THE

Yeovil Cycling Club April 2007

Tour of Britain Debut in Somerset

Make a note in your diary and book the return to Taunton for a finish in North St. day off, the is coming to Each stage will have up to three sprint Somerset on Tuesday 11 September and it lines and points for the Green Jersey go to starts on our doorstep at RNAS Yeovilton. the first three past the post. This is a new development for the Tour of There are plenty of opportunities to Britain, with the race visiting our region follow the race and a well planned day for the first time, (but hopefully not the should enable you to see it three or even last as it is intended to have a Somerset four times. More details will be published stage for the next five years). on the Club website as soon as they 16 teams and 96 riders will make are available. Whether there will be an up the field which starts the 2007 Tour opportunity to be involved, marshalling or of Britain in Crystal Palace on Sunday assisting, is not yet known. 9 September. Last year, it included five The race organisers also announced protour teams and the Great Britain initial details of a cyclosportive over the national team. course of the Somerset stage. This is set to Starting at Yeovilton and heading back take place on September 2nd, with entry through Ilchester (now what other fixture limited to somewhere between three and does that?!) the race will then head out four thousand riders, but no details are through Somerton and onto Langport, available – well at least not that I can find out to Othery and across to Taunton. – at present. From the county town it will commence a loop out through Minehead and along , the coast road to Lynmouth where it will could he be the turn inland and into Exmoor National man in form Park. After the climbs on Exmoor it will this year? descend back to Bishops Lydeard and

Stage Two of the Tour of Britain In unseasonably warm conditions Grant Bayton sprinted to victory for the GWR Team at Sundays Ham Hill Road Race beating Marcin Bialoblocki who has shown such amazing form this year. With many riders attempting to break away in the early miles, the pace was high, and a group of seven riders, including GWR Team member Dan Smith built up a lead of 30 seconds as they approached the end of the first circuit. However a very active peloton quickly brought back the attack. As the race began the final lap, five riders had managed to gain a small lead, but approaching the final climb of Coppitts Hill it had once again come together. Polish rider Marcin Bialoblocki (Middrige CRT), after being aggressive throughout the earlier skirmishes, forced his way clear. With a fine tally of over ten victories already this year, Bayton knew Bialoblocki was the man to follow and quickly latched onto the move. It was all he could do to hang on to Ham Hill Bialoblockis back wheel as the pace increased to over 35 mph as the race entered its closing 1 Grant Bayton GWR Team miles. As they entered the finish straight, 2 Marcin Bialoblocki Middridge CRT the pace remained high and with the line 3 Keith Lilley Team Certini approaching, Grant gave his all for the team 4 Dave Bentley Ajchva Limoux with one last attack, Marcin paid the price 5 Robert Willcocks Team Certini for all his hard work on the front allowing 6 Mark Haynes Penzance Wheelers Grant to narrowly draw clear to take victory. 7 Robert Gough John’s Bikes RT 8 Steve Thomas Bournemouth Arrow CC 9 Simon Smith John’s Bikes RT 10 Richard Eastham Bournemouth Jub. Whls 11 Jason Flooks Team Certini 12 Philip Borrett Bikinmotion CC 13 Gary Andrews Team Certini 14 William Bunday RAF CC 15 Peter Kench GWR Team 16 James Smith Team Certini 17 Jonathon Wynn 18 Stephen Atfield Bournemouth Jub. Whls 19 Alec Leslie Ajchva Limoux 20 Stuart Dodd Team Tor 2000

Top Left: Grant Bayton. Right the pack sprint out the remaining places. Top Right: Ian Rees escapes the bunch to clinch victory on the line. Photos: Ann Owens  Pittards Road Race safely past the ambulance attending to the injured but we then had to neutralise the race 1 Ian Rees Climb On Bikes RT whilst a cow was being escorted along the 2 Matthew Ewings Exeter Wheelers road just outside Queen Camel! 3 Stephen Crutcher Bournemouth Arrow CC The pace of the race remained high and 4 Simon Breakwell Team Tor 2000 the field was slowly deminishing, but a 5 Iansaing To strong bunch started the final lap. However 6 Julius Renn-Jennings Gillingham and Dst Whs even that was not without incident, a bit 7 Mark Rickaby Clevedon & District RC of switching as the bunch turned onto the 8 Craig Humphries New Forest CC Yeovilton finish for the final time saw yet 9 Mark Millergill Camel Valley C & TC more riders eating tarmac, thankfully no 10 Eamonn Deane Bournemouth Jub Whls serious injuries this time. After all that Ian Rees managed to escape Well the second race was nothing if not from the bunch to clinch victory by a narrow eventful. Another full field of riders set out margin from a charging pack. from Yeovilton at a quick pace, an attack I am pleased to report that the injured along the Ilchester straight was countered riders are out of hospital. One sustained and the field was back together cuts and was discharged quickly whilst the after the first climb of Coppitts. other had a broken collar bone which needed Having negotiated the usual pinning, so he will be off the bike for a few hazards of Combe St Lane and months. Mudford Road the concentration Despite the mishaps it was a great days in the bunch must have lapsed racing and thanks to everyone that helped. as they approached Mudford. All the marshals, the car drivers and officials A touch of wheels on the fastest and the motorcycle outriders who were worth part of the course led to 10 their weight on gold controlling the traffic riders going down. Two of which and ensuring a safe passage for both events. needed hospital treatment. Our As always our thanks to Shaun for organising first aiders were immediately on the whole event with such efficiency and the scene and an ambulance was special thanks to Carol, Shauns wife, who summoned. Meanwhile the race did such a great job on the first aid – nothing continued on with some more personal but let's hope we don't have to call minor attacks. Lap two saw us on your services again soon!  Thursday evening TTs and Try It events this year, one in June to coincide with Bike Week, the other in July We are already well under way with to follow the publicity of Le Tour starting this seasons events and it is very in the UK. There are pleasing to see some new faces some posters available each week out at Podimore, Yeovil Cycling Club to promote the event, especially as there are some UP FOR A one is included with this new Juniors this year. The PERSONAL newsletter, if you would competition is already hotting CHALLENGE? HOW QUICKLY like to get some work up for the Points Cup with CAN YOU CYCLE colleagues or friends Mike Loader, Hugo and Shaun 5 MILES? Yeovil Cycling Club involved then please tightly packed at the top of host a ‘come and try it 5 mile time trial ’ put this up. If you need the league at present. Thursday 21 June on and 19 July 2007 some more pick one up Doug Dewey has already HQ is at Nuffield Sports Pavilion at RNAS Yeovilton (opposite Museum entrance) and the course starts just on a Thursday evening equalled the course record east of the HQ and goes to Ilchester and back. Meet at 7:00, first rider off at 7.30pm and at one minute intervals thereafter. or give David Notley a on the 5 course and we are Everyone is welcome, the only limit is that riders must be over 12, and under 18s must have a parent or guardian with them. ring on 01963 440291 hoping to see an even faster Just turn up and try it. www.yeovilcc.com and a copy or two can be ride on it this year, preferably posted to you. The HQ on with a rider in a YCC top! these nights will be the The 10s push off next week, Clive Brooks' Nuffield Sports Pavilion at RNAS Yeovilton, course record of 19:55 is probably a little hopefully with some tea and coffee to safer, unless we get a really good night. make it a more sociable occasion. We are running a couple of Come

Dist Date Event Helper Start 10 3 May Colin Williams 19:00 10 10 May (2 up) Gary Swain 19:00 10 17 May Hugo Baldacchino 19:15 10 24 May James Hector 19:15 10 31 May Jo Callow 19:15 10 7 June John Clemit 19:30 10 14 June Mark Askill 19:30 5 21 June (come and try it) Nick Young 19:30 10 28 June Paul Denman 19:30 10 5 July 19:30 10 12 July Reuben Walsh 19:30 5 19 July (come and try it) Shaun Walsh 19:30 10 5 July Simon Morton 19:30 10 12 July Steve Pym 19:30 10 26 July Andy Mortimer 19:15 10 2 August Dave Driver 19:15 10 9 August (Club Handicap) Arthur Vince 19:00 10 16 August Michael Loader 18:45 5 23 August Phil Whaites 18:45 5 30 August Rod Bowditch 18:45 5 6 September Darren Edmonds 18:45 5 13 September Paul Sparks 18:45 HC 7 October High Ham 10:30

NOTE: If road conditions affect visibility, the 10 event(s) will be substituted by a 5 mile event on the U30/5 course.  Somerset rendezvous Spring Open 10 In one of those strange coincidences A clash with a middle markers event on that life throws up from time-to- the popular Andover course and with the time we have not one but two club Totnes two-day road races led to a diminished members doing an end-to-end this year. field for the Open 10, what we lacked in Martin Wills is doing the Lands End numbers we made up in quality. to John O'Groats whilst Chris Martin The forecast was for a warm afternoon is travelling in the opposite direction. with light south easterly winds, ideal for the Chris has already started and should be course, but these turned into a blustery south well on his way by the time you read to south west and the times were not as quick this, whilst Martin is due to set off on as they might have been. Mike Loader was Thursday (3 May). Their paths may well by far the quickest until the scratch man, an cross somewhere in Somerset. in-form Rob Pears stormed round 15 seconds Martin is collecting on behalf of quicker. St Margarets Hospice whilst Chris is supporting the Air Ambulance (and 1 Rob Pears Bath, CC 20:54 no that is not so they can buy a new 2 Michael Loader, Yeovil CC 21:09 helicopter of the right brand!). I am 3 Dave Keene, Bristol South CC 21:23 sure they would both be delighted if 4 Jimmy Little, VC St Raphael 21:33 you would like to support either cause 5 David Kiddell, Cavalier CC 21:36 and it is not too late even after they 6 Mike Simmons, Clevedon & Dst RC 21:48 have made it. But with the support of Hugo and Shaun we did mange to clinch the team prize with Merryfield a time of 67:46 just ahead of Somerset RC The Tuesday evening race training sessions 68:11. Gill Pears completed the family double have now started. In addition to the annual taking the womans prize (26:09) and the fee, £25 this year, you also need to be a BC perennial flying vet Tony Thorne won the Silver member. This is a condition the MoD standard (+6:54). Thanks to all the helpers have imposed – we are seeking clarification and all those riders that supported the event. on this and will update you via the website if there is a change of policy. Sessions start Don't forget the Open 25 in July and the at 7pm so please try and be there in time final Open 10 in September, meanwhile 1st to sign on. This year each club will have a Chard Wheelers are promoting a 25 on the representative at the airfield and you need to course in May, get your entries in to Doug sign on with them. Gary Swain has resigned Ward by 8 May. as our TVCRA rep so we are trying to find a replacement quickly – again we will let you Club Clothing know who as soon as we have resolved this. Most sizes and garments are in stock at There will be a bunch of YCC riders going the moment. Bibshorts, short sleeved out each week, meet at Holy Tree at 6:20 if road vests, Training Tops and short and you want to join them. long sleeved skinsuits. There is also a series of Circuit races on I will try and bring one of each, in every some Thursday evenings. These are run by size, to the TTs on Thursday, or give me Team Tor 2000, (www.tor2000.co.uk). They a ring if you need something. are all entry-on-the-line events. Merryfield is just north of the village of Contact David Notley (see page 7). Ilton, not far from Ilminster.

 Bike Somerset well as making Somerset England's number- one county for cycling. "We're committed The launch of Bike Somerset at Millfield to winning the hearts and minds of residents School on 14 March 2007. Bike Somerset around the way they view cycling for brings everyone involved with cycling in the transport, leisure and sport use," said Cllr county into a one-stop shop. The scheme Paul Buchanan, Somerset County Council's hopes to boost tourism, encourage sustainable Portfolio Holder for Economic Development. transport and reduce traffic congestion, as

Final reminder Secretary Andy Newbury 01935 421352 Your annual subscription for 2007 is now 12 Wraxhill Road, YEOVIL, BA20 2JZ overdue. The fee for this year is now £16 MEMBERSHIP Mike Loader 01935 410790 for first and second claim members, £5 for records Mike Northcott 01458 273576 Juniors, Juveniles and those still in full time education. Please fill in the form below and TVCRA Vacant post it back to Mike, cheques made payable Time Trials Vacant to Yeovil CC please. There is now a list on the Road race Shaun Walsh 01749 812298 membership page on the website showing the Newsletter & Clothing names of all those that have renewed. So if David Notley 01963 440291 you can't remember log on and check for your Website www.yeovilcc.com name.

Membership 2007 Name Address Postcode Telephone e-mail I enclose a cheque/cash for £ payable to Yeovil CC ❑ 1st Claim Senior (£16.00) ❑ Junior/Juvenile/Full time student (£5.00) ❑ 2nd Claim (£16.00) 1st claim club

To: Michael Loader, 3 Poppy Close, YEOVIL BA22 8US Tel: 01935 410790.

 The committee meets on the second Monday meeting scheduled for 14th March 2007. of every month at the Sports Club. CTT looking at running a course to provide Jan instruction on how event signs should be put out on Highways. Dave Notley to advise. General Secretary. Correspondence – letter received from SSCC inviting YCC to attend April an evening event called ‘Sports Zone’ on 24th Treasurer Report. Income: £78 in membership January 2007, at Yeovil Football Club. Mike Expenditure: £15 Road Peace Affiliation. Loader and Gary Mitchener to attend. Time Trial Secretary club events are about to A ‘Sports Holder Stakeholder’ Conference at start. Entries for the Open coming in slowly. Yeovil College is organised. Strategy for Sport Membership Secretary. 32 paid up members. & Leisure in Somerset will be discussed, along Runs Secretary Steady with a regular core of with Club development programmes. riders usually 6-10 occasionally more. Treasurer Income: Membership £39.00, Records Secretary Nothing to report. Clothing £36.00. Christmas Buffet profit Newsletter Editor will be published in April. £13.00. TVCRA Representative. Not present. Road Race Secretary YCC event dates Concerns were expressed at our lack of accepted. Up to date risk assessments representation at TVCRA meetings and the requested. continued absence of Gary Swain from our Membership Secretary No change (55). committee meetings. GM to contact GS. Runs Secretary, Records Secretary, TVCRA Road Race Secretary 50 entries for the Ham Representative, Press Secretary, Time Trial Hill and 40 for the Pittards so far. No permits Secretary Nothing to Report yet received, SW chasing, we do not know the Newsletter Editor Next edition January 2007 limit on entries until they have arrived. There Any Other Business it was noted that on the will be five magnetic roof signs available, BC Licences received recently the Region has the two main lead cars to use our big roof changed. AN to check with the BC whether it signs, suitability of the magnetic ones to be should read ‘South’ or South West’. assessed. Cakes ordered. Christine Vincent Feb no meeting. March to be approached to run the catering. Vehicle information required for BC. Matters Arising British Cycling confirmed It was suggested, and agreed, we submit a change of Region to ‘South’ – Gary Mitchener proposal to the BC National Meeting that has written to Ken Robertson requesting that lead car drivers and other key helpers, that YCC be moved back to ‘South West’. require insurance through BC, should be Treasurer. Income: Membership £217.00, offered free bronze or day membership. Expenditure: Engraving £77.77, MoD There will be five motorcycle marshals, of (Nuffield Sports Centre) £64.63, Newsletter which one will be a trainee. There was debate £19.66. on the safety of the courses with regard to Letter received from Bank advising that comments by one specific commissaire, but it current savings account interest rate will was felt that the courses were as safe as can be remain ‘on-hold’, and offering an alternative expected for a road race which actually takes savings account with higher interest. place on the road. Committee agreed to transfer savings to the There are a number of Juniors in the Pittards, new account. Mike N agreed to undertake gear checking. Time Trial Secretary Additional 4-off medium DN to contact POPT McConville to check sized road signs received. 2007 Time-Trials that NA can draw the keys and try to arrange start 5th April with 5 mile event. Nuffield for him to renew his personal pass. Sports Centre booked as ‘HQ’ for the ‘come- Information on a series of events at Westpoint and-try’ events. had been received. Road Race Secretary 32-off entries received, Any Other Business. DN brought along copies so far, for the Ham Hill and Pittards RRs. of the YCC leaflets and three dispensers. Mike Membership Secretary 26 have paid so far. L agreed to distribute to Yeovil Bike shops. Runs Secretary, Records Secretary, TVCRA Rep, Press Secretary, Nothing to report. Dates of next meetings: 14 May, 11 June and Newsletter Editor Next edition April 2007 9 July. Any Other Business ‘Bike Somerset’ launch  The Oats By Tony Taylor With the success of three Daily Express Evans (Midlands) and Brian Haskell (Yorkshire) sponsored Tours of Britain stage races, and a - there being only one service vehicle for the race fourth to be run in 1954 with riders from the in those days, and it was not close to Bailes at paid ranks only, the British League of Racing the time . However, Bailes preceded to make a Cyclists (B.L.R.C. ) was keen to have a national truly epic chase to limit his losses, and so keep stage race solely for amateur riders. The the yellow jersey from Evans and Haskell, who B.L.R.C. had in 1954 promoted the Brighton finished second and third respectively. There was to Newcastle 5 day stage race for amateurs, some success for the South-West team, when without sponsorship - this event being a follow- Brian Coombes (Bournemouth Olympic) won on from the Brighton to Glasgow 6 day stage the Aberystwyth to Cheltenham stage, and was race, which had catered for both the trade second on the final stage from Weston-super- teams and amateurs , until the advent of the Mare to Southall. Daily Express Tour of Britain. In 1954 an The 1955 event was extended to 9 days, and 8 day 'Amateur Circuit of Britain' stage race, started from Manchester, going into Scotland sponsored by the well known cereal maker , and finishing again in Southall. Once again the Quaker Oats, was launched. The 997 mile race mileage was high, 1066 miles, and the route had both started and finished in Southall, Middlesex, only one comparatively flat stage . The winner home of Quaker Oats Ltd . The overall winner was Yorkshireman Desmond Robinson, older was the Tees-side region rider Viv Bailes, who brother of the highly successful was not one of the pre race favourites. However, rider Brian Robinson. Midland riders Derek on the last Evans and Ray Holiday day he finished second and punctured third. at a critical The event reverted point in to 8 days in 1956, but the stage, still had a 995 total and found mileage. The start was he had lost from Skegness, with the lead to the finish in Worthing, his closest Sussex, and the route rivals, was predominately Derek in the Peak District, the Pennines and Wales. The race series organiser Vic Humphrey, a B.L.R.C. official and cycle trader, was getting a reputation for choosing almost sadistic courses, covering as much 'brown' on maps, incorporating unclassified roads , as he could find! The race had become labelled as the toughest amateur stage race in Europe. The event again produced an unexpected winner in Dick McNeil of the North East region, with Midlander Gil Taylor second and Manxman Ron Killey third. Due to the distances and severity of the course, many stages took over six or seven hours, On one stage, Scotland's Jimmy Rae crossed the finishing line for victory in eight and a half Brian Coombes crossing the line and receiving the hours! This proved to be the last event in the winners laurels for his stage win in the 1954 Oats series, which was not entirely surprising. It was not long after this , that the first Milk Race came into being in 1958.