3C does Calshot Velodrome 18/09/2016

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Its been a little while since our news section was updated and to the outside eye it might seem that 3C have not been riding too much. I assure you this is not the case and in reality its rather the opposite, there have been so many things going on and our members have been so busy riding their bikes that there hasn't been enough time to write it all up!

Today a large group of 3C riders descended on Calshot's velodrome to enjoy an afternoon on the boards. The session catered for three groups, from novices up to track pro's and the tropical nature of the hanger today made for some very quick riding!

The drills got increasingly harder as the afternoon went on, from team pursuit to the infamous "take a lap", causing everyone involved to give it their all to catch up with the group. The session ended with some flying laps, with the group setting some fantastic times.

Special kudos must be given to Chris, Lee, Em and Beccy who are now no longer Velodrome novices and a big shout out to Rich B who set a blistering time of 9.6 Seconds for his flying lap

A big thank you goes out to Nick for organising and coaching and for Martin for helping out on the day - it's greatly appreciated by all involved.

The next 3C Calshot Velodrome session will be on 25th November so keep your diaries free.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks whilst our members remember how to use their keyboards to type up the summer antic!

Faith Fisher comes 11th and 5th in age group at Women’s Masters Nationals

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3C’s Faith Fisher competed at the Women’s Masters Road Race on Sunday, competing against some of the strongest riders in the country only one week after winning Rider London.

Starting in the village of Quainton, North of Oxford, the 100km windy, lumpy course took its toll on the 96 starting riders with the main group shrinking to around 30 by the finish. Faith’s from the outset was to cover every break, and when an early break went in mile 8 she went for it.  However, with only her and one other, the break lasted for 15 miles before rejoining the group.

In the closing miles of the race Chanel Mason went off the front alone, winning the race with well over a minute lead on the main bunch with Michelle Lee a little way behind. The main bunch sprinted for the finish up a gruelling hill with Jennifer George winning the sprint to come 3rd Overall.  Faith sprinted to 11th and secured her 2nd Category race licence.

With only a season’s experience of bike racing and Ride London in her legs, Faith’s result is a massive achievement. Go Faith!

Faith gets winning time at Ride London 100

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Doing what she does best, Faith powered to an incredibly quick time in this year’s Ride London of 4 hr 15 mins taking 30 minutes off her time last year. 

Those officially racing Ride London start in a start pen at the front of all the mass participants. As these riders finished, the race organiser assumed the first women across the line would have the winning time, awarding the podium spot, but as the times came in it became apparent Faith, starting 40 minutes behind the racers, had beaten the racing women by three minutes. 

[Results] 3C Results w/c 24/07/2016 and P164 10M TT

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What a crazy few weeks its been for 3C riders! In the heat of the summer sun, our members have been out giving it all on their bikes.

Martin Balk has once again set a PB for 25 mile TT, breaking his previous record by nearly 5 seconds, amazing results for the veteran rider.

Jo Payne showed that our members can run and swim too, smashing her time for the Southampton NOC Sprint triathlon and securing her victory as fastest lady. This is an exceptional result given that she was halfway down the pack in the same race the previous year.

Lots of white and black jerseys descended upon London on the 31st of July for the yearly Prudential RideLondon 100mile classic. For many riders this was their first solo sportive, so was a good exercise in mental grit. Every single meter of the 100 mile course is on closed roads, which makes the course very fast - the feeling of riding on a closed three lane motorway is one every serious bike rider needs to encounter! All participants pushed themselves extreamly hard, but special mention needs to be made to Rich Bradley who raised £1066 for Beating Bowel Cancer and set a phenomenal time in the process - an effort to be truly proud of. Other riders also set fantastic times:

Fath Fisher - 4hrs 14 mins
Rich Bradley - 4hrs 22 mins
Rich Carter - 6hrs 58 mins (Including ride delays)
Steve Lane - 5hrs 04 mins
Dan Offord - 7hrs 25 mins (Including ride delays)
Caroline Cooil - 5hrs 46 mins
Thomas Penrose - 5hrs 16 mins

On a more somber note, our thoughts are with Robin Chard's family, who sadly lost his life on the course on Sunday whilst raising money for Cancer research UK. 

And to top the last few weeks of results off, Em Warner and Ian Sherin raced on the P164 10M TT yesterday (3/7/16). A brutal headwind added a strong difficulty factor which was compounded by horses in the road! Not excellent conditions for a TT, but Ian came away in the number 1 position well over 25 seconds clear of his next challenger. Chapeau sir.

That concludes this weeks round up - keep your eyes peeled for more results soon!

[Results] P164 10 mile TT (10/7/16)

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5 riders braved the hot summers evening tonight (10/7/16) to take on the classic P164 TT starting in Lyndhurst and what an incredible results they had! 

4 riders (Rich, Ian, Martin and Em) came away with PB's and Dave came away with his first ever TT result.

Awesome work to all riders, some pictures to follow taken by Ant, Tom and Thomas cheering from the sidelines!

 

[Results] P901 10 Mile TT

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4 3C Riders another county, 3 personal bests and a broken saddle. Thats right it was mixed fortunes for the 4 3C riders who braved the high end competition presented to them in West Sussex.

The A27 Fontwell course hosts only one open10mile time trial per year and always attracts top riders from across the South. Indeed Tour de France stage winner and renowned professional power house Sean Yates is amongst previous winners.

This time around it was the turn of prolific time trial winner James Copelandto take the honours in a blistering time of 19 mins 25secs no mean feet on a far from perfect evening.

First 3C rider to meet the time keeper was RichardBradley. Richard put in a superb effort starting near the beginning of the field to record the clubs first personal best time of the evening for 3C. His tIme of 22:40 was definitely no slouch's ride, and based on training from riding to work and leading club social rides definitely shows potential and a ride to be proud of.

2nd pb of the evening came from Nick O'Hara who confessed his previous best stood from the same event some 19 years earlier.

Someone should point out that if he rode more of these events he may not have had to wait so long!

Nevertheless, O'Hara's time of 20:39 could only give him 11th position so closely was the race contested. Just over 1 minute covering the first 11 riders.

Ian Sherrin gave 3C yet more to celebrate with a personal best time of 22:56. A magnificent effort from the likable and committed clubman. Again showing immense potential and natural ability Ian squeezed this ride in between leading club rides and trips abroad following his passion....bikes! Fantastic effort.

Not enjoying the forray into West Sussex quite so much was 3C's stalwart timetrialist Martin Balk. Riding strongly and looking to complete the set of 3C results Martin narrowly missed injury when his saddle failed and partedcompany with his bike at about 8 miles. No injury just frustration and Martin cagded a lift back to the .HQ with a Marshall....bike racing.

We should spare a thought for the 5th 3C rider Phil Butchers who was forced to withdraw from the event as he is still nursing cracked ribs from a spill racing some weeks ago at Winchester. Come on Phil get well soon!

So a mix of results but no doubt the 3C Cyclexperience riders are putting the club name out there. Excellent work to all riders!

[Results] - 3C on the velodrome

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Nick O'Hara once again took to the wooden boards of Newport Velodrome over the weekend 1-3 July competing in the Masters  National Track Championships.

Nick is quick to point out that whilst "Master's" May imply older, it should really be a reference to the depth of quality and experience that was in abundance! 

In spite of the fierce competition from ex-pros and ex-champions from back in the day O'Hara wore the 3C colours with pride and acquitted himself well.

Nick will be the first to admit he has had a disrupted season with only 5 other race outings to date. That said 6th place in the scratch race could only be hailed as disappointment as Nick sat comfortably in a medal winning position with one lap remaining only to be balked off the track loosing  valuable momentum and consequently position.....that's bike racing.... sometimes!!

Running into stiff opposition in the pursuit a PB from Nick could only bring 5th place such was the quality of the field. Although in contention throughout the points race Nick and several of the favourites missed an opportunist move which decided the final outcome.

O'Haras satisfaction only came in the final sprint ably showing a clean pair of wheels to the entire field bar one.....a multiple national and world's medalist .....not a complete disgrace and a confidence booster that O'Hara will be taking forward to his next championship in October.

Don O'Connor 2nd claim to 3C performed well  in the pursuit in his age category achieving 6th place. Unfortunately whilst in a favourable position in the scratch race Don took a tumble having been forced to take evasive action as another rider punctured. Fortunately no significant injuries and the experienced O'Connor was able to shrug off his fall. 

[Results] 3C Results w/c 27/6/2016

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Another astonishing week for 3C with our members yet again travelling far and wide to race, take part in sportives and even cheer on the pro's!

Monday 27th saw Zoe Taylor giving it her all on the P885 25 mile TT. She walked away as the 3rd female with an excellent time of 1:02:29. 

Martin Balk one again showing strong results on his TT bike at the Cardiff 25 mile TT at Usk, setting a time of 1:10:55 in the wind rain and thunder - an impressive 'Rule 5' ride!

Saturday 2nd saw Martin Balk and Nick O'Hara heading over to Wales National Velodrome. More info and results to follow!

Sunday the 3rd started incredibly early for one of our riders. Becky Croton was part of the 'Dawn Raid' cycling 100 miles from HMS Victory in Portsmouth to the Imperial War Museum in London. This epic ride was all done in the aid of the charity 'Help the Heroes' and after 4 punctures within 3 miles, a broken valve and a 2 mile walk to the mechanic she crossed the line. Exceptional work!

Meanwhile across the channel in France, Ian Sherin and Ant Gahr set off on a 100+ mile ride in miserable conditions. Their aim; to cheer on the pro's in the Tour de France. Doing their own stage, they set off to find a good spot on the course and watch the jerseys go past. Good work chaps!

Closer to home, 3C riders took part in the UKCE Wiggle New Forest Conqueror. Teams of riders took to both the Standard and Epic courses in the glorious southern sunshine. Chris S, Chris L, Steve, Simon, Tom, Em, Faith and Sarah all rode, showing the forest how its done! 

Chapeau all!

[Results] GHS South district time trial - P163/5 - 22/06/2016

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3C held the junior GHS South district qualifier on Wednesday 22nd June riding from Norleywood. The beautiful evening was almost too hot, which combined with a long slow start to the course made for a tricky ride for the 13 Junior competitors.

The course used was the P163 5 mile TT ride finishing on the long flat straight next to Hatchett pond. All riders had excellent times which can be found HERE.

Many thanks to Martin and Helen for organising and to the marshalls Ian, Dave, John, Tom and Lucy. Special thanks to our timekeepers from Sotonia Martin and David and to Nick for recording the results. 

Excellent work to all riders!

[Results] 3C Racing w/c 20/06/2016

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3C riders went across the borders to race in West Sussex on Tuesday. Lead by a fantastic charge by the clubs ace lady racer...Faith Fisher claimed her first and a resounding  victory at Goodwood Race circuit ahead of an all category ladies field who could only hope to come second once she launched her race winning move (More info to come on this incredible achievement). She was joined with Laura, another of the ladies team, who had an excellent ride, showing what it takes to wear the 3C jersey.

Meanwhile refreshing his road racing skills once more Phil Glasgow took to the bunch. A new venue for Glasgow meant quick lessons had to be learned and with stiff cross winds to contend with Phil admirably displayed his strength and bike handling ability. On a number of occasions breaking clear of the field in bids for glory  he was only thwarted by the deceptive stiff breeze. Inspite of a lack of familiarity with the circuit Phil acquitted himself well remaining in contention right to the last when his lack of experience of the circuit deprived him of honours.

Representing the club in Elite/1/2 race O'Hara once again proved that age need not be a barrier finishing a creditable 12th after a windy and tactically fought race. 

Another incredible week of 3C racing!

[Results] UKCE South Downs Way MTB EPIC

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This weekend was a muddy one for the off-road members in the club. A team of keen riders got up at the crack of dawn to head over to Fontwell racecourse setting off on the South Downs Way EPIC ride organised by UKCE.

The course was tough, with some short steep climbs, some long "leg burner" climbs and some technical downhill sections. 

All riders completed the course including Phil Jones who managed to limp home after sustaining a 2 inch gash in his tyre sidewall and walking the last 3 miles!

Excellent work to all riders - an awesome day to spend on the South Downs!

[Results] More excellent results for 3C

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Representing 3C Nick O'Hara managed to put together consecutive top 10 places in Elite/1/2 category races last week. 

On 15th June at Goodwood motor racing circuit O'Hara unleashed a sprint that any younger rider would have been proud of! Timing was sadly just off on this outing as O'Hara just missed taking the bunch sprint. Settling for tenth in such esteemed company was definitely no mean feet for the 49 year old.  

Nick rode again on the following evening at Mountbatten Center Portsmouth. A smaller field and challenging conditions made for ferocious racing with average speed around 28 mph and max speeds in excess of 35mph. O'Hara certainly found the hard racing he was looking for acquitting himself well with 8th place.

Racing in the preceding event Phil Glasgow made a welcome and resounding return to bunch racing at Mountbatten. Involving himself in most of the decisive moves and challenging consistently for position Phil moved with a stealth through the bunch that belied his lack of recent racing. A minor tactical error in the last lap prevented Phil from challenging for a top position but coming in 11th showed he is no slouch on the tarmac and certainly one to watch.

Chapeau to all and more of the same please! Who's going to join us?

[Results] An excellent weekend of racing for 3C

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What an excellent weekend of racing for 3C, after getting home from a comparatively lazy day on the saddle, my inbox had exploded with race results. Many of our black and white jerseys had been racing all over the country, with some incredible results:

Martin Balk set a time of 25.58 for the Hemel Hempstead 10 finishing middle of the field; an impressive run!

Whilst Martin was giving it his all in the TT some of our Ladies race team were doing the same over at the Bristol GP. An epic afternoon of racing saw Sarah Hickman secure 3rd place and Zoe Taylor take 11th.

Excellent work to all riders, lets keep these amazing results coming!

[Results] Tour of Cambridgeshire

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On the 4th and 5th of June lots of 3C riders headed up to Cambridgeshire to compete in the ToC Grand Fondo. The 80 mile circuit saw all of our riders push themselves hard to compete for spots in the UCI grand fondo world series.

All the riders had fantastic days, with PBs all round. 5 riders also qualified for the UCI world series, which is an incredible achievement.

Faith fisher: 4th
Sarah Hickman: 11th
Phil Glasgow: 43rd
Ian Sherin: 56th
Ben Pym: 61st
Caroline Cooil: 45th in age category

Congratulations to all riders, a very very successful day for 3C!

[Results] Crabwood CC P164/10 TT

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Lots of 3C jerseys attended a windy P164 10 mile TT kindly run by Crabwood CC. Not only were the riders out in full force, several sets of 3C members were lined up along various parts of the course to cheer them on! The results were fantastic, with all riders pushing themselves. See the awesome photos below taken by Ant Gahr on the final climb of the circuit.

[Results] - IoW Randonnee - 1st May 2016 - 3C On Tour

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16 3C riders set out on the first of May to tackle the Isle of Wight Randonnee organised by the Wayfarers Cycle Touring Club. 100km was conquered in the beautiful sunshine by all riders and everyone returned with smiles (and rather pink noses!).

Special thanks to the Wayfarers CTC for putting on such an excellent event and superb work by all riders!

[Sportive] - IoW Randonnee - 1st May 2016 - 3C On Tour

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This year, 3C will be showing full team colours at the IoW Randonee. We will be riding out as a group:

  • Leaving Cyclexperience Hythe at 0900
  • Doing the full 100km Randonee route starting at Yarmouth
  • Cycling to Lymington to get the Lymington -> Yarmouth ferry at 1015
  • A more social ride with pub lunch (To celebrate Ant's 40th Birthday!)
  • We will be leaving at 0900 very promptly, so please arrive early

Please note, all participants must do the following:

  • Wear club kit! (If you have it)
  • Sign up for the ride and print your number (free) - http://www.cycleisland.co.uk/
  • Read the safety info in the email after signing up
  • Ensure you have a booked and paid for ferry ticket for the crossing

Lets get out there in full 3c force!

Enjoy.

[Info] - New Website!

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Finally our members decided to put their smiles on and take some nice photos, which enabled us to build a nice new website! The site is still work in progress, but is now live and can be found on 3ccycle.club. Be sure to check regularly for new events, news, results and of course, photos.

[Storytime] - South Downs Way

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One of our members Phil has been out on an epic solo bikepacking trip along the South Downs Way and has written a nice account of his trip. You can read his story - HERE

[Results] - New Forest CC - P164/10

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The club turned out in fantastic force at the P164 10 mile TT. There was a wide range of members from experienced TT riders to people trying it for the first time! As usual, it was a pleasure to see so many black and white jerseys and for something a little different our club coach Nick even brought his tandem along!! Thanks to all involved with the organisation - a fantastic race!