PB for Ed

A fine ride for Ed Trezona-Phillips with a PB by about 3 minutes, his first time under the hour for a '25' and the first vets prize. Not bad for someone whose been ill or injured for much of the season. And was that season's bests for Stuart and Andy? [14/09/07]

PZW Club '25' TT Championships 2007

Disappointing turnout from PZW on a fine morning for time trialing. Good to see John Payne starting to come into some good form towards the end of his comeback season. [10/09/07]

Good time by Martin and Stuart, also by Paul and John. Abject apologies from PZW for enforced absence due to Mark's stag do the previous night. [2/09/07]

A chill evening with a brisk northerly breeze and a good turn-out for the final club race at Leedstown of the summer. Many thanks to Mark and his helpers for organising the race. Next PZW club championships, the '25' TT on Sunday 9th September, only 2 weeks left for some serious training. This is a St Austell Wheelers club race, so you can enter on the day with start times from 9.00am and signing on at Tresillian Village Hall. [24/08/07]

A blustery wind, a bit of sunshine, a bit of rain, a new TT machine for a well-know PZ Wheeler, loads of other PZ Wheelers, a race debut for Neil, lots of tub talk, some cutthroat competition, large signing on fee offered to the Lobb duo, split times at the turn (in brackets in the results), and many thanks to St Austell Wheelers. [16/08/07]

A PB for Ed, PZW cleaned up first 2 vets prizes and Andy had another consistent ride. [14/08/07]

A warm, sunny and still evening evening with another encouraging turn-out. Many thanks to Tristan for stepping in at the last moment to organise the race and to his team of helpers for marshalling, timekeeping and pushing off. Jason Pascoe can have his jacket back when he returns his number and gets me a new spoke! The final PZW club race of the season on this circuit is on Thursday 23rd August, Next PZW club championships, the '25' TT on Sunday 9th September, only 4 weeks for some serious training. [10/08/07]

Impressive comeback by Graham Lobb after 4 years or retirement and excellent debut ride by his son. Are they going to join PZW? Epic battle for supremacy by Phil and Ed. Yet another PB for Tristan. [Mike Tonkin 9/08/07]

A good turn-out and great weather for this excellent St Austell promotion, as befits a Cornish Cup and SW BAR race. Wendy thrashed us all again, Dave Gilbert stole 8 seconds and 1 point from Martin Bawden in their epic Cornish Cup battle, Ian Houvenaghel and Gary Fouracres were not far behind, Andy Ellis did well to match Steve Sage who has been having some big results up in Devon this year. PZW picked up the first 2 vets prizes and the team prize, with Ed Trezona-Phillips coming back into from after illness and injury and Phil Walker riding strongly. Does this make PZW the top TT as well as the top road racing club in Cornwall - we didn't even have Mark, Paul and Jeff riding? [5/08/07]

Another large turn-out on a fine but windy evening. The wind must have been blowing in the right direction, because there were loads of PBs, and was that a course record by Martin Bawden? Many thanks to Andy Ellis for organising and Alan Askham, Terry Mappin, Neil Hollow, Stuart Pickering and Ed Trezona-Phillips for marshalling, timekeeping and pushing off. Next PZW club race on Thursday 9th August, Next PZW club championships, the '25' TT on Sunday 9th September, plenty of time for some serious training. [27/07/07]

Another great promotion by John Trott on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police with a new course and a fine evening. A fine inaugral course record by Wendy Houvenaghel, followed by some very close battles with only seconds between lots of riders. PZW managed to pick up 2 vets prizes again. [20/07/07]

A record turn-out for a PZW Thursday club race. Many guests and a well-attended and hard-fought PZW club championships. Congratulations to Paul Friday who's improved form this season produced a convincing win. The course reverted to a Hayle start and a Clowance finish because of the annual summer fair in Praze. Thanks to Neil for organising, and to Matt, Terry and the pusher-offer (sorry, I don't know your name) for assisting. Someone left some belongings in Neil's car - if the rider would like to contact him and list the various items he will return them A.S.A.P. They can contact him on 01736 350593 or 07968 835712. Next PZW club race on Thursday 26th July, Next PZW club championships, the '25' TT on Sunday 9th September, plenty of time for some serious training. [13/07/07]

Sunshine, but a stiff SW breeze. Wendy showed us all how to do it - not far off Stuart Dangerfield's course record(!), John Payne went off course, a PB for Ed in his first race of the season after illness and injury, and was that a PB for Paul as well? [9/07/07]

As if last Sunday was not bad enough, the wind was even worse on Wednesday evening. At times it was a struggle to keep the bike going in a straight line on the longer outward stretch, into the fierce headwind. Someone was reportedly seen using their little ring!

Needless to say, times were pedestrian, but on the bright side, Stuart didn't puncture and PZW picked up 2 vets prizes. [7/07/07]

Although very windy and showery, the race went ahead after a course inspection and a 30 minute delay. The strong SW wind meant it was fast to the turn on each of the two laps, but the return leg was an awful struggle for most of us, Jon and Julius being the exceptions, especially the last bit of extra uphill added by the revised start and finish areas.

In the absence of any other riders, the PZW championships was a walkover for the only rider there. Dave Gilbert did a 'Stuart', puncturing on the way to the start, and Stuart did a 'Stuart' at the end of the first lap. As usual, the race was admirably organised by Plymouth Corinthians, with a long prize list, computerised results system, and instant action replay photographs from Anne Owens. [2/07/07]

A blustery, cold evening, but one that didn't seem to have too much effect on people's times. 17 riders turned out - another good showing. At roughly half way through this series of events, they're proving very popular. Nice to have the regular attendance from Mount's Bay. Thanks to Neil for marshalling, and to Tristan who cycled out and did marshalling duties at Praze. Thanks also to Andy for being assistant timekeeper. Very good ride by Mike for 5th place, and by Mark for a tri-bar-less 3rd. [Lloyd Peters 29/06/07]

A chill and windy evening. Stuart is perfecting the art of puncturing before the start - twice this time. Times were way down on 2 weeks ago, but Mark seemed to suffer less than most. [29/06/07]

What an evening. Torrential rain during the drive there, still raining while signing on, torrential rain waiting for result, torrential rain driving home, but for 45 minutes while we were actually racing the rain stopped. Eleven Wheelers assembled, nine raced, John Payne's adventures are detailed below, and I'm not sure what happened to Mike Tonkin!

A good night on the S40. PB for Tony Farnell, PB for Mark Haynes, and season's PB for Andy Ellis. [14/06/07]

Slight head wind on the way up the valley, warm and sunny. [Tristan Harris 14/06/07]

Well done to Truro CC for promoting this race on a fast local course which is not much used nowadays because it requires lots of marshalls and signs. They were rewarded by a good turn out, including many of the top riders in the SW. That well-known blogger from Plymouth, James Smith, proved that he can time trial as well as road race, smashing us all with an impressive time considering the strong headwind on the return leg. Unfortunately his team mate Gary Andrews could only enjoy the sunshine after going off course during the race. Dave Gilbert and Martin Bawden continued their see-saw battle to be Cornwall's premier time trialer. Elsewhere, Pete Blackshaw's ride was interrupted by some back wheel adjustments and there were some close battles and lots of tired legs and bodies battling into the headwind on the long final stretch. [Tony Farnell 10/06/07]

Two PZW riders, Mark Haynes and Drummond Masterton, plus their support marshall Matt Southam, went to the SW Division Champs held on the Stags Head circuit near South Moulton, Devon, on Sunday.

In the end Drummond came in 5th in the 3/4 cat race gaining ennough points to get his third cat licence whilst Mark was 14th in the E/1/2 race. [Matt Southam 4/06/07]

Despite a poor weather forecast, the rain just about held off and some fast times were recorded on this little used course. I still think that there is scope to make it faster still by altering the start and finish. The usual suspects had a close battle for the prizes. Mike Hayes had the misfortune to puncture shortly before his start time. Ivor Edmonds made a rare appearance on a bike. Many thanks to George Smith (St Austell Wheelers) for his efficient timekeeping, to Phil Walker, Tristan Harris, Neil Hollow, Matthew Spittle and John Garwell (all Penzance Wheelers) for marshalling, and to my wife for the refreshments. The only downside of the event was the theft, during the event, of all the signs that had been put out alongside the A30 at the three different interchanges. It must have been someone in a car who drove down both carriageways used by the course. I can only guess that it was a disgruntled driver with some kind of grudge against cyclists! [Tony Farnell 3/06/07]

Many thanks to organiser Mike Tonkin and officials Neil Hollow, Terry Mappin and Tristan Harris. [1/06/07]

A warm evening with a light breeze saw 24 riders under the hour and me miss my pb by 4 seconds - how frustrating was that? [Tony Farnell 29/05/07]

As you can see several regulars missing conditions were fairly good Stuart turned up but left it to Andy & Richard to fly the flag for Team Logic. Good first time effort from Phil Coad from the Helston area & "Triathlete" Ian Matthews ( Mounts Bay Harriers ) just back from shoulder surgery. Organised by Mike Tonkin, timed by Matt & Mike, marshalled by Neil. [Neil Hollow 24/05/07]

Good course, hardly any traffic, apart from a motor cycle rally (!), good cakes, and good weather. Cornish lads took most of the prizes, although Andy left before collecting his and Stuart punctured before the start. [21/05/07]

Here are results for the Crit on Sat. I have given them as one race the SW Circuit Champs although to BC I have sent them as seperate races. Please also include the PZW road race title with Tony Farnell 1st, John Payne 2nd and Paul Friday 3rd. The man of the race for me was Dean Robson who did a vast amount of work on the front all race with two experienced riders too happy to let him do it . A raw talent if I ever saw one, needs a coach and some more races and he could be very good. [Matt Southam 21/05/07]

Good warm-up for Dartmoor hundred tomorrow. Kept us out of the pubs. Fine evening, but very windy. Mark did another PB. Timekeeper missed my time - Andy Parker collided with her as I was finishing!!! [14/05/07]

Rain just held off until we finished, but rather windy. Some really good times. [14/05/07]

Superb evening, sunny, no wind, warm yet again, 16 riders, pro racer plus fan club, and World Cup winner Wendy Houvenaghel. Still traffic lights at Praze, so Mike's sadists' course had to be used again, and we had to pay an inflated entry fee for the privilege. Thanks to Lloyd, Matt, and Neil for organising, timekeeping and marshalling. Next PZW club race Thursday 17th May at 7.00pm. [5/05/07]

The usual tough rolling course defeated most of the field. Jeff was in an early break, Tony had a go on the front, but with tired legs from yesterday, both paid the penalty and were forced to climb off, as did Andy. Mark battled valiantly against the Certini boys, who's legs didn't seem to be affected by the previous day's racing, but had to settle for 9th. Stuart and Rich hung on in there to the finish in the very very spread out remains of the bunch. [2/05/07]

Fine and sunny, usual wind. Even the combined strength of the Certini mean machine couldn't stop James winning the E/1/2 race. PZW showing well in 3/4 Cat race, Tony lead out the sprint, Jeff just edged out by Mark Millergill, John putting in some useful training and Tristan getting fitter. [2/05/07]

Yet another warm and sunny evening' but only a small field. Gary Fouracres, trying to kid us that he's retired from competition, smashed us all. Thanks to George for organising and timekeeping. [27/04/07]

An overcast and misty morning, brightening throughout the race, with a shortened course of about 10 miles due to road works traffic lights in Praze, starting on the outskirts of Hayle and finishing at the top of the hill just past the entrance to Clowance Estate. Mike's fiendish imagination resulted in a course that started and finished uphill. Nice one Mike!

Good to see so many PZW riders competing (13 started and finished) and helping. Thanks to George Smith for timekeeping, Mike Tonkin for organising, and John and Neal for starting and marshalling. I need 3 marshalls and a pusher-off for the next PZW Open '10' TT on the S18/10 (Camborne) on Sunday 3rd June. Any volunteers? Don't forget PZW Crit 2 road race on Saturday, entries taken on the line, and next PZW club TT Thursday 3rd May at 7.00pm. [22/04/07]

In the E/1/2 race, against a very strong field, Mark Haynes started to show some good form. Prominent throughout, Mark finished in a fine 5th place, after being involved in a hectic sprint for 3rd after 2 riders had broken away near the end of the final lap of the four lap 60 miles course. I believe that Andy Ellis of Cyclelogic was involved in a crash in the very rough 3/4 cat race, but thankfully he looked to have recovered by mid-week. [20/04/07]

Superb evening, sunny, no wind, warm yet again, and 11 riders with hoardes of over-exited fans made for an exciting evening. Traffic lights in Praze meant that the course had to be shortened to 8 miles (which included all the hills!), finishing at the entrance to Clowance Estate. Some good performances were recorded, particularly by Truro College student Pendle Hill, making his debut time trial, and a particularly close 4-man tussle for 3rd place. Thanks to Neal, Matt, John and Mike for organising, timekeeping, marshalling and pushing-off. Next PZW club race Thursday 3rd May at 7.00pm. [20/04/07]

While the rest of the country was basking in warm summer sunshine we were battling up and down the Ladock Valley in good old Cornish mist and drizzle. The seemingly calm conditions masked the S6 phantom which reduced us all to a crawl. Paul is coming into some good form and finished the best Wheeler, Tony took the Vets prize, and John, Phil and Dave acquited themselves honourably. [15/04/07]

Superb evening, sunny, no wind, warm. PZWs made up half the starters. Mark did a pb on this course, John continued his comeback, Phil improved from last week, Mike managed to sneak in front of Tristan who knocked a minute off last weeks' time, and Steve was as consistent as ever. Thanks to the St Austell team for organising the race, including split times at the turn. [12/04/07]

A small Cornish contingent of Mark Haynes, Tony Farnell and Rich Edmond took starters orders at Aylesbeare. Paul Friday was on the start sheet, but was struck down by the dreaded sickness bug the previous night.

Sixty riders set off on a 4 lap course, which involved a long climb up through the finish area on each lap, some undulations along the top of the course, and a 40+ mph swoop down the Springtime Pursuits part of the course. Nobody was strong enough to make a decisive break, although 2 riders were dangling off the front for much of the race, before being swallowed up on the last lap. So it all came down to a desperate grind up the final climb to the finish, convincingly won by Junior Guy Wilkins from Bike in Motion. Mark was prominent throughout, finishing 13th but found it difficult fighting the Certini mean machine, and Rich and Tony finished deep in the bunch sprint. One fortunate PZW rider won a bottle of Didier's best French wine for being the oldest git to finish the race.

A chill and blustery northerly wind greeted the riders on Saturday afternoon, meaning high speeds along the bottom of the circuit and a long slog along the exposed back straight. A more than usual amount of grit on the surface resulted in more punctures than I can remember before. It was heartening to see so many newcomers lining up at the start and battling through to the end of the race.

In the E/1/2 category race, an early escape by Mark Haynes and James Smith was eventually reeled in, leaving them unable to respond when James Williams and John Vennis powered away with about 10 laps to go. Keith Lilley survived a puncture and wheel change to make a late escape for 3rd, leaving Mark Haynes, James Smith unable to match Dave Bentley's sprint power at the end.

At last, after 3 years of hard work, John Trott and his team of helpers and sponsors were rewarded by the biggest entry for a time trial that I can remember in Cornwall since the National '25' in the early 90s. It was also really encouraging to see a sprinkling of younger competitors, mainly as a result of Richard's efforts at Ricci. The course is excellent, with three hills on the way to the turn, interspersed by some long fast stretches, and the same in reverse on the way back. The rain held off, although it was cloudy with a chill NE wind.

The race turned out to be pretty competitive. Top seed, Sean Childs, was a clear winner of the £400(!!!) first prize, but after that there were 14 riders finishing within 4 minutes. PZW riders John Payne and Tony Farnell managed to pick up two of the £75 vet prizes and newcomer Martin Bawden of www.cyclelogic.co.uk went home with the £200 second place cheque. PZW's Mark Haynes, tuning up for another road season, rode to a fine 5th place. What will this boy do when he bites the bullet, lightens his bank balance and splashes out on a disk wheel? Breathing down his neck were Jeff Houghton and Paul Friday of PZW, both looking as though they are heading for a good season, and the www.cyclelogic.co.uk trio of Stuart Pickering, Johnathan Dominguez and Andy Ellis. Things are shaping up nicely for another battle in the team time trials at the end of the season.

I must also report that Dave Henderson made full use of the facilities on offer at the event centre, and have a photo to prove it, and that Mark still has a spare 10 speed chain in his bag just in case anyone was thinking of using that as an excuse for not riding the race.

Dave's warm-up, courtesy of Jean at Revive Natural Living in Helston (www.revivenaturalliving.co.uk)

Thanks again to everyone involved in the organisation of the race for such an enjoyable event. PZW racers, don't forget it's our first Crit road race next Saturday - entries can be made on the day. There's still probably time for you to get your entries in for the Mid-Devon Open '23' Sporting TT in south Devon on Good Friday 6th April, and we need a team to support Mark in the Tom Hawkins Road Race near Exeter on Easter Monday 9th April (entries by 30th March, this week). [26/03/07]

After the cancellation of last week's Camel Valley TT, due to horrible weather, what delights was the first Cornish TT of the 2007 season going to hold? Well, the weather was dry and sunny for a change, but with a strong blustery wind, and a new course - much improved in my opinion. The roads were mainly traffic-free, there were two big hills, some really fast stretches, a really closely fought race, and some great home-made cakes afterwards. Well done George and his team of helpers.

So what happened in the race? There were 5 Wheelers on the start sheet, but Pete Blackshaw didn't show, and Mark Haynes was grappling with the hills of North Devon in the Stags Head RR (if we're lucky we might even get a report from him!). As you can see from the results, competition was pretty tight at the top end, with Paul looking good for the coming season. Phil was beaten to the intermediate checkpoint by 1 second by Dave, but despite his interrupted winter training, was able to reassert himself over the second part of the course.

No time trial machines or equipment spotted, apart from Andy Ellis's aero seat post, but thankfully he was only marshalling. Timekeeper Terry astounded us with his sartorial elegance. Phil and Mel declined to start, not even tempted by the offer of a free ride! One tandem and nine individuals took starter's orders on a chilly, overcast morning with the seasonal greasy roads.

Young upstarts Steve and James were lucky to scrape first and second place in front of old gits Tony and Dave and trainee old git Stuart, on his nobbly tyred cyclo-cross stead. Layton was obviously house-lagged, John and Jane had mechanicals, Tristan was amazing on no training, and Ben made an outstanding debut. To try to impose himself for the new season, Paul decided to drive around the course. Lucky he did, because Mike came a cropper on the double bends after Nancegollan and needed a lift to the finish. Thankfully he was able to ride home afterwards.