Round Two of the Shutt Velo Rapide Hitters Criterium Series took place last weekend down at Torbay Velopark, the race also incorporating the South West Crit. Racing Championships. One of our many valiant EWCC veterans put a number on his back and his head on the line; Ben Zissimos is a newcomer to bike racing so even more the valiant vet – he writes of his experience riding in the Masters race:

“I had another go at racing at Torbay Velopark last weekend, and I just wanted to thank everyone at EWCC who encouraged me to enter, and gave me advice on how to approach it. 

One question I asked people about the previous race, Round 1, was why I had such trouble defending the wheel in front of me.  People suggested the other riders could see I was losing ground in the hairpins, so they were edging in front of me before each bend.  I also burned a lot of energy closing the gap after each bend, and that’s why I ultimately got dropped from the bunch.  So I knew going into this one that having a better race hinged on taking a tighter line in the hairpins, and getting the power down earlier on the exit.  The prospect of doing this was not helped by the heavy rain that day.  My nerves were properly jangled when I saw a rider from the race before mine limping back with blood pouring from his leg, saying that his front wheel had gone out from under him at the apex of the first hairpin!

Two pieces of advice saved me.  One was that I should drop my tyre pressures.  The second came from one of the earlier racers, who said the track had dried out on the racing line, and if I stuck to that I would be okay.  I found by doing so, and getting the power down just after the rider in front of me did, I was able to preserve my own power and stay in the bunch more comfortably this time.  Indeed, I stayed in the mix right to the end of the race for the first time.  It was only in the final bunch sprint that I lost ground.  I came 9^th out of 10 riders, and picked up my first two racing points!  It may not sound like much, but realistically it was better than I dared hope for and I’m so glad I did it.  Masters National Champs next, on 10^th August.  My journey into the world of bike racing continues.”

Spot the EWCC jersey.  Full results can be found here: 

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/303309/Shutt-Velo-Rapide-Hitters-Crits-Rd2-E123-34-Masters-40-Women-Incorporating-the-South-West-Crit-Champs

Exeter Wheelers held their inaugural Women Only 10 Ten Mile Time Trial on a pleasant summer’s evening tonight, using the ‘Honiton Club Course’. The event was well received by those who took part; it was great to have such positive feedback – there will definitely be a repeat event next year.

Fastest rider on the night was Yvonne Farrell of Total Tri Training, on 27 minutes exactly for the undulating and ‘interesting’ course.

The top four riders all finished on ‘27’s, Talita Ancona just 23 seconds in arrears of Yvonne at 27.23.

Just 4 seconds slower was the fastest road bike of the night, ridden by Exeter Wheeler’s Catherine Finlayson, 27.27, who beat 4^th placed Claire Pile of 05/03 by the slimmest of margins – a single second (27.28)

Off first had been Zoe Batten of Podium Addict, whose 28.35 ride would have been 20 seconds or so ‘shorter’ had she not been baulked by a motorcycle at the first turn – bad luck indeed considering how generally tranquil the old A30 is on the club ‘ten’ course. Zoe finished in fifth place, but at least went home with a prize after her finishing fastest senior female (road bike category) in the East Devon Evening Tens League 2024.

Bettina Kleuttgens, another ‘Podium Addict’ was not far behind Zoe on 29 minutes exactly whilst next fastest was Victoria Sale, an Exeter Wheeler, who turned up at the race intending to spectate, but after some chat and consideration decided to ride – not helped by riding a gravel bike with ‘robust’ Schwalbe Marathon tyres Vicky still managed to nearly achieve evens at 30.27. Completing the list was Mazaneen Kay on 30.57.

Plenty of photos on the EWCC Facebook page.

Many thanks to those who gave up their time to make sure the event happened – Timekeepers Sally Hutter and Ken Evans, ‘spotter’ Andy Tombs, marshalls Jon Hare, Ann Owens, Jack Dallyn, Doug Parker, Didier Lebatteux, and thank you to Ann Owens for taking photos and of course Mike Rose for being the main man for East Devon Tens.

A reminder that next week’s ten is the last for this summer, and for which there won’t be any league points on offer, that’s all done and dusted. After the race riders who have won prizes in the league (see https://www.exeterwheelers.co.uk/evening-ten-end-of-season-prize-winners/ ) will be able to collect them from The Otter Inn (a few hundred yards north of the start line) where the results sheet for the night’s event will also be available to see.

Whilst many Exeter Wheelers were enjoying calm social ‘Centenary rides’ yesterday, young EWCC Espoir Finn Webb was battling with the best riders in the area at the Brentor Summer Road Race, which incorporated the South West & South Regional Road Race Championships, on the western edge of Dartmoor. The event was run by Plymouth Corinthians, with Travis Bramley the race organiser.

The race took place on a 5 mile long demanding circuit, with a dozen laps making up the 60 mile distance.

Finlay was looking strong, always up for chasing early breaks that went, but sadly he punctured after around 40 miles completed.

Exeter Wheeler Espoir Finlay Webb warming up before yesterdays race.

Race winner was Jordan Giles of Richardsons Bikes/Trek DAS, and a full race report and pictures can be found at https://thebritishcontinental.co.uk/2024/07/14/2024-plymouth-corinthian-cc-summer-road-race-report-and-results/

Speaking with Jordan afterwards, he said that it had been a tough race. He’d bided his time until latter stages of race, when there were two riders up the road and the bunch was split into two groups. “I attacked off the bunch, hoped someone else might join me in the chase to get get across to the two-man breakaway, but when I looked back no-one was up for it or able to get away so I ploughed on alone. I was feeling strong though, and soon bridged across the minute or so gap, then sat in for a bit before starting to work with the other two. As we approached the last lap I decided my best option was to get off the front rather than wait for the sprint, so I just went for it, also hoping that the other two would pause and look at each other before chasing me! Great to stay away, very pleased with the win”.

Race winner Jordan Giles relaxing outside the race HQ at North Brentor after his win.
Note: the prize for Best-placed 3rd category rider was a 350g Box of Jelly Babies. Proper race food.