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Wednesday 26 May 2010

Hotting Up at the South East Regional Champs


Saturday 22nd May.
Round 6 of the League was held at the South East Regional Championships in Ellens Green near Horsham. With a number of contenders featuring among the 30-odd riders who took the start line, we were going to be in for a hot race on this warm sunny afternoon.

There were in fact three competitions taking place within the race - the competition to win the race outright, the competition to be the South East Regional Champion. With riders from different regions also taking part, it wouldn't necessarily be the winning rider who would become the SE Champion. Finally, there was the competition to become London women's league leader.

Coming into the race, league leader Maryka Sennema (Kingston Wheelers) had a 12 point lead on second placed Elise Sherwell (Pearson Cycles). The race, which had seen a fierce battle for the finish line, ended with the Pearsons rider finishing in 3rd place, ahead of the former Ironman triathlete. So, while Sherwell succeeded in trimming down Sennema's lead, this wasn't enough for her to reclaim the leader's jersey.

Maryka is therefore still the leader, but holds on by just 6 points. It remains to be seen what will happen at the next round, Hog Hill on 3rd June.
Thanks to Kingston Phoenix and Glyn Durrant at British Cycling South East Region for helping to put on a successful race.





The overall race was won by Lucy Chittenden (East Street Cycles) with Claire Galloway (Team Zappi) finishing second, and Elise Sherwell (Pearson Cycles) completing the podium.












Lucy Chittenden was also crowned South East Champion. The runner-up was Elise Sherwell, while Claire Beaumont (Rapha Condor) completed the podium.







Photos by Glyn Durrant, Surrey League

A Race Report from British Cycling South East:

Thirty five riders lined up under a hot Surrey sun for the 2010 edition of the Women’s South East Road Race championships on Saturday, 22nd May. Roads were quiet and the pace of the race began at a fairly low tempo as riders had been advised of poor road surfaces on some parts of the course. After two laps, the riders were settled in and Emily Bagnall (Kingston Wheelers) started the attacking and was joined by Claire Beaumont (Rapha Condor) and Nikki Juniper (Ciclos Uno).

With five laps to go, it was a testament to the good legs in the chasing peloton that the break wasn’t able to escape. Soon after, attacks came thick and fast with a representation from all the main teams including Zappi's, Rapha Condor, Kingston Wheelers and Pearsons. Nikki Juniper (Ciclos Uno) was one of the main drivers of the race along with Maryka Sennema (Kingston Wheelers) and as they tried to force breaks with other teams as did Rapha Condor.

Assistant Rapha Condor DS James Duguid explained "We had two girls riding today, our other London based riders are recovering from injury and Katie Fearnhough is away in Belgium. The girls had to work with each other to force breaks but also if they wanted the race to progress, they needed to be alert and bring back breaks. I'm very pleased the way they were prominently placed and kept alert. Women's racing has moved along, I think thanks to some recent great racing at the Cheshire Classic and Horizon Fitness working hard at the Bedford 2 day."

Into the final laps and the flat course profile meant that the split was not going to happen. The riders realised that a bunch sprint would decide the race and the attack subsided. With one lap to go, Clare Galloway of team Zappi stepped up the pace and strung out the rest once more, wearing down riders legs and reducing the group to around 20 riders who would be left to contest the final sprint.

Into the final bend, there was a kick from Team Zappi and Emma Patterson (London Dynamo) as the sprint wound up from quite a way out. The eventual winner of the South East Champs title was Lucy Chittenham with Pearson's Elise Sherwell claiming second over Rapha Condor's Claire Beaumont.

Claire commented after the race "I couldn't have ridden without teammate Rachel. We worked really well together and covered the attacks, kept out of trouble and thanks to her I was able to hold my position in the bunch and for the sprint. To hear about Kristian's win in Japan the morning before the race was great and motivated us to ride hard this afternoon."


1 Lucy Chittenden East St Cycles 3W 1:59:00
2 Clare Galloway Team Zappis
3 Elise Sherwell Pearson Cycles 3W
4 Nicola Juniper Ciclos Uno 1W
5 Claire Beaumont Rapha Condor CC
6 Maryka Sennema Kingston Wheelers CC 2W
7 Alison Stringer Team Zappis
8 Claire Leonard Brighton Mitre CC 2W
9 Caroline Goward Team Scott 3W
10 Leona Kadir Sigma Sport 2W
11 Tamina Oliver Private Member
12 Emma Craddock South Downs Bikes 2W
13 Naomi Anderson Team Zappis
14 Emma Patterson London Dynamo 2W
15 Rachel Przybylski Rapha Condor CC 2W
16 Sarah Maidment Private Member
17 Mathilde Pauls Pearson Cycles 3W
18 Sabine Homrighausen Kingston Wheelers CC 4W
19 Kimberley Ashton Caeserean Cycling Club 4W
20 Tamar Vanderhaas Brighton Mitre CC 4W
21 Maria David Dulwich Paragon CC 3W
22 Joanna Le Cocq Velo Sport Jersey 4W
23 Rohan Battison Max Gear RT
24 Vikki Filsell Pearson Cycles 4W
25 Angie Thorp VC Norwich
26 Alexandra Marzec London Phoenix 3W
27 Liz Rice London Phoenix
28 Claire Vallance Team Zappis
29 Emily Bagnall Kingston Wheelers CC 3W
dnf Hannah Bowers Team Mule Bar Girls 3W
dnf Louise Mahe Team Mule Bar Girls 2W

Thursday 20 May 2010

New leader for LWCR league!

After Sunday's Hillingdon GP, the new leader in the LWCR league is Maryka Sennema of Kingston Wheelers (pictured here in action).

The race at Hillingdon, the fifth in our calendar, was a resounding success with over two dozen women from the league taking part in a field of 70 or so. A nasty crash in the early laps saw the race stopped while the paramedics looked after a few riders (get well soon Cassie, Claire, and Astrid!)

After a brief break, it was restarted and shortened by several laps to make the time cut-off, and the bunch pretty much stayed together for the rest of the race. A few spirited attacks went off the front, but nothing was allowed to get far away and it came down to a bunch sprint at the finish. The overall race was won by elite rider Dani King, while World Junior Champion track sprinter Becky James took second. Top league rider in the race was Janet Birkmyre of Orbea-For Goodness Shakes.  A special mention goes to Welwyn Wheelers' Laura Trott, the highest place league rider who isn't also a World Champion!

The rankings are now updated. British Cycling has put photos and a race report up, and more photos of the race are on Flickr courtesy of Jim Ley.

1 Danielle King Horizon Fitness
2 Becky James Motorpoint
3 Janet Birkmyre Orbea-For Goodness Shakes
4 Hannah Barnes Motorpoint/Marshalls Pasta/Candi TV
5 Jessica Booth Halesowen A&CC
6 Marianne Britten Max Gear RT
7 Lucy Garner Leicstershire RC
8 Harriet Owen Bicester Millennium CC
9 Hannah Manley Cardiff Jif
10 Hannah Walker GS Surosa
11 Amy Roberts Cardiff Ajax
12 Joanna Rowsell BC Private Member
13 Alex Greenfield Horizon Fitness
14 Ruby Miller Forza Cycles
15 Bernadette Hards Maxgear RT
16 Kara Chesworth Dysynni CC
17 Emily Barnes Palmer Park Velo
18 Emma Grant A W Cycles
19 Jackie Garner Maxgear RT
20 Sarah King Langdale Lightweights RT
21 Corrine Hall Tm Corridori
22 Lauren Creamer Wolverhampton Wh
23 Louise Mahe Tm Mule Bar Girls
24 Lowri Bunn Abergavenny RC
25 Melissa Bury Sportcity Velo
26 Laura Trott Welwyn Wh
27 Hannah Shenton Paul Milnes RT
28 Natalie Hill Hillingdon Slipstreamers
29 Hannah Rich Horizon Fitness
30 Rebecca Curley Rapha Condor
31 Hannah Bowers Tm Mule Bar Girls
32 Cheryl Owens GS Metro
33 Maryka Sennema Kingston Wheelers/Sigma Sport
34 Michelle Dillon Tm Dillon
35 Clara Horne Halesowen A&CC
36 Nicola Juniper Ciclos Uno
37 Jaine Paine Willesden CC
38 Jodie Stimpson Tm Dillon
39 Rachel Przybylski Rapha Condor
40 Natalie Cresswick Twickenham CC
41 Natasha Perry Rapha Condor
42 Leona Kadir Sigma Sport RT
43 Lise Soerensen Kingston Wheelers
44 Caroline Harding Finchley RT
45 Emily Bagnall Kingston Wheelers/Sigma Sport
46 Sabine Homrighausen Kingston Wheelers/Sigma Sport
47 Emma Patterson London Dynamo/Prologue/For Goodness Shakes
48 Jeanelle Caldicott Max Gear RT
49 Joanna Le Cocq VS Jersey/i-consult/Top Personal
50 Ceri Dipple BC Private Member
51 Nikki Wheeler Team Wiggle
52 Alice Barnes Palmer Park Velo
53 Monica Da Polenza A W Cycles
54 Eleanor Jones Halesowen A&CC
55 Vicki Filsell Pearson Cycles RT
56 Astrid Wingler London Phoenix
57 Rebecca Lodge London Dynamo/Prologue/For Goodness Shakes
58 Jessica Mitchell London Dynamo/Prologue/For Goodness Shakes
59 Donna La Blancq VS Jersey/i-consult/Top Personal
DNF Lydia Boylan London Dynamo/Prologue/For Goodness Shakes
DNF Susan Wood Maldon & Dist.CC
DNF Nicola Meadows AW Cycles
DNF Cassie Gledhill Orbea-For Goodness Shakes
DNF Claire Beaumont Rapha Condor
DNF Dorchie Cockerell Twickenham CC/Evans Cycles
DNF Alexandra Marzec London Phoenix

Thursday 13 May 2010

Road Race Entry News

A number of women have signed up for Round 5 of the League, the Hillingdon Grand Prix, this coming Sunday. It promises to be an exciting race.
Advance entries for this are now closed, but entries will be accepted on the day
Sunday 16th May
Start time: 12.45pm
Distance: 50km
Entry Fee: £20

If you don't fancy battling it out with the best riders in the country, there are some alternatives this weekend.

The first of the Rapha Condor Hog Hill series will be on Saturday. All women categories welcome.
Saturday 15th May
Start time 2pm
Distance: 60 mins
Entry Fee: £20

Surrey League will have their Category 3, 4 and beginners women-only race at Goodwood.
Sunday 16th May
Start time: 9.30am
Distance: 28 miles
Entry fee: £13 (£18 BC non-licence holders)


Don't forget to get your entry in for:
Round 6, the Women's RR incorporating the SE Champs. It'll be at Ellens Green, nr Horsham a week on Saturday. This will be the only local road race you do for the rest of the season.
Saturday 22nd May
Start time: 12.30pm
Distance: 42 miles
Entry fee: £14 before 20th May (£20 after 20th May or eol)


Round 9, Smithfield Nocturne
You'll have the adulation of all the crowds cheering you outside the pubs!
Saturday 19th June
Start time: 5.45pm
Distance: 30mins + 5 laps
Entry fee: £20


Still taking entries for:

Jersey Town Centre Crits - Sunday 30th May
Velo Sport Jersey, Jersey Tourism and its sponsors Rubis Fuel Supplies (CI) Ltd are holding a town criterium which will include a BC ladies categories; Elite; 1, 2, 3 4 event. The prize fund for the ladies event totals £1,500.00 with £750 of that going to 1st place. Also there are travel subsidies available for Ladies Teams attending the Island from the UK.
Contact Tony Moffa for more details tony.moffa@iconsultci.com

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Addiscombe 25 - All the fun of time trialling

The league had its first of two time trials at the end of April - the Addiscombe 25 mile Time Trial at Broadbridge Heath, near Horsham (aka G25/53).

Once again we had a record number of women at this race, with 23 starters. Although the rain came down part way through the merry-go-round course with all its roundabouts, this didn't dampen the spirits of the racers and there were still a number of impressive times achieved.

London Dynamo's Rebecca Slack just dipped under the hour, while Maryka Sennema (Kingston Wheelers) crossed the finish line just over the hour. Not long afterwards were a number of women who clocked 1 hour 5 minutes, including league leader, Elise Sherwell (Pearson Cycles).
The great thing about this event is that many women were taking part in their first ever time trial, and judging by their reactions they'll be back again for more.

The other league time trial will be in Richmond Park 8th August. If you can't wait until then, there are many time trials taking place in the region. Check out the Cycling time trials website for more information.


Reactions

Jo LeCocq, Velo Sport Jersey
Travelling from Jersey to the UK for a race, taking the quickest route possible involves flights, hire cars, hotels, bike boxes and bike building and dismantling. But it's worth it to get on a start line with so many women cyclists. The Addiscombe TT was superbly organised, thank goodness. There were so many marshals who did a fantastic job pointing me in the right direction, as on paper it was quite a confusing course! The hot tea and cake after a cold wet race was just what Kim (Ashton) and I needed before packing up and travelling to the Airport. We had a fantastic time, everyone was so friendly and helpful we can't wait until we can come over for another race.

I have to add I am just loving the London Women's Racing League. This year is the first time I have ever entered women's races, and I find it really different to racing with men. You can do a bit more than just hang on for dear life!

On 30 May my cycling club, Velo Sport Jersey, Jersey Tourism and its sponsors Rubis Fuel Supplies (CI) Ltd are holding a town criterium which will include a BC ladies categories; Elite; 1, 2, 3 4 event. The prize fund for the ladies event totals £1,500.00 with £750 of that going to 1st place. Also there are travel subsidies available for Ladies Teams attending the Island from the UK. Details on http://www.jerseytowncrit.com/


Rachel Brookes-Todoric, Dulwich Paragon
I chose this event because of it's similarity to the cycling part of a triathlon race. The distance and riding alone (no drafting) were completely appropriate for my training this year and a good way to measure my progress. I was a little bit nervous while getting ready in the car park but otherwise settled by the time I got to the start line. I can't say I had any real strategy. Keeping an eye on my computer and monitoring my speed kept me motivated to push a bit harder on the long slow gradients. Despite the pouring rain, the pain in my legs on the gradients and coping psychologically with one more roundabout when I thought I was turning onto the home straight - I did enjoy it. And I would like to take part in another time trial.


Claire Summers, Dulwich Paragon
I did the time trial because I am new to cycling, and this seemed a little less daunting than pack racing. Also as I was doing my first triathlon of the season the week after this was good practice for that. My strategy was to keep a steady cadence and finish comfortably. I enjoyed it and will do more. Maybe I'll study the map in advance next time!


Rebecca Slack, London Dynamo
Lining up at the tail of the 23 strong ladies’ field for the Addiscombe 25 felt really special and being last off I was able to witness the anticipation of the large number of debutantes as they set off on their first “race of truth”.
All week, the weather forecasters had been predicting it would be the hottest day of the year, potentially wreaking havoc for marathoner runners. Meanwhile, I was secretly pleased at the prospect of a warm “float” day - conditions which typically lead to fast times for time triallers. In the event, the rain started as I did, and predictably stopped when I reached the finished!
The inclement weather made for some testing conditions out on the course given the vast number of roundabouts that need to be negotiated at speed and the three dead turns. Compared with other courses I have ridden, it felt hard to get into a rhythm and required much greater concentration than normal because of the poor visibility and large number of road junctions. However with all of the race on a dual carriageway, I knew it was possible to "go under" (a sub hour 25 in TT slang!) and I set my goals on ensuring my average speed was above 25mph throughout the race to achieve that.
As I emptied the tank in the slight up-hill run to the finish, I knew I had achieved my goal and was pleased with my 59:08 ride giving an overall victory in the ladies’ category. However, I can’t help thinking that the real winners were the large number of first timers who achieved PBs in the race. Here’s hoping we see all those riders at another time trial some time soon.














Results

Pos Rider Club Actual Time
1 Rebecca Slack London Dynamo 0:59:08
2 Maryka Sennema Kingston Wheelers CC 1:01:59
3 Becky Glover Addiscombe CC 1:05:26
4= Elise Sherwell Pearson Cycles 1:05:30
4= Mathilde Pauls Pearson Cycles 1:05:30
6 Charlotte Blackman Pearson Cycles 1:05:49
7 Kimberley Ashton Caesarian Cycling Club 1:05:58
8 Joanne McRae VC Londres 1:07:53
9 Joanna Le Cocq Velo Sport Jersey 1:08:29
10 Sarah Archdeacon De Laune CC 1:08:43
11 Rachel Baker Mid Sussex Tri Club 1:09:47
12 Helen Millier Lewes Wanderers 1:09:55
13 Dyanne Holland Dulwich Paragon CC 1:10:33
14 Jayne Wadsworth De Laune CC 1:10:39
15 Sarah Nisbett Gemini BC 1:11:47
16 Charlotte Roberge Dulwich Paragon CC 1:12:13
17 Holly Seear Twickenham CC 1:12:58
18 Lucy Williams Mid Sussex Tri Club 1:15:24
19 Maria David Dulwich Paragon CC 1:17:17
20 Claire Summers Dulwich Paragon CC 1:18:02
21 Rachel Brookes-Todoric Dulwich Paragon CC 1:19:24
22 Maria Balbi Redhill CC 1:33:26