Results 2008

A ferocious wind blowing down the Laddock Valley meant that it was a real grovel to get to the turn, but the reward was a super-fast return to the finish.

Some good performances, notably by Paul Friday, although when will he learn to get to the start on time? Many thanks to Mike Hayes for the superb photos.[Tony Farnell]

A ferocious wind blowing up the Laddock Valley this time meant that riders were blown up the hill on the outward leg, but had to buckle down and grit their teeth on the return leg. Fortunately the rain stopped for about an hour before the start, drying out the road a little, and only gave us a gentle sprinkling during the ride, before reverting to a deluge when we were safely on our way home.

Paul Friday managed to get to the start on time and was rewarded by a PB on this course, while Peter Jory and Andy Ellis improved dramatically from last week. Many thanks to the Camel Valley team for these two early season races.[Tony Farnell]

For the third week running the weather was cold with a blustery wind, but today a few hail showers were thrown in for good measure. But what a race! Where else would you get a truly challenging and scenic course, start ramp, comfortable changing accommodation, free pasty, free sports shirt, fantastic organisation, a top pro rider taking part, prizes presented by a world champion and record holder, and large cash prizes? Not surprising that it attracted 86 entries, including 12 Wheelers.

Former Wheeler, Tom Southam, now riding for Halfords Bike Hut, should have won it, but puctured immediately after the start, so had to return for a spare wheel, before riding the course in splendid isolation to record the fastest time of 1:12:25 but with a 12 minute late start penalty awarded by CTT rules. But let's not detract from winner James Smith's performance. To beat the course record in the worst weather conditions since the race started four years ago was quite an achievement. This guy is an animal; he was going like the clappers when he passed me just after Goonhilly.

Paul Friday underlined his recent good form, finishing first of the Wheelers, while Hari Slade on his debut race for PZW broke his chain leaving the start ramp, but repaired it and finished the race. Gail Aspden finished well up in the women's race, 2nd woman overall in fact. Unfortunately John Payne had a bad crash and ended up in Treliske Hospital with cuts and abrasions according to reports. Although the police were on the spot almost immediately, team mate Phil Walker stopped to offer assistance, so scarificing his own ride, a highly commendable gesture. Speedy recovery, John.

The generous prizes presented by Wendy Houvenaghel, recent world champion and record holder. Many thanks to John Trott and Richard Pascoe for their considerable efforts to make this such a successful event. My ony complaint - where was the desirable leg massage lady? - I really needed her this year. Phil and Mark were no substitute.[Tony Farnell]

Yet another cold race morning, with an icy downpour for the later starters, although at least there was no wind. Once out on the A30 the new course was pretty fast, with an excellent road surface, but the uphill drag from the start to the slip road access point detracted from the times. The consensus of opinion seemed to be to move the start nearer to Indian Queens and the finish along to the next lay-by, if that is possible.

An absolutely stellar winning performance by Paul Friday, in a new all-time PB, taking some noteable scalps and confirming his improvement this year. That should give the rest of us something to aim for. Gail Aspden won the women's race and I managed to take the Vets prize, so the only thing that PZW didn't win was the team prize, taken by the Cyclelogic boys. I believe that Peter Jory also smashed his PB, while Phil Walker showed the benefit of slogging round the 30 miles race last weekend. Another rider much improved this year is Andy Ellis, breaking into the top 10 in a good field.

Thank you very much St Austell Wheelers for the new course, the efficient organisation, and above all for the sumptuous array of superb home baked cakes.[Tony Farnell]

For me it was the fifth race of the year, and it turned out to be the fifth race in unpleasant weather conditions. This time it was bright and sunny but with a gale force wind. So that meant that riders had to battle down to Sithney School with a cross-headwind, then struggle up to Praze with a gusting side wind, before the blessed relief of a tail wind for the last couple of miles to the finish.

Considering the conditions, it was pleasing to see 19 riders taking starters orders. Martin's winning time was impressive, Andy's extra parental duties seem to be giving him new impetus this year, Hari is showing signs of being a force to be reckoned with, and new member John Fazakerley could be getting back to the kind of form he was showing for Truro CC a few years ago.

Many thanks to Neil Hollow for organising the race, Matt Southam for signing on and timekeeping, Terry Waters for pushing off, and Neil (again) and Terry Mappin for marshalling in such inhospitable conditions. The next PZW race is Mike Tonkin's 19 miles TT (2 laps of the 10 course), again at Leedstown, on Thursday 1st May, first rider away at 7.00pm. This is an Open race, so you must enter in advance (this week or early next week), on an official form (download from www.ctt.org.uk: link on links page of this site), entry fee is £6 (cheques payable to Penzance Wheelers), and send to Mike Tonkin at The Cottage, Plain-an-Gwarry, Marazion, Penzance, TR17 0DR.[Tony Farnell]

A bit of a damp and misty morning over a challenging out-and-back course up the west side of Dartmoor with some big hills and speedy descents, but the rain held off, the wind was light and the temperature was warmer than recent other races.

Only 12 seconds between Stuart, Mark and me, with Andy not far behind. It must be said that Stuart and Andy did a 10 miles TT yesterday afternoon, in which Andy bagged an all-time PB, so I suppose they might have had tired legs, but on the other hand they're only young lads so they ought to be able to take it.[Tony Farnell]

At last, some sunshine and hardly any wind, I'd almost forgotten what it was like to race in something resembling pleasant conditions. Last year the course had to be shortened at the last moment, due to roadworks in Praze, so the course record is 44-15, set two years ago by Steve Lampier on the first running of this race.

Cyclelogic managed a clean sweep of the podium places, with a fine 3rd place by youngster Chris Lobb. Why wasn't his Dad racing is what I want to Know? PZW scooped the Vets and Women's prizes. It was good to see new racers Shane Williams, Hari Slade and Chris Pascoe turning out for PZW and showing up well on what is quite a tough course. Phil Walker must have been the most unlucky rider on the night - on for a time of about 50-30 with about 1 mile to go, he punctured and had to limp across the line. Ominously Tristan is back from Australia and was out riding around the course. How long is it going to take hime to get his race fitness back?

Don't forget the PZW training next Thursday 7.00pm at Leedstown. Next PZW club race at Leedstown (entries on the day) is on Thursday 15th May.[Tony Farnell]

Another new course on Goss Moor, this time starting at the Victoria end and turning at Indian Queens. Luckily the rain held off, although there was a nagging cross/head wind on the way to the turn.

Lots of impressive performances - Sean Child's winning ride, Gary Fouracres fine time and 2nd place, a third successive PB for 10 miles, 5th place and first Cyclelogic rider for Andy Ellis, and is that a PB for Peter Jory?[Tony Farnell]

St Austell Wheelers presented us with a new 25 miles course on Goss Moor and a new race HQ in Lanivet. The early morning mist was still clearing as the first riders started, but miraculously for Cornwall there was no wind.

Only 18 seconds separated the first three riders, with Karl Hodson edging out a rejuvenated Gary Fouracres and Martin Bawden. Just behind them Paul Friday recorded another PB for the season, and Ed Trezona-Phillips missed his PB by only 4 seconds in his second race of the season. PZW cleaned up most of the remaining prizes, with Gail Aspden the 1st woman, Tony Farnell and Ed Trezona-Phillips 1st and 2nd vets respectively, and PZW taking the team prize with Paul Friday, Tony Farnell and Mark Haynes.

Thanks to the St Austell Wheelers club for an excellent race and some yummy cakes afterwards. Finally, the clouds rolled away and we could look forward to a beer and a sun bathe in the garden.[Tony Farnell]

A few drops of rain, but no wind, Gary Fouracres on a bike salvaged from a skip, and a real thrashing by international Wendy Houvenaghel, preparing for Bejing. What more could you ask for on an English summer evening? Well, Ed managed a PB on this S6/10 course and Tristan stormed to an all-time PB in his first race of the season after 3 weeks of debauchery in Australia. There's a few of us who are starting to look over our shoulders. Good ride for 2nd place by Graham Lobb. Good job he left his son at home. Very respectable 16th place for Gail and good to see Steve Cox getting fit for the summer drinking season.[Tony Farnell]

Nice sunny day up on the Cornwall-Devon border near Callington. Rolling out-and-back well marshalled course on relatively quiet country road challenged the climbing legs. St Budeaux were rewarded for their efforts by a very respectable start list. Good ride by Mark Hayes for 5th place. Chris Lobb continues to do well and takes 6= overall and 1st Junior. Cakes were good - I had three.[Tony Farnell]

Another very breezy night for another new course on Goss Moor, this time using the remnants of the old A30 and numerous new roundabouts.
Familiar landmarks such as the Iron Bridge now blissfully free from traffic, with a mix of new smooth and new very bumpy tarmac!
A great ride from Wendy yet again, surely the World Champ shouldn't have to push herself off at the start?!! Martin Bawden choosing a road bike and 1960's woolen jersey to protect from the strong SE wind, a fine ride from Gail as final preperation for the National 10 this weekend - Good Luck.
[Mark Haynes]

Persistant rain turned to drizzle, then stopped, and the forecast winds didn't blow, so we had a good morning's competition up the Ladock Valley.
Martin Bawden won for the second year running, but was closely pursued by Ian Houvenaghel, obviously receiving training by osmosis from Wendy. Mike Hayes performed wonders on his fixed wheel, with his best result that I can remember, and another fine ride by young Chris Lobb. So all in all it was a good day for Cyclelogic. PZW were well represented, but we're definitely aiming to peak later in the season.
Thanks to the Camel Valley team for another well-organised race, and it's back to Goss Moor next weekend.[Tony Farnell]

A fine sunny evening with no wind tempted 30 riders to take starters orders, with Steve Lampier adding an international flavour and Stuart turning up to tell us what life without time trials is like.
Cycle racing novice, Gary Chambers, posted an impressive time, as did an improving Jason May and Shane Williams from PZW.
Many thanks to Neil Hollow's team of officials for making the race possible. Don't forget PZW racers, it's a condition of taking part in these races that everyone volunteers to help at at least one race. I'm still looking for 2 more helpers for the PZW Open race at St Keverne on Wednesday 18th June at 7.00pm. You have to enter in advance for open races, so I'll bring some entry forms to next week's race, just in case anyone has problems downloading them from the Cycling Time Trials web site.
Next club race at Leedstown is next week, on Thursday 5th June.
PS. The results sheets turned out to be rather confusing and, as a result one or two wrong times and positions were originally shown. I've done my best to re-interpret them and tried to correct any obvious anomalies.[Tony Farnell]

Warm sunny morning, no wind, is this England? Some riders were still pretending they could feel a breeze! Fast times reflected the course and the conditions.
Great win for Gary Fouracres. PBs for Ed Trezona-Phillips, Tristan Harris and Phil Walker. Season's best for just about everyone. Good to see so many PZWs racing this year.[Tony Farnell]

Some fastish times on a cold and blustery evening. First time under 23 on this course by Chris Lobb? Well done. Thanks to Truro CC for organising the race.[Tony Farnell]

Bright and sunny evening, but with a strong headwind on the outward leg. Great win by Phil Walker - he was so pleased that he's offered to buy any Wheeler riding or helping in my open race on 18th June a beer afterwards. Thanks to Mark Haynes for coping with the difficulties of a course change due to roadworks, Tony Farnell for timekeeping and Julian Meredith for marshalling.[Tony Farnell]

A fine and sunny morning with a light cross wind which didn't seem to detract from the fast conditions. A different start and finish from the recent St Austell Wheelers race on Goss Moor, which rather confused Gail, who branched off to the wrong finish just before the end.
Some fast times were recorded, with winner Karl Hodson doing a PB, as did Paul Friday and Ed Trezona-Phillips for PZW. A rapidly improving Tristan Harris just missed a sub 1 hour ride by 55 seconds as well as claiming a PB. Paul Friday took 3rd place prize, while Tony Farnell and Ed Trezona-Phillips captured 1st and 3rd vets prizes respectively.
As for the PZW Championships 2008: in the seniors it was 1st Paul Friday, 2nd Tristan Harris, and 3rd John Fazakerley, while in the vets it was 1st Tony Farnell, 2nd Ed Trezona-Phillips, and 3rd Phil Walker.[Tony Farnell]

A real time trial race atmosphere with 82 riders from all over the country. Judging from the comments that I heard afterwards, it was a bit of a shock for those not used to Cornish courses.
Competition was cutthroat, with the first 18 riders within 55 seconds - perhaps I should have invested in those low profile brake levers and a more pointy helmet? Congratulations to Peter Jory for another PB, first time under 25 minutes, I think.[Tony Farnell]

On Sunday the circus moved to Goss Moor. We think it's a fast course, but I heard some of our visitors describing it as hilly! It's a good job they didn't have to contend with the Cornish wind as well, although the rain started just as I was starting, and guess what? It finished just as I was finishing.
Still, it was a fast day. Ed clocked a sub 59 for a PB and Gail rode really well for a PB. Special mention must be made of young Gary Chambers who did a 58-40 on his debut '25', after 2 weeks holiday in Greece and riding yesterday, and Junior Chris Lobb, who also recorded a PB.
[Tony Farnell]

Way back last autumn, when I had to choose a date for this race to go on the national race list, I carefully selected a day as close to the middle of the summer as I could find, thinking that good weather would be highly probable. It could have been worse, but not much - gales and rain. Predictably there were a large number of DNSs, but not as many as I’d expected, sat at home in the afternoon listening to the rain pounding down on the roof.
As we assembled at the race HQ, I could sense that there were some reluctant riders in the hall, just waiting for a postponement, and the chance to zoom off home. However, a rousing speech from timekeeper Richard Hope soon put paid to all these wimpish thoughts, and bikes were soon being assembled and tyres pumped up.
The worst of the rain held off, although the gusting cross wind was a bit of a problem on the return leg, and I don’t know of anyone who stayed down on the aero bars for the whole ride.
Martin Bawden stormed back to form after a recent dip in form, and cemented a Cornish Cup victory with 3 races remaining, with Paul Friday the only other rider under 24 minutes. Chris Lobb took the Espoirs (under 23) prize by the slender margin of 5 seconds from Gary Chambers, and Penzance Wheelers took the Vet’s and Woman’s prizes.
I’d like to say a very big thank you to the race officials and helpers who braved the unpleasant conditions so cheerfully to ensure that the race could take place. Without people like this, there would be no races.
I must also say something about the brinkmanship of race entry. It’s a well-know fact that entries ought to be received 10 days prior to the race, but most Cornish organizers accept entries up to one week beforehand, even though it leaves them short of time to prepare the start sheet, finalize the catering arrangements, and do the other admin required by CTT to ensure that the race is properly conducted and insured. With one week to go, I only had 17 entries, and was seriously considering cancelling the race. With 4 days to go, I was receiving entries delivered by hand before breakfast. On the day before the race, and even on the morning itself, I was answering pleading phone calls! I can understand that beginners may not be aware of the entry requirements for open races, but most of the late entries were from experienced racers! So this is a plea to you the competitor - buy a CTT handbook (only £7) and send your entries in plenty of time.[Tony Farnell]

Fine evening. Good racing. Another fine result for rapidly improving Gary Chambers.[Tony Farnell]

Bit of a blustery wind, but the sun came out and the new course on the old main road was both challenging and enjoyable, as well as being largely traffic free.
This was the PZW 10 miles TT Championships 2008, so in the Seniors it was 1st Mark Haynes, 2nd Shane Williams, and 3rd Peter Jory, in the Vets it was 1st Tony Farnell, 2nd Phil Walker, and 3rd Pete Blackshaw, and in the womens it was 1st Gail Aspden. New PZW member this year, Shane William's ride was particularly eye-catching, as he took the scalps of quite a few experienced riders.[Tony Farnell]

Windy, but no rain! Excellent ride by Paul Friday. PZW managed 1st and 2nd Vets and 2nd Woman with Tony Farnell, Ed Trezona-Philips and Gail Aspden respectively.[Tony Farnell]

A dry evening with a brisk breeze blowing across the course. First ever win for Gary Chambers and another good performance from Shane Williams. Thanks to Phil Walker, Tristan Harris, Ed Joslin and Peter Jory for organising, timekeeping and marshalling.[

A fine evening with a bit of a headwind on the way out to the turn, resulted in some close racing and a win for Paul Friday.
PZW cleaned up on most of the other prizes too, with Gail Aspden, Pete Blackshaw and Tony Farnell taking the Women's, Vet 50 and V 60 prizes respectively.
Many thanks to John Trott and his team for organising the race so efficiently. [Tony Farnell]

Undoubtedly this was the best evening of the year so far on this course. The breeze dropped and it was pleasantly warm. Shane Williams continued his improvement with a fine second place and a sub-24 time, beaten only by Ed Trezona-Phillips and Tony Farnell, riding as a 2-up as training for the coming Plymouth CCC race on Saturday. Mark Haynes, fortified by regular Tuesday burn-ups and cafe stops, also dipped under 24 minutes, while newcomer Sandy Gourlay bagged 5th place with a 25:11. Many thanks to Mike Tonkin, Terry Mappin and Pendle Hill for officiating.[Tony Farnell]

A sunny warm evening with little wind - miracles do occur. Ed Trezona-Phillips and Tony Farnell scooped the Vets prize and managed to split the 2 Cyclelogic teams, with only 25 seconds between the 3 West Cornwall teams.[Tony Farnell]

No wind, but a bit of drizzle in the race and a bloody awful road surface following the recent surface dressing work.
Good win for Mike Hayes, showing that he knows how to change gear as well as ride fixed wheel. Paul Friday, Gail Aspden, Ed Trezona-Phillips and Tony Farnell took the 2nd place, Women's, 2nd Vet and 1st Vet prizes, so a good day for PZW.[Tony Farnell]

No rain, bit of a breeze, some team time trial practice, and a particularly good ride by Sandy Gourley.[

After the deluge of yesterday, no rain, but a strong SW wind, that made the outward leg a delight, but the return leg a real grovel.[Tony Farnell]

PZW finished 2 teams in this prestigious team time trial race, confirming their position as Cornwall's premier team time trial club. A fine performance from the A team of Paul Friday, Tony Farnell, Mark Haynes and Ed Trezonna-Phillips resulted in 4th place, only 1:41 down on the winners, and breaking into the big money prizes. The B team of Tristan Harris, Phil Walker, John Fazakerley and Hari Slade also acquitted themselves well, finishing a very respectable 13th out of 24 teams, beating some good oppostion.[

First and foremost, it was a great turn-out by PZW. I can't remember a PZW championships with so many riders in the last 6 years. Also, a big thanks to the Cyclelogic boys and girl, Stuart, Martin, Nick, Graham and Jemma, organised by Andy Ellis, for putting on the race and allowing us all to ride in our own championships race.
As for the race itself, I thought it was quite a fast evening, with a bit of a breeze blowing us down to the halfway point at the turn, and then a sheltered ride back up to Praze and Leedstown.
Guest rider Gary Chambers confirmed his recent form, being the only rider to dip under 24 minutes. Further down the field there were some real tussles going on, with bunches of riders separated only by seconds.
The placings in the PZW Championships were as follows: Seniors: 1st Paul Friday, 2nd Mark Haynes, 3rd Tristan Harris Vets: 1st Tony Farnell, 2nd Mike Tonkin, 3rd Jon Pullen Women: 1st Gail Aspden.
Only one more PZW championship race to go now, the Hill Climb at Gwithian on Sunday 5th October.[Tony Farnell]