The club’s first event of the 2023 season, the Open Hardriders Time Trial, takes place on Sunday 19th March. The 23-mile course is entirely on the A422, starting and finishing at Wroxton, with a ride out to Ettington roundabout and back. However, the sting in the tail and the reason why the event is known as Hardriders, is the steep ascent of Sunrising hill on the return leg.
The weather in March also plays its part in making this one of the toughest TTs in the area. The current period of cold and unsettled weather has resulted in a slightly reduced entry this year of 50 riders. However, the entry remains strong and competitive, with the winner for the last three years, Dave Fellows of Solihull CC starting from scratch once again and clearly determined to hang onto the Broughton Cup.
Fellows holds the outright course record at 50.09, whilst the club record, set by Luke Norris, is 50.39. Naomi de Pennington holds the women’s record at 58.27.
Can Dave Fellows win for a fourth time?
Eleven Banbury Star members are entered, which includes two juniors, Poppy Kisley and Alex Putt. The entry also includes three second claim BSCC members, who all look like strong challengers in both the men’s and women’s categories. Last year’s women’s winner Naomi de Pennington, now riding in a Drag2Zero jersey, will have Sian Marsh to fend off. Whilst Josh Newbould, also now riding for Drag2Zero, will surely offer a strong challenge to Dave Fellows.
Event HQ is again at Wroxton Sports and Social Club and the first rider starts at 8.10am.
Marshals are still needed as are the donation of cakes. If you’ve made your own, it could win the Bakeathon and a prize. Contact TT Secretary, Rhys Martin at ttscretary@banburystar.co.uk if you can help in any way.