Press Cuttings: 1992

CASTLE Cary cycle time trial star Clive Brooks started his season with a fourth place in the classic Circuit of Poole Harbour last Sunday.
The 26.5 miles time trial starts at Sandbanks Ferry and circles the harbour via Poole, Upton, Wareham and Studland and finishes at the Shell Bay side of the ferry crossing.
Brooks (Polytechnic CC) started on scratch and recorded 1-6-02 his best time for the event despite the cold and wet conditions.
Early season events often produce surprises and Chris Ball, an 18-year-old from Westbury riding for Antelope Race Team in his first season as a senior, clocked a winning 1--3-52.
The only other local starter was Yeovil Cycling Clubs Bill Dycer, who was satisfied with his 1-14-11 in his first try in this event.
Yeovil CC veteran Nick Armstrong and senior Neil Boxall rode the Springtime Pursuits, a three race series of handicap events at Bovey Tracey. In the last of the series last Saturday both riders improved on the previous races with Armstrong finishing in the leading group and Boxall only losing contact in the last miles.
The series was won by National Junior Champion Jeremy Hunt riding for the promoting Mid Devon Road Club.

YEOVIL Cycling Club fielded eight men in the Somer Valley circuit races at Castle Combe in Wiltshire last Sunday
The younger riders produced the best performance with Pat Mahon snatching fifth 3 place in the sprint finish of the over 14s race and Steven Green also took fifth in the under 14's close behind the leading quartet.
The 32 mile event for third category seniors and veterans attracted 100 riders but a high proportion were inexperienced and there were several crashes. The Yeovil riders managed to stay out of trouble by keeping well up in the front of the bunch.
The average speed was nearly 26mph and no attacks. were allowed to gain more than a few seconds. Gareth Evans tried to escape from the bunch but was soon caught. The other two Yeovil third category riders, Stuart Wroot and Chris Fendt were satisfied to finish in the leading group on their first outing of the season.
The experienced veterans Nick Armstrong and Dave Driver were well supported by new veteran Martin Turner who rode well in his first event and they were also among the leaders in a finish that must have been a judges nightmare.
On the time trial scene Clive Brooks improved on last week, taking second place in the CS Dynamo 10 mile two-up team event. Partnered by Polytechnic CC team mate Ian Wallace, they clocked 22.25 on a difficult course at Budlake near Exeter, just seven seconds slower than Exeter Wheelers MacLean and Bull

Five employees of Normalair Garrett Limited, Yeovil, are getting on their bikes to raise money for charity. For the team of cyclists - Andy Baker, Dave Driver, Steve Paul, Chris Frost, Alan Jackson and Mark Edlin on support - will be taking part in the country’s most gruelling route from Lands End to John O Groats... a total of 900 miles.
The ride, which begins on Friday April 10, averages 100 miles a day. The team are hoping to raise £2,000 towards the Ruby Appeal for Action Research, Britain’s leading medical research charity for children.
The charity funds 150 medical research teams across Britain through a £10 million programme which aims to help doctors find more ways to prevent or treat the disabling effects of diseases and accidents.
Alan told The Star: At the moment were trying to get hold of a van to use as a back-up vehicle. So if anyone has one they could lend to us for the trip we would be very grateful. If anyone wants to help the team either by donating a van or through sponsorship then they can contact Alan on 0935 75181 extension 3467.

Picture: READY FOR THE MARATHON….(left to right) Dave Driver, Chris Frost, Alan Jackson, Mark Edlin, Steve Paul and Andy Baker. Photo Tom Maxwell

YEOVIL cyclist Alan Jackson’s introduction to racing was certainly not one he will remember with much affection!
Teamed with veteran Dave Driver in the Radstock CC ten-mile team time trial, they started into a strong headway wind. But, after only three miles, Jackson suffered a puncture, leaving the unfortunate Driver to carry on solo. His finishing time of 25mins 14secs did not count as the time in these events is taken on the second rider to cross the line.
Most teams struggled in the strong wind on the exposed Bridgwater Flats course from Axbridge to Dunball and back. Clive Brooks and Keith Vale (Polytechnic) were third with 22-08; Chard Wheelers Mark Antell and Rex Facey clocked 23-04; and Yeovil duo Gareth Evans 'and Mark Johnson notched 25-02. Richard Woolen and Alun Owen (CC Abergavenny) won in a time of 21-10.
The wind weather continued on Sunday for the Chippenham Hilly 27-mile time trial at Kingston Lacey in Wiltshire. Fourth was the popular position for local riders
-- Clive Brooks fourth overall with 1-4-41, Yeovil’s Chris Fendt fourth on handicap with 1-12-09, and Nick Armstrong fourth veteran on 1-14-22. Chards Mark Antell went round in 1-7-47 and Bill Dycer of Yeovil in 1~14-21.
The race was won by Olympic shortlisted rider Gary Dighton (Manchester Wheelers) in 1-00-04, a full two minutes clear of the runner-up.
Yeovil’s popular road races -- the 60-mile Ham Hill Trophy and the 48-mile junior Pittard Trophy - take place this Sunday. The course will be the usual Yeovil-Sherborne- Marston Road-Hinton Cross-Mudford route with the start and finish in Lyde Road near Primrose Lane.
Babylon Hill is a good vantage point to watch as the King of the Hills competition is decided. The first three over the top in each lap are awarded extra points.
The start times are 10 am and 10.45 am with approximate finishes at 12.35 pm and 15.50 pm.
There is a good class field of over 100 riders, which should provide exciting racing.

STRONG winds sweeping the tough Yeovil Sherborne-Mudford course ensured that only the fittest riders survived in Yeovil’s cycle races on Sunday.
The speed on the wind-assisted leg to Sherborne did as much damage to those riders still searching for early season form as the hard slog against it up to Mudford.
The action started early in the 60-mile senior Ham Hill Trophy race wit a five man breakaway going clear on the first of the five laps. The break was driven by CS Purbeck’s David Rand who took the King of the Hills award.
Two more riders bridged the gap to the leaders and the group worked together until the closing miles. Team Zoyland’s Matt Watch was in the group from the onset but blew up on the last lap and slipped back to finish 26th.
Rand’s pace spread the our out on the run in through Mudford, but at 8,2 finish in Lyde Road he was upped on the line by half a wheel by Bristol Road Club’s Graeme Davis. Wellington Wheeler Malcolm Steer was third, Andrew F.orbes (VC St Raphael) fourth, Mark Jones (GS Stella) fifth and Cardiff’s Steve Whitcombe sixth.
Yeovil-based Mid Devon RC rider Neil Boxall was placed 27th and Yeovil CCs Chris Fendt 28th. Penzance Wheelers took the team award.
The 48-mile Pittard Trophy was a race of two great rides. On the first lap Paul Foxwell, (CS Purbeck) took the Babylon Hill sprint but did not relax when he crossed the line, collecting the first points towards his eventual King of the Hills title. He kept his effort going and stayed out on his own, gaining a minute on the main field.
The other strong man was William Bunday from Bath CC, who left the bunch and set off in lone pursuit, joining Foxwell on the last lap. In the sprint for the line Bunday got the verdict by inches. Swindon’s Keith Rothwell led in the chasing bunch at 57 seconds, with Roy Brown (Mid Devon) fourth, Keith Sheridan (Swindon)
fifth and Chris Morton was sixth, leading the Chippenham Wheelers to the team award.

STRONG winds continued to make cyclists struggle at the weekend, and the Saturday afternoon. 10 mile time trial on the Bridgwater flats was no
exception, with a strong cross wind giving riders little help in either direction.
The Avon & Somerset Police CC event attracted over 100 riders with Gloucester City’s Adrian Rowley winning in 22-07.
Best of the Yeovil area men was Marston Magna’s Clive Brooks in second place, Recording 22-22 and leading Poly9technic CC to the team award.
Yeovil CC were led by Jason Gunney,(24-40), Dave Driver clocked 24-52, Stuart Wroot 25-34, Bill Dycer 25-43 and Nick Armstrong 26-02.
Chard Wheelers fastest was Mark Antell (23-53) followed closely by Rex Facey (24-01), with Andy Lawrence clocking 25-32 and John Trout 27-57.
Ansford veteran Jim Bartlett, who rides for Frome & District, clocked 27-43.
Conditions were not a lot better on Sunday morning for the Salisbury RC 25 near Andover. Clive Brooks was looking for his first win of the season, but a broken spoke at the halfway mark ruled him. (Lightweight time trial wheels with 28 spokes or less usually too far out of true to ride safely when one breaks).
Danny Ellery and Andy Millward, riding for the newly formed VC Camelot, clocked 1-3-37 and 1-5-57, although Millwards time included a two minute late start.
Yeovil’s Bill Dycer recorded 1-4-52.

THE English Schools Cycling Association and Mendip Cycling Club combined to promote a day of circuit racing at Merryfield near Ilton last Saturday.
Although the circuit is flat the racing was very hard on the airfield exposed to the strong wind.
Yeovil CCs under 16s again reduced the best results with Pat Mahon narrowly beaten into second place in the 15 year-old event after breaking away with two riders, and Steven Green seventh in the 14 year-old race.
In the BCF juvenile 10 mile handicap race Green started with the 14 year group who quitely caught the 13 year-olds and then rode clear with two others. Although he tired on the last lap he held off the chasing 15 year-olds which included Mahon and took third place.
The 31 mile third category senior event was a fairly negative race. Six men broke away on the second lap and the main bunch were unable to organise an effective chase despite the efforts of a few riders.
In the closing miles the break was down to five men and the main chasing group was only 11 strong from the original 50. Four riders tried to bridge the gap on the last lap but failed and Londoner Andy Smith (Festival CC) won from Tauntons Steve Chattel (Team Zoyland). Steve Paul (Heron RC) was seventh and Yeovil CCs riders were led home by Gareth Evans 11th, Nick Armstrong 12th, Dave Driver 16th and Chris Fendt 29th.
On Sunday the time trialists had a frosty start at 7am at the Southampton Wheelers 25 in the New Forest. Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) was beaten into second place by an in form Jeremy Short (Antelope RT) who broke the course record clocking 54.50. Brooks recorded 55.32 and his team mate Keith Valve was third in 56.35. Jason Gunney was fastest Yeovil rider with a personal best of 1 hour exactly. Veteran Frank Deurden from Misterton was pleased with 1.2.37 in first race for over a year.
Heron RCS Paul travelled to Barnstable for a hilly 32 mile time trial and took seventh place, but was feeling the effects of the previous days efforts.
Tomorrow (Friday) Paul will be joining Yeovil CCs Dave Driver, Chris Frost, Alan Jackson and Andy Baker on the cruelling 900 mile ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in which they hope to raise money for the Ruby Appeal for Action Research.

FIVE tired cyclists returned to Yeovil on Monday fresh, if that's the Word, from their trip to John O’Groats.
They had completed the gruelling 910-mile rid from Land's End. Andy Baker, Dave Driver, Chris Frost; Alan Jackson and Steve Paul, together with backup vehicle driver Mark Edkin, had started with a 40- mile ride to Newquay on 10 April. They followed that with eight 100- mile days and a final 50-mile leg to finish.
Apart from the Weather, the ride was comparitively trouble-free. .But Driver sustained bent forks and a front wheel in a slight accident.
Having' completed the journey, the task of collecting the £3,000 pledged for Action Research the chosen charity, began.
The Easter racing programme started with two time trials on Good Friday, meanwhile. Clive Brooks (Polytechnic) won the Western Time Trials Association 25 at Sutton Benger, clocking 56-51 a good time on a hard day. Camelot's Danny Ellery recorded 62 minutes and Ansford veteran Jim Bartlett 69 minutes, Mid-Devon RC's 23-mile hilly event at Bovey Tracey was won by Wellington Wheeler Pete Shelley in 58-19. Chard man Nick Harwood, who ride for the Royal Marines, was second with 58-48. Yeovil based Mid-Devon rider Neil Boxall clocked 1-3-44. . Yeovil CC riders were led by Gareth Evans (14-03) and Chris Fendt (1-4-37).

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs open 10- mile time trial attracted 90 riders on the Camel Hill to Ilchester course.
Fast times were predicted in what seemed ideal conditions but a rising wind took the edge off the fast mens' performances.
The three main awards were a carbon copy of last year's event with local star Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) fastest with 21.15m. Andrew Mummery (VC St Raphael) was top junior (21.44) and Raliegh Professional Pauline Strong fastest lady (24:49). `
Brooks had a 21-second advantage over dead heat second placed Mark Foden (Bournemouth Arrow) and Polytechnic colleague Keith Valve. They both recorded 21.36. They also took the team award.
Fastest veteran was Yeovil CC’s Tony White, well over a minute faster than last year in clocking an excellent 22.16. Jason Gunney was the only other Yeovil rider under 23 minutes, recording 22.49. Veteran Frank Deurden continued his comeback with 23.11 closely followed by Mark Johnson (23.13) and Chris Fendt with a personal best 23.39.
Bristol's Hengrove Park was the venue on Sunday for the English Schools Cycling Associations Southern area championships. Yeovil’s Pat Mahon dominated his group, winning the 15- year-olds championship race and then going on to take the handicap event Steven Green, just 14, also performed well, placed fourth behind Mahon in the main race and then going one better in the handicap event.
Veteran Martin Turner rode his first road race on Sunday, a 75-mile over 50s event at Verwood. The field had ex-professionals and internationals riding. But Turner held his own, finishing 15th after missing the important breakaway move in the early part of the race.
The Sunday morning club run divided into two separate groups with the fast run riding to Bridgwater and then down the A38 towards Taunton. There they met five Lands End to John O’Groats riders who were on the third leg (Exeter to Slimbridge) of their epic ride.
The slower group went to Ashill via Ash, Coat, Lambrook and Puckington returning through Barrington Lopen and Merriot for a 40 mile ride.

CONSISTENT winners Patrick Mahon and Clive Brooks both recorded further successes over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Mahon, representing Yeovil CC, won the Severn Schoolboys event at Hengrove Park in Bristol. The competition consisted of a 1km time trial, two handicap circuit races and a points race all counting for the overall result.
Two second places, a third and a sixth place gave him equal first place.
Brooks, of Polytechnic CC, won the 36-mile Circuit of the New Forest time trial on Sunday, an event a departure from the usual standard distance out and time trials. He clocked 1:25:05 to win from Salisbury’s Lee Paxton (1:27:20) and Bournemouth Arrows Glen Pickford (1:28:02). Yeovils Bill Dycer recorded 1:36:28.
Yeovil’s veteran team rode the 61-mile Islwyn road race in Mid Gwent. The race is one of the nationwide Veterans Championship series and attracted a very high class field including exprofessionals.
Dave Driver was the best placed, finishing 25th in the 53-man field. Nick Armstrong was several minutes behind in coming 27th.
Nearer to home, on the new but as yet unopened Zeals bypass, Yeovil CC, supported by Arlington Motors, staged cycle racing as part of the Wincanton Round Table Fun Day.
The 2km course was straight up and down one half of the dual carriageway with tight turns at each end , but with a stiff climb one way.
Mahon was the only local rider to score coming in third in the 16k under-15 race.
Yeovil’s Gareth Evans and Chris Fendt rode the 50km senior event, in which 64 riders started. But as lapped riders were eliminated, the number dwindled to just eight. Fendt was lapped by the halfway mark but Evans was one of the last to be caught.
On Monday Yeovil veteran time triallist Tony White travelled to Abergavenny hoping for a good 10 mile time on the fast Raglan road. Conditions were not good with a cool wind slowing riders by about a minute in most cases, White recording 23:07 for the third fastest time and fourth on age standard.
Evening club events were again very competitive, starting with 43 riders at Merryiield circuit on Tuesday. A breakaway by Team Zoyland’s Matt Watch and Steve Chatell was the main feature with the main bunch unable to make an impression.

YEOVILS Pat Mahon continued his domination of the 15 year age you in schools racing last Saturday when he added the Southern Area Time Trial championship to the circuit racing title.
The 10 mile event was staged on the A38 near Wellington and Mahon overcame the wind and tough course to record 24.53 mins. Somerton’s Steve Green was fourth in 27 minutes.
The seasons evening cycle sport got off to a good start with well supported events. Tuesdays Merryfield airfield training events started with 46 riders. With constant attacks stretching the bunch, and a crosswind making things difficult for the weaker riders, the field was soon spread out around the circuit.
In the closing stages of the 25 miles, Somerset Road Club’s Greg Sandy, with Team Zoyland riders Steve Chattel and Dave Barnes, pulled away from the pack and finished in that order. Yeovil’s Mahon did well to beat the seniors, taking fourth place at the head of the chasing bunch.
Thursdays 10-mile time trial attracted 29 riders on a cool, breezy evening and Keith Vale (Polytechnic CC) was fastest, clocking 22-08. Mark Antell (Chard Wheelers) and Steve Paul (Heron RC) tied for second place in 22-58.
Yeovils riders Dave Driver (23-48) and Mark Johnson (23-53) were fourth and fifth. Yeovil’s Dave Ryan was fastest junior with a personal best 25-04.
High winds and hail stones were a feature of the Bristol South CC 10-mile time trial on the Gloucester road on Saturday afternoon. Clive Brooks (Polytechnic) collected a notable scalp when he clocked 21-49, beating Bristol professional Ben Luckwell, who tied with the promoting clubs Rob Walker in 21-56. Yeovil’s Bill Dycer clocked 24-59 and veteran Jim Bartlett (Frome & District) 26-39.
The weather was similar across the channel for the South Wales Veterans 25 at Raglan later in the afternoon. Yeovil’s Tony White won his age group and was fifth fastest overall in a field of 90 riders, clocking 1-00-03.
Brooks was in action again on Sunday, at Ringwood in the Bournemouth Arrow 25, and he took second place, recording 55-58 behind Chris Ball (Antelope RT) 59-39. Jason Gunney was again Yeovil’s best, clocking 1-00-40 and veteran Frank Duerden was timed at 1-02-43.
The Poole Wheelers Bovington Road Race on Sunday was a 45-mile event of six laps around the army camp. Yeovil veteran Driver and Herons Paul finished in the main group, just over a minute down on winner Gerry Bowditch (Bournemouth Arrow).

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs veterans only promotion on Sunday afternoon, the Oldsters Road Race, was run over 75 miles this year.
An extra lap of the Yeovilton, Ilchester, Coppits Hill, Combe Street Lane, Mudford, Camel, Bridgehamton to Yeovilton course added 15 miles in an attempt to split up the field. The extra distance did not bother these seasoned campaigners and there was still a big bunch at the finish.
The race was won in fine style by ex pro Graham Moore from the Bristol Road Club. Breaking away with Devon’s Mick Frampton on the third lap, their lead was two minutes at one stage.
But, when mechanical trouble forced Frampton to fall back, he pressed on alone. At the finish he had just 48 seconds in hand over John Williams (CC Abergavenny) and another ex-pro, Derek Green (Hardley Athletic CC).
Yeovil CC riders had been in the forefront all through the race and Martin Turner rode his best race to date. He came eighth and was first in the 50-54 age group.
Nick Armstrong and Dave Driver were close behind in 10th and 11th places.

Adjusted
Other local riders fared well in the age groups with Team Zoyland's Dave Barnes first in the 45- 49 group and VC Tauntons George Bartlett best over 55.
There was plenty of time trial action over the weekend with the Veterans National 25 Championship at Andover on Saturday. Bournemouth Arrow rider Mark Fodden was fastest clocking 55.14s but, as the championship is decided on age standard, the 40-year-old would have to go a lot faster to win.
Yeovil’s Tony White recorded 59.25s, ninth fastest overall, but being 11 years older than Fodden his adjusted time would be over a minute better. Neither were among the medals however. Yeovil’s Driver clocked 1-O0-58s and VC Camelots John Saunders 1.03.29s.
Down in the West Country at Chudleigh, Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) was inning the Mid- Devon 25 in a time of 55.02s. Brooks was using the event as preparation for the national 50, which will use the same roads in six weeks time.
Yeovil CCs riders were disappointed with their rides. Gareth Evans clocked 1-0136s and Chris Fendt 1-05-43s.
Brooks was flying again early Sunday morning in the Sotonia 25 at Ringwood but, with heavy legs from the previous afternoon, was relegated to third place cocking 54.33. Brooks did have the consolation of leading the Poly to another team prize.
VC Camelot’s Danny Ellery recorded 1-00-1 and his team mate Andy Millward 1-00-16.

CLIVE Brooks led his Polytechnic-Air Canada team to an impressive 1-2-3 in the West London CA 50-mile time trial on Sunday.
On a far from easy morning on a Didcot-based course, Brooks clocked 1:53:15 to win from colleagues Keith Vale (1:53:55] and Bob Donnington (1:56:01).
They were the only riders inside two hours.
Yeovil veteran Frank Duerden rode the Bournemouth and District Women’s CA 25 at Ringwood where conditions were a lot better and Olympic hopeful Gary Dighton (Manchester Wheelers) won in 52:44.
Duerden had trouble with his saddle working loose and had to be content with 1:1:21.
Yeovils Chris Fendt was also in trouble when he punctured after 23 miles in the 61-mile May Hill road race in Gloucester and was forced to retire.
The under 15s were out of luck as well when riding on the Winton circuit in Bournemouth. Patrick Mahon was best with a third place, Steve Green could only manage an eighth lace and Andrew Tearle, riding 85 first circuit race found the pace and the tight course very difficult.
The midweek training event at Merryfield on Tuesday evenings continues to attract over 40 riders for a fast session. Riders performances in open races are showing improvements as a result.
This weeks Thursday time trial was a 15 mile event, a useful step from a 10 to the 25 mile race. Conditions were difficult with a hard first half into wind and a fast return. Mark Antell (Chard Wheelers) was fastest, covering the course at 25.5 mph and clocking 35'14 and veteran Dave Driver recording 36:55 for third place.
Dave Ryan was fastest junior, clocking 39:33.
Two club runs were held on Sunday morning. The longest, led by Nick Armstrong, covered 70 miles via Chard, Yarcombe, over the Blackdowns to Taunton and back through Langport. Garry Mitchener led the other group out through Stoford, Closworth. Corscombe and Beaminster to West Bay for coffee and returning via Salwayash, Broadwindsor and Mosterton for a 45 mile ride.

SPEEDY Patrick Mahon (above) is top under 15 cyclist in the south of England.
The 15-year-old Westfield Community School pupil easily won the under-15 age section at the recent English Schools Championships.
He clocked 24.53s over the 10-mile circuit at Wellington, near Taunton. Even the winner of the over 15 section, Taunton’s Derek Bentley, only managed 25.14s!
Mahon, who will represent England again in Holland in July, had earlier won the southern area relay championships in Bristol.
Apart from cycling, Mahon, who lives in Yeovil, is a competent footballer. And he’s a good pupil too, said Westfield headmaster Steve Walker.

YEOVIL CCs premier road race, the 90-mile John Andrews Memorial, was staged at Sparkford in association with Arlington Motors, the clubs new sponsor.
The weather might have been a factor as only 38 of the 50 entries started in the rain which persisted for most of the race.
The pace was fast and furious from the start and an eight-man breakaway formed before the field reached Wincanton on the first of the six laps.
At Castle Cary the group had a half minute lead and the winning move had been made. The breakaways worked well together but, as the speed and distance began to tell, the group was reduced to four at the finish.
Bristol RC’s Matthew Rogers outsprinted Matthew Long (Mid-Oxon Race Team), Philip Iones (CC Abergaveny) and Lee Desborough (Letcworth VC) to take the honours.
Former winner And Hitchens (Bournemouth Arro) was fifth after chasing the break on his own to finish just 30 seconds down. Team mate Gerry Bowditch was sixth.
Team Zoyland’s Shaun Foweracre, who has just returned from France were he is racing full ire, and Matt Watch were the best of the local men in 10th and 11th places.
Only 18 riders survived the full distance and no complete team of three finished.
The veteran road team travelled to Worcester on Saturday for the 40-mile Wyre Forest race.
The three lap hilly event was split into four age groups, Nick Armstrong coming fifth in the 45-49 age group and Dave Driver and Martin Turner fourth and sixth in the 50-54 group
In Sundays time trials, Clive Brooks took an excellent second place in the old established Wessex 50 at Ringwood, clocking 1.47.48. Hounslow’s Colin Roshier won in 1.46.05.
Yeovil’s Bill Dycer improved nearly three minutes to record 2.4.50 and Ansford veteran Jim Bartlett clocked 2.14.05.
Conditions were not so good in the Severn RC 25 north of Bristol as there was a stiff northerly wind slowing riders on the course from Berkley to Almondsbury and back.
Antelope Race Team’s flying junior, Chris Ball, was the only one to master the conditions, clocking 56.07.
Best of the local riders was veteran Danny Ellery (VC Camelot) recording 1.1.55, team mate Andy Millward clocked 1.3.40, then came Yeovil CC riders, Martin Bailey (1.7.18) and junior Paul Rockett, well outside his best with 1.12.04.
Riders in the midweek events found it a little harder this week and the Merryfield circuit event was no exception with a strong cross wind.
The Team Zoyland trio of Steve Chattle, Foweracre and Watch, with Somerset Road Clubs Greg Sandy, formed a early breakaway and the main field never got on terms with them. The 52 chasers gradually splitting into small groups.
The Yeovil 10 attracted 25 entries but, as the rain started to fall, only 21 started. An easterly breeze slowed most by half a minute and Yeovil veteran Driver was fastest in 22.39. Chards Rex Face was second with 22.58 while fellow Chard Wheeler, Andy Lawrence in third place, was the only rider to record a PB with 23.36.

THE Hounslow& District Wheelers promoted the seasons first 100-mile time trial on Sunday morning on a course near Oxford in good conditions.
Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) was again the best local man, clocking 3:53:26s for third place behind current best all round champion, Glen Longland (Antelope RT), who recorded 3:45:15s, and Winner Colin Roshier.
The Hounslow rider underlined his recent form in road racing with a superb 3:41:08s. Experienced veteran, Yeovil CC rider Frank Duerden, returned 4:23:01s, but one of the best performances was by Castle Carys Bill Dycer, who clocked 4:25:32s in his first attempt at the distance, having only raced over 50 miles before.
Yeovils veteran road race team were in action for the second week running, riding the 83-mile Midland Bank Veterans Marathon in North Dorset.
Starting at 11.00 am, four hours later than the time trial, the sun made racing uncomfortable and Yeovil’s Nick Armstrong was forced to retire after 60 miles with heat stroke.
Yeovil’s Thursday evening 25 was well supported with 22 riders finding conditions ideal for time trialling. No fewer than eight riders broke the hour barrier, three for the first time.
Wellingtons Ken Vale (Polytechnic CC) was fastest with 55:14s from Yeovil veteran Tony White (57:04s) and Dave Driver (58:25s). Gareth Evans (58:35s), Mark Antell (59:01s) and Chris Fendt (59:35s) were fastest of the personal bests.
The other personals were Chris Frost (50:47s), Andy Lawrence (59:56s), Nick Young (1:2:14s), Dave Notley (1:6:06s) and event organiser Andy Pugsley (1:7:32s).
First year cyclist Andrew Tearle rode a track bike (fixed wheel and no brakes) for the first time at the English Schools CA Southern Area Track Championships on Saturday. After an understandably shaky start, he recovered well to take second place in the sprint and third in pursuit in his under 13 section.

MARSTONS Clive Brooks had to settle for third place in the Bath CC 25 at Kington Langley in Wiltshire. The time trial was Won by Olympic hopeful Gary Dighton ( Manchester Wheelers) in a new course record of 53.17.
Bristols Andy Griffiths was second with 54.13, and Brooks time of 54.43 was his best ever on the course which is not noted for fast times.
Mosterton veteran Frank Duerdon (Yeovil CC) clocked 1-00-36 and VC Camelots Danny Ellery was just one second slower.
Two other local riders did not fare so well, Andy Millward (VC Camelot) got mixed up with a herd of cows and lost time to record 1-02-16, and Yeovil CCs Martin Bailey slumped to 1-07-18, three minutes down on last weeks performance.
Yeovil rider Gareth Evans combined a family visit with a chance to ride on a fast course in Essex and recorded 57.44, a good time but six minutes down on winner Martin Pyne (Polytechnic CC).
Time trialists were stunned by the news that the same morning GS Strada rider Chris Boardman had lowered the competition record for 25 miles to 47.19 (31.7mph) in the High Wycombe event in Oxford.
The mid week sport was very good this week and on Tuesday 56 riders assembled for the Merryfield training event. An average speed of 26.6mph on the three cornered circuit restricted attacks and after 25 miles the Taunton trio of Dave Coward (Penzance WHLS), Steve Chattle and Matt Watch (Team Zoyland) once again proved the strongest.
On Wednesday the Heron RC promoted a 10 mile time trial at Budlake in South Devon and Brooks was beaten by two seconds by full time triathlete R Hobson (Mid Devon RC) who clocked 21.34. Yeovils Stuart Wroot recorded 24.38 and VC Camelot’s veteran lady rider Pat Ellery 27.38.
Yeovil CCs Thursday 10 mile event was contested by 32 riders in good conditions and with the standard in these events improving all the time 17 riders beat the 24 minute (25mph) mark.
Fastest were Wellington rider Keith Vale (Polytechnic CC) with 21.27, Dave Driver (Yeovil CC) 22.03, Tony White (Yeovil CC) 22.09 and a personal best of 22.16 for Evans (Yeovil CC).
Yeovils Patrick Mahon was fastest under 16 with a personal 23.05 and junior Dave Ryan improved by two minutes to clock 23.34.
Biggest improvements came from Yeovil youngster Andy Tearle, 27.10 and Catherine Fraser from Exeter Wheelers, 27.35 who both beat their previous times by over three minutes.
Yeovil’s Sunday morning club run was well attended with only a few members racing and two groups were formed.
Nick Armstrong led the fast section on a 60 mile ride to Blandford and back while Mike Dennis took the main group to Dorchester through Halstock, Yeovil Cycling Club will be host to some of the top cyclists from the region on Sunday when they stage the John Andrews Memorial Race.
Ninety miles of racing starts in Sparkford at 10 am and riders progress along the A303 to Wincanton, up to Castle Cary and back down to Sparkford. There are six laps and the finish is expected at around 1.45 pm.

TIME trialists have been revelling in warm weather and light winds, recording personal bests in the short distance events.
Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) was the first. Riding in the Savernake 10 near Swindon, he beat 30mph for the first time to record 19.55.
The event was restricted to 30 entrants who had beaten 21 minutes in the last three seasons.
The winner was competition record holder Matt Illingsworth (GS Strada), who clocked 18.55, just 21 seconds outside his record.
Thursday evenings Yeovil CC club 25 had a record 27 riders of which seven beat the hour. Chard Wheeler Rex Facey was quickest, clocking 56.52, with Yeovil’s Gareth Evans record in 58.45.
Royal Navy rider Chris Absolom and Chards Mark Antell tied for third in 58.54, with Yeovil veteran Dave Driver fifth (58.58s )followed by Stuart Wroot (59.07s).
Fastest of the personal bests was Chris Frost (59.13s). Martin Bailey recorded 1.2.21s, beating his personal set 10 years ago, and there were PBs for Andy Pugsley (1.6.50s) and Joe Wenglorz (1.7.56s).
Two riders making their debut at 25 miles performed well, veteran Martin Turner clocking 1.2.09s and 15-year-old Patrick Mahon 1.2.26s.
There were two races on Saturday afternoon. At Devizes, the Chippenham and District 10 was reduced to 91/2 miles due to road works.
Evans was fastest of the Yeovil team clocking 22.39s, Bill Dycer recorded 22.52s and Stuart Wroot 23.21s.
Brook travelled to Cambridge for the Finsbury Park 50 and conditions looked good for a fast time, so he went flat out from the start. The hot weather, however, soon began to take its toll and at 30 miles his speed fell away and he struggled home to record 1.48.46s well down on Milk Race rider Gathin Butler (Norwood) who won in 1.42.05s.
Early Sunday morning the Rufus Wheelers 25 at Ringwood was restricted to riders who had not beaten the hour in recent years. Yeovil’s Bill Dycer was best of the local riders, improving by two minutes to record 58.56s and take fifth place overall.
Andy Millward (VC Camelot] clocked 59.57 and Yeovil’s Bailey lost time when his back wheel pulled over and he clocked 1.3.43. Sixty-year-old Iim Bartlett (Frome and District) impressed the younger men with a 1.3.48s ride.
Yeovil veterans Nick Armstrong rode the Dunkeswell circuit races on Saturday and finished 12th in the 50k event for third category seniors.

THE weather was again the talking point for cyclists. Last weeks light wind had given way to strong north-easterlies and the time trialists had to work hard to equal their standards let alone improve.
Clive Brooks (Polytecnic CC) rode his clubs 25 mile event on the competition record course at Bodley in Oxfordshire on Wednesday. His time was 52.07, but he was beginning to feel to start of a bout of flu which was to keep him out of the weekend action.
In the top class field he was placed 14th behind in form Gethin Butler (Norwood) who clocked 47.57, the second fastest 25 ever, and this on a far from perfect evening.
Tuesdays Merryfield circuit event was very hard with the slower riders having trouble bridging the gas that soon appeared in the main group. As the bunch split up, three riders took the had and rode strongly together to finish clear of the leaders - Greg Sandy (Somerset RC), who won from Chris Absolom (RN CRC) and Dave Barnes (Team Zoyland).
Thursday was very busy, with the South West Post Office championship at Axbridge over 25 miles. Yeovil’s Mark Johnson was third, clocking 1-1.45 and Martin Bailey recorded 1.6.42.
Further down the A38 at Wellington the Taunton CRA held their annual 4-up team time trial for the Haywain Trophy. Host club Wellington Wheelers came out on top, their A team clocking 46.43 for the hilly 20 miles.

Composite
A composite Yeovil-Heron team of Chris Frost, Nick Evans, Steve Paul and Andre Blacker were second fastest with 48.07. Yeovil’s Chris Fendt, Gareth Evans, Neil Boxall and Chris Absolom were third in 48.09. With so many riders at the 4-up, only ten competed in the Yeovil club 15 mile time trial, and VC Camelot veteran John Saunders was best, clocking 36.59, with Richard Jeffery (Yeovil CC) next in 40.12 and Andy Pugsley (Yeovil CC) third with 40.32.
The Weston Wheelers 25 at Axbridge on Saturday was another hard event. Yeovil’s best rider was Frank Duerden who clocked 1-1.32. Bill Dycer recorded 1-1.50, Stuart Wroot 1-4.01 and Martin Bailey 1-6.50. Ansford veteran Jim Bartlett (Frome & District) clocked 1-5.29. The event was won by Mark Foden (Bournemouth Arrow) in 56.05, a very good ride in the conditions.
Two Yeovil riders in search of a fast course travelled to Tempsford for the Century RC 25 on the A1 in Bedfordshire on Saturday. The wind was still strong and they could not improve their personal bests. Gareth Evans recorded 59.55 and veteran Tony White 58.13. White noted his split time, taking 34 minutes to reach the turn but returning with the wind in 24. The winner was Ron Keebele (Express RT) with 53.59.
Yeovil CC promote an open 25 next Sunday morning starting at 6.30 am on the Podimore Cartgate-Petherton course. Polytechnics Rob Thorne is fastest on paper with Bournemouth Arrows Fodden not far behind in a 78 rider field.

THE national 50 mile time trial championship came to the west country this year, staged on the A38 at Liverton in Devon early Sunday morning.
Top local 50 milers Clive Brooks, still not recovered from flu, and Dave Driver nursing an injured hand were both non starters. Gareth Evans was best of the Yeovil team clocking 2-6.04 with Jason Gunney recording 2-8.23 while veteran Tony White retired after 18 miles.
The title went to Olympic selection Chris Boardman (GS Strada) in a championship record 1-43.01, five minutes clear of the next man.
On local roads the same morning the Yeovil CC 25 resulted in a dead heat. Portlander Mark Fodden (Bournemouth Arrow) and Bristols Rob Thorne (Polytechnic CC) both clocked 55.02. Ian Wallace (Polytechnic CC) was third with 56.22 and Garry Fodder (Bournemouth Arrow) fourth in 56.41.
Unfortunately neither the Arrow or the Pol had a third man an! Clevedon and District RC took the team award.
Chard Wheelers were in a similar position, Rex Facey clocking 47.36 and Mark Angel 59.27. VC Camelot came close with Danny Ellery recording 58.33, Andy Millward 1-1.05 and John Saunders 1-1.42.
Yeovil’s best were Chris Absolom 1-0.24, Frank Duerden 1-0.49 and Bill Dycer 1-1.00. Mark Fodden also took the fastest veteran award.Jane Parsons (Wellington Wheelers) was fastest lady in 1- 8.35 with Pat Ellery (VC Camelot) second in 1-9.53 and M I Collings (Bristol South CC) best junior with 1 1.50.
The best improvement award went to G Enticott (Barnstaple Imperial) who clocked 58.42 beating his PB by 3.48.
T u e s d a y s Merryfield circuit training race was contested by 46 riders and a late breakaway was successful for Greg Sandy (Somerset RC), Yeovils Absalom and Taunton’s Guy Clayson.
Thursdays Yeovil 10 was site a good event the first ten riders inside 24 minutes. Yeovil veteran White was fastest clocking 22.09, Chris Frost second in a personal best 22.46 and Heron RCs Steve Paul third in 22.51.
There were PBs for Yeovil riders Nick Young 23.45, Martin Turner 24.04 and Martin Bailey 24.37. Dave Ryan (Yeovil CC) was fastest junior with 2 3.51.

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs ten-mile time trial at West Camel was won by Rex Facey of Chard Wheelers in 22 minutes 28 seconds. He finished 40 seconds
ahead of Steve Paul from Heron RC.
On an evening when the wind slowed most riders by over a minute on their best, Facey’s ride was a notable performance. Both the local clubs were led home by young riders with VC Camelot’s Chris Davies returning 23 min 48 secs to Yeovil CCs Patrick Mahons 23 min 57 secs. '
On the same evening Marston Magna based Clive Brooks of Polytechnic CC travelled to Buckfastleigh to compete in a 25 mile time trial- organised by Plymouth Corinthians. It was won by Nigel Polkinhorne of St Budeaux CC in 54.min 56 secs, with Brooks finishing fourth 51 seconds behind.
Three other local riders took part, with Gareth Evans achieving a creditable 58 min. 31 seconds and Bill Dycer 1 hr 1 min 21 secs. Both are Yeovil CC. Third was Camelot’s John Saunders-(1-0-35).
On Saturday Weymouth CC held a ten-mile time trial that was won by Mark Fodden of Bournemouth Arrow CC in 20 mins 29 seconds. Yeovil’s Nigel Letheren and Kevin Robbins were five and six minutes adrift respectively..
Yeovils Nick Armstrong travelled to Wales on Sunday to compete in the Abergavenny 55 mile Road Race. He featured in an early three man breakaway but was caught after seven miles of freedom in blustery conditions. The wind and the hills whittled the 60 strong field down to a leading group of half that size by the -finish. It also ensured that attacks. were shortlived The eventual winner was Steve Edwards of Rhonda' CC who timed his late attack to perfection holding off the chasing pack in which Armstrong took the prize for the first veteran.

CLIVE Brooks is finding his form again with two fine rides in a week.
On Thursday. evening, in the Antelope 25 at Ringwood, he clocked 52.01s, his second fastest ride at the distance, to take fourth place behind Ray Hughes (Clarence Wheelers), who won in 50.21s. '
On Sunday morning he returned to Ringwood for the New Forest 50, which he won with 1.55.53s, beating a good class field on a hard day.
Yeovil veteran Frank Duerden clocked 2.5.43 and Bill Dycer 2.10.12s.
Another of Yeovil CCs veteran time trialists, Tony White, travelled to Didcot near Oxford on Saturday evening to ride the Reading 25. This is Whites favourite course; he recorded his fifth personal best, clocking 55.57s and setting a new club record on age standard of plus 15.42s.
Yeovil’s Thursday evening 25 was affected by the bad weather with heavy rain and the resulting spray from passing vehicles putting the event in doubt.
The rain eased and made it possible for the race to start, but only ten riders took part. Chris Brooks was the fastest, clocking 59.035, and Dave Ryan was best junior with a personal best 1.4.52s.
Yeovil’s Patrick Mahon represented Westfield School in the Western area schools 10 mile time trial chat donship and took second place.
Yeovil based Neil Boxall, who still rides for his home club Mid Devon RC, contested the grueling Tour of Cranborne Chase.
The 82 mile race was very hilly with ascents of zig-zag and spread eagle. Boxall finished in 26th lace 20 minutes down on winner David Rand (CS Purbeck).

YEOVIL’S Patrick Mahon is the new BCF Western Division under-16 circuit champion.
He covered the 25 km circuit in 36 minutes, ten seconds clear of Wellington riders Alan Sherman and Ben Bath.
The Divisional Championships were staged as part of Yeovil Cycling Clubs Sparkford circuit racing promotion on Saturday.
The 50km senior title went to Team Zoyland’s Shaun Foweracre, who has just returned from racing in France. He outsprinted breakaway companions Tim Crooks (Clevedon) and Bob Pears (Bath CC) by 15 seconds. Pears had started the winning move but had the misfortune to fall on the last lap.
Yeovil riders Gareth Evans and Neil Boxall finished a lap down on the Winner.
The one kilometre circuit was a test of bike handling as well as fitness, with a tight chicane in the middle of the track.
The English Schools CA ran races for the younger riders in the morning.
Yeovil’s Andrew Tearle was second to Mike Bartlett (Severn RC) in the Under-13 races and went on to take a creditable seventh place in the Divisional
Championships against older riders in the afternoon. Steve Green, from Somerton, also took a second lace in the 10 minute plus five lap race.

Carnival
Three local roadmen contested the Lloyd Coward Memorial race on Friday evening. The 35-mile 20-lap event on Portland was part of the carnival programme and was very hard on the windswept course.
Yeovil’s Chris Absolom was narrowly beaten into third place behind Somer Valleys Steve Whittington in a three- man breakaway, two minutes clear of the main bunch. Steve Paul (Heron RC) was 12th and Yeovil veteran Nick Armstrong 16th.
The time trialists had similar windy conditions the same evening at Axbridge in the Clevedon and District 10. Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) came out on to , clocking 21.23s, beating Nick Yarworth (Cwmcarn) 21.40s and Gerry Bowditch (Bournemouth Arrow) 21.51s.
Dave Driver was best of the Yeovil riders, recording 23.42s. John Saunders (VC Camelot) clocked 23.55s, Bill Dycer 24.33s, Stuart Wroot 24.47s, Kevin Robins 26.00s, Roger Evans 27.24s and Eric Rogers, an exYeovil rider now with CC Weymouth, 28.06s.
The Velo Club Camelot scored their first team win in the Chippenham and District 25 at Kingston Langley in Wiltshire on Sunday morning. Individual honours went to ex-champion John Pritchard (Express RT), who clocked 54.52s with Chards Rex Facey second in 57.06s.
Danny Ellery led the Camelot team to victory with a time of 50.26s for fourth spot, Andy Millward clocked 1.1.31s and John Saunders 1.1.52s.

STEVE Oxbrow from Mudford organised an open 10 mile time trial for his club, the Vegetarian Cycling and Athletic.
The early Sunday morning event - first man off 07.01 - was marshalled by members of the local clubs on a slightly different course to the Yeovil CC races. Starting in the Podimore road just off the roundabout, riders proceed down the 303 dual carriageway to the Tintinhull-Ash flyover where they cross and return to Podimore and exit left on the Lanport road to finish.
Although the wind was not too strong that time in the morning riders found it quite hard on the outward leg.
Andy Forbes riding for Velo Club St Raphael was fastest clocking 22.03, with Bournemouth Arrows Mark Foden recording 22.18 and Chards
Rex Facey 22.23. Gary Foden the second mans brother was fourth with 22.43 and Chard Wheeler Mark Antell tied with Team Zoylands Dave Barnes both recording 23.06 for fifth. Dave Pitman was Chard Wheelers third counter, clocking 23.49 to give them the team prize.
Velo Club Camelot took fastest junior with Chris Davies clocking 23.39 and fastest lady Pat Ellery with 26.25.
Yeovil CCs Andy Tearle was fastest juvenile clocking 26.39. D Hedges (Swindon RC) was fastest veteran on standard with plus 4 min 47 sec beating lim Bartlett (Frome and Dist) who clocked 25.43 for plus 4 mins 5 sec.
Yeovil CC veteran time trial team had a good result at on the same morning in the Bournemouth Arrow 50 setting two new club records.
Frank Daerden from Mosterton clocked 2hrs 2min 16sec, so with the standard time for a 56year-old at 50 miles being 2.34.23 he achieved a plus of 32min 7 sec beating the existing record by 1.24. The accummulated standards of Dave Driver who clocked 2hrs 8sec, Tony White 2hrs 14sec and Duerdens was plus 89.53 which beat the old team record by over a minute.
Not to be outdone by the veterans Gareth Evans recorded a personal best 2hrs 14sec but Bill Dycer was disappointed with his 2.8.38. VC
Camelot veteran John Saunders clocked 2.6.18. The event had started at 6am and was limited to 80 riders to avoid the heavy traffic in the New Forest area but the wind was already strong and the race was very hard. Winner was Neil Archibald (Gemini BC) who clocked an excellent
1.49.01. Olympic team rider Gary Deighton (Manchester Whls) just back from Barcelona could only manage 1.55.20 and fifth place.
Tuesday evenings Merryfield training race was a good event with a ten man group finally breaking clear. Yeovil kept up their record in recent weeks by having Chris Absolom and Nick Armstrong in the break but neither could get on terms sprinter Andy Bartlett (VC Taunton) at the finish.
The good standard in the Yeovil evening time trials series continued on Thursday with the first six under the hour for the 25 miles.
Chard Antell was fastest with 57.36 while Yeovils Driver 58.31 and Evans 58.38 were both held up yb a herd of cows near the finish but not by enough that they would have beaten Antell.
Ron Ayres from Ilchester was fourth with a personal 523 59.30, Yeovils Absolom riding fixed wheel fifth in 59.41 and Neil Boxall under the hour for the first time with 59.58. There were personals also for Yeovil veteran Armstrong in 1.2.09, fastest junior Dave Ryan with 1.3.21 and event organiser Andy Pugsley improved to 1.6.19.

LOCAL cycle time trialists converged on Axminster early on Sunday morning to ride the Somer Valley 25-mile event. The race was limited to 100 riders and was well over subscribed with the slowest qualifying time 1.4.59s.
Bath CCs Bob Pears was fastest, clocking 55.255, ahead of Chard Wheeler Rex Facey (56.06S) and Cwmcarn’s Derek Rogers (56.16s).
Yeovil’s best rider was Jason Gunney, who clocked 58.44s, followed by Dave Driver (one hour exactly), Neil Boxall (a personal best 1.0.45s) and Chris Absolom, who finished in 1.1.05s.
Further down the order comeback rider Kevin Robins clocked 1.4.10s, Stuart Wroot 1.4.12s, and Bill Dycer, delayed by a coach, recorded 1.4.41s.
Ansford veteran Jim Bartlett, who rides for Frome & District, clocked 1.4.38s.
Clive Brooks, meanwhile, made a 400 mile round trip to ride in the Essex Roads 50, which was the fastest 50 mile event last season.
Conditions were not good and Brooks failed to improve on his 1991 time, clocking 1.48.31s for fifth place behind winner Ian Cammish, the Raleigh professional (1.44.47s).
Yeovil riders Absolom, Boxall and Gareth Evans were among the six riders who broke away in the latest Merryfield circuit event 25 mile event. They stayed at the forefront to be lead home by Team Zoyland’s Shaun Foweracre.
Facey Won Thursdays Yeovil 10 for the second week running, recording 21.44s, thirty seconds ahead of colleague Mark Antell. Wellington Wheeler Jim West was third, with 22.56s, one second ahead of Yeovil’s Driver. '
Fastest of the younger riders was Chris Davies (VC Camelot), Yeovils Andy Tearle, who recorded a personal best 26.11s, and Douglas Northcott (27.43s).

CLIVE Brooks won the Westerly Road Club 100 mile time trial at Didcot near Oxford on, Sunday morning and collected a £250 frameset for his efforts.
Brooks (Polytechnic CC) clocked 3.49.28 nearly a minute faster than Salisbury R.C. rider Lee Paxton. The event attracted a full field of 120 riders, unusual for a 100, and started in warm, damp conditions but a rising south wind made the closing miles very hard.
Yeovil CC veteran Dave Driver started very well covering the first 25 miles in 58 minutes and catching team mate Bill Dycer for six minutes at around 40 miles. Just after the halfway mark back pain began to affect his performance forcing him to ride in an upright position, his hands on the top of the handlebars and Dycer came storming back and disappeared down the road to record 4.28.26 as Driver slumped to 4.36.33.
The Bournemouth Jubilee 25 at Ringwood was the choice of other local time trialists With Rex Facey (Chards WHLS) the best recording 55.38 for sixth place 2.22 down on the winner speedy veteran Ron Keeble (Express R.T.). Andy Milward(VC Camelot) clocked 59.18, his best this year, Yeovil C.C. veteran Frank Duerden was only one second slower and Camelot veteran John Saunders just outside the hour with 1.0.11.
The road racers had a good workout at Merryfield on Tuesday evening. The 25 mile training event was held on a circuit just over two miles long and with a mile straight down the runway into a strong wind the field was soon spread out. Four riders moved clear to he joined by two more in the closing laps. Dave Coward- (Penzance WHLS) got the verdict from Steve Chattle (Team Zoyland) with Greg Sandy (Somerset RC) two seconds down beating the team Zoyland trio of Dave Barnes Matt Watch and Shaun Foweracre. Yeovil’s Driver lead the main bunch with Nick Armstrong and Garry Mitchener close behind. The event was well supported with 50 riders starting and averaged over 25 mph.
Thursday evenings time trial was a 15 mile two-up team race and the Chard team of Fahey and Antell were faster of the ten teams clocking 32.27, a creditable 27.7mph. A composite team (Yeovil and Camelot) of veteran's Driver and Saunders were second with 33.32 andYeovil's Gareth Evans and Chris Fendt 33.47 were third.

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs super veteran Frank Duerden is enjoying his best season for a long time. The 56 year-old Westland aircraft fitter bases his training on the ride to work from home in Mosterton with shift patterns dictating if a long ride can be done on the way to work or on the way home.
In the Wessex RC 100 on Sunday he recorded a personal best 4hrs 19min 11sec and a massive 72min 7sec plus on veteran standard. The existing club record standard was plus 51.41 set by Dave Driver last year.
Duerden checked his watch at the Bere Regis roundabout at 90 miles and calculated he needed to cover the last 10 miles in 28 minutes for a PB but in fact he took under 24 minutes, over 25mph, and clipped more than three minutes off his previous best.
Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) another aircraft fitter with a similar training routine had a good weekend, travelling on Saturday afternoon to Botley near Oxford for the West London CA 25 where he recorded a rapid 52.25 for fourth place. His travelling companion Yeovil veteran Tony White had the misfortune to puncture at the halfway mark.
Brooks was up early next morning to ride the Barnstaple Imperial 25 at Copplestone. His time of 56.15 gave him victory by over a minute, Chard Wheeler Rex Facey coming second with 57.34. Veteran Paul Bennett (Verulam CC) an ex national champion was third clocking 58.03.
Chard took the team prize with Facey, Mark Antell 1.0.41 and Dave Pitman 1.1.21. Yeovil’s Gareth Evans recorded 1.1.35 in 15th place.
Patrick Mahon (Yeovil CC) finished a creditable sixth in the National Juvenile circuit championship at Wigan on Sunday. The difficult one kilo town centre circuit was covered 30 times. Bristols James Taylor (Heron RC) dominated the race and sprinted to victory from a field reduced to 18 riders from the 61 starters. Mahon rode a sensible race covering attacks and finishing only inches away from a medal.
Two of Yeovil’s veterans road team rode the Hereford Autumn Road Race, a 50 mile event for third category seniors and veterans.
Both Dave Driver and Nick Armstrong came into their own the distance and hills began to take their toll on the younger riders. A breakaway group of six riders just managed to stay clear with Steve Dring (Worcester St Johns) winning. The local men were left to contest sixth place half a minute down a VC Tauntons Gu Clayson and Andy Bartlett tools seventh and eight with Armstrong and Driver ninth and tenth.
With most of the leading riders riding a race in Devon, Tuesdays Merryfield circuit event was wide open and riders usually chasing the stars were now the main animators. In the strong-winds breakaways were difficult to maintain although there were many attempts especially by Yeovil’s Evans whose final try ended with half a mile to go in the 25 miles. VC Taunton’s Bartlett won the long finishing sprint.

VELO Club Taunton’s two stage race on Merryfield airfield on Sunday was over subscribed even though 100 riders were allowed on the closed circuit.
The first stage was a 1.6 mile one lap time trial and although a strong wind made the short explosive effort very hard it was nothing to compare with the driving rain in the afternoons 40 lap road race.
The wind and rain combined to have a numbing effect on riders arms, legs and fingers and those wearing glasses or contact lens could not see in the spray.
The pace was fast in the opening laps with a six man break going away on the third which proved to be decisive.
Yeovil’s Chris Absolom was active in the breakaway and launched a solo attack which proved to be his downfall, he was caught and slipped back through the main bunch.
Steve Chattle (Team Zoyland) and Paul Argent a BCF private member (no club) moved clear of the breakaway group and working well together powered into a commanding lead. They lapped the now depleted main bunch with three to go.
Argent just pipped Chattle on the line to win the stage but Chattlles better time trial gave him overall victory. Andy Bartlett (VC Taunton) led the remainder of the breakaway home 2 mins 30 sec down.
Bob Pears (Bath CC) winner of the mornings time trial and sixth in the road race took third place overall and Bartlett tied with Shaun Foweracre (Team Zoyland) for fourth. Zoyland took the team prize with first, fourth and Dave Barnes in fifteenth place. Yeovil veterans Dave Driver and Nick Armstrong were 14th and 17th, with Absolom 20th.

The time trials enthusiasts had a full programme starting on Friday evening with the CC Nailsea 10 at Axbridge in mild and near calm conditions. ' Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) tied with Nick Yarworth (Cwmcarn) both recording 20.58. Jim Lowe (Severn RC) was third with 21.00. Chard Wheelers Rex Facey 21.42 and Dave
Pitman 22.08 were next fastest of the local men.
Alan Brimecombe from Stoke-sub-Hamdon, who rides for CS Dynamo, clocked 22.33, his best for several years.
The riders were back at Axbridge on Sunday morning for the Wellington Wheelers 25 but the weather was not so kind. There was quite a stiff breeze and it was a lot colder.
Welsh veteran John Pritchard (Express RT) was in a class of his own, three minutes clear, clocking 54.44 with promoting clubs Malcom Steer recording 57.46 and Mike Luther (Cwnmcarn) 57.52.
Yeovil’s Frank Duerden was best of the local men with 59.49, and Brimecombe clocked 1.00.34.
Across the Bristol channel the Pontypool RC staged the Welsh Open 50 championship at Usk in Gwent. Matt Postle (Delta RT) won in 1.46.50 an excellent time for a hard day and Ben Edwards (Clarence Whls) 1.51.52 was second. Clive Brooks was third, losing his concentration in the last few miles he clocked 1.52.09 but admitted he could not have got near to Postles time.
Chard Wheelers were down in Devon for the St Budeaux 25 which was won by Exeter junior Hugh Fairgrieve in 55.46. With Facey clocking 56.36, Pitman 58.00 and Mark Antell 58.42 they took the team prize.
Yeovils evening 10 time trial had a near record entry of 35 riders on Thursday, Polytechnics Keith Vale was fastest with 22.15, Yeovil’s White 22.21, Chards Antell 22.40 and Yeovils Gareth Evans 22.54.

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs Dave Driver and Gareth Evans were the fastest local pair in the Barnstaple Wheelers two- up team time trial on the Exeter-Barnstaple
road on Monday morning.
An unlikely pairing, Driver is a 50 year-old six footer while Evans is 23 and only 5 feet 6, offered Driver little shelter when he is making the pace. They still managed 59.58 and fourth place behind winners, Wellington Wheelers Malcolm Steer and Pete Shelly who clocked 56.33.
Chard Wheelers Andy Lawrence and Robin Ayres recorded 1.3.32 just one second faster than Yeovil pair Mark Johnson and Martin Bailey.
The road racers had their holiday sport at the Castle Coombe circuit in Wiltshire on Sunday where the wind and rain made racing hard for the second week running.
Patrick Mahon was Yeovil’s best performer riding the juvenile event. Mahon Went on the attack from the start and as a result the 20 starters were soon spread out around the circuit and only six in the leading group. He failed to break clear from the group and when it came to the finish he paid for his efforts and was beaten into second place by Wellingtons Alan Sherman.
There were over 80 starters in the third category juniors and veterans race which was won by Phil Marshall (Bath CC) from a six man breakaway. Yeovils Nick Armstrong finished 18th with a softening front tyre ruling out a higher placing.
The Tuesday evening Merryfield training race was good preparation for the Weekend events with over 40 riders averaging 26.6mph over the 25 miles. There were many attempts to break away but no attacks lasted more than a lap of two and 30 riders contested the finishing sprint. Shaun Foweracre (Team Zoyland) was first, Dave Coward (Penzance Whls) second and Steve Chattle (Team Zoyland) third.

EVERY so often there is a day time trialists dream about, the so called 'Float Day' when conditions are perfect and the pedals seem to fly around. Last Saturday afternoon was such a day for six Yeovil riders in Oxford and South Wales.
The fastest event was the West London CA 25 at Botley, near Oxford, where three club records were shattered.
Jason Gunney improved over five minutes to record 53.15s, beating the existing senior record by 37 seconds.
Next in line was veteran Tony White, clocking 53.33s, a 2.24s improvement and setting a new record on age standard of plus 18.38.
Another rapid veteran, Dave Driver, improved by 3.37s to clock 53.42s while Gareth Evans sliced nearly three minutes off his best time to record 53.53s.
The trio set a new team record of 2.40.30s, over ten minutes faster than the previous best.
In the Abergaveny RC 25 at USK in Gwent, the field was selected from the 120 slowest entries to give them a chance to ride a fast course and improve their times.
The two Yeovil riders improved their chances of acceptance for open races, finishing within a second of each other. Dave Notley was fastest, recording 1.1.54s, which was a personal best by 1.28s, while Andy Pugsley was one second slower - but still improved by 4.05s.
By Sunday morning the weather had changed dramatically and conditions for the Poole Wheelers 12- hour event could only be described as appalling. There were quite a few non-starters as the prospect of 12 hours in the saddle fighting strong winds in the pouring rain did not appeal to the faint hearted. And, unsurprisingly, there were a few who retired after a couple of hours spent fighting against the elements.
The first rider was away at 6.01 am, hoping for some improvement in the weather, but that was not to be as the wind increased.
Yeovil veteran Frank Duerden was off at 7.17 am and, 12 hours later, had covered 240 miles, seven miles short of his personal best but a magnificent ride in the conditions.
The course was based on Ringwood with legs to Christchurch, Cadnam, Bournemouth and to Bere Regis and Poole to the West.
The stretch to Bere Regis was into the wind, particularly hard, and had to be covered twice Local hope Clive Brooks was among the notable retirements. The Winner was Gethin Butler (Norwood Paragon) who covered 279 miles, just eight miles short of the total he needed to move into the lead in the British Best all-rounder Championship

AFTER the previous weeks super conditions, it was back to normal for Yeovil’s time trialists last weekend. Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers 10 mile event on the A 352 east of Warmwell Cross was very fast to the turns, but riders found the return leg far from easy against the strong wind.
Veteran Dave Driver was Yeovil’s fastest, recording 23.275, after reaching the turn in just over nine minutes. He was placed sixth overall and was fastest veteran on age standard.
Garth Evans was eleventh clocking 23.46 and Kevin Robins found he was not fit enough to come with the wind and only managed 25.17.
Stoke veteran Alan Brimecombe (C.S. Dynamo) clocked 23.47 for twelfth place.
First year veteran Mark Fodden (Bournemouth Arrow) from Portland was the winner recording 22.29, a good performance in the conditions.
Sundays Southampton Wheelers 50 in the New Forest was just as hard but former best allrounder champion Glen Longland (Antelope R.T.) still managed to record 1.51.54 with Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) second in 1.55.06 and Salisbury’s Lee Paxton third with 1.59.26.
Nick Armstrong was Yeovils only representative in the 55 mile Abergavenny road race later the same morning. The rain had cleared by the start but the wind made breakaway moves very difficult and the race finished in a bunch sprint. Armstrong won the first veteran prize placed eleventh in the same time as winner Chris Phillips
(Abercynon R.C.).
On Tuesday evening at Merryfield 40 riders contested the training event shortened to just over 20 miles in the failing light. A group of 12 riders moved clear in the closing laps and rapidly pulled away from the disorganised chasers. At the finish Matt Watch, Shaun Foweracre and Steve Chattle made it a 1-2-3 for Team Zoyland.

THE Andover Wheelers promoted two events last weekend. Saturdays afternoon 10 mile race was on a new course based on Thruxton and produced some good times on a far from easy day. It should be really fast when conditions are right.
Yeovil veteran Tony White recorded his best time of the year for the distance, clocking 21.53 for 15th place in the 112 man field. Winner was former national champion John Pritchard (Express RT) recording 20.29 with Olympic team time trial rider Gary Dighton (Manchester Whls) second in 20.35.
In the separate tandem event local rider Alan Brimecombe (CS Dynamo) piloted Katherine Frazer (Exeter Whls) in a 21.56 ride.
Sunday' morning was fairly calm and Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) won the 25 mile event in an excellent 52.05, turning the tables on Glen Longland (Antelope RT) who beat him in the previous weeks 50, but was 14 seconds slower over the short distance.
Yeovil’s Dave Driver and Gareth Evans combined well once again to take fifth place with 56.59. VC Camelot’s John Saunders and Andy Millward were forced to stop and inflate a slow puncture and clocked 1.00.50.
Chards Dave Wade and Robin Ayres clocked 1.2.32 while their other team of John Trout with and Lawrence were puncture victims, finished well down 1.11.34.
On the Bri… Gloucester road… same afternoon… Armstrong… Yeovil’s only representative in the Dursley Road Club 30. He clocked 1.16.21 finishing in 12th place in a hard event where only Bristol Souths Andy Griffiths mastered the course
Tuesday evening saw the last of this seasons Merryfield circuit events. A strong wind down the main runway slowed the 40 riders to an average 25.5mph and most of the stronger riders tried to et away from the bunch at the same time. Matt Watch (Team Zoyland) eventually escaped and was joined by Andy Bartlett (VC Taunton), the pair worked well and gained 30 seconds at the finish where Bartlett edged in first.

Clive Brooks (Polytechnic CC) was in superb form last Saturday afternoon when he won the Yeovil CC 10 mile time trial on the Camel Hill - Ilchester course.
For the second time in his career he averaged over 30mph ,clocking 19.53s for a new course and event record and a personal best by two seconds.
Second placed Geoff Giddings (Delta RT) also beat the old course record clocking 20.26s, but had the consolation of seeing his wife, Georgina, win the ladies prize with an excellent 23.59s.
Salisbury's Lee Paxton was third in 20.50s with veterans Mark Fodden (Bournemouth Arrow) on 21.02s and Dave Barnes (Team Zoyland) on 21.06s close behind. Jim Lowe (Severn RC) with 21.17s was sixth.

Best improvement
C Harvey (Corinium CC) was fastest junior, clocking 22.20s, and the best improvement prize went to tricyclist I Collins (Salisbury), who recorded 25.44s in slashing 2.05s off his previous time.
Yeovil CC won the team award led by Jason Gunney (21.48s), veteran Tony White (22.02s) and Gareth Evans with a personal 22.11s.
The near perfect conditions ensured a rash of personals amongst the local riders. Richard Jeffery (Yeovil) was 1.16s better in 23.47s, Andy Lawrence (Chard) 1.11s up recording 22.25s, Kevin Robins crowning a comeback season by slicing 51 seconds off his time, clocking 22.31s, and juvenile Andrew Tearle a 45 second improvement to 25.26s.
Brooks continued his winning streak on Sunday morning in the Heron RC 25 on the A38 at Chudleigh in Devon. His 54.16s was 1.40s better than Zoyland’s Barnes and veteran Londoner Paul Bennett was a further 58 seconds down in third place.
Closer to home, Yeovil's Evans took a creditable sixth place in the Poole Wheelers 25 mile event,clocking 59.02s behind Salisbury's Paxton who won with 55.12s, a good time on the difficult Woodbury-Upton-Wareham course.

Pilgrimage
Yeovil's Nick Armstrong and Dave Driver made their annual pilgrimage to France to ride the classic Duo Normand team time trial at Marigny in Normandy on Sunday. .
The event attracted 360 teams from all over Europe and covered all classes from professionals to family teams.
The Italian amateur team of Colombo and Contri beat the professional teams and were the fastest overall, covering the varied 52 kilo course in 1.6.28s. A Swedish team was second and the french professional RMO squad third. The Yeovil pair did very well, taking third place in the veteran class, returning 1.23.43s, one
and a half minutes behind British winners, exprofessionals, Gino Goddard and John MacMillan.
Women’s Lands End John-O-Groats record holder Pauline Strong, partnered by husband Alan, won the family team award.

SATURDAY comings Weston Wheelers hilly time trial gave Clive Brooks a chance to finish his season on a high note. The 27 mile event in the Mendip hills was rearranged after fog caused cancellation on the original March date and resulted in only 18 of the 70 riders on the programme starting. `
Brooks covered the tough circuit which included climbs such as Burrington and West Harptree in 1.11.07, finishing 41 seconds ahead of Bob Pears (Bath CC) with exprofessional Pete Head a further six minutes in arrears. Yeovil’s Bill Dycer was ninth, recording 1.21.52.
On Sunday morning,Yeovil’s time trial team rode the Gloucester Cit Z5 on the A38 north of Bristol. The strong headwind on the first half of he race slowed all but the strongest, and Winner Nick Gardiner (Oxford Poly) managed an excelent 55.01.
Kevin Robins was the fastest Yeovil rider with 1.2.13, Dave Driver clocked 1.2.16 and Gareth Evans 1.2.33 after stopping when his chain jumped off on the rough surface.
As the racing season tails off, the club runs on Sunday mornings are more popular with the steady miles forming a good base for next years training.
Last Sunday morning 11 riders enjoyed a 55 mile run to Stourhead through Sparkford, Cary, Bruton and Brewham with a tea stop, and returning through Cucklington, Templecombe and Sherborne.

YEOVIL Cycling Club finished their season of competitive riding with the Hill Climb Championship at High Ham on Sunday.
The club run went to the venue via Tintinhull, Ash and Long Sutton, and all the competitors used the ride as the warm-up so essentials to the explosive effort required in these events.
Neil Boxall is the new club Champion. He recorded 3 mins 32 secs for the half mile ascent, just one second better than Gareth Evans and four seconds in hand over third laced Chris Fendt. Bill Dycer was fourth with 3-47, Nick Armstrong fifth in 3-50 and Martin Bailey sixth, clocking 4-10.
Juvenile Andrew Tearle was the only rider to improve on last years time when a tail wind had helped them. He recorded 4-11, over a minute faster than his debut ride last year.
After a short recovery and the usual post mortem, the riders had tea at Greylakes before returning home through Othery, Langport and Martock.

YEOVIL Cycling Clubs most successful rider this year was 15-year-old Patrick Mahon who won the British Cycling Federation Western Division Under 16 championship, the English Schools Southern Area Road and team trial titles, and was placed sixth in the Nationals. He was, of course, the clubs
under 16 road race and time trial champ.
On the time trial scene, veteran Frank Duerden had a great year with a 4 hour 19 min 11 sec 100 mile ride, and a distance of nearly 240 miles in the Poole 12 hour event, ridden in atrocious conditions. Together with good 25 and 50 times, Duerden won the West of England veteran best allrounder title; was 22nd in the national vets competition, and gained the certificate for beating 22mph average (22.56 mph) over 50 and 100 miles and 12 hours in the national tables.
Veteran Dave Driver was the club time trial champion with the best average speed over 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles, and also won the best 50 cup and the points trophy for the most consistent rider in the club during evening time trials.
Tony White was the best rider over 10, 25 and 50 miles and also won the veteran on age standard trophy.
Jason Gunney was the fastest 25 miler with a new club record of 53.15 on a day when, with Driver and White, he lowered the club team record to 2-40-30.
Dave Ryan was the club junior time trial champion with the best two 10s and 25s.
Veteran Nick Armstrong won both the senior and veteran road race titles with three placings in the first ten in both types of event.
Neil Boxall was the club hill climb champion and Dave Notley was awarded the Webb Shield for his outstanding work behind the scenes at all of the club promotions.

A Presentation lunch line-up of the cycle club, from left, Tony White, Dave Driver, Patrick Mahon, club president Ivy Andrews, Frank Duerdon, Dave
Ryan, Neil Boxall and Nick Armstrong.

MOST successful member of Yeovil Cycling Club in 1992 was 15-year-old Patrick Mahon, under-16s road race and time trial champion. He won the British Cycling
Federation, Western Division Championship, the Southern Area English Schools Championship and was placed sixth in the National Championship.
Frank Duerden, who rode 100 miles in 4hr 19min 11sec, won the West of England veteran Best All-Rounder Competition, was placed 22nd in the National Veterans
Championships and won the coveted certificate for beating 22mph (22.56) in the British Best All-Rounder tables.
Veteran Dave Driver was the Club Time Trial Champion, Tony White Veteran Champion on age standard, Dave Ryan was junior Champion and Nick Armstrong won both
the senior and veteran road race trophies.
Neil Boxall was the Hill Climb Cup winner and Dave Notley won the Webb Shield for the most meritorious performance in racing and behind the scenes at all the
clubs promotions and activities.