Mercia Report 16-08-09

The Burton & District Cycling Alliance 50 mile time trial organised by Peter Doherty of the South Pennine RC held between Etwall & Uttoxeter saw some record times being recorded by those fortunate to get into the event, due to some of the countries top riders entering the time trial as it was a British Best All Rounder qualifying event. A new ladies' record was set up by the current ladies best all rounder Julia Shaw (Utag Yamaha.com RT) in a time of 1 46 49, knocking 59 seconds off the previous record. Anne Staley (Plan B RT) recorded a personal best in 2 10 10. Jim Hopper (Derby Mercury) rode well on his tricycle timing 2 20 50 his fastest time this year. The winner was the current men's BBAR Nik Bowdler (Farnborough & Camberley CC) in 1 40 01. The fastest BDCA rider was Matt Sinclair (Leicestershire RC) in 1 45 00. Charles Taylor (South Pennine RC) was the second fastest in 1 45 08

David Clarke (Pendragon Kalas) has been winning criteriums in different areas of the country. In Liverpool he was 1st & 3rd in two races organised by the Prescott Eagle RC on the Litherland circuit. A trip down to Wiltshire saw him also win the Generation Sports & Cycle Upavon Summer Series race held on Upavon Airfield. In the SIS Criterium League race No 14 held again at Preston University he was 2nd & finally in the Premier Tour of Pendle held at Nelson in Lancashire Clarke was 14th in the 140 kilometre race won by Russell Downing (Candi TV Marshall's Pasta RT).

The last 10 mile evening time trial for this year on the Anslow course was well supported as it was a dry sunny evening for a change with 17 riders competing. Sean Sleigh (Plan B) rode exceptionally well to be the fastest rider in 22 59, beating David Clarke by 24 seconds. Clarke timed 23 23. Third fastest was Daniel Partington (Plan B) 24 55. Fourth was another Plan B rider Patrick Heron in 25 04. Jack Hugill was the first Mercia rider in 25 18, followed by Keith Staley 26 01. Simon Parker 26 24, Peter Collins 27 05, Ben Startin 27 23, Jeff Slinn 27 29, Mick Abbott 28 19, Tony Marlow 29 10, Adrian Waters 29 55, Kieron Patterson 3055, Andy Burton 31 45, Peter Rose 34 07 & at one lap Dave Peters 19 18. The first three on handicap were Peter Collins 23 05, Mick Abbott 23 19 & Simon Parker 23 24.