - The competition comprised three races over the two days. Saturday morning was described as a 3 mile prologue; I would disagree with the general description, it was more akin to a three mile hill climb but then I was never one for the hills! Clare and I scored times which were not out of touch with the rest of our group, Andy battered himself into contention at the top of his group and Nick worked hard but was saving himself to work for Andy during the Sunday Crit. The afternoon saw us take part in a 10-mile time trial on a rolling course on the old A30. Clare and I scored around the 25 min mark but the Juniors in our group stuck the boot in with times of 22 mins. Nick scored respectably and Andy, as usual, looked about to die when he came over the line.
Sunday was 'Crit' day, Clare and I were off first but with only 11 riders in the race and 4 decent Juniors about to rip one anothers legs off it wasn't going to be a pleasant experience. That proved to be the case. The Juniors declared war from the outset and we were soon left to our own devices. However, we worked hard and were able to jump on again when lapped and stuck with it until the final handful of laps when everything 'kicked off'. All in all we didn't do too badly finishing 7th and 8th overall after the three events. NIck and Andy's race was very, very tough. 'Pow Pow' attacked from the start and took three riders with him. The rest of the race then comprised numerous attempts to bridge the gap - Nick 'no work' was renamed 'buster gonad' during the race since he chased down every single attack. Eventually, 3 or 4 riders got across, including Nick and he continued to work for Andy right up until the final lap. The outcome was that Andy got fourth and 1st overall in the competition by the small margin of 2 seconds. Nick certainly earned his reward - whatever it was!
All in all a great weekend away, aided by the glorious weather and the hospitality of Clare's parents. Put this one in your diary for next year folks.
- Bob.
15th July, 2003
Those of you with a burning ambition to change career might want to visit the WCU web-site in the coming weeks. Unconfirmed gossip suggests that the nation may be looking for a new National Cycle Coach?
- Zad
13th July, 2003
I have compiled a gallery of Andy Hoskins' race photos so far this year, taken by his Dad. There are several of you racing members featured, so go take a look at the gallery.
- Sam.
9th July, 2003
See the website on the new server (without adverts) here. The domain name www.cardiffjif.com should point here soon.
- Sam.
8th July, 2003
Keith sent me some pics taken by Ruth at the Otley city centre crits last week. Yep, it was fast then. That 3rd picture is superb.
- Sam.
8th July, 2003
Here are the minutes from the quarterly meeting at the weekend.
(Thanks Rhian).
- Sam.
8th July, 2003
Sorry about the interruption in service. I would have warned you, but I thought the disruption would have occurred overnight. The CardiffJif.com website is relocating to a Fasthosts server, which means we have more space, guaranteed service, and no advertising. Woohoo! I hope you prefer it this way.
- Sam.
8th July, 2003
Sunday 6th of July 2003; 3/4/Women/Junior; 88km.
Nick "No Work" traveled to Oxford for the weekend to plan a wedding, and was
talked into riding the local event by Ed "the Filth" Whyte, on a course
somewhat similar to the Wasp course. There were several of Ed's Uni team mates
also in the race, taking an active roll at the front of the field of 80+ riders.
With Nick and Ed riding in the first 20 riders for the first part of the race,
Nick attacked on the slightly uphill section riding clear for some 2 miles, but
with the bunch strung out and no-one crossing to him, he sat up and waited for
the bunch. Not much happened for the rest of the race, just a few futile
attempts at attacking from other riders which were quickly brought back by the
bunch, until about 4 miles from the finish, Ed put in a huge attack gaining some
400 meters on the bunch in about 15 secs. This looked like it might stick as 2
riders tried crossing to him. Unfortunately, whilst Ed was waiting for these
riders, a group of 4/5 riders decided to tow the bunch back up to them. Nothing
else happened until about a mile from the finish when the pace started picking
up slightly. One rider from High Wycombe jumped of the front gaining only 10
meters before the final climb, on which Nick didn't attack but just started
riding harder, opening a gap before the left hand turn continuing up the
finishing climb. By 3/4s up the climb the gap was sufficient to ease up, sort
the jersey out and try and remember the Victory salute of "Pow-Pow"
Hoskins.
A good ride by Ed and his Uni team mate who managed 3 riders in
the top 10.
Unfortunately this now moves Nick up to a second
cat.
1. N Stevens Cyclopedia/Cardiffjif
2. W King Wyre Forest
3. E
Unsworth Gloucester City
4. J Powers Paramount CRT
5. Neil Fitzgibbon Team
Synergy
6. E Lussman Oxford University
7. S Williams Hillingdon CC
8. M
Jones Oxfordshire RC
9. P Deane High Wycombe
10. T Wright Oxford City RC
- Nick.
7th July, 2003
With the majority of the best riders in the UK in this race, I knew that I was well out of my depth. To see riders of such calibre as John Tanner, Chris Newton, Bradley Wiggins and Malcolm Elliot, just to mention a few, on the start line, the old brown star fish was winking at an alarming rate.
The race forms part of the BCF National Circuit Series and is boasted as one of the best races in the UK. It's run on closed roads around the town of Otley on an exciting tight course, with speeds of up to 45mph on the short downhill section. There was an estimated 5000 spectators which just added to the atmosphere of the race, it was just great.
Anyway, after a lengthy warm up, I got to the start line and found myself to the back of the pack. Just where I didn't want to be but where I would stay. The flag went down for the start and instead of a rolling start as we are all use to, it just went from the gun, hammer and tong. One long line of about 70 riders hammering the 12, relentlessly.
I managed to stay in for just over 35 minutes out of the 60 minutes. A couple of riders sat up, and I tried to go around them and latch on to the back, but I was not strong enough to do so due to high speed of the race.
The race was won by Chris Newton in an exciting sprint finish with Bradley Wiggins.
Definitely going back up next year, I highly recommend it!
Full results here.
- Keith.
4rd July, 2003
There are a couple of nice photos of Nickie from the National Champs race up on the British Cycling website, taken by Larry Hickmott.
Results and an official report can be found here.
- Sam.
4rd July, 2003
National Championships
The race started with only 30 of the 44 women signing on- apparently they had heard about the mighty course that was based around the Celtic Manor taking in three major climbs- for the Women it was twice up Wentwood, seven times up Belmont and five times up the short power climb in the Celtic Manor Grounds. It was always going to be a tough race especially with Miss Cooke lining up with half a dozen GB riders and on such a tough course. The race started with a crash in the neutralised zone! (And no, it wasn't me - typical women riders eh?)
Out onto the A48 where the speed was quiet and a time to stay focused on the looming might of Wentwood. And so... we turned into the lane and things started hotting up, my plan was to pick a good wheel and stick on it as long as I could!! About half-way and when the climb really starts to kick in Nicole decided to attack, and my oh my did she go! Immediately it was strung out and there I was wavering off the back. The front group were disappearing so all I could do was dig in and get myself within a group of riders. The top of Wentwood eventually appeared and with it the cheers and support! On the descent I found myself with a good group that chased down 4-5 girls who were ahead. This made a good 12ish rider group who potentially could have worked together to at least stay ahead of the cut off time (for a while longer at least!).
However, only 4-5 riders were willing to work, and so... up the Belmont- bloody horrible ... and that was the first time! However, I forced a smile / grimace..... with a good support group cheering away- best comment of the day- a bloke who I didnt recognise - "go Jif....do it for Meeky!!!!!" Anyway... whilst our group made our way to the second climb up Wentwood, the lead group was whittled down to Nicole Cooke, Racheal Heal and international duathlete Vicky Pincombe.
Up and over Wentwood the second time was a little easier, and the group I was in made their way up but strung out. Unfortunately on the return lane to Carleon my group was pulled out due to the time restriction. Ten women finished the race and as you're all aware the Wonder Woman did it again, with Racheal Heal second and Vicky Pincombe third- very impressive from a duathlete. Nina Davies who is a Welsh athlete did a solid ride to get 6th. Did I enjoy it? Yes course I did, a great experience but a shame not to have finished.
A great BBQ at Sandra's 35th -a great day on Sunday and a good weekend for cycling geeks!
Thanks for the cheers!
- Nickie.
3rd July, 2003
The new poll has been devised and set-up, and you can submit your vote on the right.
The question: "Is it acceptable to use aggressive behaviour towards motorists when on a bicycle?" The results should be interesting.
- Sam.
3rd July, 2003
Over a few pints in the pub last night with Craig and Johnny discussing hosting options for www.cardiffjif.com it was decided that the best option is to go with Fasthosts, a company I already use. I'll sort this out when I have some time, probably over the next couple of weeks. This will give guaranteed 24/7 access, give lots of space for future videos, and remove all the advertising from the site.
- Sam.
2nd July, 2003
As requested by the poll (I'd better think up a new one!) members have been asked to give their best result of 2003 so far, which has been added to the members page. Hover your mouse over the member's image to see their favourite result of this year.
If you want to send me your favourite result of the year, email me.
The results of the poll were: 38 Yes', 4 No's, and 7 Don't Care's.
Thanks Craig, for giving me the idea of sticking this info into the image's alt tag! Very simple!
- Sam.
2nd July, 2003
As promised the next installment of the 'JIF gatherings':
Date : 6th July 2003
Time : 7.30pm
Location :
7th Cardiff Scout Group,
Allensbank Cresent,
Heath,
Cardiff
Directions : Coming from the junction of Cathays Terrace, Crwys Road, Whitchurch Road, (you know the one up the road from the shop!) - head up Whitchurch road as if going to Gabalfa roundabout, Heath Pub is on the corner of Allensbank Road on the right. Next right (some 200 yards further on) is Allensbank Cresent (Chip shop on the corner). U can't miss the hall once in the cresent.
Note : There are not a lot of parking space in the Cresent itself so might want to park on Allensbank road & Whitchurch Road.
- Paul.
30th June, 2003
I've been told I'm now a member, and to add my info to the members page.
- Sam.
27th June, 2003
Some of you noticed that the older photo galleries took you back to an error page if you clicked on "home" instead of back to the gallery. I should have fixed that now ("changes made to 416 files" - this website is getting big!), but email me if you have any more problems.
- Sam.
27th June, 2003
Julian Winn walks you round the British Champs Road Race course around Wentwood and Newport this weekend with British Cycling. Of particular interest to Nickie & Ruth!
- Sam.
26th June, 2003
In the run up to the British Champs this weekend there's an interview at British Cycling with Julian Winn about his Giro, and his plans to retain his title on home soil.
- Sam.
25th June, 2003
For those of you who did not attend the general meeting, the kit has been ordered with bicycle-line. But the order hasn't proceeded due to not confirming colours. This will hopefully be agreed this week.
This gives the club an opportunity to increase the kit order, such as winter kit. Can you all ensure that the revised kit order is back to me by Monday 7 July 2003.
The sizing will be different for the new kit supplier. So can you either go in to the shop and ask to try on some bicycle-line kit for size or phone the shop and ask for advice.
- Keith.
25th June, 2003
On Saturday our one and only Miss Nicola 'nails' Taylor is taking on the might of Wentwood and riding in the British Nat Champs. 74 solid miles starting at the Celtic Manor.
Myself and a few others are planning to go and support her. We're gonna be leaving from the shop at 2pm for race start at 3pm. If anyone else would like to join us and share lifts, cow bells, pompoms, bob's beers, etc, then see you at the shop or contact me.
- Knoxoxo.
25th June, 2003
Here are some dates/events that you might like to consider in the coming weeks:
Thursday 26 Jun 03 - Llandow Crits
Saturday & Sunday 28/29 Jun - British Road Race Champs - Celtic Manor
Thursday 3 Jul 03 - Pembrey Crits
Thursday 10 Jul 03 - Abergavenny Evening Handicap
Saturday & Sunday 12/13 Jul - Devon Duel - Exeter
Thursday 17 Jul 03 - Pembrey Crits
Thursday 24 Jul 03 - Llandow Crits
Sunday 27 Jul 03 - Castle Coombe Circuit Racing
Thursday 31 Jul 03 - Pembrey Crits
Sunday 3 Aug 03 - Gateway to the Beacons
- Bob.
23rd June, 2003
Another one for the girlies.
Another Welsh Champs addition:
1997 - Frances Whyte - Junior!
I have to have my name up and get some recognition since I don't race any more ;-)
- Fran.
23rd June, 2003
One for the girlies.
Here are some of the Jif medallists that were omitted from Nick's report about past Welsh MTB Champs:
Elite women:
2002 - Gold -Ruth Davies (Jif)
2001 - Gold -Penny Edwards (Abergavenny)
2001 - Silver- Ruth Davies (Jif)
Juniors:
2003 - Chis Gould - silver
2002 - Chris Gould - gold (i think)
Well done to all those who raced. Unfortunately due to illness I was unable to "sign on" and race this year. Maybe next year!
- Ruth.
23rd June, 2003
The 2003 champs took place on a warm and humid sunny Sunday in the private forest 2 miles to the north of Beulah near Builth Wells. The course conditions were good, dry, dusty and fast with 2 stream crossings providing a welcome cool-down each lap. The course was extended from round 2 of the series, with an extra mile loop added on the second part of the course forming a figure of eight. This included a forest road climb and man made single track descent before crossing over the course and continuing as the previous race. This took the lap distance to 5 miles with some 800 metres of total climbing each lap.
In the Junior race, Chris "Jim" Gould continued his run of mechanical problems which have cursed him on this course, firstly puncturing and then having to continue for a lap without a front brake. But it was enough to win the silver medal.
In the senior event, pre-entries Keith"Beefy" and Ruth Davies failed to sign on leaving the Jif Torch to be carried by Ed "the Filth" Whyte and Nick "No Work" Stevens.
The race started at a quick pace with the field being strung out on the first climb, Nick and Lee Williams from Cycleinn riding steadily on the front with non-championship event rider and British squad member Zak Toogood. On the second part of the course, Nick and Zak pulled away from Lee establishing a gap of about 20 seconds. When entering the fireroad climb for the start of the second lap, Nick decided to drop back and ride with Lee, as there was no point pushing himself and possibly forcing errors (crashing) when there was no need. For the 2nd 3rd and 4th laps, Nick and Lee rode together chatting for a lot of the time until Nick realised that although Lee would win the under 23s race, if he crossed the line ahead of Nick, he could also win the senior race as well. On the figure of 8 section on the 4th lap, Nick started working again, and after lapping Ed at the top of the climb on the 5th lap, crossed the finish line 2 minutes ahead of Lee, regaining the championship title for Cardiff Jif. Ed continued to ride for his 5th lap finishing some 45 mins down on Nick.
The Welsh MTB Champ title has been won more times in recent years than any other club. Not bad as Cardiff Jif has only been in existence for 9 years
2003 - Nick Stevens - Cardiff Jif
2002 - Paul Newnham - MBUK Scott, Silver - Ian Jeremiah - Cardiff Jif, Bronze - Nick Stevens - Cardiff Jif
2001 - Ian Jeremah - Cardiff Jif, Silver - Nick Stevens -Cardiff Jif
2000 - Mark Bradburn - Cardiff Jif
1999 - Ian Jeremiah - Cardiff Jif
1998 - Dave Gunthorpe - Cardiff Jif
- Nick.
23rd June, 2003
I'm Mario Jnr!
It was a handicap and I was off in the scratch group with about 15-20 others including Gerry, Mark Perry, James Taylor, Grant Bayton, etc. They set us off when the 4th's were at the 200m to go flag! It was nails and we caught the 3rds in the first 6 laps, doing 40+ down the back straight. Straight through the thirds and blew half of them straight away. Loads of attacks, went with all of them, Grant and Mark were fairly awesome!
Straight through the 4ths with 6 to go gained a few more passengers, loads more attacks! Final lap everything's together, then a break goes with all the Elites in it! James, Gerry and me cross down the back straight 53x12 twirling! Everyone sits up out of the final bend and it all comes back together with bodies everywhere....put my head down..kicked...5th!!
- Andy H.
23rd June, 2003
Here's something for you all to think about- a pub crawl/spin is planned for the later part of the season where riders will be expected to complete the circuit on their bestest ever bone shakers / butchers bikes / shoppers / choppers etc.. The more ridiculous the better! So get scavenging for that dream "worst" bike. (Craig- how is mine coming on?)
- Nickie.
23rd June, 2003
Sorry about the lack of updates last week. I did manage to borrow a laptop from Jeff the triathlete, but unfortunately I didn't have decent internet access from my remote location. Less work for me!
- Sam.
13th June, 2003
If anyone wants to ride out to watch the Five Valleys race this coming Sunday, on top of the Rhigos, give me a bell 07966 082525.
- Paul (Baboon Arse).
13th June, 2003
The British Road race champs, coming up on the 28-29th June weekend, are based at the Celtic Manor in Newport this year. See the poster for more info.
Thanks to Paul for this info.
- Sam.
10th June, 2003
Help! I'm going to Cornwall next week and haven't sorted myself out with a laptop yet. Can someone please lend me one so I can keep this site (and others) updated? And do a little work. But don't tell Kim ;)
If you can help, send me an email.
- Sam.
6th June, 2003
Is this interesting? Its a graph of hits to this website and to cardifftri.net this year.
- Sam.
6th June, 2003
Well just as my race went, my report comes in behind the others as well.
Having to work the Saturday was only a minor pain, as by the time I set off there was less traffic and, of course, I used the secret way up to N.Wales.
Arrived at 21:30, possibly with a little speeding or due to the light traffic of course. Bob beating all takers at table footie but not me, some excuse of going to bed because of some little race in the morning.?
Sunday, RACE DAY. A good day weather wise, a good, hearty brekkie for those who could actually eat of course; NERVES or something along those lines. I think Keith may have lost a stone.
Race got under way. During the briefing somebody asked about it being neutralised the 1st time up the pass (not me). Organiser said, "No". Did he not know about people power or the POWER OF THE PUGH (cough, cough). George Rose got a little frisky 2/3rds of the way up - he was just stretching his legs, and there was no need for the boo's, people. Then from the back, Hugh Pritchard shot to the front (it really was like flies reacting to fresh doo doo) to pull over and relieve himself. All was calm again, until the A5 when bang, jump after jump spilt the Hugh (small) pack into 2 groups.
Myself and Lids in the back group controlling things (not!!). Me hanging in for all I'm worth. 2nd time up the pass I drift slowly off the back as did 2 others never to see the hungry pack again. 1 of the others threw the towel in and I chased the other guy for 6 miles before I caught him or maybe he waited for me?
A mile to the end of the lap the chap asks, "Going around again?", to which I reply "sounds good to me". Sounds good to me, another lap with just the 2 of us (think Will Smith). I think sun stroke may have kicked in.
We start the lap each doing a bit of a turn, then I get to the front feeling okay. After a while I look around. He's gone. I'm all alone. Why why did he desert me? Do I cry like a baby or soldier on like a demented Jiffie? The latter of course. Over the pass for the 3rd time an eriee silence of nobody there. Onto the A5 I'm so far back even the race signs have given up on me and gone. Not much left in the bottle. It will be drunk when I see the 5 miles to Llanberis sign post. Disaster! I look down and it's gone. Even a plastic water bottle is too embarrassed to be seen with me.
The 1k sign. Just around the bend and I'll get that rapous welcome for just having the guts to finish....... nothing, no one. I'm deflated, I'm down, I'm so low to the floor my chin is acting like a brake. But I did it.
But this needs to be known. I WAS LAST. See, I can say it with gutso, "I WAS LAST". Sorry John Hiddleston from Bynea CC, but that's my Lantern Rouge and I want it back and I want it to be known.
- Craig.
6th June, 2003
I am trying to get some sort of an agenda for the AGM, and this is what I have so far:
1. The website. Price of running it with no adverts
and also, what we are going to do for Sam for all his
hard work and time?
2. Kit. Supplier and when, I suppose.
3. Accounts. What sort of state are we in and do we
need to spend some of it on equipment? If so, what?
4. Members. Do people who have been around a long
time and part of the club but are not current members
have a say?
Any suggestions? Either what you think of the above or something else to go on the agenda (I'm sure some of these will make good reading). Mail them to me personally please.
- Craig.
6th June, 2003
My apologies for the site getting a bit f**ked up by the Lycos advertising bar on the right hand side. Hopefully at the AGM we can finally get organised and agree to put the website up on an advert-free server.
- Sam.
5th June, 2003
I'm planning on riding this and making the return to the stretch of road that claimed my elbow, boooo.
This looks like a good event and I was wondering if anyone fancies coming down to make up a marauding Jiffie squad. Not sure if all the testing on the first day will be to everyone's tastes, but look on the good side, there will be plenty of fat testers butts to kick in the crits on the Sunday.
I may be able to sort out somewhere to kip and possibly some traditional West Country hospitality on the Saturday night.
Devon Duel Stage Race 3 Stages/2days 12th-13th July
Promoted by Exeter Wheelers, this challenging and interesting event uses the old A30 near Exeter for both the 3 mile hilly prologue and 10 mile time trial on Day 1. Circuit races at Westpoint Arena - Exeter on Day 2 complete the race format. Event 1 will be for 2/3 cats. Event 2 will be for 4/J/W cats. Stage and overall prizes + highest placed category riders each event. The Devon Youth Duel has U16, and U14 categories riding the same race format as the Devon Duel over the two days, with U12 ,U10,U8, riding time trials and circuit races on the Sunday at Westpoint Arena. An E/1/2, supporting circuit race completes the weekends racing.
The Devon Duel is being run under BC rules. Entry fee £22.00 (Juniors £19.00). The Devon Youth Duel is being run under BSCA rules and entries need to be on BSCA entry forms. Day membership is £1 to non-members. Entry fee £15.00 (U12, U10, U8 £5.00). Cheques to: Exeter Wheelers C.C. BC age categories - Gear restrictions apply. Entries close 21st June. Late entries accepted if numbers permit. Entries to Graham Edwards: 5 Rusper Close, Plymtree, Cullompton, Devon EX15 2LT
- Andy "Ankles".
5th June, 2003
Anyone fancy a ride over Wentwood (the Nationals course)? Then join me and others, leaving the shop at 9.30 am this Saturday.
- Nickie.
3rd June, 2003
'Cheers' to the organisers of the Welsh Road Race Champs for providing a tough and challenging race at the weekend. There was nowhere to hide!
'Cheers' to the weatherman for keeping everyone dry and warm.
'Cheers' to the 'Jiffies' - 6th senior man, 2nd lady, 3rd Junior & 3rd in the 3's/4's.
'Cheers' to Nick Kenwright for feeding the 'Jiffie' who didn't eat enough breakfast!
'Cheers' to the 'bandit' for establishing himself as the table football king. Perhaps he should sell his bike!
'Jeers' to the neutral service for not giving out wheels unless riders had placed a numbered wheel in the car!!!??!!
'Jeers' for the lack of Welsh hospitality - no tea and no welshcakes!
'Jeers' for the lack of washing facilities at a Championship event - who wants to drive home 'stinky' in this day and age?
- Zad.
2nd June, 2003
(Nick's account of the Elites, 1, 2, 3's race, 93 miles.)
It started slowly, and continued at a steady pace after the de-neutralised flag all the way to the top of Llanberris Pass for the first time. Thanks to Gareth Pugh for arranging that. Then it kicked off: the break went with 14 people in it including Keith Davies and myself. Keith punctured and wasn't given a wheel. A few people popped on the climb second time up the pass, so we were down to 10 riders, 2 miles from the end of the 2nd lap. 4 riders went up the road, and I was left in the chasing group. The two groups came back together as they crossed the line going into the third lap. 4 riders attacked immediately, getting a gap of about 300 mtrs. I crossed the gap by myself, and then worked when I could, although the others were complaining that I was sat on too much. (What can you expect from a third cat in the break with 4 elites!)
About 5 miles from the finish George Rose cramped and had to get off the bike, leaving 4 of us. About 2 miles later a Deeside Olympic rider made it back to us, making 2 Deeside riders, 1 Energy Cycles rider and Huw Pritchard. With 2 miles to go Huw attacked and I couldn't respond, and I slowly drifted off the back. About 1 mile from the finish George caught me, and we rode in together, George taking the 5th place, leaving me with 6th.
I might have enough points for my 2nd cat now!
All in all a good weekend, with Nickie Taylor getting the Silver medal in the Womens, and Andi "Pow-Pow" Hoskins getting 3rd in the supporting race for 3rd and 4th cat's. Good rides were also had by Ian Liddiat, Craig Standage and Birthday Bob the BANDIT!
- Nick.
2nd June, 2003
Nick Stevens: 6th in the Senior race- well done!
Andy Hoskins: 3rd in the 3/4's race- brill!
Mikey: 3rd Junior- tops!
Ian and Craig finished the gruelling 93m senior race- well done boys...nails. Bob, my lead out man (well done Bob the Bandit!), finished with me, who got 2nd Lady in Welsh Champs - Nina winning. (OK! so there weren't many women- 5 started, 4 finished), and Keith who organised the whole affair unfortunately punctured with a neutral service vehicle not being quite so neutral!
Well done to everyone, a hard race, but as Bob says "it'll make a man out of you!!"
- Nickie.
2nd June, 2003
Bedford two day: Myself and Clair (brown) Davies rolled up to the Milton Keynes Bowl for the first stage of 1.2 km prologue followed by 30m criterium race on what looked to be an old part of the bowl on a twisty narrow dusty road. Clair bouncing off her head was looking forward to her first experience in road racing, and I spent most of the morning in the toilet wondering where it all comes from!
Prologue came and went before I could take make first breath! Wow! some powerful thighs there, boys!! Then for the criterium and a disaster.... I wish I could blame a mechanic, but no, it was me who hadn't put my wheel in tight and so it came loose on the first lap! Then realising, "hey there bonzo... you can take a lap out....hurrahh!" However, made a cock up of trying to jump back onto the group and ended up in a chasing group just off the back. Clair enjoyed the experience and stayed the majority of the way with a group. Disappointed then to see the results cocked up and I was down as having been lapped.....not fair, stamp feet, boo hoo!!! Lots of mistakes had been made that day by the recorders, and many riders had complaints to be made.
The road race was a brighter 55mile affair, I stayed with the leading bunch that had 60+ starters and was whittled down to 20 ish for the last sprint home, and here I grabbed an 11th position. Nina Davies the other Welsh rider won the hills competition. Clair did four of the six laps - again with a group of riders off the back but loved the experience and is going to continue her new found love; a brave first experience I'm sure you would agree. Well done crazy girl!!!!!
- Nickie.
2nd June, 2003
Dave Gumby has finally had his Majorca photos processed, and says I can link to them here. They mostly seem to be of Clare though.....
- Sam.
29th May, 2003
Does anyone fancy going over to the 2004 Athens Olympics? Here are some provisional dates:
Road events are from the 14th to 18th August.
Mountain Bike 27th & 28th August.
Triathlon 25th & 26th August.
Can't find any cost information on cheap flights or accommodation at present, but if there is enough interest I could arrange a block booking and negotiate discounts.
As ever, you'll have to book early to get the best deals, so please express an interest asap.
- Keith.
29th May, 2003
"Abergavenny Circuit - 45miles
Would all please note (and pass on to everyone you know) that this handicap road race will be held on the FLAT Abergavenny - Raglan Bypass Circuit and NOT the 'Hilly' circuit used by CC Abergavenny during the early season.
Headquarters is at LLANARTH CRICKET CLUB PAVILION just off the old A40 approximately half way between Abergavenny and Raglan.
Please let all your racing colleagues know this and get your entries in the post ASAP as it reduces my levels of stress on the night. I will accept pre-entries up until Friday 6th June.
Pre-entries £10.00 (cheques to S Thomas) to:-
Steve Thomas
13 Cae Llewelyn
Cilmery
Builth Wells
Powys
LD2 3FA"
- Craig.
29th May, 2003
Llandow Circuit Races 3 - Sunday 8th June.
Juveniles 10.00
4.W.1st year Juniors 11.30
2.3.4.J 12.45
Abergavenny RC H'cap - Thursday 12 June.
Start - 19.00 Distance 72km
E.1.2.3.4.W.J
This event is on the 'old' flat (!) route. Race HQ is at Llanarth Cricket Club off the old A40 between Abergavenny and Raglan.
Get your entries off for both these events asap - saves hassle on the day.
Finally, very many thanks to everyone who turned out to make the recent JIF road race such a success.
- Bob.
28th May, 2003
Want to know what happened in the Jif road race on the weekend? Click here.
- Sam.
28th May, 2003
British Cycling also has a large collection of photos of the Bedford two-day last weekend, including some really nice pictures of the Jif girls competing. See Larry Hickmott's photos here, and Dave O'Nyon's here.
Nickie finished 11th in stage 3, and 28th overall (full results here). I'm hoping for an intimate race report soon.
Thanks Del for the tip.
- Sam.
28th May, 2003
At the Darley Moor two-day, Geraint, riding for the Great Britain Junior Squad/Track Squad (depending upon where you look) won the prologue stage, finished second in the road race, was third in the stage 3 time trial, and then won the stage 4 road race to take overall victory.
See full results here on the British Cycling website.
- Sam.
26th May, 2003
In torrential rain and gusting winds of up to 40mph, those of us stupid enough to turn up and sign on rolled out to race at 7.30pm. At 7.00pm I contacted Stu Meek to find out where he was and why he wasn't racing. This was met by laughter and then contempt. Bend-over Bob was contacted next, but he got Leisa to answer and tell me he was doing a turbo session instead and couldn't come to the phone. So it was down to little old me to carry the JIF torch, and with my results lately, the JIF torch I was carrying wouldn't even light, let alone shine!!!
With about 20 riders containing a splattering of 1st cats down to 4ths all were soaked after half a lap. With me being the only JIF rider dumb enough to turn up, this inspired the Ogmore Valley Wheelers and I overheard one of their team say that due to them having 5 riders and only one JIFFY, that they would work my over from the gun. This obviously didn't happen as I lapped the man in question, TWICE, ha ha.
After about 4 laps of fruitless attacks by many riders, Craig Cooke (Cardiff Ajax) and Andrew Russell (VC St Raphael), got a small lead. I tried bridging the gap, but with legs as powerful as mine, everyone just jumped on me and sat in. The 2 breakaways built on their lead to about half a lap with 14 laps out of the 25.
Distraught, I got all American and angrily shouted at the bunch of 8 riders I was with, "do you want to race for third or try and win?" I must stop watching silly films. Anyway it worked and we all started chainganging.
We got within 10 seconds of the breakaways on the final lap and everyone just sat up. I led the sprint out for our bunch for the final quarter of a lap, because I don't have a clue what I'm doing. Anyway, I jumped the bunch and came in a clear third, about 10 seconds down on the winners.
At last a result in a race and not just in the chaingang, as pointed out to me on a weekly basis by Stu Meek.
Results:
1. Craig Cooke (Cardiff Ajax)
2. Andrew Russell (VC St Raphael)
3. Keith Davies (Cardiff JIF)
- Keith.
23rd May, 2003
The start sheet for this weekend's Jif road race has gone up here.
- Sam.
22nd May, 2003
Surprise! You've just received a Yahoo! Greeting from "craig" (thebastard_uk@yahoo.com)!
To view this greeting card, click on the following Web address at anytime within the next 30 days.
http://uk.view.greetings.yahoo.com/greet/view?255MV683TAW3B
Enjoy!
The Yahoo! Greetings Team
- Sam.
21st May, 2003
Well done to the Jif boys who finished 8th overall, Ian and Andy being the survivors. The first day saw a good team effort placing 13th 14th and 18th. Keith was earlier in a break away bunch but suffered badly with cramp and is still recovering. The second day saw just the two riders start; Andy and Ian L, and again both riders finished superbly, Andy getting 3rd and Ian 12th. Overall and 8th final position was very good considering only two riders were counted.
Ruth and myself had the great opportunity to ride in a women's team- and this is where my nightmare started!! Overall a bit of a mare!! I crashed in the first race but trailed around finishing the 65 miles at the back (a quick thank you to Pinky who stopped and helped me, and then missed the bunch himself). The second day saw the other girls wisely not participating, but I couldnt resist another kick in. I didn't realise it was up and over Gifach Goch twice!! Made it round and wasn't last..(not sure what zone my HR was in!! Probably maxing out to the limit mannnnn!!!! Red lining it all the way!!! Dudeeee!!!) However, I have learnt so much about racing and about my inner soul over the weekend, things which are character building and unique in life's rich tapestry.
Also - on a happy successful note- well done to Geraint who won a National Junior Road Race at the weekend- excellent performance.
- Nickie.
21st May, 2003
Chris Landon has confirmed that the 'Crits' at Llandow this Thursday will start at 1930. The race will be a handicap affair, the details of which will be announced at the start. Let's see if we can make it a 'monster' turn-out from the 'Jiffies'. See you there.
- Bob.
20th May, 2003
Chris Landon has confirmed the crit start time is 7.30pm for this Thursday.
- Dave.
16th May, 2003
The regular Tuesday evening 'crits' at Llandow have been re-scheduled for Thursday evenings this year. The first event is due next Thursday 22 May 03. This is yet to be confirmed but is pretty solid info. Perhaps if an AJAX-type person views this they might like to get in touch to confirm start times etc.
- Bob.
16th May, 2003
All 'Jiffies' please note that we are hosting the JIF Road Race on Sunday 25 May 03. Ian will need lots of 'bods' to ensure that the race is marshalled safely and most club members have already indicated their willingness to help - many thanks.
Race Organiser - Ian
Registrations - Laura
Commissaire Vehicle - Bob
Race HQ - Llantwit Major School/Leisure Centre
Race Start - 1000
Helpers/Marshals Report Time - 0915
Please aim to get to Race HQ by 0915 prompt. At the registration area you will find a map of the course indicating your area of responsibility. Please check in with Ian or Laura, collect a bib and flag and make your own way to your position on the course. Make sure you have clothing for inclement weather and it might be an idea to take a flask of hot drink. See you there.
- Bob.
16th May, 2003
In the most hyped return since George Foreman beat Michael Moorer, Andy left behind the combination of dodgy legs/lungs and brain to gain 5th place in a hotly contested finish in the E/1/2/3 Western Division Handicap's at Castle Coombe Thursday night.
The race was a 51km handicap but in the end all the groups came together and it was left for the remains of the bunch to fight it out into a headwind finish. A touch of wheels out of the final bend caused about 5 riders to hit the deck next to me, but thankfully I managed to miss that one!
Mark Perry(FS Maestro) started up the sprint but faded, I also jumped too early and was passed by 2 riders in the final 10m but managed to hang on for 5th.
Result:
1st Gerry Bowditch-www.bikeshop.uk.com
2nd Rob Adams-Bristol South
3rd Jason Streather-VC St Raphael
4th Grant Bayton-Angliasport
5th Andy Hoskins-Cardiff JIF-Cyclopaedia
- Andy.
14th May, 2003
Hector aka "The Protector" is leaving this beautiful land to go to Engggeerland. He has not been doing to much cycling due to his accident in the winter, hence not seen much. But he is having a get together on Friday night at the Rummer Tavern from 7 onwards. He'd like to see a few of you that he knows and maybe people he doesn't.
- Craig.
14th May, 2003
Ruth and Nicky will be riding for the Welsh Women's Team in the L'Etape this weekend. So come and support both JIF teams.
- Keith.
14th May, 2003
Matt Beckett has discovered the new CardiffJif.com website, and professed a possibility of a comeback. (I wonder whether he was inspired by the website itself?) "Well to thirds and birds anyway!", he says. And he sent me this photo, of "when I was good". Suddenly I'm not really looking forward to the chain gang any more.
BTW, the webmaster is considering posting his weekly excuse for getting dropped from the chain gang on the website. But then, excuses won't make me go any faster.... I'll try and wear a different retro jersey every week so you can all tell it's me that has gone out the back.
- Sam.
14th May, 2003
Further to Nicky’s race report I felt compelled to write a race report that truly reflected the weekend experience.
Firstly, the ordeal of taking 2 highly strung teenage like women up to the race has truly taken its toll on my thirty-something body and mind. Both girls (Ruth and Nicky) commented on how fast the journey had taken, this was due to the 3 ½ hour constant frantic banter between them. Believe me, they did not stop talking all the way, I tried to join in, but was reminded that my job was to drive and look after their every need and to concentrate on the job in hand. Ahh, the life of a domestique.
On entering the hotel room that the 3 of us were sharing, I was advised that due to there only being 1 double bed and a single sofa bed, that I would be sleeping on my own. Please refer to the photographic evidence.
After making the restaurant staff work over time to fill our stomachs, we retired to our hot sticky room. Average sleep per person was around 3 hours. This was due to strange dreams involving heavy panting and Hi-Tech squash shoes, an average temperature of 45 degrees C, an air conditioning unit that could be heard back in Cardiff and the incoming planes landing at Gatwick airport less than a mile away.
To get my own back own the girls I made sure I had the first dump of the day, mmmm, pizza, chips and Fosters Ice. Great recipe for making the toilet out of bounds.
I was surprised at the calm exterior of both girls. They must have cancelled each other out. As I have been on the receiving end of Ruth’s pre-race tongue lashing many times before and was warned by Paul about Nicky’s pre-race scary monster like behaviour. But all was calm, until about 30 mins before the off. I was asking Nicky if she had enough to eat and was greeted by wild eyes and a scary retort of WHAT at 95 db!!! She was obviously in the ZONE, and was ready to race. But this all turned to laughter only seconds later. Ruth was very calm and it was like when we first met and she was to scared to show her true self in case I ran away. Ahh, distant memories.
The girls raced smart, always between the top 10 to 15 places jumping in any moves that where going away. The front group containing the 2 girls had been smashed down to only 24 riders from nearly 50 starters. This was due to attacks every lap up the hill leading to the finish line. The front group stayed together on the final lap and the race was left to the sprint on the hill up to the finish line.
This saw Nicky using all her might, power and elbows to bash, push and power through the pack to an 8th. Ruth, recovering from illness and in her first ever road race came in 17th in the bunch sprint which is outstanding. Which made me a very proud husband and Team JIF Domestique.
Let me put these results into context. There were many full time and supported riders in this race, with all the back up of a Tour team. Many of these riders went out the back door only 2 laps in to the 8 lap race. The girl who won the race had many team mates looking after her and had a Cipo-like lead out. Well done girls, I’ll look forward to coming to the next race.
- Keith.
13th May, 2003
WCU XC3 at Betws Farm Abergavenny. MTB was ok. Still not fit yet. Unable to get my HR out of level 2, but it was enough even though I punctured the front wheel at the start of the 4th lap of 6. But with tubeless tyres I just carried on, but lost time on the descents as I had to scrub off all speed before trying to turn, otherwise the tyre might roll off the rim. I managed to keep the lead finishing 1 min up on 2nd place. However, I had to let the leading Expert rider I was riding with ride away from me. Ruth Davies won the Female Elite race with a convincing ride.
Then I jumped in the car, to Llandow. Got there 5 mins before the start, and felt ok. I jumped on the bike, got in 2 breaks just catching wheels across to established breaks, then did work in the pack when Andi got in the winning break. I just sat at the front, chasing anything that tried to go, and then once Andi popped, I started to chaingang with a few to get the break back as we had no other riders in it. Then 8 laps from the end I just popped! Not enough food obviously, even though I had eaten in between in the car.
- Nick.
12th May, 2003
The 4th's, Ladies and first year juniors were away at 1415 for their 25 laps. JIF were well represented (Dave, Paul, Chris, Clare, Nicola, Bob) but the largest Club gathering was probably AJAX with Courtney marshalling his latest crop of juniors. The race was pretty active throughout but there were no successful breakaways and into the final lap it was all to play for. Dave ('Pinky'), Chris, Paul and Bob were at the front of the bunch going down the back straight. Bob and Paul faded into the final turn but Dave and Chris stuck in to contest the finish with Chris crossing first and Dave taking a useful 5th place.
Dave and Chris, after a short break, lined up for the second race and were joined by Nick, Del, Mike and Andy. Plenty to watch in this encounter - Breakaway group of 4 - Andy crosses the gap on his own and takes the first prime - Andy then fades and joins the bunch - Nick (who has already scored a victory at the Abergavenny Mountain Bike Race) loses touch and drops out - Chris takes a lap out with a puncture - the breakaway having looked out of touch suddenly looks vulnerable and with a handful of laps to go starts losing time on the bunch - the bunch 'sits up' with two laps to go and the breakaways are safe - Mike attacks around the final bend and records a creditable 6th place.
All in all a satisfactory outing for the JIF.
- Bob.
10th May, 2003
I have uploaded a small gallery of photos of Cardiff cyclists from the past, thanks to Laura. Go take a look in the photos section.
- Sam.
9th May, 2003
The information posted regarding the Llandow races on Sunday was incorrect in terms of the Category start times. The latest information taken from Cycling Weekly is as follows:
| Youth Race | 1330 |
| Women, first year Juniors and fourth category riders | 1415 |
| 2/3/4/J | 1515 |
- Bob.
8th May, 2003
If you have not already entered the Welsh Road Race Champs the closing date is 11 May 03. If you intend going to the event you will also need to get in touch with Keith (Davies) as he has already done some organising with regard to accommodation.
Entries To:
David Hughes
31 Ffordd Gwenllian
LlanfairPG
Anglesey
LL61 5QD
Cost: £13 Payable to: 'Welsh Cycling Union'
No entries on the day.
E/1/2/3 93 miles 1000 start
3/4/J/W/V 62 miles 1015 start
- Bob.
8th May, 2003
The time for Afan has been decided! Meet at 10.30 in the car park to head over the valley to the Wall. See you all Saturday, hopefully the weather will hold out.
- Fran.
7th May, 2003
Photos, results and a race report of the Women's Team Series, Round 3, with Ruth and Nickie can be found here. Thanks Ruth!
- Sam.
6th May, 2003
A 48 mile undulating course with 45 riders starting. There were a couple of early attempts to break the pack, which succeeded, and a remaining 24 riders were left including a recovered Ruth and myself. As in the previous team series race it was a sprint finish up a drag that sorted out the final positions. It must be my lucky number as I managed an 8th again! And a big well done to Ruth who got 17th and was in the race to the finish so soon after being so ill.
- Nickie.
5th May, 2003
Geraint finished 4th in the Junior National Series, Tour of the Peak. See the results on the BCF website here, and the race in pictures here.
Thanks to Fran for the info.
- Sam.
5th May, 2003
Going MTBing at Afan Argoed next Saturday and probably Cwmcarn on Sunday, so if anyone else fancies coming along, drop me an e-mail and we can arrange a time.(franwhyte@hotmail.com) Otherwise see you at the BBQ.
- Fran.
5th May, 2003
The start times have been delayed until the afternoon due to a charity event in the morning. New times are as follows:
4/1st year Juniors - 1415
2/3/4/J/W/V - 1515
- Bob.
5th May, 2003
Julian Winn recorded his first professional win completing the 193km race in 4hrs 32mins. The upshot of this fine win means that Fakta's Director Sportif has promoted Julian from the reserve slot and he now gets to ride the 'Giro'. The 'Giro' starts on May 10 and if you do not have satellite you can keep up with the results daily on cyclingnews.com.
- Bob.
5th May, 2003
Winny get Fakta first pro win of the year! See cyclingnews.com and the BCF website.
- Martyn.
1st May, 2003
Name: Cardiff JIF
Category: Group
Membership No: 018-7675842
Expires End: 04/04
Its a great deal, so get out there and use it.
- Keith.
1st May, 2003
27th April, Cheshire Classic Womens Road Race, race report. Result- dnf'ed- oh well.
I managed to stay in the group for 6 of the 10 laps but felt weak throughout and made a terrible job of trying to stay in a good position. Finally I lost the group along a flat and down a hill with legs feeling a bit worse for wear!!!! Back to some training and Surrey Women's Race this weekend with Ruthie making her first appearance on the road race scene- look out riders!
- Nickie.
1st May, 2003
20th April, Bedford Womens Team Series, race report. 43 riders started the 4 laps of 10 miles with a slight hill at the start/ finish line. After several attempts to break up the group the race finished with a group of 23 riders sprinting for the finish. Some how I managed to stay near the front and got an 8th position.
- Nickie.
1st May, 2003
The new look website is live. Tell me what you think via sam@samwebster.net. Found any bugs?
- Sam.
30th April, 2003
"This year's ISCA Duathlon is also the Welsh Duathlon Championship and is once again held at the University of Wales College, Newport. The events consists of the usual three 'legs' ie run, bike and run. The first leg involves an athlete completing a 4km running course around a hilly road course outside the UWCN Caerleon campus near Newport. The second leg is on road bikes and goes from the campus to Llangybi and back, a total distance of 18km. The final leg is a repeat of the first leg.
Competitors are split into waves of 10 (the slowest on paper leaving in the earlier waves) and set off from the Caerleon campus at 9.10am by the Vice-Chancellor. This is to ensure the local community is not disrupted by masses of competitors moving together through the streets of the village.
It is expected that a full field of 100 competitors will compete on the day as not only is the Welsh title up for grabs but also the quickest on the day will receive a £100 prize, as a minimum. With other category prizes on offer and spot prizes also awarded the day promises to be competitive
If you wish to enter, whether Welsh or not, please visit our website, www.newport.ac.uk or contact our reception team for more details on 01633 432933." You can download the entry form here.
Simon Bray
Sports Facilities Manager
UWCN
Sports Centre
Caerleon
Newport
NP18 3 YG
Tel 01633 432933
Fax 01633 432876
- Sam.
29th April, 2003
Go and see Andy "Pow Pow Pow" Hoskins in a completely different environment on Saturday (with Boy George?) See this flyer, in a kinda Jify green, for more info.
- Sam.
28th April, 2003
MTB WCU XC 2 Builth yesterday saw a stunning ride from Mr Maintenance, Chris "Jim" Gould. On what was a proper mountainous course, he won the Junior race despite having to complete most of the last lap with his handlebars having come undone from the stem. only the light bracket stopped the bars from popping out! Nice one Chris!
Nick pulled out of the elite race on the third lap whilst in second place, not fully recovered from the Jif throat/chest virus which is presently in circulation.
Good rides also from Luke Rowe (Ajax) 2nd in Juvenile and Phil Harries (Ajax) 4th in Vets.
- Nick.
28th April, 2003
I am nearing completion of the 2nd full version of the Cardiff Jif website. The redesign uses features of www design that weren't available to me 4 or 5 years ago when I first put the Jif website together, and will give the site a new look and easier navigation to updates. It will make it easier for me to control content and style, and will give the club a more modern look and identity on the world wide web. Hopefully this will go live within the next two weeks, but I am away (drinking beer) for a long May bank holiday weekend, so it'll appear either before or after this. Apologies in advance for any disruption in service.
Don't worry, it will still be in gorgeous green, pink and yellow. I just hope you lot like it....
- Sam.
28th April, 2003
The Wunderkid Geraint also won a bronze medal in the kilometre pursuit! And another bronze in the 20km scratch race final!
Again see the pictures and full info on the results section of the BCF website.
- Sam.
28th April, 2003
Geraint finished 2nd in the Junior National Track Champs 3000m pursuit. Pictures and info on the BCF website here.
- Sam.
25th April, 2003
Geraint's riding in the national junior track champs, which is ongoing until Sunday. He has qualified fastest in the 3000m pursuit.
See the latest results here, on the British Cycling website. Here's a cracking picture of him on the starting blocks in his Jif kit!
Thanks to Nick for the info.
- Sam.
24th April, 2003
JIF now have a group membership of the Youth Hostel Association. Club members will be able to stay at hostels on our membership when there are 5 or above staying at the same time.
I shall circulate the details on receipt next week.
- Keith.
24th April, 2003
On Sunday the 13th April was the first XC MTB race of the NPS series. Ruth was the only Jif rider to make the 200 mile trip to Thetford as Nick was ill and others decided not to fork out £25 for what is a MTB course with no mountains!
After some controversy over number of laps each category was racing due to the slightly longer lap distance of 7.4 miles it was decided that laps would be reduced for Elite and Sport races, but not Expert, so the Expert riders got 4 laps for the price of 3, same number as the Elites?!!
Riding in the Expert Women's race Ruth was the first off the start line (must have been those sprints in Majorca!!) and entered the first single track section in the lead but unfortunately was soon overtaken on the long flat fire road sections by the more powerful riders. After managing to keep pace with the third placed rider for 3 laps and gaining time in the technical sections, Ruth started to suffer from first race legs on the last lap and finally finished in a respectable 5th place.
The next NPS is at Catton Hall on 18th May. Hopefully this may have some hills in!
For a full list of results go to timelaps.co.uk.
- Ruth.
23rd April, 2003
We need 20 people to help out at our road race which takes place Sunday 25 May over the Vale course.
All juniors and vets are expected to help out as there are no other races on this date. Women who are not doing the Bedford 2 day we would also require your help. All other members who are not racing would be required to help out.
This is the first year this race will be run with this format, so we need to ensure that all areas are managed to the highest standards. We can only achieve this with your help.
So come and join in. You'll probably even get a free sandwich, but it would have probably been made by Ian or Craig!!!
Please contact me ASAP to confirm your attendance.
- Keith.
17th April, 2003
A 3 1/2Hr Drive to Denbigh, one dead rabbit, or possibly just stunned. Won't be playing in the road again that's for sure. Anyway, to the race itself.
Conditions windy, like everywhere else in Wales that day. Being the only Jif rider, plan was to stay out of trouble and have a dig at the end. With 8 Deeside riders riding staying away would be a problem.
A few attacks were made, I did manage to get in one but one rider jumped across and blew it apart and others failed in the end due to the wind. A break did get away eventually, myself nowhere near it, but with a Deeside rider in it. Any breaks after that were brought back by the other Deesider's.
A crash on the 5th lap brought down a few riders, possibly about 8 to 10; a touch of wheels I think. The sprint for the finish was for minor places up a drag. I got 14th, not fantastic but my first couple of points as a 2nd Cat, so in a way alright.
- Craig.
17th April, 2003
Remember those Mallorca photos in the gallery? Those were taken by Fran (Whyte), and edited for the web by Ed (also Whyte). Thanks you two!
- Sam.
Sunday's Race Report. (31st March, 2003).
Tom Hawkins Memorial Road Race
This race saw Andi (pow-pow) Hoskins riding strongly, making it into the break, then on a descent at about 40MPH the person in front of him hit the deck, taking out Andi as well. Andi had surgery in Exeter General on Sunday night to wire his elbow back together, and to scrub the molten lycra from his skin. He should be back on the bike within 4 weeks, but this was the first outing on the Basso; Andi might want to stick with his Giant from now on.
WCU MTB XC1. Kilvey hill
Keith Davies decided to move out of the Old Gits (masters) category and race in the Experts. After a good start he decided to take a tumble, which loosened his saddle, which eventually fell off. Keith continued without it and eventually finished 3rd.
Nick Stevens, in the Elite category, rode away from everyone on the first and second hills, and then went off course 'cos the tape had been removed by the police moving a stolen vehicle. He got to the end of the first lap to find the people he'd dropped. He turned around, retraced his steps and got back on course, was 5 1/2 mins down, chased, on the last lap caught the leading 2, passed 2nd place, was just catching 1st when he got mud in his contact lens and had to stop and sort it out. Lost a minute. Came 3rd.
Phil Harries of AJAX had a good ride in the Vets and we think came 5th.
Good support crew at Kilvey Hill from Matt Hirst and Ruth Davies, both suffering from cold/throat infections. (A good rumour to start!!)
- Nick.
Saturday's Race Report. (31st March, 2003).
Aber Handicap 3.
Geraint was out-sprinted for the first time this year having to settle for second to british National champion and Fakta Pro, Julian Winn. He did however, beat many other 1st cats and elite riders including Ben Luckwell (ex-pro).
- Nick.
Service Break. (31st March, 2003).
The cardiffjif.com website has just finished being moved with Lycos Tripod's servers to a new, larger location in Stockholm. This meant an interruption in the ability to update the website, but should give improved service in the future, as we were regularly experiencing access failures.
Concurrently, most of my PCs were hit by a virus, and I'm still recovering software and solving problems now. I'll be lucky to get things back to normal this week.
- Sam.
New (?) Video. (19th March, 2003).
I've uploaded a video from the W/V/J race at the Welsh Cross Champs in Pontypool. It has been kicking around for a bit, but it has taken me a while to compress it and find space for it. I also knew I wouldn't be creating any new videos for a while, so thought I'd space them out....
Download it directly from the gallery by right clicking the upper left thumbnail and choosing "save to disk", or whatever your browser prefers. Its a 10.5MB file.
- Sam.
Lean Green Jif Machine take on the Aber Handicaps. (17th March, 2003).
The Green Jif Machine sent 7 riders to the first of the Abergavenny Handicaps on Saturday, which saw a dominant control of the race similar to Quick.Step-Davitamon's dominance in the Het Volk.
The 4wvj's set off in glorious weather in a train behind Del Delamonde for the first 2K until Nick, Chris and Geriant forced the pace on the climb, splitting the group in two. Pinky, Mr.Bob, Del and Ian Liddiat stayed in the second half of the group to chase down any attempts to pull back the leading group.
Second time up the climb, the front group split once more in two with all three Jif riders staying in the front group of 10. The group worked well pulling time out from the chasers, and going into the fourth lap, Nick attacked, followed by Paul Spencer and Geraint. Once onto the climb for the last time, the leaders worked to pull out time from the chasers, but just as Nick and Paul were riding as hard as possible, Geraint rode away from them and managed to pull out a significant gap by the finish to take a Solo victory.
Nick and Paul, worked together in the head wind, staying away to the finish from the chasing group.
Chris Gould, who was not feeling very good, still out sprinted the chasers to round of the race with a Jif 1st, 3rd, 4th.
Well done boys!
For results: http://www.welshcyclingunion.com/comp/rr/results/2003/w04result.htm
- Nick.
Race Entries. (14th March, 2003).
The 'Green Machine' has been depleted of late due to the dreaded 'bug' and Mallorca trips. However, racing has started and it is time for some pay-back after all those training miles.
Remember that race organisers need early entries to gauge whether or not to run an event so start form filling. Up and coming - Abergavenny Handicaps 15,22 & 29 March. You also need to get your entries in for the Cwmcarn Handicap on 6 April - asap!!!!!
- Bob.
Castle Coombe Race Report. (14th March, 2003).
Sorry this is late; an email got lost somewhere, but here is the race report from Castle Coombe last weekend, from Andy Hoskins.
"Andy Hoskins and Bob Jones kept the Jif early season presence felt last Sunday at the Western Division Crits held at Castle Coombe. Conditions were traditionally bad with a howling gale down the finish straight reducing speed to those usually associated with old ladies on shoppers. The field of 111 riders in the 3/4/J/W race provided plenty of shelter and the occasional twitchy moment.
As usual there were a flurry of attacks in the opening laps which only succeeded in momentarily dangling off the front of the bunch. With 15 of the 17 laps to go Jimmy Jones of Swindon RC jumped clear and spent a lap ploughing a lone furrow. Andy jumped across to him with 14 to go and buried himself for the remainder of the lap to try and extend their advantage. Another 3 riders managed to bridge the gap in the following miles and the break steadily pressed home their advantage finishing 2 minutes ahead of the remains of the bunch that had split due to the harsh conditions.
Bob battled home in one of the following groups pleased to have worked well on a day when so many sat on and looked for an easy ride. This left the podium places to be decided by the 5 in break. Andy had picked the wrong wheel, leaving himself too much to do and although he was closing fast on the line had to settle for 2nd (and lots of abuse). The "pow pow" celebrations were left for Meeky to use on Good Friday."
Some results can be seen on the results page.
- Sam.
Gallery Update. (11th March, 2003).
More photos of JIF riders in the Severn Road Race have been added to the gallery. Many thanks to Keith for ferreting them out for me, and to www.britishcycling.org.uk for letting us use them.
- Sam.
Members Update. (8th March, 2003).
Craig and I are working on getting an up to date list of paid up members onto the members page. Go and see what we've got so far.
We use it to keep an up-to-date "best result" for each rider, for a little bit of competitive drive within the club. Good idea? Vote on it.
- Sam.
Video Voting. (8th March, 2003).
It seems as though 1,598 of you would like to see more videos on the site, and 57 of you do not. I'm guessing that those numbers are not completely accurate, so let's stick to the percentages: Yes 97%, No 3%.
I'll see what I can get together over the summer of you lot racing then!
- Sam.
New Background. (6th March, 2003).
Like the new background? Do you know who it is yet? Summer's coming!
Thanks to Keith for sending me this.
- Sam.
Gez wins in Belgium!!! (3rd March, 2003).
Its a busy news day today! I just got this from Nick:
Geraint Thomas Wins in Belgium
.- Sam.
Severn Bridge RR (E1234's) Stuff. (3rd March, 2003).
Check out the full BCF report of this race, with photos, including the one below of Keith climbing on the front of the chasing pack at yesterday's Severn Bridge RR.
The photo is from this page, by the way.
- Sam.
More Severn Bridge RR (E1234's) Results. (3rd March, 2003).
The top 14 results are up on the results page.
- Sam.
Sunday, Severn Bridge RR (E1234's) Report. (3rd March, 2003).
In stark contrast to the previous day, the weather was beautiful with a south-westerly wind. Four JIF riders started, but only one finished. First out was Ian liddiat who didn't make it out of the neutralised zone with a slipping seatpost. Then Craig went out the back on the climb on the first lap, chased to get back, on succeeding just in time to be dropped going up the climb for the second time. Working with Ian has taken its toll and it would seem that he is coming down with the throat infection Ian has had for the last month.
Nick managed to survive until the finish line, two laps to go, and then found himself off the back chasing with another rider. After half a lap chasing it was clear that he wasn't going to get back on, and he stopped at the top of the climb with some other JIF people who had ridden over to watch. "It would seem, that it is too early in the season to race two races back to back", said Nick.
This left just beefy Keith Davies to carry the flag for JIF, finishing towards the back of the vastly reduced bunch with mainly elites and 1st cats left. He was a pretty sight crossing the line, foaming at the mouth and unable to talk! Good effort boy! Well done Keith!!!
- Nick.
Saturday, Springtime Pursuits 3 Report. (3rd March, 2003).
Springtime pursuits 3 (of 3). Handicap.It started chucking it down on the way to the start, and rained for most of the race which had an extra lap added for fun! There was a strong head wind on the way out to the turn. Chris and Nick were covering nicely the two challengers for the series with the hope that Andi could out sprint them at the finish, but.......
Andi punctured on the last lap! Nick stopped and gave him his wheel,but alas, Andi was unable to catch the bunch back up.
1st prime, Chris Gould.
5th in the race, Chris Gould.
3rd in the series, Andi Hoskins.
- Nick.
Kit. (28th February, 2003).
A kit order is going in. All orders are to be directed through Keith, and the latest date for orders will be 17 March. Contact Keith at:Tel: 029 20596776
- Sam.
JIF News. (28th February, 2003).
Good luck to Geraint who is embarking on the start (hopefully) of his racing career in Belgium this weekend.Still 2 seats available for the last Springtime pursuit in Exeter on Sat.
- Nick.
Severn Road Race Ride. (27th February, 2003).
A few people (well Nicki, Paul and Ruth at present) are riding over to Bristol to watch the end of the Severn bridge road race on Sunday. The ride is about 80 miles there and back so we don't expect to be back in Cardiff until mid afternoon. If anyone else wants to tag along meet at the shop at 9.15am. The more the merrier!- Ruth.
Springtime Pursuits 2, Race Report. (25th February, 2003).
The Jif Machine travelled to Exeter last Saturday to defend Andi Hoskins position in the second of the series of 3 races.
The riders from Jif were Nick Stevens, Andi Hoskins, Chris Gould, Keith Davies and Paul Roberts. Also getting a lift was former U23 GB squad rider, George Rose.
Unfortunately, Paul missed the move from his group across to Nick and Keith's group and ended up sitting in in the scratch group for the ride, turning off early on the last lap in the direction of the showers. Nick and Keith were keeping the tempo high in the lead group to try and stay away from the scratch group, maximising Andi's chances of a series win. Unfortunately, Nick punctured just after the turn at the far end of the course on the second lap, and resorted to walking 2 miles until he grabbed a lift to the finish line.
A powerful display of solo riding saw Peter Wheddon (Clevedon & District Road Club) take a well-deserved victory in the second Springtime Pursuit – a race promoted by the Mid-Devon Cycling Club. The 46 year old from Portishead had a lead of 56 seconds by the time he crossed the finish line. His win also took him to the top of the overall points table.
As with the first race, seven days earlier, the weather was again “springlike”. However, for this race there was a fresh easterly wind that buffeted the riders every time they rode up the incline towards Whimple. The way Wheddon tackled this section made his win even more meritorious. The first group away started hard enough to shell out quite a number from their ranks and they reached the lap end prime well ahead of the second group. As they came up the hill towards the Jack in the Green Inn Rowan Boswood, a Mid-Devon C.C. junior, went clear. He was pursued by another junior, Chris Gould, of Cardiff JIF. Gould came past Boswood as he tired into the wind and then punctured leaving race officials to award the prize to Boswood – all prime winners must finish the race.
Sportingly Boswood offered his winnings to Gould. Gould refused them. Finally both riders agreed to share them. On the second lap the strong riders from the first three groups came together and it was then that Wheddon seized his chance. About 1 mile before the second Jack in the Green prime he jumped away. Three riders gave half-hearted chase and then desisted. The rest of the group thought he was just going for a long drawn out effort for the lap prize. They could not have been more wrong. He just kept going and going and going.
The scratch men had also started with venom in their pace. It was not long before 7 of their ranks had been despatched to lone rides or a quick trip back to the HQ and a warm shower. The eight that were left were: - Andrew Parker (Mid-Devon C.C.), Greg Sandy (Endurasport), James Taylor (City of Edinburgh), Steven Sage (Okehampton C.C.), Jon Wynn (Somerset Road Club), Nigel Polkinghorne (Team Training FX) and Andrew Ellis (Cycleogic).
On the final lap they caught the main bunch at the front and then the plan all went wrong. Their efforts in catching those in front had taken their toll and weary limbs could not force the pace any higher. They could not get clear of their new companions leaving Wheddon alone at the front to cross the finish line almost 1 minute ahead of the next riders home.
Greg Sandy led in these riders at the head of a group of 8 who had finally broken away in the last, uphill 2 miles. Third spot went to last week’s runner up Adam Holmes (Mid-Devon C.C.). He had been “nursed” over the final miles by club mate Will Hornby and then as the climb started by Andrew Parker. This team work paid off with his third place. Andrew Parker came in fourth. Parker’s fourth spot might prove very significant when the points are tallied up next week as he held off the winner of race 1, Andy Hoskins (Cardiff JIF).
Overall points standings (after race 2) : - Peter Wheddon, 10 points; Adam Holmes, 9 points; Andy Hoskins, 8 points; William Stevens, 4 points. The race organisers have a nice problem in setting next week’s handicaps for the scratchmen will be joined by former twice British Champion and top continental racer Jeremy Hunt as he warms up for a more serious Sunday race.
The top 12 placings are up on the results page.
This weekend, Super domestique Nick will be working his 'lil sox off Wilfred Peters style to try and get a Johan Museuw Classic Series Win for Andi Hoskins in the last Springtime Pursuit in Exeter. Spaces in the car are available, and entry on the line.
Sunday sees Nick, Craig, Keith and Ian Liddiat taking on 16 Elites and 12+ 1st cats in the Severn Bridge RR.
Nick is still road racing on his Ibis crossbike and is rumoured to be racing in winter MTB boots and a peak on his Helmet. When asked for comment, Nick said "I'm having withdrawal problems from the lack of cross racing. The adjustment from mud to tarmac is taking it's time. I'm hoping for some rain and mud on these road courses to keep me sane until the MTB season!"
- Nick.
News flash! (24th February, 2003).
The perths road race was cancelled two weekends ago, therefore the Springtime pursuit was the first of the season. With over 70 entrants, the Handicap race was only 55k but had a high pace from the off. The front group continued the 7 year tradition of not being caught by the scratch group in the first race. The first 3 groups came together at the end of the first lap of three, whilst the last two groups didn't merge until a lap later. A few elite riders clipped off the front of the chasing group but were unable to catch the front runners.
On a beautiful winters day, It was left to Jif to keep the pace high, and at the sprint finish, Andy Hoskins won his first senior race!
Nick Stevens, (new to road racing) was a plum and left it too late to move into a good position for the sprint, crossing the finish line in 9th place.