What an odd summer we’ve had, both our first TT, held in March, and this week’s last TT, held in September, took place in probably the warmest most pleasant conditions of the whole season. Traditionally, both events also use the club’s 5-mile Gaydon to Kineton and back course. A fast, almost flat course, with an amazing record time of 9.45, set in 2019 by Charlie Quarterman, now a World Tour rider.
These 5-mile TTs are also a good opportunity for both members and guests to give time trialling a go and this week’s TT was no exception. Whilst she has done a couple of small closed road TTs, 9-year-old Zoe Anderson, competed in her first longer distance road TT. Chaperoned by father Ed, she completed the course in a time of 18.02, with a big smile on her face as she crossed the line. Four other juniors also took part, including Zoe’s 12-year-old brother Owen who posted a time of 15.43. Bella Boyles and Alex Putt were closely matched on 13.51 and 13.52, with Bella making a huge improvement over her previous PB. Fastest junior on the night was Poppy Kisley on 13.21, which equalled the U18 record.
A smiling Zoe Anderson on her first proper TT – photo Paul Dean
Fresh from her success on the Isle of Man, Naomi de Pennington managed to add yet another women’s course record to her long 2021 list, by lowering her existing record by 5 seconds, with a time of 11.56.
Fastest time of the evening went to Josh Newbould on 10.33, a time just 17 seconds shy of the club record. In second place, also with a sub-11-minute time, was Simon Smart on 10.49, with fellow Drag2Zero team mate Jon Simpkins third on 11.03.
Fastest rider on the night Josh Newbould – photo Paul Dean
Top 10 Results; 1. Josh Newbould 10.33, 2. Simon Smart 10.49, 3. Jon Simpkins 11.03, 4. Alex Tebbs 11.22, 5. Stuart Quick 11.34, 6. Josh Lovell 11.38, 7. Lee Heron 11.42, 8. Tobi Ng 11.50, 9. Naomi de Pennington 11.56, 10. Mark Boyles 12.15
Only two events now left – Saturday’s Durran Cup hill climb and then the following Saturday (18th) the Trinders Trophy freewheel downhill competition.