Archives 1998

Bikers on right road to trophies

PICTURED at the annual awards presentation night at the Masons Arms, Lower Odcombe, are members of Yeovil Cycling Club, from left, back row: Olive Tabor (juvenile best all rounder, junior best all rounder), -Douglas Northcott (best 25 mile time trial), Nick Armstrong (best 50 mile time trial, veteran best all rounder, short distance best all rounder, veteran road race champion, time trial champion, club evening time trial series), Darren Edmonds (best result in Yeovil road race); front, Chris Absolom (hill climb champion, senior road race champion, 10 mile time trial handicap) and Dave Notley (service to club).

8th January 1998

The plains terrain doesn't stop Jane

Local mountain biker Jane Willmott (Corratec RT) Took on both the elements and tough terrain in Sundays Salisbury plain challenge.

The 50 KM Enduro was a charity event in aid of click and was 90% off road, partly on tank tracks on the Army ranges around Imber. The worst part of the course was the open grassland which was exposed to be gale force wins, driving rain and even a hail storm in the closing stages.

There were over 300 writers in the event and Willmott was placed second from eight in the women's expert category, just two minutes down on Louise Gale (son) who competed the course in four hours six minutes. Charlie Edmondson (Westberry cycles) was third.

8th January 1998

Hospital trip for Deane as cyclists collide

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs season got underway last weekend with road races and time trials.
The clubs Pittard Trophy race on Sunday followed the pattern of recent years with a mass finish after 43 miles of racing. There were attacks, but no rider gained more than a few seconds on the 60 strong bunch of junior and third category seniors.
The three climbs of Coppit’s Hill took their toll but at least 40 riders were still in contention in the last mile. With 500 yards to go disaster struck as riders jostled for position.
There was a touch of wheels and a dozen or so were brought down. Yeovil’s only representative Darren Edmonds was among the fallers and was unhurt, but Bournemouths Eamon Deane required hospital treatment.
Junior Matt Tibbet (VC St Raphael) from the Isle ofWight gained the verdict in a close sprint from Mid Devons Colin Lewis and Martin Smith.
The 58-mile Ham Hill Trophy race for first, second and third category seniors was more competitive and nine riders gained a 30 second lead on the second of the four ascents of Coppit’s. The bunch held them for 30 miles but on the last circuit the leaders pulled away Tauntons Greg Sandy (IPM Racing) jumped away in the last mile to finish well clear of Gosport’s Paul Rogers (VC St Raphael) and his teammate Grant Bayton.
Three local riders finished in the main bunch. Paddy Mahon (Team Total Fitness), and VC Camelot’s Andy Millward and Graeme Lackford were all riding their first road race of the season and were satisfied with their performances.
West Camels Nick Armstrong (Yeovil CC) was also starting his season in the Veterans League events, riding the 45 mile Pinvin Road Race at Pershore. He was sixth across the line and fourth in his age group. He was happy with his form as he had covered most of the attacks and was still strong enough to contest the sprint.
Saturdays 10-mile time trial on the A303-based Podimore-Ash Flyover- Podimore course was organised by Steve Oxbrow for the Vegetarian C and AC . Clive Brooks was fastest recording 20.55 and also won the best veteran on age standard with a plus of 4.31. Wellingtons Jamie Fabrizio was second in 21.08 and I Henderson (Oxford University) third. There was a separate event for restricted gears (maximum 72 inches) which was won by Ray Hughes (Clarence Wheelers).

26th March 1998

Brooks off to a great start

Marston Magna cyclist Clive Brooks scored his first win for his new club, Leo race team, in Sundays Chippenham hilly 27 mile time trial. Clocking 1 hour 1 minute 12 seconds, he turned the tables on last years winner Nick Hutchings (MCS race team). Brooks beat the Bath University student by a minute.
The conditions were far from ideal so Brooks, who previously road for VC Camelot, was nearly a minute outside his own course event record of 59.1 which he set in 1995.
Mendips Dave Russell, a regular rider in Yeovil's evening series, was third in 1.3.16.

12th of March 1998

Top cyclists in Pittard's race

Yeovil cycling club on Sunday plays host to some of the top cyclist from the region when the Pittards road race, for juniors and third and fourth category riders, will be staged.
With past winners such as Jeremy Hunt(now with the Banesto team) it is an opportunity to see the stars of the future competing on a local course.
The Ham Hill Road race, for senior riders up to professional level, also takes place over the same course on that day.
Events start at Ilchester town hall, the Ham Hill race at 10 AM and the Pittards 45 minutes later.
The riders climb Coppits hill into Yeovil to join the Mudford Road and then out to Queen Camel via Mudford and Marston Magna, through two Yeovilton, on to Ilchester and back. There are three laps(43 miles) for the Pittards race and four (58 miles) for the Ham Hill. Both should finish between 12 and 12:30 outside RNAS Yeovilton.

19th March 1998

Brooks cleans up all the prizes

CLIVE Brooks, the North Cadbury rider previously with VC Camelot and now riding for Leo Road Club, swept the board in the Bournemouth Jubilee 42 km circuit time trial on Sunday
Starting at Wimborne, riders go via Badbury Rings to Blandford, on to Bere Regis and back to Wimborne. There is also a special prize for the fastest over the 4.8km to Badbury Rings.
Recording 57.38 Brooks was fastest overall, fastest veteran on age standard and clocked 6.21 to take the Badbury Rings prize. Only one other rider beat the hour, Salisburys James Clarke clocking 59.43.
Of the local riders, Camelot’s Andy Mill ward recorded 1.06.49 and Yeovi'ls veteran Nick Armstrong 1.07.58.
Graeme Lackford, Camelot’s road racer, secured his best placing to date in the Somer Valley circuit events in Bristol. He came second, and gained five points towards the 30 needed for his second category licence.

2nd April 1998

Clive in good company

YEOVIL area cyclist Clive Brooks rode the Mid Oxon C.R.T 25 at Bodley in very fast company.
The Tour de France stage winner and current 50 mile champion Sean Yates recorded 50.06, an amazing performance given the conditions with his fellow Team Clean rider Richard Prebble a former 25 mile champion in second place with 52.58.
Brooks Leo RC teammate Andrew Homer was third in 53.40 while Brooks himself was sixth clocking 54.17. Yeovil’s Douglas Northcott
recorded 1.01.11 on his first ride of the season.
VC Camelot’s Graeme Lackford was in the points again this weekend taking eighth place in the hilly 95 kilo Frank Spry Memorial Road Race at Lewdown in Devon.

9th April 1998

Weekend double for Brooks

THE unseasonal weather is still making life hard for cyclists and last weekend it was a hail storm at Thruxton during the veterans event in Bournemouth Jubilee’s 10 mile time trial on Saturday
Local riders Clive Brooks (Leo RC) and David Notley (Yeovil CC) started late in the field and missed most of the hail but, then had to contend with a rising north east wind!
Brooks still managed to come out on top recording 20.21 with Notley clocking up 24.52.
Conditions were better on Sunday for the Bournemouth Arrow 25 on the A31 at Avon Forest near Ringwood.
Brooks completed a weekend double clocking 53.51 to win by 25 seconds from Malcolm Cox (Sotonia).
Meanwhile, on the road race front, Yeovil’s Nick Armstrong took third place overall and second in age classification in Saturdays Veterans League event on the Raglan-Abergavenny circuit in South Wales.
Chris Absolom travelled to Halifax for a National Veterans Series race but missed the important break and had to' content himself with 19th place.
This Sunday, Yeovil promote a 10 mile time trial on the Podimore Tintinhull/Ash flyover Podimore course,

23rd April 1998

Almost too careful

MARSTON Magnas Clive Brooks (Leo RC) was the first local rider in action over Easter, but had the worst of the Weather. Riding the Western Time Trials Association 25 near Chippenham on Friday, he faced a cold NE Wind and driving rain.
To make matters worse the last mile was a narrow twisting road with mud making the surface very slippery. Fearing the wrath of his wife Trish if he fell off on the evening of a trip to Paris he took it very carefully It was nearly too carefully as it turned out as his winning margin was only six seconds. .
He recorded 57.51 to beat Steve Marchant (South Eastern RC) 57.55 and Rob Lyne (Team Bristol) 57.57.
Yeovil’s newest veteran Chris Absolom was seventh in Monday’s Farnborough and Camberly road race.

16th April 1998

Brooks confirms ‘top man’ ranking

CLIVE Brooks (Leo RC) confirmed his position as top man on the local time trial scene with a comfortable win in Yeovil Cycling Clubs first against the clock promotion of the year, a 10-mile event at Podimore on Sunday.
The heavy showers held off for most of the race and last man off Brooks recorded 21.16 to beat Wellingtons Andy Winterbottom by 55 seconds with Dave Russell, clocking 22.13 in this place, leading Mendip CC to the team award.
One notable performance was that of Chard Wheelers John Wenglorz from Keinton Mandeville who is not yet 15. He recorded an excellent 25.23 in his first open event.
After the time trial Yeovils Absolom and Tabor travelled to the Devon Showground, near Exeter, for the first Souths West League series on the one km circuit.
Absolom rode well in the premier 52km event taking fourth place in a race dominated by Taunton’s Greg Sandy, while Tabor had mixed fortunes with a warm up race with the 14-year-old boys and a fifth
place in a handicap race.
Yeovil clubs Darren Edmunds was fifth in the 88km Sheerspire Road Race in Hampshire, taking six points, and Nick Armstrong continued his good showing in Veterans League races taking fourth place
overall, and third in class, at Caerwent in South Wales.

30th April 1998

Fastest yet for Clive Brooks

YEOVIL area cyclist Clive Brooks (Leo RC) won the West London CA 50 mile time trial on Sunday, The fastest time of the year.
Conditions were far from ideal on the A34 based course around Didcot, with heavy showers and strong winds. It was a hard fought race with Brooks 52 seconds down on his nearest rival at 30 miles, but an all out effort over the last windward stretch saw him overhaul Nik Gardner (Mid Oxon), clocking 1.48.55, Clive beat Gardiner, who had the best best 50 of the year up to now, by just two second
A phone call to the press agency which handles the years fastest table confirmed that two other 50s on that day in Cheshire and Warwickshire were much slower so Brooks goes top.
Closer to home, Yeovil is Thursday evening event was a 10 mile 2 up two time trial.
The promoting clubs Chris Absolom and Nick Armstrong were fastest, clocking 22.50 with Chard Wheelers Stuart Woodsell and Richard Parada close behind, recording 22.53.
VC Camelot's Andy Millward and John Saunders were next, clocking 23.34

7th May 1998

Lean time for the cyclists

Local cyclists had a lean the weekend in both time trials and bunched racing.
Clive Brooks travelled to Essex on Saturday for me national 10 time trial, his first championship in Leo RC colours. His recent good form deserted him and he clocked a disappointing 21.16 just making the top 30 from the 120 starters.
Winner Rob Hayles recorded 18.49 leading team right to a British aggregate team record of 57.24.
In Saturday's Wessex veterans 25 near Andover, John Saunders(VC Camelot) recorded 1.01.56 giving him fifth on age standard while Yeovil’s David Notley clocked 1.06.17.
Thursday’s Yeovil club 10 saw Douglas Northcott win on his first ride of the season in the evening series, clocking 23.48 from Chris Absolom 24.14 and Nick Armstrong 24.45.
VC Camelot's Graeme Lackford was fourth with 24.52, Chard’s Richard Porada fifth in 25.12.
Absolon Road the Stevenage round of the National veterans series on Sunday but again a long journey limited him to 16th place in a fast 116 kilo event.

14 May 1998

10 mile trials prove popular

10 mile time trial is our popular cyclists in the early part of this season and local riders were involved in five over the past week. The better weather has also helped to improve the times.
On Wednesday the Exeter Wheelers event was won by Clive Brooks (Leo RC). Chard’s Rex Faciey was the next best local man clocking 23.51.
The Yeovil club’s Thursday race enjoyed the best conditions so far with Mendips Gary Fouracre recording 21.44 to win from the home club’s Chris Absolom (23.02) and Doug Northcott (23.32).
On Saturday there was a separate event for veterans on the Thruxton Andover Thruxton course both races attracting a full field of 120 writers.
Brooks won the vets event with 20.20 and John Saunders was next best local man with 23.13. Chard’s Dave Moran recorded a personal best 23.20.
Ex tour rider Sean Yates showed how it should be done in the open event recording 19.24, but the Chard riders rode well, led by Stuart Woodsell (22.03), Rex Facey (22.09) and Richard Porada (23.19).
Brooks was in action again on Sunday morning, winning the tough Westbury hilly 26.5 mile time trial in 1.00.56 from the Isle of Wight Rider Nick Hutchins who…

21st May 1998

Final Sprint

CYCLING: After 42 miles of racing in the Tedburn Road Race near Exeter, Yeovil cyclist Darren Edmunds and Camelot’s Graeme Lackford were well placed for the uphill finish.
In the last 200 yards the bunch exploded into the final sprint for the line and saw Lackford go on to claim sixth place and five points. Edmunds was trapped on the inside and was out of the reckoning.
Lackfords five points took his total to 17 for the season, over halfway to the 30 required to move up to second category.
Yeovil clubs Nick Armstrong rode well in the Veterans League Welsh Road Race Championship at Raglan but suffered a similar fate with another rider in the breakawayai move which stayed clear for most of the second of the three mile laps. In the final sprint Armstrong was boxed in but still manage to finish fourth overall and third in the over 50s.
On the Time trial scene Yeovil Club’s ten mile event saw excellent conditionsaAnd three personal bests achieved Mendips Dave Russell was fastest clocking 21.17 from Chris Absolom (22.20) Lackford finished fourth with a personal best time of 22.59 and the other pbs' went to John Fazakerley (Yeovil CC) (24.21) Chris Vellacott (Royal Navy)(24.59).
Former VC Cameot rider Clive Brooks now with Leo RC won the Weston Wheelers 10 on the A39 Glastonbury to Wells Road.
VC cannot veteran John Saunders clocked 24.38 and his young team mate Matthew Law 26.11. Yeovil riders were Dave Notley 26.00, Terry White 26.26 and Olive Tabor 28.20.
The following day Brooks clocked 56.05 to win the Bath CC 25 at Kington Langley despite a stomach upset

28th May 1998

Puncture slows race leader

MARSTON Magna time trial expert Clive Brooks (Leo RC) arrived at the start line for the Oxford City 50 only to find his front tyre had a slow puncture, a flint picked up on the ride from event headquarters.
After leaving Somerset early for his 8am start at Didcot, Brooks decided he would ride at least ten miles to make the journey Worthwhile. He started at a fast pace but at ten miles the tyre was still holding so he pressed on. Due to his fast start he was leading the top class field at half distance but he began to pay for the furious opening miles and with the tyre softening fast he finished the 50 miles in a very creditable 1.46.45 in fourth place. The winner was Geoff Platts (Coalville Wheelers) who recorded 1.44.21.
Yeovil veteran Nick Armstrong was also riding in the event in the hope .of improving on a previous visit to the fast course where he recorded a sub two hour time. Conditions were against him and a rising wind restricted him to 2.04.17.
Chris Absolom came out on top in Yeovil Clubs Thursday evening 10, clocking 22.06 from Douglas Northcott (22.20) and Armstrong(23.41). Camelot veteran John Saunders was fourth in 23.37, Yeovil’s Dave Walters fifth with 24.04 and John Fazakerley recorded a personal best for the second week running - 24.09 in sixth place.
Absolom rode the Cheltenham and County Road Race on Sunday and finished 13th in a fast 83 mile event. Races over 80 miles carry more points than shorter events so his 13th place earned him eight points toward the 40 required to retain his first category status.

4th June 1998

Brooks off form in nationals

YEOVIL area cyclists did not fare too Well in the National and Divisional championships last weekend but there were some good rides in time trials closer to home.
Clive Brooks has been unable to find the form of last season and finished 25th in the National 25 time trial championship on Sunday morning near Worksop in the North Midlands. The course based on the
A1 is fast and although it was windy Rob Hayes added the 25 to the 10 mile title he took last month recording a rapid 49.01. He also led his Team Brite to a new competition record of 2.28.49 (three riders). Brooks clocked 54.02.
The Western Division road race championship was held on a very tough 135 kilo course at Chew Valley which included two climbs of the daunting Burrington Coombe.
Yeovil veteran Chris Absolom lost contact on the first climb but Camelot’s Graeme Lackford hung on and recovered to stay with the main group.
The Elite category riders came into their own on such a hard circuit and champion Rob Lyne (Team Bristol) was in a class of his own. Third category Lackford rode strongly to finish 18th and collect three
more ranking points. He will be looking forward to Yeovil’s John Andrews Memorial race next Sunday which is restricted to third and fourth category riders. With 30 points on offer to the winner, and riding as weil as he is now, he could be on the way up to second category
On Saturday afternoon the Salisbury 10 mile time trial at Thruxton saw Douglas Northcott set a new Yeovil club record with a time of 20.50 - a nine second personal. Chard Wheeler Stuart Woodsell also recorded a persons best 21.45. In the veterans event Yeovil’s Dave Notley clocked 23.50, his first ride under 24 minutes this year.
Another Yeovil veteran Nick Armstrong clocked 1.02.32 in Sundays Westerley RC 25 at Didcot.
Yeovil clubs Thursday evening 10 attracted 22 riders, the most this year, is good conditions. Mendips Gary Fouracre was fastest with 21.43. Camelot’s Lackford was close behind recording 21.51, a personal best by over a minute, helped by the loan of a specialised time trial bike.
There were also personals for Sean Childs 23.06 and Chris Velacott 24.34.

11th June 1998

Great success

YEOVIL Cycling Club’s annual John Andrews Memorial Road Race last Sunday was a great success with smooth organisation and competitive racing.
The prospect of racing over 80 miles and six climbs of Coppits Hill did not deter riders from attacking early in the race.
Royal Air Force rider Mike Cook broke away after the first climb and spent 45 miles at the head of the race with his lead growing to two minutes at one time. Behind him other riders were attempting to join him on lap five and three did and held the lead for a short time.
The race winning move was made on the last lap when Bob Phillips (Bristol RC) and Alex Pitt (VC Venta) went clear and riding strongly, maintained their lead with Phillips easily outsprinting his companion. Chris Peter (VC Meudon) was third.
Local riders Darren Edmonds (Yeovil CC) and John Hinds (Wellington Wheelers) were in the main group while VC Camelot’s Graeme Lackford was ruled out with broken spokes.
As the John Andrews was restricted to third and fourth category riders, Yeovil’s only first category rider, Chris Absolom had to travel to Dorset. Here he competed in the Chequers Road Race at Lytchett Maltravers near Poole.
The 72 mile event attracted a small but high class Held of 38 and veteran Absolom finished in 17th place behind Tauntons Matt Watch (VC St Raphael).
A Weston Wheelers ten mile event on the same Podimore-Ash-Podimore course on Saturday evening. Originally a 25 mile it was comuted to a ten because of the road works on the A303 at Shaws Bridge. Clive Brooks punctured after only three miles with Bristol South rider Andy Booth winning in 22.10. Andy Millward (VC Camelot)
was best local with 24.16 and Yeovil CC riders David Notley and Olive Tabor clocked 25.30 and 28.26 respectively.

19th June 1998

Team Zoyland take home the trophy

YEOVIL Cycling Club hosted the Taunton Vale Cycle Racing Association team time trial championship last Thursday. The 20.24 mile four-up event attracted an entry of 11 teams, four of them fielding only three riders, but as the time counts on the third across the line they could still compete, albeit at a disadvantage of having one less to share the pacemaking.
Team Zoyland took the Challenge Trophy Dave Barnes, Neil Brooks, Steve Chattell and Steve Crossman storming around in 44.0at just over 27.6mph.
The Yeovil CC trio of Chris Absolom, Nick Armstrong and Darren Edmonds rode Well to finish second, clocking 44.56 in front of Taunton mountain bikers the VIs. Rob Bartlett, Mike Kiss,
Nick King and John Yates swapping their used machines for road bikes to record 46.17.
VC Camelot were another three man team, Andy Millward and Graeme Lackford assisted by young Matthew Law recording 46.27 in fourth spot. Taunton Vale secretary Margret Bartlett presented the trophy and prizes at a curry supper after the race at Podimore Inn. ,
Marston Magnas Clive Brooks (Leo RC) was also in action on Thursday in the St Budeaux 25 at Buckfastleigh. Recording 54 minutes exactly he was feeling the effects of the onset of a flu type virus and had to settle for second place behind promoting clubs Alan Ryder who clocked 53.29. Chard Wheeler Dave Moran recorded 1.00.20 and Camelot’s John Saunders 1.03.25.
Brooks tried again on Friday in Mendips 10 mile event at Glastonbury but was still under par as he clocked 21.16 to be relegated to third as Tauntons Greg Sandy and James Taylor (Harlow) tied for first place in 21.08. Yeovils Olive Tabor clocked 27.17.
By Saturday he was feeling too weak to even drive to Andover for the Salisbury R.C 50 and had to telephone his apologies to the organiser.
It was not a good evening, the strong winds slowing all but the strong. Douglas Northcott (Yeovil) struck a pothole and jarred his shoulder so badly that he was forced to stop, but he continued to clock two hours and 23 min utes. Dave Walters was a minute slower and Chards Richard Porada recorded two hours 23 minutes.
The road racing was better for local riders with Camelot’s Lackford and Yeovil’s Edmonds in the points. The Lloyd Coward memorial race on Portland is a 20 lap 50 mile event with only a slight climb, but it becomes harder and harder with each lap. Of the 40 starters only 15 were in contention in the closing stages and in the uphill finish Lackford and Edmonds were placed fourth and fifth.

25th June 1998

Sprint finish to memorial road race

THE annual marathon 88-mile John Andrews Memorial Road Race in Yeovil last Sunday was a hard fought event with cyclists attacking right from the off.
Royal Air Force rider Mike Cook broke away on the first of the six laps through Ilchester, Yeovil, Mumford, Camel, Yeovilton and Ilchester.
He stayed at the head of the race for 45 miles and his lead was two minutes at one stage, but he was caught on the fifth lap and eventually finished in the main bunch.
The race winning break on the last lap was made by Bob Phillips, of Bristol, and Alex Pets, of Winchester, who rode well together sharing the pace to maintain their lead. Phillips beat Pett by three lengths at the finish outside the Royal Naval Air Station at Yeovilton.
Chris Peter, of VC Meudon, won the sprint for third place from Mid-Devons Andy Hitchens and Derek Parkinson, of Blackpool, with Welshman Mike Jones corning sixth.
Darren Edmonds and Yeovil fireman John Hinds were in the main bunch just behind the leading group. VC Camelot’s Graeme Lackford was unfortunate to break spokes and had to retire.
Chris Absolom won Yeovil’s ten-mile time trial on Thursday evening in a time of 22.39 beating Camelot’s Lackford 23.32 and Andy Gregory 23.59.
Weston Wheelers promoted a ten-mile event on the local A303 based course on Saturday evening although it was to be a 25-mile course, but roadworks prevented the full route being used.
Marston Magna time trial ace Clive Brooks was the pre-race favourite but he was to get a puncture very early on at around three miles. Bristols Andy Booth was fastest clocking in at 22.10 with Andy Millward, of VC Camelot, the best local rider with 24.16

19th June 1998

Armstrong’s first win of the season

Yeovil cycling clubs Nick Armstrong scored his first win of the season last week at KL went in south wales, riding aggressively from the front in the 42 mile veterans and the event
After a succession of second and third placings in previous races, he took the initiative on the second of the 10 laps, breaking away with Lou Gardener(Hardly athletic cc). They were joined by two more riders who did not contribute much to the break but stayed clear of the chasing pack.
With three laps to go they were joined by Jim Rowe (Team Sabre) who was leading the 40–45-year-old section and his place helped to shed the two passengers. In the up hill finish Rowe powered away to win his section and Armstrong had the edge over Gardener to take the over 50s with the chasing bunch beaten. On Sunday Armstrong took another second place in Worcestershire
Somerset Road club staged their annual high summer road race on the Merryfield airfield at Ilton on Sunday. The 100 kilo event, over 20 laps of the exposed circuit, was open to all but Elite category riders.
In the closing stages Taunton’s Greg Sandy (Global Racing), Steve Edwards(Rhondda Valley) and Somerton’s Peter Kench pulled clear and crossed the line in that order.
Yeovil’s Chris Absolom rode the gruelling Tour of Cranbourne Chase over 83 miles which amongst others takes in climbs of Zig Zag and Spread Eagle hills.
The entry included 12 elite category riders who soon made their presence felt as the field was spread out after the first ascent of Spread Eagle. Chris Lillywhite of the Harrods-Giant team took the Ray Price Memorial Trophy and Absolom finished just outside the prizes which went down to 20th place.

Time trial
Chard Wheelers made a welcome return to race promotion with a 10 mile time trial last Saturday evening on the local A303 Podimore-Ash flyover Podimore course. The weather was awful with high winds and heavy showers, and most riders were about two minutes slower than usual.
For the second week running Greg Sandy tied for first place. This time it was Global Racing team mate Jerry Bowditch who equalled his 21.51. Rhondda’s Steve Edwards started his successful weekend in the area clocking 22 minutes exactly for third. Clive Brooks (Leo RT), recovering from his bout of flu, had to be content with fifth place and fastest veteran in 22.40.
VC Camelot’s Matthew Law was best Junior clocking 26.02 and CC Weymouth's L Beale was fastest lady with 26.30.
Rex Facey was Chard’s best clocking 23.18. Douglas Northcott was Yeovil's top man with 23.41 and Andy Millward was Camelot's in 25.26.

2 July 1998

Brooks on road to recovery

MARSTON Magna’s Clive Brooks (Leo RC) is well on the way to a full recovery from the virus which has had such an adverse effect on his riding of late.
In last Thursdays Mid Devon RC 25 at Buckfastleigh he turned the tables on St Budeauxs Alan Ryder who beat him by 31 seconds the previous week, winning in 53.31 to the Devon mans 54.14.
Yeovil’s Douglas Northcott was ninth with 58.35 and Chards Dave Moran clocked 1.01.00.
On local roads the same evening, Yeovil Club 25 was won by visiting elite roadman Andy Hornby (Travelwise) who recorded 54.10 on an evening when the falling north east wind helped riders on the harder parts of the course. Home clubs Chris Absolom was second with 56.47 and in third place Sean Childs clocked 59.01 in his first 25.
Sparkford’s Olive Tabor recorded a near five minute personal best as she recorded 1.11.58 to beat 20mph for the first time at 25 miles.
The road racers were out of luck on Sunday in events at Bristol and Gloucester. The Independance Day Road Race at Saunton near Gloucester was held on very rough, narrow roads with the narrowest on the finishing hill. The field of 66 riders would not let anyone break away and all attacks, including one by Yeovil’s Darren. Edmonds, were quickly chased down. There were still 40 riders left to contest the sprint and the Yeovil men could not find a way to the front as the bunch tunneled into the finishing climb. Edmonds was placed 15th and Mike Loader just behind. .
Nick Armstrong found his reputation in the Veterans League working against him in the North Bristol Road Race. Every time he was involved in a break it was quickly closed down. He was placed eighth over the line and fourth in his over-50 category.
This Sunday Yeovil are staging an open 25 on the A303 Podimore-Cartgate-Petherton-Podimore course.

9th July 1998

Stars of tomorrow head for Langport

ON Sunday 60 top cyclists will take part in the Stars Of Tomorrow cycle race in Langport which incorporates the Western Division Junior championships for riders aged 16 to 18 years.
Covering 80 miles (juniors riding one lap less) riders will start at Huish Episcopi Sports Centre at 10.30am and cover three laps of the circuit through Somerton, Compton Dundon, Walton
Hill, Pipers Inn, Pedwell, Greinton, Othery Aller and back to Langport. On the fourth lap the race turns from Pedwell towards High Ham for the finish, which will be between 12.50 and 2pm.
Local interest in this national series event is provided by Somerset riders. Entrants include 18 year old Andrew Parsons from Taunton (riding for Team Bristol) who finished 11th in the National Junior Rankings last year; mountain biker Duncan Jamieson (21) of Wellington Wheelers from Moorland near Bridgwater who rode for Great Britain in the Junior World championships, and Mark Perry (20) of Somer Valley CC who finished sixth in the recent Welsh national Under 21's race.
For more information contact Wayne Erskine on 01823 355078 (daytime) or 01823 252519 (evening).

OUT IN FRONT: Tauntons Andrew Parsons

16th July 1998

Last shall be first…

DEFYING the rising south-west wind and heavy rain, last man off Clive Brooks (Leo RC) won the Yeovil CC open 25 mile time trial on Sunday morning.
Although conditions did favour the early starters there were no easy rides against the wind on the way out to the turn at South Petherton roundabout. The driving rain soaked the riders and marshals alike. The weather was forecast and it resulted in 21 of the 60 entrants failing to start.
Brooks recorded 55 minutes exactly but Mendips Dave Russell, who started 35 minutes earlier, was only three seconds in arrears with Andy Winterbottom (Wellington Wheelers) third in 55.56.
Dave Barnes (Team Zoyland) was fastest veteran on age standard clocking 57.58 to give him a plus of 14.45, Lindsay Beale (CC Weymouth) fastest lady recording 1.06.29, Yeovil’s Olive Tabor best junior with 1.15.37 and CC Weymouth took the team award.
VC Camelot’s Andy Millward was fastest of the other local riders recording 59.20, Chards Stuart Woodsell 59.26, his teammate Dave Moran 1.00.49 and Yeovil’s David Notley 1.05.25.
Brooks had a busy weekend starting on Friday with a win in the Clevedon and District RC 10 on the Glastonbury-Wells course. Recording 21.07 he beat Taunton rider Greg Sandy (Global Racing) by nine seconds and Mendips Russel by 43 seconds. VC Camelot’s Bill Dycer clocked 24.15.
On Sunday afternoon at Newbury Brooks clocked 54.53 for fourth place in a good class field in the Reading CC, 25 two minutes down on Winner Mike Hutchinson (Cambridge University).
Thursday evenings club time trial was Won for the second Week running by visiting roadman Andy Hornby (Travelwise) clocking 21.31 for the 10 miles to beat promoting clubs Chris Absolom 22.34, Camelots Graeme Lackford 23.12, Chards Stuart Woodsell 23.15 and Yeovils Mike Loader who recorded a personal best 23.36. Chard Wheeler Richard Porada was sixth with 23.50.
Darren Edmonds rode well in the North Devon Road Race at South Molton on Sunday. The Barnstable Imperial Wheelers 52 mile event was very well organised but riders still had to contend with the wind and the rain.
The course was a tough one raced over three laps with plenty of hills to test the field of 40 riders. On the last lap two of the group punctured and in the closing miles Edmonds also fell victim to the flints but rode in on the flat tyre to take fourth place and eight points to bring his seasons total to 19, making the 30 required for second category status well within his reach.

16th July 1998

It’s so simple as Simon wins by ten minutes

SIMON Hawkins of Gloucester City Cycling Club won the Junior Western Division Championships gold medal by ten minutes this Weekend in Somerset.
The event took place around Langport, Somerton, Compton Dundon, Pedwell, Othery and Aller for riders aged 16 to 18. They completed two and a half laps of a tough undulating circuit and finished the race with a very steep climb from the Somerset Levels to High Ham.
Taunton riders did excepionally well in the 58 mile race with Michael Kiss of Taunton CRC taking the silver medal and his teammate, Nils King finishing fourth. They were separated by bronze medal
winner Gareth Hanman of Severn Valley Road Club based near Bristol.
Fifty riders from as far afield as Lancashire, Leeds, Norfolk and Surrey came to Somerset for the fifth event in the National Ideal Travel under 21 road race, Stars of Tomorrow on Sunday, completing the 80
miles (3.5 laps) route in three and a quarter hours, despite very windy conditions.
The racing was at a fast and furious pace with several breaks going clear and being pulled back. The decisive move came on the last lap when eight riders who had earlier gone clear of the bunch split into a lead group of three - Matt Bottrill (Team Northern Foils), Russell Downing (Team Brite - a professional racing team) and Tom Newton (Team Undergear). Local riders Andrew Parsons of Taunton
(Team Bristol), Ben Bath (Cardiff JIF), also Taunton based, and Duncan Jamieson (Wellington Wheelers but based in Moorland, Bridgwater) were up against the toughest riders of their age group in the country and played an active part in the chasing bunch of 15 riders. But despite their efforts the front eight stayed away and finishing places were decided on the tough climb to High Ham.
The race was won by Downing who, earlier this year, rode for the Great Britain team winning two stages of the Tour of Morocco. He also rode the PRU tour in May alongside Chris Boardman and many other professional riders, finishing in a very creditable 30th place. His reward for victory was a pair of Adrenalin carbon forks and a cheque.
Newton was second and Bottrill - the current under 21. series leader - took third, receiving vouchers and cash prizes from co-sponsors Halfords and Nat West Bank.
The first of the Western Division' riders to finish in the national race were Ian Alexander (Cheltenham& County CC) in 12th place, with Ben Bath (aged 21) in 18th, Jamieson (21) in 21st place and Andrew Parsons (18) in 23rd

SET To GO: Riders in the Junior Western Division Championships line up for the start of their gruelling race. Picture by Clive Davies.

23rd July 1998

Handicap Shield for Boxall

YEOVlL Cycling Clubs Thursday evening time trial incorporated their annual Handicap Shield competition last week.
A time allowance based on this years performances and set against scratch man Chris Absoloms time gave riders an equal chance and produced a keenly fought contest
Neil Boxall won with 21.05 after clocking 25.45 minus his allowance of 4.40. Mike Loader was second with a 23.20 personal best adjusted to 21.21, and David Notley was third clocking 24.12 his allowance giving him 21. 47.
In the open event Andy Millward (VC Camelot) was fastest recording a 22.31 personal best to beat Chris Absolom by one second. Mike Loader was third.
Mendip CC promoted a 25 mile event on Friday using a new course. Riders started on the hill just outside Wedmore on the B3151 and rode to Glastonbury, on to Wells,
back to Glastonbury and Street and retraced on the 3151 to the finish at Mudgley just short of the start.
Clive Brooks (Leo RC) set the standard for the new course winning in 54.34 from the promoting clubs Dave Russel! who clocked 59.18 and teammate Dave Moran 1.08.48 Yeovils Olive Tabor recorded 1.12.51.

Determined
On Sunday morning Brooks had to fight off a determined challenge by Eamon Deane who was out to win his own Bournemouth Jubilee club event at Avon Forest near Ringwood. Brooks recorded 53.15 beating the home club rider by 29 seconds over the 25 miles.
VC Camelots Graeme Lackford scored his first points as a second category rider on Sunday at Andover in the Wessex Circuit races. Taking seventh place in the 45 mile race he collected four points. Only another 96 needed for first category!
Yeovils Darren Edmonds was forced out when a rider punctured on a corner and fell in his path. Although he stayed upright the coliision wrecked his wheels.
The Yeovil Sunday club ride was arranged to watch the Stars of Tomorrow National Under-21 series race around the Langport Somerton-Walton circuit and the finish at High Ham Hill. They were impressed by the organisation and the riding of the young stars.

23rd July 1998

Edmonds bids for upgrading

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs Darren Edmonds from Long Sutton is the latest local road racer to be chasing an upgrade to second category.
On Sunday in the Exeter Wheelers Classic, a tough 46 mile race over two very hilly laps north of the city, he took fifth place in a close finish. Constant attacks by the Devon riders tore the Held apart and after the first lap only 20 riders remained in the lead group. The action continued on the last lap and only a dozen or so riders contested the sprint. The six points awarded for fifth place brings Edmonds total to 25, just short of the 30 required for upgrading.
On Saturday, veteran Nick Armstrong scored his second win of the season at Caerwent in South Wales. The 50 mile event included riders from A, B and C classes (40 to 54 years) and Armstrong, a C class, was always at the front of the race, matching the younger men. In the uphill finish he was the only one left in contention and was sixth across the line. That made him an easy winner in his class.
He followed that success with a good ride the next day in the Newbury RC race at Great Bedwyn again against the younger riders over 50 miles where he finished well up in a bunch finish.

Tactical error
Another of Yeovil’s road team Mike Loader rode the Castle Combe Summer Races on the motor circuit. The race for third and fourth category riders was over 40 kilos and was fast from the start. He made a tactical error when he worked too hard to catch a breakaway pair and was unable to match a counter attack which turned out to be the winning move, and compounded that by poor positioning in the final sprint leaving him with 15th place.
On the time trial scene Clive Brooks produced a good performance in the Belle Vue CC 50 at Didcot on Sunday morning. Recording 1.46.21 he was second to Leo RC team mate Gary Dighton, this years fastest 50 miler, who clocked 1.45.01.
Chris Absolom won the Thursday evening 25 mile event clocking 57.53 well ahead of Weymouth’s Paul Gould (1.00.46) and Dave Walters (1.02.05).

TIME TRIALLIST: Clive Brooks, who had another good ride at Didcot on Sunday. Picture by Will Ellis.

30th July 1998

Lead lost

CLIVE Brooks had a disappointing ride in the Welsh Championship 100 on the Raglan/Hereford course. Despite leading at the halfway stage, he finished third, losing over two minutes to the eventual winner (Rhondda rider Steve Edward) and finished with a time of 3.55.46.

13th August 1998

Back on winning trail

MARSTON Magna’s Clive Brooks (Leo RC) put the disappointment of last weeks 100-mile event behind him and returned to winning ways in the shorter trials.
On Saturday evening Weston Wheelers staged a ten-mile event on the Glastonbury-Wells and back course. In windy conditions Brooks was a convincing winner recording 21.04 to beat Taunton’s Greg
Sandy (Global RT) by 21 seconds. VC Camelot’s Bill Dycer clocked 23.53 and team mate Danny Ellery 25.20, While Yeovil’s Olive Tabor lost time when she encountered cows on the road and clocked 28.47.
There was a definite chill in the air the next morning at the 7am start in Mid Devons 25 on the A38 near Buckfastleigh, but it did not trouble Brooks. He was well clear of his challengers recording 52.19 to beat Camel Valley rider John Bellingham by 1.22 with the next man another three minutes in arrears. Chard Wheeler Rex Facey clocked 58.26 and Andy Millward (VC Camelot) 1.00.35.

20th August 1998

Classy win for Clive

CLIVE Brooks (Leo R.C.) rode in the Yeovil Thursday evening time trial, his first visit of the season and showed his class with an emphatic win.
Recording 20.46 in' a strong Westerly wind he was three minutes clear of second placed Graeme Lackford (VC Camelot) who clocked 23.43 with Yeovil’s Mike Loader third in 24.03.
On Sunday he was back in the big league riding the Middlesex Road Club 50 at Didcott near Oxford clocking 1.46.43 for third place behind former champion Ian Cammish (Velo Viento) 1.46.02 and Kevin Dawson Team Ambrosia) who recorded 1.41.11 the fastest 50 of the year.
The conditions were far from ideal with heavy rain and cold or the early morning start. The weather was no better on the local Podimore based course in the Wellington Wheelers 25 mile event with big differences in riders performance as some struggled in the wet.
Mendips Dave Russell was fastest clocking 56.11 with Dave Barnes (Team Zoyland) second in 56.58 and Martin Doe (34th Nomads) third with 57.29. Veteran Nick Armstrong was fastest Yeovil rider recording 1.03.40, Douglas Northcott feeling the effects of little or no training due to exams clocked 1.03.45 and David Notley just back from holiday 1.07.26.
Somerton’s Peter Kench now based in Surrey has found form in road racing, regaining. his first category status with wins and a string of high placings. In the recent Surrey League 5 Day stage race he was placed 16th in a class field of over 100 riders. By Garry Mitchener

27th August 1998

Dave clocks 216 miles

THERE was a local attraction for the 12 hour test held in North Wiltshire last Sunday with Yeovil Cycling Club’s Dave Walters taking part in the Western Time Trials Association event. He put up a credible 216 miles in the time but it was Chippenham’s Andy Cook who won the event covering 268 miles.
In the City of Manchester International Youth Tour last weekend Olive Tabor from Sparkford eventually finished ninth in the under 16 girls section. On Saturday she took third place in the prologue time trial, but slipped to ninth place in Sundays short distance racing. On Monday she suffered a puncture in the city centre circuit and with only five laps to go was not allowed a lap out to change it.
She was credited with her time behind the leaders at the blow-out giving her the overall ninth position.
Clive Brooks of Leo Racing club won at 10 miles and 25 miles at the weekend in the Western T.T.A 10 at Lineham and the Barnstaple Imperial Wheelers promotion. By Garry Mitchener.

3rd September 1998

Blustery winds buffet riders

Yeovil’s popular Thursday evening time trial series closed for the season with a ten-mile event. Mendips Dave Russell was fastest recording 21.19 well ahead of Chard Wheeler Stuart Woodsell who clocked 22.49. Sean Childs (Yeovil) was third in a personal best 22.50 followed by Graeme Lackford (VC. Camelot) 23.10 and Yeovil’s Mike Loader 23.13.
Later in the week other riders were to face difficult, windy conditions. Olive Tabor rode her new low-profile bike recording 26.45 and on Saturday in the National Schools 10-mile championship in North Hampshire she clocked 28.42 for third in the girls section. In the Frome & District 10 at Maiden Bradley Clive Brooks (Leo R.C.) won easily recording 21.25 following up at Buckfastleigh for the Mid Devon R.C. 25 with a 52.45 ride to take second place to Richard Hobson Team Total Fitness).
VC Camelot veteran Johns Saunders rode the Border C.A. 30 again in North Hampshire recording a personal best 1.12.36 which gave him 2nd handicap and 3rd on age standard.
On the road racing scene VC. Camelots Graeme Lackford is making his mark as a second category rider. Last Sunday he rode well in the gruelling Tour of he Mendips, a 65-mile race which included three climbs of Burrington Coombe where he was strong enough to take the sprint for the third place.
Holidays blunted the speed edge for Yeovil’s Nick Armstrong but he still managed fourth in class in the 50-mile Veterans League event at Farnham.

17th September 1998

Veteran Nick at the double

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs veteran road racer Nick Armstrong rounded off a successful season of Veterans League events with a win in his over 50s class in the Bydd Yn Wrol at Caerwent in South Wales. He also won the nine-race series in which the best five performances counted taking the trophy with four firsts and a second.
Andover Wheelers Weyhill Weekend time trial, has always been a happy hunting ground for Clive Brooks, winning doubles in 1994, 95 and 96
Brooks (Leo R.C.) was riding as a veteran (over 40) for the first time and opened his account with another double.
In Saturdays 10 he recorded an excellent 20.06 in the windy conditions to win by over a minute. VC Camelots John Saunders also rode very well to finish near the top with 22.56.
Yeovil’s Doug Northcott clocked 23.30 and David Notley 24.52 with Chard Wheeler Dave Moran 24.10
Sunday morning was still very windy and cold but the Leo rider was equal to the challenge clocking 53.54 with recently crowned schools champion
Kerwin Page second in 56.51. Saunders clocked 1.04.22.

17th September 1998

YEOVIIlS Chris Absolom came within inches of taking the League of Veteran Racing Cyclists National Championship on Portsdown Hill in Hampshire.
The 51-mile race was over six laps of a very testing circuit and Absolom was in a five man breakaway group which went clear at the end of the first lap. Working well together the group stayed clear of the chasing pack and in the fiercely contested uphill finish the Yeovil man just failed to beat Essex rider Mick Gray (API Resprays) and had to settle for the silver medal.
The latest local rider to move up in the British Cycling Federation rankings is Yeovil clubs Darren Edmonds from Long Sutton who gained second category status after Saturdays Thruxton circuit races. Riding the 56 kilo 3rd category event he took fourth place and 8 points which added to his seasons total of 25 took him past the 30 required for upgrading.
Club mate Mike Loader missed out in the 4th category race when he gambled on all out attack but his small breakaway group was caught just before the finish. In the sprint he was 9th which only
gave him 2 points. A placing of 6th or better should have gained him the 6 points to move up to 3rd category.

1st October 1998

Clive ends season with a record

MARSTON Magna’s Clive Brooks ended the season on a high note with his 28th victory on local roads and in a record time.
The Leo Road Club time trial ace won Yeovil Cycling Clubs 10 mile event on Saturday afternoon in a new record time of 19.55, the first sub-30mph ride on the A303 Podimore-Ash Flyover- Podimore course.
Conditions turned out quite good after the heavy rain and the 21 non starters were probably kicking themselves as good days have been hard to find this year.
Second placed Dave Russell (Mendip C.C.) was nearly a minute slower despite clocking a personal best 20.53 but had the consolation of leading the winning team with Gary Fouracre 22.13 and Tony Lester 24.07.
Yeovil’s Olive Tabor won the ladies prize recording a personal best 25.55 and Baths Janet Wilson took the fastest veteran on age standard clocking 26.11 for a plus of 6.35.
Chard Wheelers fielded three riders with Stuart Woodsell fastest clocking 22.32, Dave Moran 23.04 and Mark German a personal best 24.49. Other local times were John Saunders (V.C. Camelot) 23.28 and Dave Walters (Yeovil C.C.) 25.12.
Olive Tabor continued her run of good form on Sunday making the long journey to the Essex Roads C.C. 25 and recorded yet another personal best taking the handicap award with 1.05.05 a three minute improvement. The 15 year old was placed 8th in a field of 20 behind Maxine Johnson (Lechworth Velo) this year’s fastest woman 25 miler.

Yeovil veterans take on European aces

YEOVIL Cycling Club veterans Nick Armstrong and Chris Absolom made their annual pilgrimage to France last week to ride the international team time trial Duo Normand at Marigny.
The 54-kilometre event attracts a large entry from all over Europe of two-man teams ranging from the elite category professional teams and senior amateur classes to veterans and unlicensed amateurs.
The Yeovil pair rode into second place in the veterans bettered only by the French duo of Gerard Aviegne and Marceau Pilon who are the reigning World Veteran Road race champion and the French national champion.
Magnus Bachstetd and Jerome Neuville, team-mates of Chris Boardman in the Credit Agricole team, were the pro-elite winners.
Another continental-based Brit David Miller was leading at the 20 and 43 kilometres marks but his French partner Francis Moreau could not hold the pace and the Cofidis team pair slipped to third.
Closer to home the VC Camelot veteran John Saunders was paired with Graeme Lackford in the Wessex Grand Prix des Gentleman, a race where a veteran is paced by a younger rider.
Lackford rose to the challenge and rode his fastest ever 25 on the A35 Woodbury to Upton course as the pair clocked sixth place on Saunders age standard.
The Yeovil club runs on Sunday mornings now leave from the Yeovil Sports Club at Brimsmore, meeting at 9am and returning at 1am with all welcome to take part

8th October 1998

Chris is seventh

The last race of the season went well for Yeovil cyclist Chris Absolom who took seventh place in the Pot Hunters Road race north of Gloucester on Sunday.
The 85 mile race excluded elites but was open to the other four categories and as the last race of the season was an opportunity to gather some points if needed.
Absolom was in a breakaway of 11 riders who went clear almost from the start and were always in command.
As the pace and distance took their toll the group was reduced to 6 as Absolom lost ground on the last hill to finish a minute in arrears of Birmingham Rider Ian Treadwell.
The 18 points gained from the seventh place brought the Yeovil Riders tally to 74 for the year well over the 40 required to retain his first cat Status.
Next Sunday local competition finishes with the Yeovil and Chard clubs combining for their hill climb championships.
The venue is again High Ham with the first rider off at 10:30 am.

15th of October 1998

Chris is fastest again

YEOVIL and Chard Cycling Clubs hill climb championship at High Ham on Sunday enjoyed ideal conditions but drew more spectators than riders.
Chris Absolom recorded the fastest time to take the Yeovil title for the fourth year running. His time of 2m 57secs was 11 seconds slower than last years record time for the half-mile climb.
Mike Loader, who last rode a hill climb as a junior 20 years ago, clocked 3.23 in second place and '92 champion Neil Boxall was third in 3.43.
Rex Facey was the Chard champ recording 3.14, the second fastest time of the day and well clear of second placed Mark German who clocked 3.47 and Richard Porada third in 4.07.

22nd October 1998

PEDALLING PRIZES: Yeovil Cycling Club members show off the trophies they won at the recent club event.

24 December 1998