After two events cancelled due to bad weather, finally we had a warm evening with a helpful NW breeze conducive to fast times.  However... the event was not without its problems, when most of the last mile of the course was subject to an unscheduled road closure – for a film shoot of luxury cars, of all things!

After a hasty recce of the situation by timekeeper Martin Napier, it was deemed suitable to run the event on a short course, finishing at the entrance to Ferny Crofts, making it about 9¼ miles.  Riders’ times seemed roughly comparable with what they might achieve over 10 miles on a super-fast course.

The two junior riders were fastest, with Jamie Whitcher (Bournemouth Cycleworks) first in 19:37, and VC Venta’s Matt Gilmour 2^nd in 20:10.  Third in 20:24 was Bryce Dyer (Aerocoach), with Sotonia’s Phil Wilks being the other rider inside 21 minutes, with 20:49.

Alan Bigwood was fastest Crabwood in 24:40, with Simon Hall 2^nd in 25:27 and supervet Dave England 3^rd in 26:23.

Newcomer Camille King was fastest lady in 23:53, with New Forest CC’s Sonia Laurie 2^nd in 24:44 (having been delayed by ponies on the course).

It was good to see some people racing for the first time this season, some for a few seasons.  Former South DC BAR Malcolm Cox (VC St Raphael) rode his first event for 14 years, as a 2up with Mike Anderson (CC Moncountour)  who took full advantage of this chance to put the younger man under pressure, the pair finishing in 23:30.

Thanks to our timekeepers and helpers – Martin Napier and Dave Crocker (Sotonia CC), Roy Budd, Colin Smith, John Sanchez-Bisson.  Our next promotion is our club championship 10 on 22^nd July, however before that our 25-mile championship will be held within the Sotonia CC event on P128/25 on 15^th July.

RESULT